# Best Budget PC Build Under $500 (September 2026)

Updated September 30, 2026. Prices checked September 30, 2026 via Amazon.

**No, $500 does not buy a new gaming PC in 2026.** The cheapest new-parts PC we can build costs $670, $170 over budget. It has no graphics card: video comes from the Ryzen 5 5600G, and a card can go in later.

## Closest new-parts build today: $670, $170 over budget

| Component | Model | Key specs | Price | Stock | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | 6 cores, Radeon graphics, AM4, stock cooler | $200 | In stock | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092L9GF5N?tag=razlichno00-20 |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte B550M K | AM4, DDR4, micro-ATX, 2x M.2 | $75 | In stock | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTTZFQTP?tag=razlichno00-20 |
| RAM | TeamGroup T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 | DDR4-3200 CL16, XMP 2.0 | $130 | In stock | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T637L7T?tag=razlichno00-20 |
| Storage | Patriot P400 Lite 1TB NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 NVMe, M.2 2280 | $150 | In stock | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTDP6P7Y?tag=razlichno00-20 |
| Power supply | MSI MAG A650BN 650W 80+ Bronze | Non-modular, 140 mm | $60 | In stock | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0991TZ399?tag=razlichno00-20 |
| Case | Thermaltake Versa H18 Tempered Glass | Micro-ATX, 1 fan | $55 | In stock | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079G3TNDM?tag=razlichno00-20 |
| **Total** | | | **$670** | | |


Cheapest brand-name gaming prebuilt today: $1,050 (Skytech Gaming Storm)

Not included: Windows, monitor, keyboard, mouse. Prices can change; the price on Amazon applies.

## FAQ

### Can I build a PC for $500?

**Not with new parts in 2026.** The closest build costs $670 and has no graphics card. Windows and a monitor are extra.

### What PC can I get for $500?

**None from new parts; the closest one costs $670.** It is a desktop without a graphics card, built so one drops in later.

### Is a $600 PC worth it?

**Only as a starting point.** Budgets up to $649 land on this page, and the list above leaves room for a graphics card later.

### Is a prebuilt cheaper than building at $500?

**No brand-name gaming prebuilt costs $500 or less today.** The cheapest one we track is the Skytech Gaming Storm (RTX 5060 Ti 8GB) at $1,050.