Nephew wants a gaming PC for the 500-600 mark

snadge

snadge

snadge

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551
Hello there,

My 16 yr old Nephew is looking for a pre-built 'ready to use' gaming PC, for about 500-600 GBP, he has a 4K Toshiba screen, but has only been using 1080p on an Xbox One S for the last 6 years, so I've told him I don't think you will get 4K gaming PC for that price, but 1080p maybe, I've been out the PC build, and keeping up with current components, specs & prices, for a couple of years now due to serious physical and mental health problems, I wondered if anyone could assist me in giving me a link to pass on to him, as I'm just not clued-up any more on what's “best for your buck” these days, I have 'lost interest' as I have the T-shirt etc (37 years in computers), and I now have serious health complications (and other problems) that are more important, that have robbed me of my work, hobbies & interests, I need assistance for looking for a PC for him, as I was the "go to guy" in the family for computers, but I can't be any more, can anyone help please? It would be hugely appreciated.

(I now understand why my dad at 50-55 said "he won't get under a car ever again!", even for himself never mind friends and family - car mechanic since 16! - I've spent over 10 years just on forums helping others with problems when i as healthy, as well as working in the same field!)

I understand the sweet-spot for PC gaming; is an 8-core CPU, 16GB DDR4/5 RAM and 8GB VRAM on the selected GPU, 3-bit NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD and a Seasonic branded PSU - other components I dunno what's good, I used to always buy Gigabyte motherboards, Intel CPU's and nVidia GPU's as I considered them to be among the best, but now AMD have caught up (and that's good) so AMD all-round is on the cards too - if the price needs to be higher I will inform him

Thanks very much in advance.
 
snadge said:
I've told him I don't think you will get 4K gaming PC for that price, but 1080p maybe
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You're right, the budget is nowhere near enough for 4K. You'd need at least a 6700 XT to make that workable and it costs half the budget: £300.

For 4K, then realistically, I'd be looking at a 4070 or 7800 XT and they are £500+. A 6800 non-XT would also do it and they're around £400.

A self-build for £600 and 1080p:

My basket at OcUK:

Total: £614.84 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

This is the closest I can find @ OCUK (I didn't configure it in any way), which isn't bad when you consider it includes the Windows license.

My basket at OcUK:
  • 1 x OcUK Gaming Kinetic R4 - AMD B450 Configurable Ryzen 5000 Series Gaming PC (SKU: FS-1DN-OG) = £670.00
    • Case: 1 x Kolink Citadel Micro-ATX Case - Black
    • Processor: 1 x AMD Ryzen 5 5500 Six Core 4.2GHz (Socket AM4) Processor - Retail
    • Memory: 1 x Team Group Vulcan Z T-Force 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 PC4-25600C16 3200MHz Dual Channel Kit - Grey
    • Graphics Card: 1 x Asrock Radeon RX 6600 Dual 8GB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphics Card
    • 2.5" Solid State Drive: 1 x Kingston A400 480GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Solid State Hard Drive - (SA400S37/480G)
    • Operating System: 1 x Build Stock Microsoft Windows 11 Home Advanced - Systems

Total: £670.00 (includes delivery: £0.00)​
 
snadge said:
Hello there,

My 16 yr old Nephew is looking for a pre-built 'ready to use' gaming PC, for about 500-600 GBP, he has a 4K Toshiba screen, but has only been using 1080p on an Xbox One S for the last 6 years, so I've told him I don't think you will get 4K gaming PC for that price, but 1080p maybe, I've been out the PC build, and keeping up with current components, specs & prices, for a couple of years now due to serious physical and mental health problems, I wondered if anyone could assist me in giving me a link to pass on to him, as I'm just not clued-up any more on what's “best for your buck” these days, I have 'lost interest' as I have the T-shirt etc (37 years in computers), and I now have serious health complications (and other problems) that are more important, that have robbed me of my work, hobbies & interests, I need assistance for looking for a PC for him, as I was the "go to guy" in the family for computers, but I can't be any more, can anyone help please? It would be hugely appreciated.

(I now understand why my dad at 50-55 said "he won't get under a car ever again!", even for himself never mind friends and family - car mechanic since 16! - I've spent over 10 years just on forums helping others with problems when i as healthy, as well as working in the same field!)

I understand the sweet-spot for PC gaming; is an 8-core CPU, 16GB DDR4/5 RAM and 8GB VRAM on the selected GPU, 3-bit NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD and a Seasonic branded PSU - other components I dunno what's good, I used to always buy Gigabyte motherboards, Intel CPU's and nVidia GPU's as I considered them to be among the best, but now AMD have caught up (and that's good) so AMD all-round is on the cards too - if the price needs to be higher I will inform him

Thanks very much in advance.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear about your complications. If you get a good spec PC (and @Tetras has provided a decent example) are you able and willing to help your nephew put it together.

I ask because decent new parts are difficult to spec for that budget and the prebuilts will always have significant compromises unless you are willing to part with a decent chunk of cash.

So, back to the original question of whether you feel capable (or competent) enough to either assist or advise your nephew on a build? He is 16 after all and should be able to follow instructions/directions even if you don't physically participate.

