Build a Windows 10 PC for under $400 (gallery)

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  • Processor

    Processor

    Let's start with the brain of the PC — the processor. I'm not interested in Intel vs. AMD fanboy wars here and just want a good quality part at a reasonable price. I've chosen here the AMD A10-5800K quad-core 3.8GHz part.

    Since this is an APU I'm getting both the CPU and GPU in a single package, and getting both at a very low price.

    $85

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Motherboard

    Motherboard

    Since we've chosen a budget processor, it makes sense not to overspend on the motherboard too, and with that in mind I've gone for the GIGABYTE GA-F2A68HM-DS2H board. Not only is this board fully compatible with the APU, it is compatible with Socket FM2+ processors too, giving you room for future upgrades.

    The board gives you UEFI support and USB 3.0 ports (two, along with another four USB 2.0 ports).

    $50

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • RAM

    RAM

    Some basic RAM – CORSAIR Vengeance LP 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

    $26

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Storage

    Storage

    It's strange to think that 1TB drives are pretty much the new sweet spot when buying storage. And since they come in well under $100, it makes sense to use one.

    I've gone for the Western Digital WD Blue WD10EZEX. A no-nonsense 7,2000 RPM SATA drive with 64MB of cache.

    $53

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • PSU

    PSU

    The PC now needs power, and this is the point to be careful, because not only can you overspend on PSUs, underspending means that you'll probably be replacing it within a year.

    I prefer to stick with a good brand, and have gone for the Thermaltake TR2 TR-500, a 500W unit capable of powering everything in your PC with plenty of overhead for any upgrades.

    $45

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Case

    Case

    The case is where things get personal. Some people like fancy cases, while others prefer a minimal approach. Some like a big case, others want something small. Me, I'm happy as long as I can get my hands into it, and the sharp edges that invariably slice my flesh are kept to a minimum.

    I'm going for a Rosewill FBM-01 case for this build. It's cheap and reasonably well made, and holds all the parts. It also has a couple of fans to keep the air moving.

    $30

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Windows 10 Home

    Windows 10 Home

    Last but not least, we come to the most expensive part of the build.

    $100

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

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Motherboard

Since we've chosen a budget processor, it makes sense not to overspend on the motherboard too, and with that in mind I've gone for the GIGABYTE GA-F2A68HM-DS2H board. Not only is this board fully compatible with the APU, it is compatible with Socket FM2+ processors too, giving you room for future upgrades.

The board gives you UEFI support and USB 3.0 ports (two, along with another four USB 2.0 ports).

$50

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

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