Entry Level PC Build For Beginners
Description
Introduction
An entry level PC build for beginners: a gaming PC that keeps the cost down without cutting corners: a six-core processor, a current 8GB video card, 16GB of memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and a quality power supply, all on a proven, easy-to-build platform. It is built for 1080p gaming in popular titles like Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft, Rocket League, and Apex Legends, plus school, streaming video, and everyday use.
Every part was picked from current listings for the best combination of price and compatibility, and the whole list comes to $854.99, $100.85 below the parts' reference prices. Prices were checked when this page was last updated and can change, so the total updates with every refresh.
CPU
The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core is a 6-core processor on the AM4 socket. For gaming, a fast six-core-or-better CPU paired with a capable video card delivers high frame rates without overspending on cores most games do not use.
This CPU includes a cooler in the box that handles it at stock settings, so no separate cooler is needed. A tower cooler is an easy upgrade later if you want it quieter.
Motherboard
The MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 5000 is a Micro-ATX board with the A520 chipset that matches the CPU's AM4 socket and takes DDR4 memory. It is the lowest-cost compatible board in our current listings, which leaves more of the budget for the parts that affect frame rates.
Memory
16GB of DDR4 at 3200 MT/s (Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 RAM 16GB (1X16GB) 3200MHz CL16 Desktop Memory). 16GB is enough for 1080p gaming with a browser and voice chat open, and a second kit can be added later. See our guide to how much RAM you need.
Storage
The Fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 is a 1TB NVMe. A solid state drive makes the PC boot, open apps, and load games far faster than a hard drive. Games keep growing, so 1TB is the practical minimum for a gaming PC.
Video Card
The ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger 8GB OC with 8GB of video memory is the heart of this gaming build. 12GB of video memory handles high settings at 1080p and 1440p.
Compare it with other options in our guide to choosing a graphics card.
Case
The ASUS A31 ATX Mid-Tower PC Case fits ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX boards, so it holds this Micro-ATX motherboard with room to spare.
Power Supply
We estimate this build draws about 328W at full load, so we recommend at least 500W. The Evounic Power Supply 650W，ATX PSU，80 PLUS Bronze Certified provides 650W and is 80 Plus Bronze rated, which leaves headroom for upgrades and keeps the fan quiet.
Why this is a good first build
Every part here was chosen to be forgiving for a first-time builder. The motherboard and processor share a mature, well-documented socket, the case has room for full-size parts and easy cable routing, and the power supply is rated well above what the system draws, so there is no guesswork about power.
It also leaves an upgrade path. The two most common upgrades, more memory and a faster video card, drop straight in later without replacing anything else.
What you need besides the parts
A #2 Phillips screwdriver is the only tool most builds need. A clear table, good light, and a small bowl for screws make the job easier. You will also need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a USB flash drive of 8GB or more to install Windows, and an internet connection for drivers.
Build order for beginners
1. Install the CPU, memory, and M.2 SSD on the motherboard while it sits on its box. 2. Mount the motherboard in the case and connect the front-panel cables. 3. Install the power supply and run the 24-pin and CPU power cables. 4. Install the video card in the top full-length slot and connect its power cable if it has one. 5. Plug the monitor into the video card, not the motherboard, then power on and enter the BIOS to confirm the CPU, memory, and SSD are detected.
Take your time with the CPU and front-panel connectors: those are the two steps first-time builders most often get wrong. Your motherboard manual shows exactly where each cable goes.
How long does it take?
Plan on two to four hours for a first build, including cable management, then about an hour to install Windows and drivers. Experienced builders finish in under an hour, so it gets much faster the second time.
Other versions
Looking for something different? See our AMD Gaming Build ($1,515.03), Intel Gaming PC Build ($1,761.24) or Budget Home Office PC Build ($537.91), or browse every PC build.
Customizing
Ready to make this build your own? Open it in the PC Builder to swap any part. The builder checks compatibility and wattage as you go.
Part List
| Component | Selection | Base | Promo | Availability | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU |  AMD Ryzen 5 5500 6-Core
| $103.00 | -$14.05 | In stock | $88.95 | Buy |
| Motherboard |  MSI A520M-A PRO Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 5000
| $69.92 | — | In stock | $69.92 | Buy |
| Memory | $149.99 | -$35.00 | In stock | $114.99 | Buy | |
| Storage | $167.99 | -$16.80 | In stock | $151.19 | Buy | |
| Video Card |  ASRock Radeon RX 7600 Challenger 8GB OC
| $359.99 | -$20.00 | In stock | $339.99 | Buy |
| Case |  ASUS A31 ATX Mid-Tower PC Case
| $64.99 | -$15.00 | In stock | $49.99 | Buy |
| Power Supply |  Evounic Power Supply 650W，ATX PSU，80 PLUS Bronze Certified
| $39.96 | — | In stock | $39.96 | Buy |
| Promo savings: -$100.85 | Total $854.99 | Buy all | ||||
Prices include promotional discounts where available. Shipping and tax are shown at checkout. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Compatibility notes
- The CPU, motherboard, memory, case, cooler, and power supply passed every compatibility check.
- Some physical constraints, like video card length and cooler height, are not checked. Confirm them in each listing.
Entry Level PC Build FAQ
Is building a PC hard for a beginner?
No. Modern parts only fit one way, and every connector is keyed. If you can follow a step-by-step guide and use a screwdriver, you can build this PC. The most important steps are seating the CPU and memory correctly and connecting the front-panel cables.
Can this PC play games at 1080p?
Yes. The video card and six-core processor handle popular games like Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft, and Rocket League at 1080p, and most newer games at 1080p with medium to high settings.
What should I upgrade first?
The video card has the biggest effect on gaming performance, so it is the best first upgrade. The power supply in this build leaves room for a more powerful card later.
How much does the Entry Level PC Build cost?
$854.99 for all 7 parts at current prices, which is $100.85 below their combined reference prices. Prices change, so the total is updated with every refresh.
Are all the parts compatible?
Yes. The part list passes our compatibility check: the CPU and motherboard share the AM4 socket, the memory is DDR4 to match the board, the case fits a Micro-ATX motherboard, and the 650W power supply covers the estimated 328W draw with headroom.
Does this build include Windows?
No. The part list covers the hardware. Add a Windows license in the PC Builder's Operating System row if you need one.
Can I change parts?
Yes. Open the build in the PC Builder to swap any part. Compatible-only filtering is on by default, so every option it shows fits the rest of the build.
How do I buy every part at once?
Use Buy all parts. It adds the whole list to your cart in one step, where you can review each item before checking out.