This $700 DIY build features the 6-core/12-thread AMD R5 2600, a 6GB GTX 1660, 16GB of 3000MHz DDR4 RAM, and 500GB of SSD storage.

A build like this one will easily run any AAA title that you can throw at it on high-ultra settings at 60fps (or better) without an issue. This build can also handle light-duty streaming and can become even more capable with 1 minor adjustment – but we’ll talk more about that in the build details. Before we move onto the DIY build, we’ll offer a pre-built option for those who want something a little more convenient.

Have a question? Ask me in the comment section or look at our PC build FAQ.

Complete Build Breakdown

If you’ve never built a computer before, then you probably want to take some time to learn the basics before getting ahead of yourself. To do that you have a couple of options you can choose from.

The first, and probably the easiest way for most people to learn is finding a walkthrough on YouTube from a reputable tech channel. Here’s one by BitWit as an example.

Alternatively, I’ve put together an in-depth guide on how to build a PC as well as a FAQ to address the most common questions and problems. I’ve also put together a short post covering 10 of the most common mistakes people make when building.

PC gaming can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to completely empty your bank account. For around $700, you can build a gaming PC that completely blows away consoles, and will consistently deliver great performance. Keep in mind that prices change daily, and this build could be cheaper or more expensive depending on when you’re looking at it.

Case: Holding everything together is the Thermaltake Versa H18 micro-ATX case. It gives you lots of options for expansion in terms of added storage, or a more intensive cooling profile.

The H18 comes with a total of 3x front USB ports as well as 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks. It’s also boasting a tempered glass side panel and a full PSU shroud. The compromise being it only comes with 1x 120mm fan – 1 is pretty much good enough for this build, but you might want to add 1 more.

CPU & Cooler: AMD’s R5 3600 is a complete beast when it comes to gaming, streaming, and pretty much anything else. With a sub-$200 price tag, the R5 2600 simply cannot be beaten in terms of price vs performance.

Motherboard: The default motherboard, ASRock’s B450M Pro4, is an awesome mATX option for a Ryzen-based build. It gives you support for all of the features we need with room to expand down the line, including 4x SATA3 ports, multiple case fan headers, 8x USB ports, 4 slots for DDR4 RAM, integrated audio, a built-in ethernet controller, and even M.2 NVMe SSD support.

If you’re going to be running Windows 11, it will be compatible with this motherboard as it’s loaded with a TPM module as all modern motherboards are.

Graphics Card: For the GPU, we’re going with a 6GB GTX 1660 from MSI that offers up some of the best price vs performance out of any currently released card of the same tier.

MSI’s GTX 1660 Ventus XS 6G OC is one of the best options right now and it’s definitely the one to go for if you’re trying to save as much as you can on your build. It’s capable of 60fps+ on ultra settings in pretty much any AAA game and significantly higher frames in less intensive games like CS:GO, LoL, Overwatch, Fortnite, etc.

RAM:16GB of RAM is the perfect amount for a gaming PC at this level. With that in mind, this build is running 2x8GB sticks of Corsair Vengeance LPX at 3000MHz. This leaves you with lots of room for future expansion and if you wanted to run more than 16GB that’s completely possible – when you do upgrade try to stick to the same speed as your RAM will automatically change its speed to match your slowest stick.

Power Supply: EVGA’s 500 BR power supply is a good, reliable, power supply. It’s rated to 80+ bronze and comes with a 3-year warranty + 24/7 technical support from EVGA. As the 500 BR is a non-modular unit, all cables are permanently attached. If you’d prefer a semi-modular supply, I’d suggest checking out the 500 BQ instead – it’s a little more expensive but objectively much better.

Storage: When it comes to storage, there’s a Kingston A400 480GB SSD in this build by default. Beyond that, you can easily add up to 3 more drives based on what the motherboard will support. All you’ll need are extra SATA data cables and the additional drives themselves.

Peripherals

Operating System

WiFi

Because the vast majority of motherboards do not include WiFi – like the one used in this build – if you have to use WiFi then you’re also going to need a WiFi adapter.

There’re a plethora of options available when it comes to picking WiFi adapters and it can be a relatively confusing process without first knowing what you need… Which is often just as confusing as picking the adapter in the first place.

To make it simple, you pretty much want an adapter on the AC protocol – it’s backward compatible with the previous protocols and will pretty much work regardless what kind of router you’re running. The speed you should get is based on both the speed of your internet connection and the capabilities of your router; somewhere around AC1300 is usually a safe bet.

Keep in mind that your router and WiFi adapter won’t speed up your internet connection and going for the highest numbers won’t mean the lowest ping. Even N900 (basic) WiFi adapters and routers are capable of transferring data at much higher rates than the average internet connection requires.

Conclusion

If you’re here looking to find the best gaming PC build for around $700 then I’m confident you’ve found exactly what you were looking for! When you take into consideration price vs performance, this build simply cannot be beaten without putting up more dough for better hardware.

All of the components are going to be 100% compatible with one another and everything you need is included above. Unless you’re adding more hardware than what’s listed above, you won’t need any extra cables, screws, or anything like that.

At the end of the day, this build is packing more than enough power to handle all of your favorite AAA games in 1080p at 60fps on around high-very high settings depending on the exact game. It’s also capable of putting out well above 100fps in games like CS:GO where high frame rates are crucial.

Have any questions about this list of parts to use in a good 1080p 60fps gaming PC build? Or, maybe you’ve picked it up for yourself and are blown away by the performance? Either way, let me know in the comment section!

If you have any questions or comments about this build, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments!