This clip is just a quick 1 minute gameplay due to Imgur file size concerns. I've been experimenting with extreme budget gaming PCs for local schools and children's charities, and this is what I've come up with. The build is extremely simple, but hard to replicate in bulk. Full build and purchasing guide to follow.
Specs of this computer:
Windows 11 Home
Intel i7-6700
16GB RAM
AMD RX-6400
1TB SSD
This build relies on one of two machines; a Dell Optiplex 7050-7080 OR an HP 590-P0050. These are extremely common business and government computers and can almost always be found for resale on eBay or similar sites. There are several eBay stores which buy these devices from the US government and Universities in large quantities, then sell them in 1-5 device lots for a profit.
On average, I spend $60 per computer with shipping. This takes some patience. You're looking for any i7 6th gen or newer, at least 210W power supply, or any i5 8th gen or newer. Try to get 16GB of RAM, but if it comes with 8GB then just buy another stick for $15 also from eBay.
For the GPU, I either use an AMD RX 6400 or an Nvidia GTX 1650. I use the RX if the computer comes with 210W PSU, and the 1650 if it has more power. The limiting factors for these builds are the power supplies and motherboards. The chosen GPU must be able get all of its power through the PCIe slot. These two are basically identical in performance. Average GPU cost $120, tend to buy them refurbished or on sale. You can get them brand new for $140.
Finally, I throw in a 2.5' 1TB SSD. These have gotten insanely cheap with the rise of m.2 drives, and can usually be bought for $40.
Price Recap of device used in recording
Computer - $40 GPU - $120 SSD - $40 Total - $200
TL',DR Buy government surplus enterprise grade Dell or HP desktop, install low powered GPU, wham bam cheap gaming machine.
Is there a way I can replicate this? I don't have ebay in my country but every city has a tech and electronics marketplace.
I don't know what your local market looks like, but probably. The goal is still an i7 6xxx or i5 8xxx or newer. At least 210W PSU, and find a way to 16gb RAM. SSD is absolutely required. RAM and SSD prices have dramatically fallen in the US at least, not sure about worldwide. The Rx 6400 can be bought new on Amazon, Alibaba, or straight from AMD.
Try to find a mid-high end computer which is several years old and upgrade it. Where I am, you absolutely can not build a computer cheaper than buying a slightly outdated one.
@DevForFun150 @sounddrill I think I heard about people buying from the dell outlet to scrap for GPUs during the run on crypto mining and scalpers. Then there’s the “shuck” gamble for external hdds.