Looking to maximize frame rates without maxing out your credit card? This walkthrough will help you pick cost-effective parts that deliver top-tier gaming performance.

1. Picking the Processor

Consider CPUs that punch above their price class, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 or Intel Core i5-12400. These chips offer excellent single-thread performance vital for smooth gameplay.

2. Selecting a Graphics Card

Budget-friendly GPUs like the Nvidia GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT can handle 1080p at high settings. Look for used-market deals or recent sales to stretch your pound further.

3. Motherboard and Memory

Choose a reliable B550 or B660 board with solid power delivery. Pair it with 16GB of DDR4 RAM at 3000–3200MHz to ensure responsive multitasking and stable frame rates.

4. Fast Storage Setup

Install your operating system and key games on a 500GB NVMe SSD. Complement it with a 1TB SATA SSD or HDD for additional storage, balancing speed where it matters most.

5. Power Supply and Cooling

Opt for a reputable 550W or 600W 80+ Bronze PSU to protect your components. A budget air cooler or the stock cooler for Ryzen CPUs will provide sufficient thermal headroom under load.

6. Chassis and Accessories

Look for cases with good airflow and cable management in the sub-£50 range. For peripherals, a dependable keyboard and mouse bundle under £40 can offer comfort without the premium price.

7. Putting It All Together & Stress Testing

Follow manufacturer guides to assemble your system. Apply thermal paste correctly and run benchmarking tools like Cinebench, 3DMark, and Prime95 to verify stability under prolonged gaming sessions.

By following these recommendations, you'll build a capable gaming PC that maximises performance per pound. Enjoy your new rig and happy gaming!