Our First Budget Gaming Build in Over a Year!

With the launch of AMD's $200 6500XT and Intel's entry level Alder Lake CPUs (like the 12100 and 12400), we're finally getting to a place where budget gaming rigs are...maybe...a possibility. Let's see what's sold out and what we can actually buy (for a reasonable price).

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[BunzJackson]

A 6500XT might technically be better than nothing, but also I think having $300 is better than not having $300.

[davapod]

Not only did AMD make the 6500XT unappealing to miners, they did the same to gamers.

[psycronizer]

No Linus we don't mind you getting sentimental it's nice to hear that you appreciate us, because we sure as hell appreciate you !

[benjamynmathias]

You know, I really appreciate linus and his honesty, especially when he was talking about the screwdriver situation. I can clearly see he was upset and tbh I feel his genuine pain. The actual emotion! Love you linus and your entire team!!!

[chrismangalaparathy]

The openness and honesty is what makes me want to support you (and the team) even more. Might order a screwdriver I don't need just for the hell of it and to support you and your decision.

[colinedwards]

Your "realness" is the only reason i keep coming back. thank you for everything you guys do at LTT. I built my first pc along with your videos. I cannot express how much it means for your honesty in todays world

[galiojusticejustice]

I always love the B roll of Micro Center with shelves full of GPUs that we can just go there and buy today for MSRP.

[Troppa]

Linus' Better than nothing™ Award goes to AMD and the RX6500XT.

[orsonbrawl]

I think the first computer I gamed on was a 386SX. The dark ages of when you put in a 40MB hard drive and thought... wow, we'll never fill this up.

[rickeutsler]

Hey there Linus.. first of all.. thank you for doing this video. It's clear that while the 6500 xt is not a "great" card, it does bring some value to a build like you just put together. One other point you made which I really appreciated, was your comment on playing with your computer trying to get every last drop of performance out of it vs. playing on your computer, which is why we build them in the first place. That is a particular issue that I have and it was good to hear a corrective word to remember to have fun. Now in need to go put my PC back together again..

On another note.. my first "gaming" pc was an IBM clone flying F19 flight simulators and the like. This was pre 286 days. You crazy kids with your "Pentium" computers.

Cheers
Rick

[Spriestapocalyptis]

Had to pause the video to comment Linus its amazing how much you care for your fans, consumers, your business, and your team. Could see your genuine concern all around after being shafted by a manufacture. Y'all are amazing, and hope nothing but blessings for you all.

[BaraCubra]

I appreciate the "you can switxh to the overhead" and the khmmpphhh khhmmphh (close up camera) being left in. Makes the videos so much more relateable (y)

[asishreddy]

The only parasocial relationship I’m ok with is the one with linus and co. you guys are mature, responsible and trustable with your content and communications. Thank you <3

[thinkright]

Linus, I don't know if you'll ever see this comment, or how much it would even mean to you.. but - Thank you for everything you do. Seriously, I'm sure it takes a ton of work not just for you but your family and staff. Know that what you do changes lives in more ways than a computer ever could. Ripples, my friend, ripples.

[ThisIsTheRealPatrickM]

I seriously appreciate you mentioning that you should check the IO. The first time I built a PC, one of the IO shield prongs was in a USB port. Thankfully, I caught it before powering it up, but it was an absolute PITA to correct (I didn't want to remove the motherboard because it was already cable managed and everything by the time I noticed). The only saving grace for me is that I used to be a race mechanic, so I have a pretty wide selection of tools (including ones to repair small electronics and mechanical devices) that I was able to employ to bend the prong out and back into its' correct position without damaging the port.

Keep up the great content, and good luck with your screwdriver situation.

[ocudagledam]

Regarding the point you made about the case, mine is over 15 years old (very similar, especially internally, to one of your old sleeper PCs). The last time I upgraded the platform, I posted the post-upgrade temps and pics and asked if I should also swap the case for something newer, along with a few suggestions, and the collective response was essentially: "Well, we definitely understand if you want something with more modern looks than that, but, in practical terms, you'll have a hard time getting much better thermals than those."

[ltcshow]

You could get your new engineering lab to test that two separate cables vs one theory out and once and for all find out which is best or is it the same. Also with hard drives and other connections.

[hammertube]

This twist at the end with the 6500XT still outperforming the integrated GPU was even better than some of M. Night Shyamalan's twists.

[_thePineapple_]

As someone who used a 5600G for a few months before being gifted a gtx970 from a family member, despite it being an APU it is an absolute beast for those who want great performance on most games on low settings whilst still achieving 1080p and stable 60-75fps. I highly recommend it for those who may not be able to find these new GPUs in Stock

[one-six]

The point at the end – pay $200 more to significantly uplift the gaming experience – does make sense. But I think you can't get a 65XT at $200 still – by the time 65XT may be obtainable, who knows if 1650 Ti and 1660 will also cool down to or below $200?
I'm a bit hopeful for next year though. Hope things will get better.