A) it is a useful skill to have and B) may provide a bonding experience.
 
Here is my AMD 5000 (AM4) build:

Rich (BB code): 
My basket at OcUK:


Total: £561.89 (includes delivery: £0.00)​


​

It allows for him to buy a Win10/11 key from an online reseller for about £20 and a little left over for a keyboard/mouse/headset/speakers if he needs any replacements. If he wants, he can swop in the MSI B550M Pro-Wifi for an extra £20 which does include onboard Wifi. Another alternative is an aftermarket CPU cooler like either the Coolermaster HyperX 212 Halo with RGB or the Alpenfohn (my preference) both for around £25
 
Thanks for the replies, guys & gals. He has serious learning problems, I need a new PC myself as it's 13 years old (Sandy Bridge - just upgraded over time (14GB DDR3 / 1TB SSD / GTX650 / 4-core OC'd to 4.4Ghz) and I don't have the will, mental or physical strength to do it. I'd rather me just buy one complete for myself (for the first time).

For him, I was looking for a pre-built, that's what he has asked for “find me a PC for 500-600”—but doesn't understand (nor his mother or brother) the implications. What games are you gonna be playing, what settings are you expecting, what resolution do you want to play at - some of which I told him, if u want better res and settings you need to spend more... I got no replies, because he won't understand at all what I'am saying.

Im probably best just picking out a £600 AMD PC and saying there you go -1080p resolution, medium to high settings in most games, if you want better, you need to spend more, do OCuK sell pre-builds?

EDIT: I understand I can do it, and it would be a bonding experience, BUT, he will not remember any of it, I ALWAYS get used for this stuff, and never hear from them again..unless it doesn't perform to their "needs", I once got threatened with violence for fixing a broken laptoop for £20, once repaired, I put on some free Open Source software as a way of helping out, when the free software stopped working he came to my door to kick my head in, with 2 blokes who knew what he was about to do, to stop him! - so yeah, I have BAD experiences "sorting out" PC's for people because im a pushover, also - friends and family expect FREE LIFETIME SUPPORT because i built it!!! - so its a "no go" area im afraid, but thanks

I may do my own, but thats it! I game on Xbox One X (USB SSD) at 4K 60fps and Im happy... I use PC for browsing only

thanks in advance
 
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snadge said:
do OCuK sell pre-builds?
Click to expand...
The one in my post was the best I could find. Unless there's a category I've missed, there's literally nothing for £500-£600, apart from one PC with a GT 1030 and while it was an acceptable budget card on release, it is now a laughable GPU that can't even play modern games at 1080p/Low. I'd really want a minimum of a 6600, even just for 1080p.
 
snadge said:
Thanks for the replies, guys & gals. He has serious learning problems, I need a new PC myself as it's 13 years old (Sandy Bridge - just upgraded over time (14GB DDR3 / 1TB SSD / GTX650 / 4-core OC'd to 4.4Ghz) and I don't have the will, mental or physical strength to do it. I'd rather me just buy one complete for myself (for the first time).

For him, I was looking for a pre-built, that's what he has asked for “find me a PC for 500-600”—but doesn't understand (nor his mother or brother) the implications. What games are you gonna be playing, what settings are you expecting, what resolution do you want to play at - some of which I told him, if u want better res and settings you need to spend more... I got no replies, because he won't understand at all what I'am saying.

Im probably best just picking out a £600 AMD PC and saying there you go -1080p resolution, medium to high settings in most games, if you want better, you need to spend more, do OCuK sell pre-builds?

EDIT: I understand I can do it, and it would be a bonding experience, BUT, he will not remember any of it, I ALWAYS get used for this stuff, and never hear from them again..unless it doesn't perform to their "needs", I once got threatened with violence for fixing a broken laptoop for £20, once repaired, I put on some free Open Source software as a way of helping out, when the free software stopped working he came to my door to kick my head in, with 2 blokes who knew what he was about to do, to stop him! - so yeah, I have BAD experiences "sorting out" PC's for people because im a pushover, also - friends and family expect FREE LIFETIME SUPPORT because i built it!!! - so its a "no go" area im afraid, but thanks

I may do my own, but thats it! I game on Xbox One X (USB SSD) at 4K 60fps and Im happy... I use PC for browsing only

thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear. Now that I know the circumstances, yep tell his parents to perhaps look on ebay and you can suggest which is better. If you need to consult here, we can try to assist.

However, as @Tetras says, RX6600 is probably minimum you shold go for and something that resembles either his spec or mine. Good luck. When you are ready for yours, you know where we are.
 
snadge said:
so I've told him I don't think you will get 4K gaming PC for that price,
Click to expand...

Not on modern games, but 4k medium settings should be eminently achievable for relatively recent games. The farther back you go the better the quality will be. Remember that a good game is still a good game, even if it's 25 years old.
 
I would not get < a good 650W PSU, a future GPU upgrade could be a problem. If you look around, you can get a good 850W for ~£90. Better to spend extra now so you don’t need to replace it down the line. Having to replace a PSU not fun, I had to for my last GPU upgrade:(
 
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It's doable used if you are patient to get some bargains, also what games does he play? You wont be able to turn the settings up to the max or use stuff like RTX, but with the improvements on upscalers you've got enough budget which will make games look a heck of a lot better than the Xbox One S :)

Although, if he is happy with the game library on Xbox, get a Series X and be done with it....
 
