Building a $450 gaming PC: Can it run Cyberpunk 2077?

Building a $450 Gaming PC: Can It Run Cyberpunk 2077?

Cyberpunk 2077, even in 2024, remains a challenging game for many PCs, often used as a benchmark to test gaming hardware capabilities. Despite its punishing requirements, enthusiasts continually seek ways to experience this game on various setups, from high-end rigs to budget-friendly builds. This article explores the feasibility of constructing a gaming PC for just $450 that can deliver playable framerates in Cyberpunk 2077.

The Experiment: Constructing a Budget Gaming PC

The objective here is clear: build the cheapest possible gaming PC using entirely new parts, capable of running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings, ray tracing disabled, and upscaling enabled, targeting an average of 50 FPS. While these conditions are far from ideal for fully appreciating Cyberpunk 2077, the goal is to achieve a playable experience on a tight budget.

Choosing the Right Components

To maximize cost efficiency, opting for current-gen components is impractical. Instead, we focus on slightly older but still capable hardware.

CPU and Motherboard

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500, a 6-core processor, serves as the heart of this build. Priced around $90, it offers sufficient power to handle the demands of Cyberpunk 2077. Paired with the ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 motherboard, which costs approximately $60, we secure a robust yet affordable foundation. Together, these components total $150.

Graphics Card

The GPU is crucial for gaming performance. The AMD RX 580, priced at about $130, is a surprising contender. While it lacks the ray tracing capabilities of newer GPUs, it supports AMD’s FSR 2.1, enhancing performance at lower settings. The RX 580, with its 8GB VRAM, ensures we can enjoy higher texture quality without breaking the bank. Our running total now stands at $280.

Memory and Storage

A 16GB DDR4 RAM kit with a speed of 3,600MT/s and CL18 latency is ideal for this build. The TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 RAM, available for under $40, provides excellent performance and aesthetics. For storage, a TEAMGROUP MP44L 500GB Gen4 SSD, priced similarly to PCIe 3.0 alternatives, ensures fast load times and future-proofing for potential upgrades. This brings our subtotal to approximately $360.

Power Supply and Case

The EVGA 500 BV, a 500W 80+ Bronze-rated power supply, offers reliability and efficiency for around $45. For the case, the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is a well-ventilated micro-ATX case with ample component clearance, priced at $40. These additions bring the final total to $445.

Performance Analysis

With the components assembled, the moment of truth arrives. Testing Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings, ray tracing disabled, and FSR 2.1 enabled, the RX 580 and Ryzen 5 5500 combo delivers an impressive 50+ FPS on average. Even with texture quality set to high, the performance remains stable. Switching FSR from Quality to Performance mode can yield higher framerates, though at the cost of visual fidelity.

The Case Against Budget PCs

While this build demonstrates that a sub-$500 gaming PC can run Cyberpunk 2077, it’s essential to manage expectations. Lower visual quality and fidelity are inevitable trade-offs when opting for budget components. Gamers who can afford to save longer might benefit from investing in higher-end hardware later, or even considering a gaming console for a more balanced price-to-performance ratio.

Conclusion

Constructing a gaming PC for under $450 that runs Cyberpunk 2077 is an achievable and rewarding challenge for budget-conscious gamers. While it may not offer the same experience as a high-end rig, it provides a viable entry point into the world of PC gaming without straining finances. Whether you decide to build now or save for a more powerful system, being informed and realistic about your gaming needs and expectations will guide you to the best decision.