Best Overall $800 PC Build in 2024
Learn how to build the best overall $800 PC in 2024, using the latest and most powerful components for gaming and productivity.
Building your own PC can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, especially if you want to get the best performance for your budget. In this article, we will show you how to build the best overall $800 PC in 2024, using the latest and most powerful components available in the market.
Table of Contents
Why Choose an $800 PC Build?
An $800 PC build is a sweet spot for gaming and productivity, as it can handle most games at high settings on 1080p or 1440p resolution, as well as run multiple applications smoothly. You can also enjoy features such as ray tracing, fast loading times, and RGB lighting, without breaking the bank.
An $800 PC build is also future-proof, as it can be easily upgraded with newer components when needed. You can swap out the CPU, GPU, RAM, or SSD, depending on your preferences and needs. You can also add more storage, fans, or RGB strips, to customize your PC further.
What Components Do You Need for an $800 PC Build?
To build the best overall $800 PC in 2024, you will need the following components:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 12600K
- CPU Cooler: DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600
- Motherboard: MSI MAG B660M DDR4 Mortar Max
- RAM: TEAMGROUP Team T-Force Delta RGB 2×8 3200MHz DDR4
- SSD Storage: Corsair Force MP600 500GB M.2 Gen4 NVMe SSD
- PSU: NZXT C Series 650 Watt
- PC Case: Lian Li Lancool 216 RGB
- Recommended Monitor: Acer Nitro 27 1440p IPS 180Hz
Let’s take a closer look at each component and why we chose them for this build.
CPU: Intel Core i5 12600K
The Intel Core i5 12600K is one of the best CPUs for gaming and productivity in 2024, as it offers 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.9 GHz. It also supports the new Alder Lake architecture, which combines high-performance and high-efficiency cores, to deliver optimal performance for different workloads.
The Intel Core i5 12600K can handle any game at high settings, as well as multitask with ease. It also supports PCIe 4.0, which enables faster data transfer between the CPU and the GPU, as well as the SSD. It also has a low TDP of 125W, which means it does not consume too much power or generate too much heat.
The Intel Core i5 12600K is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, which is the new standard for Intel CPUs in 2024. You will need a compatible motherboard, such as the MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max WiFi D4, to use this CPU.
CPU Cooler: DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler
The DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler is a powerful and quiet CPU cooler, that can keep the Intel Core i5 12600K cool and stable, even under heavy load. It features a dual-tower design, with two 120mm PWM fans, that can spin up to 1850 RPM, and deliver a maximum airflow of 68.99 CFM.
The DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler also has six copper heat pipes, that directly contact the CPU, and transfer the heat to the aluminum fins, where it is dissipated by the fans. The cooler also has a sleek black and silver appearance, that matches the rest of the build.
The DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler is easy to install, as it comes with a universal mounting kit, that supports the LGA 1700 socket, as well as other Intel and AMD sockets. It also has a low noise level of 28.6 dB(A), which means it will not disturb you while gaming or working.
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is one of the best affordable GPU for gaming in 2024, as it offers 8GB of GDDR6 memory, with a memory speed of 16 Gbps, and a memory bandwidth of 256 GB/s. It also has 1792 stream processors, with a base clock of 1689 MHz and a boost clock of 2424 MHz.
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 can run most games at high settings on 1080p or 1440p resolution, with smooth and stable frame rates. It also supports ray tracing, which is a technology that simulates realistic lighting and shadows, to enhance the visual quality of games. It also supports AMD FreeSync, which is a feature that synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor and the GPU, to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 is compatible with the PCIe 4.0 interface, which enables faster data transfer between the GPU and the CPU, as well as the SSD. It also has a low TDP of 132W, which means it does not consume too much power or generate too much heat.
The AMD Radeon RX 6600 has three display outputs: one HDMI 2.1 port and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports. You can connect up to three monitors to this GPU, for a more immersive gaming experience. You can also use the HDMI 2.1 port to connect to a 4K TV, for a larger and sharper display.
