Not everyone wants to spend $1500 or more on a gaming PC. The good news is, you don’t have to. In 2025, 1080p gaming is still very popular. It’s the most common resolution, especially for competitive players. It also helps keep your frame rates high without stressing your hardware.
The best part? With a budget of $500–$700, it’s possible to build a capable PC that runs 1080p games smoothly. Games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Valorant, Cyberpunk 2077, and even newer AAA titles can run well with wise component choices.
Below are two of the best budget PC builds for smooth 1080p gaming. These builds are based on price-to-performance, availability, and long-term value. Each build includes a CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, PSU, and case.
💻 Budget Build #1: Entry-Level 1080p Gaming PC (~$500–$550)
This build is ideal for beginners, students, or anyone who wants to play most games in medium settings and still get good FPS.
🔧 Components:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (with Radeon Vega Graphics)
- GPU: (None needed initially – use integrated graphics)
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2x8GB) 3200MHz
- Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD
- Motherboard: B550M (Micro ATX)
- PSU: 500W 80+ Bronze
- Case: Budget Micro ATX Case with good airflow
🧠 Why This Build Works
The Ryzen 5 5600G has built-in Vega graphics. It’s one of the best APUs on the market for budget gaming. You won’t get ultra settings, but many esports titles run well at 1080p.
Games like Valorant, CS: GO, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Dota 2 run at 60+ FPS on medium to high settings.
This setup is also upgradeable. You can add a dedicated GPU later when your budget allows.
If you’re starting or upgrading from an ancient PC, this is a great way to get into the game without spending too much.
🎮 Budget Build #2: 1080p Performance Gaming PC (~$700)
This build includes a dedicated GPU and offers much better performance than an APU build. You’ll be able to play most AAA games at high settings and hit 60–100 FPS in competitive titles.
🔧 Components:
- CPU: Intel Core i3-12100F (Quad-core, 4.3 GHz boost)
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600 8GB
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (2x8GB) 3200MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Motherboard: B660M (Micro ATX, LGA 1700)
- PSU: 550W 80+ Bronze
- Case: Mid-tower ATX with good cooling (mesh front recommended)
🧠 Why This Build Works
The i3-12100F may be a budget CPU, but it punches above its price. It’s fast and perfect for 1080p gaming. Pair it with the Radeon RX 6600, and you have a system that can run Warzone, Hogwarts Legacy, Cyberpunk 2077, and GTA V at high settings.
The RX 6600 has 8GB of VRAM and supports features like AMD FSR, which can boost your frame rates even more.
This also comes with a 1TB SSD, so you get plenty of fast storage. Windows boots in seconds, and games load faster.
The best part? This system is future-proof for at least a couple of years. You won’t need to upgrade right away unless you move to 1440p or want ultra settings in demanding titles.
🛠 Tips to Save More or Upgrade Later
- Use your old case or storage if you already have a PC.
- Look for open-box deals or refurbished GPUs to cut costs.
- Upgrade to 32GB RAM in the future for multitasking and heavier games.
- Add a second SSD or hard drive later for more game storage.
- Add a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card if your motherboard doesn’t have it built-in.
🔍 Games Tested at 1080p on Build #2 (RX 6600 + i3-12100F)
Game Average FPS (High Settings)
Valorant 200+ FPS
Call of Duty: Warzone 100+ FPS
Fortnite (Performance Mode) 160–200 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 60–75 FPS
GTA V 100+ FPS
Apex Legends 100–120 FPS
Gaming at 1080p is still very enjoyable and affordable in 2025. You don’t need a $2000 setup to play today’s most popular games. With the builds listed above, you can enjoy smooth, fast, and modern gaming experiences at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you start with integrated graphics or go straight for a dedicated GPU, both of these builds give you great value for your money.