In the ever-evolving world of PC gaming, building a budget-friendly system that delivers excellent performance doesn’t have to break the bank. This build guide explores how to create a gaming PC that excels at 1080p ultra settings and can even handle entry-level 1440p gaming, all while keeping costs under $800. By carefully selecting components and leveraging refurbished parts, this build offers incredible value for gamers looking to maximize their budget.
This build came about after initially planning to pair the Ryzen 5 8400F with a more powerful GPU, but due to its PCIe lane limitations, that plan was adjusted. Instead, this system was crafted to make the most of the 8400F’s capabilities with a well-matched GPU, the Sparkle Arc B570, resulting in a balanced and cost-effective gaming rig.
Component List
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the components chosen for this build, along with the reasoning behind each selection:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 8400F
The AMD Ryzen 5 8400F is a 6-core, 12-thread processor with a base clock of 4.2 GHz and a boost up to 4.7 GHz, launched in April 2024. It’s part of the AM5 socket, offering future-proofing for upgrades. With a TDP of 65W and support for DDR5 memory, it’s efficient and powerful for gaming. Its limitation of 8 PCIe lanes for the GPU influenced the choice of graphics card, but it remains a solid performer for 1080p and entry-level 1440p gaming.
Source: TechPowerUp - CPU Cooler: Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 66.17 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Liquid cooling ensures better thermal performance and quieter operation compared to air cooling. The Thermalright Aqua Elite V3, a new component in this build, keeps the Ryzen 5 8400F cool during intense gaming sessions, allowing for sustained performance without thermal throttling.Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 66.17 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler - Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 Motherboard
This motherboard supports the AM5 socket and offers features like Wi-Fi, multiple M.2 slots, and robust power delivery for the CPU. Purchased as an open-box deal for $120, it’s a fantastic value for its capabilities, making it a cornerstone of this budget build. - Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory
With 32GB of DDR5 memory at 5200 MT/s and CL40 latency, this build is well-equipped for gaming and multitasking. DDR5 provides higher bandwidth and lower power consumption compared to DDR4, ensuring future-proofing for upcoming games and applications. - Storage: Western Digital Blue SN580 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
This 1TB NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0 support delivers blazing-fast read and write speeds, ensuring quick game load times and responsive system performance. It’s a refurbished component, but its performance rivals new drives, offering ample storage for modern games. - Video Card: Sparkle GUARDIAN OC Arc B570 10 GB Video Card
The Sparkle Arc B570, part of Intel’s Battlemage lineup, is designed for PCIe 4.0 x8, making it an ideal match for the Ryzen 5 8400F’s 8 PCIe lanes. With 10GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a factory overclock, it delivers excellent performance for 1080p gaming and can handle 1440p at lower settings. Its dual-fan cooling and metal backplate ensure reliability and aesthetics.Sparkle GUARDIAN OC Arc B570 10 GB Video Card Source: TechPowerUp
- Case: Thermaltake View 200 TG ARGB ATX Mid Tower Case
This mid-tower case offers excellent airflow, cable management options, and a stylish tempered glass panel with ARGB lighting. As a refurbished component, it provides premium features at a lower cost, making it perfect for showcasing the build while keeping temperatures in check. - Power Supply: Dell Precision OEM 550W 80+ Gold
This 550W power supply, certified 80+ Gold for efficiency, ensures stable power delivery for all components. As a refurbished unit, it offers reliability and headroom for future upgrades at a reduced cost. - Custom Cables: LINKUP Câble d’Extension PSU
These custom cable extensions, one of the new components in the build, enhance aesthetics and improve cable management. They make the build cleaner and easier to work with, adding a touch of personalization.
Component Cost Breakdown
Component | Price | Condition |
---|---|---|
AMD Ryzen 5 8400F | $138.88 | Refurbished |
Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 CPU Cooler | $44.90 | New |
Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard | $120.00 | Open-box |
Corsair Vengeance 32 GB DDR5-5200 | $96.99 | Refurbished |
Western Digital Blue SN580 1 TB SSD | $64.99 | Refurbished |
Sparkle GUARDIAN OC Arc B570 10 GB | $259.99 | Refurbished |
Thermaltake View 200 TG ARGB Case | $79.98 | Refurbished |
Dell Precision OEM 550W 80+ Gold PSU | ~$50.00 | Refurbished |
LINKUP PSU Cable Extensions | ~$45.00 | New |
Total Estimated Cost | ~$800 |
Note: Some prices (e.g., PSU and cables) are estimated based on typical market values for similar components, as exact prices weren’t provided.