Motherboard: MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max DDR4 WiFi
The MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max is a reliable and feature-rich motherboard, that supports the Intel Core i5 12600K CPU, as well as the AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU. It has a microATX form factor, which means it is smaller than a standard ATX motherboard, but still has enough space and slots for all the components.
The MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max has four DDR4 memory slots, that can support up to 128GB of RAM, with a maximum speed of 4600 MHz. It also has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, for the GPU, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, for an expansion card. It also has two M.2 slots, for the SSD, and four SATA 6Gb/s ports, for additional storage devices.
The MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max also has built-in WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, which enable fast and stable wireless connectivity. It also has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which delivers high-quality sound output. It also has a Gigabit LAN port, for wired internet access.
The MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max also has a variety of rear I/O ports, such as one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one PS/2 port, one audio jack, and one antenna connector.
The MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max also has a stylish and durable design, with a black and gray color scheme, and a heatsink that covers the VRM and the chipset. It also has RGB lighting, that can be controlled and customized with the MSI Mystic Light software.
RAM: TEAMGROUP Team T-Force Delta RGB 8×2 GB DDR4
The TEAMGROUP Team T-Force Delta RGB is a fast and reliable memory kit, that can provide enough speed and capacity for gaming and productivity. It has a total of 16GB of RAM, which is enough for most applications and games. It also has a speed of 3200 MHz, which is compatible with the Intel Core i5 12600K CPU and the MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max WiFi D4 Intel LGA 1700 microATX Motherboard.
The TEAMGROUP Team T-Force Delta RGB also has a low latency of CL16, which means it can respond quickly and smoothly. It also has a low voltage of 1.35V, which means it does not consume too much power or generate too much heat.
TEAMGROUP Team T-Force also has a sleek and elegant design, with a black and white color scheme, and a heat spreader that covers the memory chips. It also has RGB lighting, that can be controlled and customized with the TEAMGROUP Blitz software.
SSD Storage: Corstair Force MP600 500GB M.2 Gen4 NVMe
The Corsair Force MP600 has a capacity of 500GB, which is enough for most users. It also has a speed of up to 4950mbps for reading and 2500mbps for writing, which is much faster than a traditional SATA SSD or HDD.
The Corsair Force MP600 also supports the PCIe 4.0 interface, which enables faster data transfer between the SSD and the CPU, as well as the GPU. It also has a low latency, which means it can load games and applications quickly and smoothly.
The Corsair Force MP600 also has a durable and efficient design, with a black and red color scheme, and a heatsink that covers the SSD and reduces the temperature. It also has a low power consumption, which means it does not drain the battery or generate too much heat.
The Corsair Force MP600 is easy to install, as it fits into one of the M.2 slots on the MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max WiFi D4 Intel LGA 1700 microATX Motherboard. It also has a 5-year warranty, which means you can use it with confidence and peace of mind.
PSU: NZXT C Series 650 Watt 80 Plus Bronze
The NZXT C Series 650 is a reliable and efficient power supply, that can provide enough power for all the components in the $800 PC build. It has a wattage of 650W, which is more than enough for the Intel Core i5 12600K CPU and the AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU, as well as the other components.
The NZXT C Series 650 also has an 80 Plus Bronze certification, which means it has an efficiency of at least 85% at typical loads. This means it wastes less power and generates less heat, which saves you money and protects the environment.
The NZXT C Series 650 also has a semi-modular design, which means it has some cables that are attached to the power supply, and some cables that are detachable. This allows you to use only the cables that you need, and avoid cluttering the PC case with unnecessary cables. This also improves the airflow and the aesthetics of the PC build.
The NZXT C Series 650 also has a silent and durable design, with a black and white color scheme, and a 120mm fan that can adjust its speed according to the load and temperature. It also has a 10-year warranty, which means you can use it with confidence and peace of mind.
