PC Gaming on a Budget: Building a Cost-Effective Gaming Setup

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This guide will focus on helping you make smart choices building your new gaming setup, while also taking advantage of student discounts and trade-in programs. From budget-friendly gaming PCs to discounted peripherals and monitors, there are many options that allow you to achieve a competitive edge. 

Choosing the Right PC Hardware 

Processor (CPU) and Graphics Card (GPU) 

For budget-conscious gamers, mid-range components like the Intel Core i3-1215U processor found in the Acer Aspire C24 All-in-One Desktop strike an excellent balance between performance and affordability. This hexa-core CPU, capable of turbo speeds up to 4.40 GHz, provides enough power for everyday gaming, light content creation, and multitasking, making it a solid choice for gamers who don't need the top-tier specs but still want a smooth experience. 

While the Acer Aspire C24 may not include a discrete GPU, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics is well-suited for casual gaming and general use, handling titles that aren't too graphically demanding.  

RAM, Storage, and Power Supply 

For your gaming setup, 8GB of RAM is the minimum you should aim for, with the possibility to upgrade to 32GB if needed in the future. The Acer Aspire C24 comes equipped with 8GB of DDR4 SDRAM, providing sufficient memory for most gaming and productivity tasks. The 256GB SSD ensures fast load times for your games and applications. 

To maximize your budget, consider taking advantage of programs like Acer’s trade-in program, which offers up to $100 toward your purchase when you trade in an old laptop. This can significantly reduce the cost of essential components like RAM or storage, making it easier to build a powerful setup. 

Cost-Effective Gaming Peripherals 

Keyboards and Mice: High-Performance, Budget-Friendly Options 

Acer offers a range of “Value Picks” designed to provide gamers with quality and performance. 

For example, the Predator Aethon 303 Gaming Keyboard is a solid choice and offers features typically found in more expensive models. This 104-key illuminated keyboard includes Kailh Blue mechanical switches, which are known for their tactile feedback and durability, supporting over 50 million keystrokes. With customizable backlighting and media keys, the Aethon 303 ensures that you’re equipped with a responsive and reliable tool for your gaming needs. 

Paired with the Predator Aethon 303, the Acer Nitro Gaming Mouse III is another excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. This 6D optical sensor mouse features adjustable DPI settings ranging from 800 to 7200, making it versatile enough for a variety of gaming scenarios. Its ergonomic design and additional programmable buttons provide comfort and customization options that enhance your gaming experience. 

Monitors: Affordable Displays with High-Performance  

Monitors like the AOPEN KG3 Gaming Monitor are a fantastic entry-level choice for gamers looking for a compact 21.5” display. Despite its budget price, this monitor delivers smooth visuals with a high refresh rate, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. 

For a larger screen, options like the 27” Nitro XV1 Gaming Monitor are available with impressive features like an 180Hz (DisplayPort) to 144Hz (HDMI) refresh rate and 95% DCI-P3 color accuracy.  

Maximizing Value with Student Discounts and Exclusive Offers 

Student discounts on eligible products through sites like Student Beans can make high-quality gaming products more accessible, whether you’re purchasing a new PC, monitor, or other peripherals. Signing up is quick and easy—simply create a free Student Beans account, verify your student status, and you’ll receive a discount code that can be applied at checkout. To save even more, subscribe to the Acer Corner email digest for the latest tech innovations and exclusive offers.

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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.