this post was submitted on 12 Jun 2023
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Gaming

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From video gaming to card games and stuff in between, if it's gaming you can probably discuss it here!

See also Gaming's sister community Tabletop Gaming.


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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.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This is awesome! Why is Elden Ring the target?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Three reasons!

One, it is a very well known game.

Two, it is a pretty good looking game which is well optimized.

Three, it is locked to 60 fps! That gives us a tangible goal when building, and if we can meet that FPS goal you get the same experience as someone with a $3,000 gaming computer. Of course not all settings are maxed out, but it is running at 1080p.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That is understandable. Thanks for the info.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I guess you're only selling them in the US?