The $500 Gaming Starter

A capable entry-level gaming PC built around AMD's Ryzen 5 5600G APU. No discrete GPU needed — the integrated Vega 7 handles casual gaming at 1080p, and the PCIe slot is ready for a GPU upgrade whenever your budget allows.

⚡1080p gaming at low-medium settings · 60 fps in most esports titles · Ready for a GPU upgrade

Complete Parts List (8 components)

Component	Part	Est. Price	Why This Part?	Buy
🧠CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 5600G This APU packs a 6-core CPU with integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics, eliminating the need for a separate GPU at this budget tier.	$89	This APU packs a 6-core CPU with integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics, eliminating the need for a separate GPU at this budget tier.	Amazon Newegg Best Buy B&H
🎮GPU	Integrated Radeon Vega 7 (built into CPU) Handles 1080p at low-medium settings in most titles. When your budget grows, simply drop in a discrete GPU.	Included	Handles 1080p at low-medium settings in most titles. When your budget grows, simply drop in a discrete GPU.	—
🔌Motherboard	MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Solid AM4 micro-ATX board with PCIe 4.0 support for a future GPU, built-in WiFi, and great VRM power delivery for the Ryzen 5600G.	$99	Solid AM4 micro-ATX board with PCIe 4.0 support for a future GPU, built-in WiFi, and great VRM power delivery for the Ryzen 5600G.	Amazon Newegg Best Buy B&H
📊RAM	Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (2x8GB) 16 GB is the gaming minimum in 2025. Dual-channel DDR4-3200 boosts the Vega 7 integrated GPU performance.	$163.99	16 GB is the gaming minimum in 2025. Dual-channel DDR4-3200 boosts the Vega 7 integrated GPU performance.	Amazon Newegg Best Buy B&H
💾SSD	Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe SSD Fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe speed for quick boot times and fast game loads. 1 TB gives room for the OS plus several large game installs.	$368.93	Fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe speed for quick boot times and fast game loads. 1 TB gives room for the OS plus several large game installs.	Amazon Newegg Best Buy B&H
⚡PSU	Corsair CV550 550W 80+ Bronze A reliable 550 W Bronze-rated PSU with plenty of headroom for the APU today and room to support a mid-range discrete GPU upgrade later.	$69	A reliable 550 W Bronze-rated PSU with plenty of headroom for the APU today and room to support a mid-range discrete GPU upgrade later.	Amazon Newegg Best Buy B&H
🖥️Case	Fractal Design Focus G Mini Clean micro-ATX case with two pre-installed 120 mm fans, a tempered-glass side panel, and excellent cable management for a tidy first build.	$65	Clean micro-ATX case with two pre-installed 120 mm fans, a tempered-glass side panel, and excellent cable management for a tidy first build.	Amazon Newegg Best Buy B&H
❄️Cooling	AMD Wraith Stealth (included with CPU) The Wraith Stealth bundled with the 5600G is adequate for stock operation. Saves money that is better spent on your first GPU upgrade.	Included	The Wraith Stealth bundled with the 5600G is adequate for stock operation. Saves money that is better spent on your first GPU upgrade.	—

Estimated Build Total

$854.92

Prices are estimated. Actual costs may vary. Check each retailer for current pricing.

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The $500 Gaming Starter

Complete Parts List (8 components)

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