On a shoestring budget? You can still craft a gaming rig that outperforms expectations. Follow our comprehensive steps to pick components that offer the best bang for your buck.

1. Choose a Value CPU

Opt for processors like the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G or Intel Core i5-12400F. They balance cores and clock speeds to handle modern games without blowing your budget.

2. Select a Balanced GPU

Consider the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or Radeon RX 6600. Both deliver smooth 1080p performance on high settings at prices that won’t break the bank.

3. Motherboard and RAM

Pick a reliable B550 or B660 board with essential features. Pair with 16 GB DDR4 running at 3200 MHz for responsive multitasking and gaming.

4. Storage Configuration

Install a 500 GB NVMe SSD for your OS and favourite titles. Add a 1 TB SATA SSD for mass storage—speed where you need it, capacity where you want it.

5. Power Supply and Cooling

Choose a quality 550 W 80+ Bronze PSU. Use the stock cooler included with modern CPUs or a budget aftermarket cooler to maintain safe temperatures.

6. Case and Peripherals

Select a case with good airflow and cable management. For peripherals, look for keyboard and mouse bundles under £40 that offer durable builds and solid performance.

7. Assembly and Stress Testing

Follow the manual, apply thermal paste correctly, and stress-test with software like Prime95 and FurMark to ensure stability under load.

Adhere to these recommendations, and you’ll have a gaming PC that maximises performance per pound, ready to tackle the latest titles.