This repository documents the full process of planning, assembling, and configuring a custom-built gaming PC. The system was designed with performance, upgradeability, and cost-efficiency in mind — capable of running demanding AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2 while maintaining flexibility for future hardware upgrades.
📅 Build Date: October 2025
💰 Total Cost: ~$425
🧠 Builder: Jaylen Howe
| Component | Model / Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Case | FOIFKIN F1 ATX Mid-Tower (6 pre-installed ARGB PWM fans) | Excellent airflow and visibility; tempered glass panels |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (6-Core, 12-Thread, 3.9GHz Boost) | Reliable budget gaming processor with multitasking ability |
| CPU Cooler | AMD Wraith Stealth (included) | Stock cooler; adequate for current setup |
| Motherboard | ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 (AM4 Socket) | Compact micro-ATX board with solid feature set |
| GPU | SOYO AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GDDR5 (256-bit) | Great 1080p performer for most AAA titles |
| RAM | A-Tech 16GB DDR4-2400 (1x16GB) | Single-channel configuration; upgradable to 32GB |
| Storage (Primary) | KingSpec 1TB NVMe Gen3x4 SSD | Fast boot and load times |
| Power Supply | ARESGAME AGV Series 500W (80+ Bronze Certified) | Stable power delivery; non-modular design |
| Thermal Paste | GENNEL GT-1 Silver | Used for optimal CPU-to-heatsink contact |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (64-bit) | Fresh installation post-build |
| Game / Benchmark | Resolution | Settings | Avg FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTA V | 1080p | Very High | 90+ FPS |
| Apex Legends | 1080p | High | 100+ FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1080p | Medium-High | 60+ FPS |
| Ghost of Tsushima | 1080p | Medium | 55–60 FPS |
✅ Great 1080p gaming performance
✅ Smooth thermals (under 70°C under load)
✅ Whisper-quiet operation despite 6 fans
- Goal: Build a capable gaming PC under $450.
- Selected components focused on balance between CPU/GPU and airflow.
- Case chosen for aesthetics and pre-installed ARGB fans.
- Installed motherboard (ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0) into FOIFKIN case.
- Installed Ryzen 5 2600 with Wraith Stealth cooler and applied thermal paste.
- Mounted ARESGAME 500W PSU (ATX format).
- Installed 16GB DDR4 RAM (single stick) in slot A2.
- Connected all front panel I/O headers and fans.
- Mounted GPU (RX 580) and connected 6-pin PCIe power adapter.
- Installed 1TB KingSpec NVMe SSD on M.2 slot.
- Cable managed and verified connections before power-on.
- System POSTed successfully on first try.
- BIOS recognized all components.
- Windows 11 installed via USB.
- Initial issue: RGB fans not lighting — resolved by connecting ARGB hub to SATA power.
- GPU not detected initially — resolved by updating BIOS and drivers.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No RGB lighting | ARGB connector not powered | Connected to SATA power line |
| No display on first boot | GPU driver not initialized | Reseated GPU, updated BIOS |
| No speaker audio | Driver issue | Installed Realtek HD Audio driver |
| NVMe not showing in Files | Partition not created | Initialized via Disk Management (NTFS) |
- Phillips screwdriver set
- USB drive (Windows installation media)
- TestDisk (for data recovery tests)
- AMD Adrenalin software (for GPU monitoring)
- Always confirm PSU has proper PCIe connectors for your GPU.
- ARGB fans often require a powered controller or direct SATA connection.
- Keep BIOS and chipset drivers up to date for hardware recognition.
- Documenting every step helps with troubleshooting later.
This documentation and associated media are © 2025 Jaylen Howe.
You may share or fork this project for educational purposes with attribution.
- Add liquid cooling support
- Upgrade to Ryzen 7 5700X or 5800X
- Dual-channel 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Add SATA SSD for backups and game storage
⭐ If you like this build, star the repo!
📧 For questions or collaboration, reach out via GitHub.