PC Case: Lian Li Lancool 216 RGB
The Lian Li Lancool 216 is a stylish and spacious PC case, that can house all the components in the $800 PC build. It has a mid-tower form factor, which means it is not too big or too small, but just the right size for most users. It also has a tempered glass side panel, which allows you to showcase your PC build and enjoy the RGB lighting.
The Lian Li Lancool also has a good airflow and cooling system, with two 160mm RGB fans at the front, one 140mm non-rgb fan at the rear. It also has a mesh front panel, which allows the air to enter the PC case and cool the components. It also has a dust filter at the bottom, which prevents the dust from entering the PC case and affecting the performance.
The Lian Li Lancool 216 also has a user-friendly and convenient design, with a black and white color scheme, and a tool-less installation system. It also has two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, one audio jack, and one power button at the top. It also has a cable management system, which allows you to organize the cables and hide them behind the motherboard tray.
The Lian Li Lancool 216 also has a 2-year warranty, which means you can use it with confidence and peace of mind.
Also Read: Intel 13600K With RTX 4070 Full White PC Build
Monitor: Acer Nitro 27 Inch 1440p 180Hz
The Acer Nitro has a size of 27 inches, which is large enough for most users. It also has a resolution of 2560 x 1440, which is also known as WQHD or 2K, which is sharper and clearer than 1080p or Full HD.
The Acer Nitro also has an IPS panel, which means it has wide viewing angles and accurate colors. It also has a refresh rate of up to 180Hz, which means it can display up to 180 frames per second, which is much smoother and faster than the standard 60Hz. It also has a response time of 0.5ms, which means it can respond quickly and eliminate ghosting and blurring.
The Acer Nitro also supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which is a feature that synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor and the GPU, to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It also supports HDR10, which is a technology that enhances the contrast and brightness of the monitor, to deliver more realistic and vivid images. It also covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which means it can display a wide range of colors and shades.
The Acer Nitro also has a sleek and ergonomic design, with a black and red color scheme, and a thin bezel that maximizes the screen space. It also has two built-in speakers that can deliver decent sound quality.
The Acer Nitro also has three display inputs: one DisplayPort 1.2 port and two HDMI 2.0 ports. You can connect the AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU to the DisplayPort 1.2 port, to enjoy the full benefits of the monitor. You can also connect other devices, such as a console, a laptop, or a streaming device, to the HDMI 2.0 ports.
The Acer Nitro also has a 3-year warranty, which means you can use it with confidence and peace of mind.
Also Read: The Best Parts for a 700 PC Build
How to Build the $800 PC in 2024
Now that you have all the components for the $800 PC build in 2024, you can start assembling them and enjoy your new PC. Here are the steps to follow:
- Unpack the Lian Li Lancool 216 PC Case and place it on a flat and clean surface. Remove the side panel by unscrewing the thumbscrews and sliding it off. You will see 1the interior of the PC case, with the pre-installed fans and the cable management system.
- Unpack the NZXT C Series 650 Watt Power Supply and place it in the bottom compartment of the PC case, with the fan facing down. Secure it with the screws provided. Connect the power cord to the power supply and plug it into a power outlet, but do not turn it on yet.
- Unpack the MSI B660M MAG Mortar Max Motherboard and place it on top of the anti-static bag. Do not touch the metal parts or the pins on the motherboard, as they are sensitive to static electricity. Install the I/O shield that came with the motherboard into the rear panel of the PC case, by snapping it into place.
- Unpack the Intel Core i5 12600K CPU and hold it by the edges. Do not touch the metal pins on the bottom of the CPU, as they are sensitive to static electricity. Align the triangle on the corner of the CPU with the triangle on the corner of the LGA 1700 socket on the motherboard. Gently lower the CPU into the socket and make sure it fits snugly. Close the metal lever to lock the CPU in place.
