Latest news with #PCbuilding
Digital Trends
31-07-2025
- Digital Trends
I bought a $180 mouse to play one PC game, and I'd do it all over again
Playing games isn't just about getting your hands on the best gaming PC — it's also about the peripherals. That's a lesson I had to learn the hard way over years of gaming and spending all of my budget (and then some) on my PC, and my PC alone. When I finally bought myself a proper gaming mouse, I went all out by spending $180 on a Razer Naga V2 Pro. I only ended up using it for one game, but I have absolutely zero regrets. I'd actually do it all over again. I've neglected my peripherals for years I'm a PC builder with nearly 20 years of experience. I've built many PCs over the years, and more often than not, I've gone over budget. What can I say, self-control is not one of my biggest virtues. Recommended Videos Overspending on the PC itself meant that peripherals were often an afterthought. I didn't have the money to spend on fancy mice and keyboards, all because all my money went toward getting one of the best graphics cards or a better processor. For years, I didn't mind — after all, having high frames per second (fps) is more important than having a killer mouse or a fancy headset. I got by with cheap peripherals for a long time, but eventually, I decided to stop spending money on cheap mice that performed poorly and broke all too quickly. I decided to start scaling up on my peripherals. I accumulated several mice through my initial testing. It took me four until I found one I was completely happy with, and that was the $180 Razer Naga V2 Pro. I bought it with a very specific game in mind, but I thought that over time, I'd end up loving it for other titles, too. That never happened, and I have zero regrets. The Razer Naga V2 Pro blew me away — eventually I've had this mouse for around a year now, and I love everything about it. But when I first got it, I came close to sending it back and asking for a refund. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with the Razer Naga V2 Pro. Rather, it was my own lack of familiarity with MMO mice that made me hesitant to start using the Naga. Having a total of 12 buttons on the side plate was intimidating, but I knew I liked the idea of it, so I've committed myself to giving it a proper try. My game of choice was World of Warcraft Classic. I no longer play the retail version of WoW, which would've justified the expense a little bit more, but as WoW Classic evolves, more and more keybindings are needed to keep up with the robust toolkit each class receives. For a game such as this, the extra keybinds provided by the Razer Naga can make a big difference in gameplay. Instead of using Shift or Control modifiers to support each new bind, I could just click different buttons right underneath my thumb. I was excited to try the mouse for myself, but when it first arrived, setting it up was a chore. I had to re-think each and every keybind, and then somehow get used to the new way to use each spell and ability. But the real chore was still ahead of me. I play multiple characters, so for each class, I had to redo the whole keybinding process in an unexpected way — I had to reorganize my keybinds in a way that I'd remember across many different characters. This resulted in a major cleanup across the board, where I tried to bind each mouse button to something that'd do roughly the same thing for each class. Spoiler alert: It wasn't completely possible, but I tried my best. Many months later, I'm more than happy with the result, but it took a lot of getting used to. I could never go back, but … After a year with the Razer Naga V2 Pro, I have to say that there's no way I could go back to not having this mouse now. My WoW gameplay is built around relying on this mouse, and giving it up would be a nightmare. With that said, I also can't imagine going through all the key-binding trouble for any other game. It takes time to set up and even more time to get used to, and as I don't play any other MMOs, I simply don't own games that would truly benefit from such an obscene amount of programmable mouse buttons. In fact, I do most of my gaming on an Xbox controller, bar WoW. If I do use a mouse, I still use the Naga (and I don't even bother swapping to a different side plate), but I don't assign all the keys to the mouse. As a result, I've essentially spent $180 to play one game. As I said before, I have absolutely zero regrets. None whatsoever. I just wouldn't do it in any other game. I consistently go back and make tweaks in my keybinds for WoW Classic: Mists of Pandaria, but I'm not going through that hassle for any game I love any less than a whole lot. It's just not worth it. With that said, if you have more time or patience than I do, you could very well make the most of the Naga in other titles. If you can see yourself needing a mouse with that many buttons, you absolutely can't go wrong with this one, so I heartily recommend checking it out on Amazon. It's $175 right now, and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat if my current one broke.