@snadge just had a quick thought. I see that EE are running a Geforce Now offer where for £23/month, your nephew can get an incredible "gaming" chromebook and Razor mouse with access PC gaming (they say library includes >1600 games).

That absolves you from finding any PC stuff, maintaining it and whatever else with him. Yes, it works out to be £600 over 26 months but he also get the "gaming" Chromebook :cry: and mouse. He can hook that up to his 4K TV. The only proviso is that it is limited to 1080p unless he wants to pay extra for GeforceNow Ultimate and I don't know that cost.

However, in truth, a £600 PC would be unlikely to give him 4K gaming and last him 2 years of AAA gaming experiences and let us not forget...no PC maintenance for you to do. Just a thought. Oh, he won't have to buy any games either so there is that cost too to add onto his £600. Not sure how that beats his Xbox but it is an option
 
Noughtboy said:
@snadge just had a quick thought. I see that EE are running a Geforce Now offer where for £23/month, your nephew can get an incredible "gaming" chromebook and Razor mouse with access PC gaming (they say library includes >1600 games).

That absolves you from finding any PC stuff, maintaining it and whatever else with him. Yes, it works out to be £600 over 26 months but he also get the "gaming" Chromebook :cry: and mouse. He can hook that up to his 4K TV. The only proviso is that it is limited to 1080p unless he wants to pay extra for GeforceNow Ultimate and I don't know that cost.

However, in truth, a £600 PC would be unlikely to give him 4K gaming and last him 2 years of AAA gaming experiences and let us not forget...no PC maintenance for you to do. Just a thought. Oh, he won't have to buy any games either so there is that cost too to add onto his £600. Not sure how that beats his Xbox but it is an option
Click to expand...
You have to buy the games to play them on GeForce now. You pay for the service to stream, and it links to your Steam/Epic/Xbox etc library.

Note as well that GFN is amazing, but the library is limited depending on what he might want to play.
 
Defy Belief said:
You have to buy the games to play them on GeForce now. You pay for the service to stream, and it links to your Steam/Epic/Xbox etc library.

Note as well that GFN is amazing, but the library is limited depending on what he might want to play.
Click to expand...
Ah huh. Thanks for letting me know. Don't use the service and just assumed it worked like X BOX Game Pass.
 
snadge said:
Thanks for the replies, guys & gals. He has serious learning problems, I need a new PC myself as it's 13 years old (Sandy Bridge - just upgraded over time (14GB DDR3 / 1TB SSD / GTX650 / 4-core OC'd to 4.4Ghz) and I don't have the will, mental or physical strength to do it. I'd rather me just buy one complete for myself (for the first time).

For him, I was looking for a pre-built, that's what he has asked for “find me a PC for 500-600”—but doesn't understand (nor his mother or brother) the implications. What games are you gonna be playing, what settings are you expecting, what resolution do you want to play at - some of which I told him, if u want better res and settings you need to spend more... I got no replies, because he won't understand at all what I'am saying.

Im probably best just picking out a £600 AMD PC and saying there you go -1080p resolution, medium to high settings in most games, if you want better, you need to spend more, do OCuK sell pre-builds?

EDIT: I understand I can do it, and it would be a bonding experience, BUT, he will not remember any of it, I ALWAYS get used for this stuff, and never hear from them again..unless it doesn't perform to their "needs", I once got threatened with violence for fixing a broken laptoop for £20, once repaired, I put on some free Open Source software as a way of helping out, when the free software stopped working he came to my door to kick my head in, with 2 blokes who knew what he was about to do, to stop him! - so yeah, I have BAD experiences "sorting out" PC's for people because im a pushover, also - friends and family expect FREE LIFETIME SUPPORT because i built it!!! - so its a "no go" area im afraid, but thanks

I may do my own, but thats it! I game on Xbox One X (USB SSD) at 4K 60fps and Im happy... I use PC for browsing only

thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I know it's nice to have a pc, but really, something like an xbox series x will give you a better experience for less money than spending £600 on a pc imho. PC's are expensive, and there's a reason consoles have taken off..cheaper and better optimised and you get a good experience. My pc with a 3070ti is plugged into my tv at mo, and playing life of pi is a stuttering mess with it..my XSX plays it smoothly, no issues...shame as black fri they had £100 off on them...don't know if that's still case..then buy 3 years of gold membership and upgrade to game pass ultimate for £1 and get 3 years of gamepass ultimate...my son loves it, plays with his friends, can go to a friends house and log in under his gamertag and download and play game etc..
 
Given the situation and budget, a Series X XBOX and a Game Pass sub is the way to go. Any PC at that budget is going to be kneecapped one way or another and the XBOX will allow them to play all the same games at higher more optimised settings. You would have to get closer to a grand for any hope of high settings of any description on modern games.

Even then...

Apologies if this is a bump to the thread, but I have dealt with similar issues to you.
 
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