Budget Gaming in the Capital City
Building a gaming PC doesn't require a massive budget. With smart shopping and local resources, you can put together a capable gaming machine in Topeka without overspending.
The $600 Sweet Spot Build
This build handles 1080p gaming at 60+ FPS in most titles:
| Component | Choice | Price |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | ~$130 |
| Motherboard | B550 (MSI Pro-A) | ~$100 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 | ~$45 |
| GPU | RX 6650 XT | ~$200 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD | ~$60 |
| Case | Budget ATX case | ~$45 |
| PSU | 550W 80+ Bronze | ~$50 |
| Total | | ~$630 |
Why Buy Local?
Advantages of shopping at Computer Store KS:
1. No shipping delays - Take it home same day
2. See before buying - Inspect components in person
3. Expert advice - We'll help choose compatible parts
4. Installation help - Stuck? Bring it in
5. Warranty support - Local point of contact
6. Trade-ins accepted - Offset costs with old hardware
Money-Saving Tips
Buy Used (Smartly):
- GPUs from miners can be fine if properly vetted
- CPUs rarely fail; used is often safe
- Avoid used power supplies and storage
Time Your Purchase:
- New GPU generations drop prices on older models
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday for peripherals
- Tax refund season often has sales
Don't Overbuy:
- 16GB RAM is enough for gaming
- You don't need the newest CPU
- 1TB storage is fine to start
The "New Parts, Old Build" Strategy
Another budget approach:
1. Buy a used office PC ($50-100)
2. Add a graphics card ($150-200)
3. Upgrade power supply if needed ($50)
4. Add SSD if it doesn't have one ($50)
Result: A capable gaming PC for ~$300-400
Our Budget Build Service
If building isn't your thing, we offer:
- Parts consultation - Free advice on your build
- Build service - We assemble, you save vs. prebuilt
- Used PC upgrades - Transform old systems
- Price matching - We try to match online prices
Come Plan Your Build
Stop by the store with your budget. We'll:
1. Discuss what games you want to play
2. Recommend appropriate parts
3. Check our used inventory for deals
4. Help you build or do it for you
Gaming doesn't have to be expensive!