Geeky Gadgets
03-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Budget 4K Gaming PC Build That Rivals High-End Systems
What if you could experience breathtaking 4K gaming without spending thousands of dollars? For many, the idea of building a high-performance gaming PC on a tight budget seems impossible—a dream reserved for those willing to compromise on quality or performance. But here's the truth: with thoughtful planning and a strategic approach, you can assemble a system that delivers smooth, immersive gameplay at a fraction of the cost of prebuilt alternatives. This overview challenges the notion that 4K gaming is only for those with deep pockets, proving that cost-efficiency and innovative performance can go hand in hand. In the following guide by Christian Selig, you'll uncover the secrets to crafting a budget-friendly 4K gaming PC that balances affordability, compact design, and future-proofing. From sourcing the right mix of new and used components to optimizing thermal performance and upgradeability, every decision in this build was made with precision and purpose. You'll also discover how small details—like a compact case with custom modifications—can transform a standard build into something truly unique. Whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned enthusiast, this journey into budget PC building will inspire you to rethink what's possible without breaking the bank. Sometimes, the best gaming experiences come from the most unexpected places. Building a $700 4K Gaming PC Cost-Efficiency: Maximizing Performance on a Budget Achieving 4K gaming performance on a limited budget requires a strategic approach to component selection. By incorporating a mix of new and used parts, you can significantly reduce costs while maintaining quality. For instance, sourcing a pre-owned AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU and Nvidia 3060 Ti GPU can save hundreds of dollars compared to buying new components. In this build, the total cost for parts was $596, leaving room for additional customizations that brought the final expenditure to $642. To ensure reliability and performance, key new components were prioritized, such as a 1TB SSD for fast storage and 16GB of 3600 MHz RAM for smooth multitasking. This combination of second-hand and new parts demonstrates how thoughtful planning can stretch your budget while delivering a gaming experience that rivals more expensive systems. By focusing on cost-efficiency, you can allocate resources where they matter most, making sure a high-performance build without unnecessary expenses. Compact Design: Efficient Use of Space A compact PC case offers both practical and aesthetic benefits, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders. The Sama IM01 case was selected for this build due to its small footprint, affordability, and ability to house all necessary components, including a microATX motherboard. Despite its compact size, the case provides sufficient airflow to keep the system cool during intensive gaming sessions. Custom modifications further enhance the case's functionality and appearance. A 3D-printed front panel was added to improve ventilation, while upgraded case feet increased stability and airflow. These adjustments not only optimize thermal performance but also give the build a polished, professional look. By choosing a compact design, you can create a system that fits seamlessly into any space while maintaining excellent performance. How to Build a Budget 4K Gaming PC Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in 4K gaming PC build. Upgradeability: Future-Proofing Your Build Building a gaming PC with upgradeability in mind ensures that your system can adapt to future gaming demands. The MSI Pro B550M VC Wi-Fi motherboard was chosen for its balance of cost and features, including additional RAM slots and compatibility with more powerful GPUs. This flexibility allows you to upgrade components like the GPU or RAM as needed, extending the lifespan of your system. An 850W power supply was included to provide ample headroom for future upgrades. Its modular design simplifies cable management, making it easier to install new components down the line. By prioritizing upgradeability, this build remains adaptable, allowing you to enhance its performance over time without requiring a complete overhaul. Modern Connectivity: Staying Current with Technology Modern connectivity features are essential for a seamless gaming experience. This build includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, making sure fast and reliable wireless connections for online gaming and peripheral devices. Additionally, USB-C ports were integrated into the case's front panel, replacing older USB-A ports to support faster data transfer and charging. These updates not only improve functionality but also enhance the system's overall usability. By focusing on modern connectivity, you can ensure that your build remains compatible with the latest devices and technologies, providing a more streamlined and efficient gaming experience. Gaming Performance: Prioritizing the GPU for 4K Excellence The GPU is the cornerstone of any gaming PC, particularly for 4K gaming. The Nvidia 3060 Ti was selected for its ability to handle demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong when paired