- Unpack the DeepCool AK620 Air Cooler and apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste on top of the CPU. Do not spread the thermal paste, as it will spread evenly when you install the cooler. Align the mounting brackets of the cooler with the holes on the motherboard and secure them with the screws provided. Please ensure that you connect the fan cable to the CPU fan header located on the motherboard.
- Unpack the TEAMGROUP Team T-Force Memory and insert them into the memory slots on the motherboard. Make sure to align the notch on the memory stick with the notch on the slot. Push down the memory stick until it clicks into place. The memory slots are color-coded, so you can use the same color for each pair of memory sticks, to enable dual-channel mode.
- Unpack the Corsair Force MP600 500GB NVMe SSD and insert it into one of the M.2 slots on the motherboard. Make sure to align the notch on the SSD with the notch on the slot. Secure the SSD with the screw and the standoff provided. The SSD will be covered by the heatsink, which will help to reduce the temperature and improve the performance.
- Carefully lift the motherboard with the attached components and place it inside the PC case. Align the holes on the motherboard with the standoffs on the PC case. Secure the motherboard with the screws provided. Connect the power cables from the power supply to the motherboard, such as the 24-pin ATX power cable and the 8-pin CPU power cable. Connect the front panel cables from the PC case to the motherboard, such as the power button, the reset button, the USB ports, and the audio jack. Refer to the motherboard manual for the correct orientation and location of the connectors.
- Unpack the AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU and remove the protective cover from the PCIe connector. Insert the GPU into the PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the motherboard. Make sure to align the notch on the GPU with the notch on the slot. Push down the GPU until it clicks into place. Secure the GPU with the screws provided. Connect the power cables from the power supply to the GPU, such as the 8-pin PCIe power cable.
- Reattach the side panel of the PC case and screw it back in place. Connect the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and the speakers to the PC. Turn on the power supply and press the power button on the PC case. You should see the PC boot up and display the BIOS screen. You can use the BIOS to configure the settings of the PC, such as the boot order, the fan speed, and the RGB lighting. Refer to the motherboard manual for the details of the BIOS options.
- Install the operating system of your choice, such as Windows 10 or Linux, on the SSD. You will need a bootable USB drive or a DVD with the installation media. Please follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation. You will also need to install the drivers for the components, such as the CPU, the GPU, the motherboard, and the monitor. You can download the drivers from the official websites of the manufacturers or use the CDs that came with the components.
- Congratulations, you have successfully built the best overall $800 PC in 2024. You can now enjoy gaming and productivity on your new PC. Have fun and be creative.
Also Read: Best AMD Gaming/Editing PC Build Under $500
How do I choose the best components for the $800 PC build?
The article provides the reasons and benefits of choosing each component, as well as the features and specifications of each component. You can follow the recommendations of the article, or you can modify them according to your preferences and needs.
How much does it cost to build the $800 PC in 2024?
The total cost of the components for the $800 PC build in 2024 is around $800, as the name suggests. However, this may vary depending on the availability, demand, and price fluctuations of the components in the market. You may also need to factor in the cost of the operating system, the monitor, and the peripherals, such as the keyboard, the mouse, and the speakers, if you do not already have them.
How do I know if the components are compatible with each other?
The article provides the compatibility information for each component, such as the socket, the form factor, the interface, and the power requirements. You can also use some online tools, such as PCPartPicker, to check the compatibility of the components before you buy them. If you encounter any issues or errors during the assembly or installation process, you can refer to the manuals of the components or contact the customer support of the manufacturers.
How long will the $800 PC build last?
The $800 PC build is designed to be future-proof, as it uses the latest and most powerful components available in 2024. It can handle most games at high settings on 1080p or 1440p resolution, as well as run multiple applications smoothly. However, the performance and quality of the PC may decline over time, as new games and software become more demanding and advanced. You can extend the lifespan of the PC by upgrading some of the components, such as the CPU, the GPU, the RAM, or the SSD, depending on your preferences and needs. You can also maintain the PC by cleaning the dust, updating the drivers, and optimizing the settings.