Disclaimer
Building a cheap computer requires patience and research. In order to make sure that all of your components are compatible, PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE before purchasing anything. Remember to check your local markets, too. They can help you out!
Pre-built Base
Firstly, you want an office PC that has the following:
i5 8000 CPU or better
8GB of RAM or better
If it doesn’t have an SSD, that’s OK. If it does, great! We’re probably going to upgrade it anyway.
You want an office PC that is a regular Mini-Tower (MT) form factor. This is the standard desktop size. You can also get a small form-factor (SFF) desktop, but you are limited to low-profile (LP) GPUs.
| Pre-Built Option 1 | Dell Inspiron 3670 | $120 | [Ebay] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Built Option 2 | HP Elitedesk 800 G4 | $100 | [Ebay] |
| Pre-Built Option 3 | Dell Optiplex 3060 | $100 | [Ebay] |
| RAM | 1x8GB DDR4 | $13 | [Ebay, Amazon, Newegg] |
| SSD Option 1 | 500GB M.2 PCIe | $40 | [Amazon, Newegg] |
| SSD Option 2 | 500GB 2.5" SATA | $30 | [Amazon, Newegg] |
GPUs for Mini-Tower (MT) Desktops
If your pre-built PC is MT or a regular desktop size, then you can use any of the following GPUs. This includes low-profile (LP) GPUs, too. If you order a 1650 Super or RX 5500, make sure you buy the power adapter.
GPUs for Small Form Factor (SFF) Desktops
If your pre-built PC is SFF, then you can only use LP GPUs. Here is a list of a few I recommend.