Gaming computers are notoriously expensive and if you want to be able to play games on 4K with maximum settings, you may have to pay well over $2000 for one. But there are very few people who need to play games at this level to enjoy them. Not to mention that most games aren’t even made with this tier of equipment in mind. You could easily get a good gaming machine for well under $1500 if you know where to look and make wise choices. Let’s take a look at how you can get a great gaming computer without breaking the bank.
Don’t Dismiss Integrated Graphics
A lot of gamers have a heavy prejudice towards integrated GPUs, but they shouldn’t. Integrated chips have improved so much in the last few years, and they will continue to be better. They also have tons of things going for them. They don’t run as hot as computers with a dedicated card, and they don’t consume as much energy either. This means that you’ll be able to get much more from your battery if you go down that route. If you want a few examples of great integrated chips that can deliver high gaming performance, you can check out Intel® Arc™ Graphics at Lenovo.
Don’t Dismiss Chromebooks Either
Chromebooks also tend to be avoided when it comes to gaming machines, but they also have greatly evolved lately, and they could work for you depending on the type of games you like to play. The card in the Chromebook will make a big difference too. You might not find one with the latest Radeon 6000 card, but there are plenty of Chromebooks with entry-level GeForce cards on the market or high-level iGPUs.
Also, know that there is an increasing number of cloud gaming services getting launched and they’re getting better by the day. And this current line of Chromebooks can run Android games, so you’ll have access to the full Google Play library.
Have Your PC Built
If you are thinking of buying a desktop, then you should consider having it built or building it yourself. However, you should only embark on this type of project if you know what you’re doing. Having someone handle the job for you is usually a better option for several reasons. The biggest one is that you could find someone who will provide a warranty on the whole unit. This is a major plus since individual parts on DIY builds will only be partially covered, and if something happens, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be on your own. So, try finding a reputable retailer in your community and make sure that you double-check the warranty to make sure that you don’t get taken for a ride.
As you can see, it’s entirely possible to get a great gaming machine on a small budget. Go in with an open mind, consider all of your options, and see where you can and cannot make compromises.