Build Considerations
The Ryzen 5 8400F’s limitation of 8 PCIe lanes for the GPU was a critical factor in component selection. Initially, the CPU was paired with an RTX 3070 in a different build, but benchmarking revealed suboptimal performance due to the lane restriction. Switching to the Sparkle Arc B570, designed for PCIe 4.0 x8, resolved this issue, ensuring the GPU operates at its full potential without bottlenecks.
Using refurbished components for most parts, except the CPU cooler and custom cables, significantly reduced costs. The open-box Gigabyte motherboard at $120 was a standout deal, offering premium features at a budget price. Refurbished parts from reputable sellers can provide near-new performance with warranties, making them a smart choice for budget builds.
The AM5 socket ensures compatibility with future AMD CPUs, making this build a long-term investment. The choice of DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 storage further enhances its future-proofing, aligning with 2025’s hardware trends.
Performance Expectations
While specific benchmarks for the Ryzen 5 8400F and Sparkle Arc B570 combination are limited, reviews of the Arc B570 with similar CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 5 5600X) provide a good reference. In Resident Evil 4 at 1080p, the B570 achieves around 105 FPS on average, and in Final Fantasy XIV, it reaches approximately 122 FPS. Given the 8400F’s newer Zen 4 architecture and potentially better single-threaded performance, this build should deliver similar or slightly better results.
Source: GamersNexus
For 1440p gaming, frame rates may drop, but the B570 remains playable with adjusted settings. In Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1440p, a similar setup with the Ryzen 5 5600X achieved 74 FPS, with a 32% uplift possible with a higher-end CPU. However, for budget gamers, the 8400F should provide smooth gameplay in most titles at this resolution.
The 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures ample memory for gaming and multitasking, preventing bottlenecks. The 1TB NVMe SSD offers fast load times, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This build is well-suited for modern games like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at 1080p ultra settings, with playable performance at 1440p.
Comparison to Other Budget Builds
In 2025, budget gaming PC builds typically range from $500 to $800, as noted in various guides. For example, a $750 build from Tech Buyer’s Guru features an Intel Core i5-12400F and AMD Radeon RX 6600, offering similar 1080p performance but lacking the AM5 socket’s future-proofing. This build’s use of the Ryzen 5 8400F and Arc B570, combined with refurbished parts, positions it competitively in the $800 range, offering a balance of performance and upgrade potential.
Source: Tech Buyer’s Guru
🔍 Wondering if your old gaming PC can still keep up in 2025?
Discover our detailed evaluation of a 2013 Gaming PC’s performance today, including upgrade tips and realistic expectations for modern games.
👉 Read the full evaluation here
Conclusion
This budget gaming PC build demonstrates that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-performing system. By leveraging refurbished components and a strategic GPU choice, we’ve created a build that delivers excellent value for money. The AMD Ryzen 5 8400F and Sparkle Arc B570 make a great pair, offering solid performance for 1080p gaming and entry-level 1440p, all for under $800.
Whether you’re a new gamer or looking to upgrade your current system, this build is worth considering for its balance of performance, cost, and future-proofing. The AM5 platform ensures compatibility with future upgrades, making it a smart investment for 2025 and beyond.

Hi, I’m Nghia Vo: a computer hardware graduate, passionate PC hardware blogger, and entrepreneur with extensive hands-on experience building and upgrading computers for gaming, productivity, and business operations.
As the founder of Vonebuy.com, a verified ecommerce store under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, I combine my technical knowledge with real-world business applications to help users make confident decisions.
I specialize in no-nonsense guides on RAM overclocking, motherboard compatibility, SSD upgrades, and honest product reviews sharing everything I’ve tested and implemented for my customers and readers.