with DLSS technology. By prioritizing GPU performance over CPU power, this build achieves a balance that supports high-resolution gaming without exceeding the budget. Performance testing revealed consistent frame rates and efficient thermal management. Under load, the CPU operated at temperatures between 75–85°C, while the GPU maintained a steady 70°C, making sure smooth and reliable gameplay. By emphasizing GPU performance, this build delivers an immersive gaming experience that meets the demands of modern titles. Customization and Thermal Management Customizing your PC allows you to enhance both its functionality and appearance. For this build, a 3D-printed front panel was designed to optimize airflow, while the case was painted in a sleek graphite color for a premium finish. Upgraded case feet, crafted from materials like walnut wood, further improved airflow and stability. Efficient thermal management was a key focus, with the system remaining cool and quiet during intensive gaming sessions. These modifications not only improve performance but also add a personal touch to the build, making it uniquely yours. By investing in customization, you can create a system that stands out while delivering exceptional performance. Assembly and Setup: Navigating the Build Process Building a PC involves several critical steps, from assembling components to configuring software. This process included updating the motherboard BIOS, installing drivers, and setting up Windows. Challenges such as static electricity precautions and BIOS updates were addressed with careful preparation and attention to detail. For first-time builders, this process offers a valuable learning experience, providing insights into how PCs function and how to troubleshoot common issues. The result was a fully functional system capable of delivering high-performance gaming at a fraction of the cost of prebuilt alternatives. By focusing on assembly and setup, you can ensure a smooth and rewarding building experience. Exploring 6K Gaming and Future Enhancements While the primary goal of this build was 4K gaming, its potential for 6K gaming was also explored. Although performance at this resolution was more demanding, the visual experience was stunning, showcasing the system's capabilities. This demonstrates the build's versatility and potential for handling even more advanced gaming scenarios. Looking ahead, additional upgrades—such as improved cooling solutions or increasing RAM to 32GB—could further enhance performance and extend the system's longevity. By planning for future enhancements, you can ensure that your build remains relevant and capable of meeting evolving gaming demands. Media Credit: Christian Selig Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Gizmodo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core Is Now Near-Free With 54% Off, Currently One of Amazon's Best-Selling Processors
If you've been toying with the idea of building a new PC or upgrading an older system, you're in luck. You may have already noticed this, but prices on components like processors and GPUs have been steadily falling, and now's the time to buy. Not sure where to start or what to buy first? We've got you covered, especially thanks to this deal that Amazon has offered up that can sweeten your gaming setup significantly, even if you're more of an internet browser than a gamer. See at Amazon Head on over to Amazon right now to snag the AMD Ryzen 5 550 Processor for $73, down from its usual price of $159. That's a discount of 54% off. A powerful yet affordable processor as a worthy upgrade Not everyone needs top-of-the-line specs or the latest bells and whistles. For many people, a solid mid-tier processor is more than enough, especially if it can keep up with day-to-day tasks like checking out shows and movies, light content creation, and gaming. With a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a max boost up to 4.2 GHz, it's fast and responsive whether you're juggling browser tabs, editing photos, or running modern games, and in the end that's kind of the triad that everyone is looking for. The chip is based on AMD's 7nm Zen 3 architecture and includes 16MB of L3 cache, which still gives it a bit of a leg up on gaming performance when compared to older chips in the same price tier. And even though this processor isn't exactly new itself, it's still well worth it. It's also relatively power-efficient, with a 65-watt TDP, and comes bundled with AMD's Wraith Stealth cooler, so there's no need to factor in the cost of yet another item you have to buy to keep it performing well. You're essentially getting everything you need to get started without the usual overhead. While it doesn't support PCIe 4.0, that's not a dealbreaker and shouldn't be, especially if you're worried about price-to-performance. If you're using a last-gen graphics card or don't need cutting-edge SSD speeds, you probably won't even notice. And for just $73 (-54%), the Ryzen 5 5500 is an easy recommendation for budget builds, home offices, or an affordable gaming setup. It slides into AM4 motherboards, so it's ideal for reviving an older rig, and it's powerful enough to stay relevant for years with the right hardware around it. All you have to do is pull the trigger and grab yours! Better grab it before it's gone. See at Amazon
