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Embarking on the journey of constructing a gaming PC from scratch may seem daunting, especially in today’s fluctuating economic climate. With soaring prices for various components, I found myself in a predicament that required creative problem-solving and some luck. Scouring online marketplaces and sifting through outdated stock, I pieced together a budget-friendly rig that would allow me to enjoy gaming at 1440p resolution.
Reflecting on my experience, I aim to share the ups and downs of this endeavor, highlighting the hurdles I faced and the lessons learned along the way. Was it worth the effort? Let’s delve into the details of this project.
The financial landscape of PC building
Just a few months prior, the components for my build would have comfortably fit into a budget of under $1,000. However, due to recent trends, the same parts now command closer to $1,300, especially if you opt for equivalent hardware in the current market. My out-of-pocket expenses totaled around $500, a figure that raises questions about whether the struggle was worth it. Had I chosen to buy brand new components, I would have easily exceeded my budget, making the scavenger hunt for parts all the more necessary.
A treasure hunt for parts
In an era when parts were more readily available and affordable, my task would have been significantly easier. The inspiration to build my own Linux-based gaming PC was ignited by the announcement of Valve’s innovative Steam Machine. Taking advantage of my position as a PC reviewer, I rummaged through the archives of my workplace and discovered an ancient MSI MEG X570 Godlike motherboard and a vintage NZXT Kraken X62 liquid cooler. Initially, I dismissed them as relics of the past, but with the skyrocketing prices of DDR5 RAM, these components became the foundation of my first personal desktop in years.
This cooler, designed for the bygone era of mini USB connections, paired with the MSI motherboard, which is compatible with the Ryzen 3000 series of AMD CPUs, required a BIOS update to function with the newer Ryzen 5000 series. Unfortunately, this motherboard lacks a built-in video output, complicating the process further.
Assembling the components
Having acquired an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT for review purposes, I was excited about its potential. Though the initial retail price was $350, current market conditions saw it climb to nearly $450. My initial plan involved using an old full-sized tower that housed my previous PC, but its cumbersome size and noise led me to request Hyte’s sleek $150 X50 case. This mid-tower not only suited my aesthetic preferences but also provided sufficient airflow.
Challenges in compatibility
Securing a power supply was another milestone; I managed to snag a Corsair CX750M for about $60, which turned out to be the least troublesome purchase amid my quest. The final product emerged as a unique blend of modern and older components, a veritable Frankenstein’s monster of a PC that, surprisingly, operated well under a Linux operating system.
One of the major challenges was updating the BIOS on the older motherboard, allowing it to recognize the Ryzen 5000 series. After numerous attempts and some online research, I learned that renaming the BIOS file to MSI.ROM was crucial for a successful flash. The relief I felt when the GPU fans whirred to life was immense.