Build a Powerful Linux Gaming PC on a Budget – Here’s How!

Want to play games on the cheap without giving up too much performance? If so, constructing a gaming PC running Linux is the ideal method to make every dollar go farther. You can assemble a system that manages 1080p gaming remarkably effectively for only $240. With its console-like interface, it’s ideal for a living room setting where you can relax and enjoy your favorite games on a large screen. Let’s examine the parts, configuration, and software you’ll require to maximize the performance of your low-cost gaming system.

What You’ll Need to Build This $240 Gaming PC

Finding good buys on used components is essential to developing an inexpensive gaming PC, and this build makes use of an HP Pavilion with a Ryzen 5 3500 at its core. These are widely available on eBay; frequently, they are listed without a GPU because the graphics cards are sold separately. Here’s a rundown of the parts you’ll need to grab:

• Base System: Ryzen 5 3500 CPU-powered HP Pavilion, This six-core, third-generation Ryzen processor has no extra threads, yet it packs enough of power for 1080p gaming. These systems, which come with a 512GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of RAM, can be purchased on eBay for about $168.
• Radeon RX 590 (or RX 580) graphics card, For those on a tight budget that enjoy gaming, the RX 590 with 8GB of VRAM is a great option, especially for Linux users. When purchased for $68 delivered, this card can easily run the majority of contemporary titles at 1080p.
• RAM: Transition to a Dual-Channel, Performance will be enhanced by adding a 4GB stick to enable dual-channel mode, even though the base system only comes with a single 16GB stick. For a few dollars, you can get one on the cheap, increasing the system’s total RAM to 20GB.

That’s it! You can build a good base for a low-cost Linux gaming PC for roughly $240.

Assembling and Upgrading the Build

When your components come, it’s time to assemble everything. The majority of the parts for the HP Pavilion are already installed; all you’ll need to do is install the GPU and upgrade the RAM.

• Install the RAM: It’s easy to add an extra 4GB stick. You can now proceed by opening the case and inserting the RAM into the designated slot.

• Put the GPU in place: You don’t need to upgrade your power supply for this construction because the Pavilion comes with a PCIe port built right in. You only need to insert your RX 590 or RX 580, plug in the power, and be finished.

While you’re inside, it’s a good idea to quickly clean the case, paying particular attention to the area surrounding the CPU cooler to guarantee enough airflow. However, overall, this construction is simple to assemble and requires little upkeep.

Why Linux for Gaming?

Along with its lower resource cost when compared to Windows, Linux’s flexibility is one of the main benefits of using it for this build. Your games will have greater system resources accessible when running Linux-based operating systems, and Bazi OS makes it simple to create a console-like experience.

Based on Fedora, Bazi OS is a distribution dedicated to gaming that comes with a complete Steam Deck interface right out of the box. Once the system is up and running, you may play games from your sofa without a keyboard and mouse because it is made to function with a controller. 

Installing Bazi OS

Installation of Bazi OS is simple:

1. Get Bazi OS here. Visit the official website to obtain the picture.
2. Flash to USB: To make a bootable USB stick from the image, use an application such as Etcher.
3. Put Bazi OS in place: To install Bazi OS on the SSD, boot the HP Pavilion from the USB device and follow the on-screen directions. After completing the roughly 15-minute process, you’ll be presented with an interface that looks a lot like Steam Deck. 

Performance Overview

How does the system function now that it is constructed and operational? Remarkably good considering the cost! You should have no trouble playing most recent games at 1080p with the RX 590 and Ryzen 5 3500. You won’t find a better price for 1080p gaming, even though this isn’t a 4K beast.

Here’s a quick look at some gaming benchmarks:

• Elden Ring: Maintains a steady 60 frames per second at medium settings.
• CS: You should be able to achieve 120 FPS or more at maximum settings.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Frame rates range from 40 to 50 FPS when played at low to medium settings.

These are really good outcomes given the cost. Additionally, Bazi OS comes with a fully working gaming system for your living room that can be easily used with a controller thanks to its console-style interface.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the next game to be played, with Medium settings and FSR on Balanced. It runs at 1080p. This time, I didn’t even need to activate Frame Generation because we were already averaging 74 frames per second, which is more than playable. Even though Frame Generation may increase our frame rate to above 100 FPS, it’s not required in our case, as the game still looks fantastic at 1080p. 

I was hoping for a higher frame rate when I started The Witcher 3 at 1080p Medium, but it only managed an average of 71 FPS. It occasionally falls below 60, which is unexpected given the age of the game. The game appears to be more difficult now that CD Projekt Red has updated it, but we may challenge it further if necessary because FSR is accessible in the options.

I anticipated good performance from Kingdom Hearts 3 at its highest settings at 1080p, and sure enough, we’re getting a steady 60 frames per second. We’re not hitting that refresh rate even with my 120Hz display, but even at 60 frames per second without any upscaling or resolution adjustments, the game is still entertaining.

One thing to keep in mind is that we will be forced into a pre-configured version of select Bethesda games and other recently updated titles on the Steam Deck, which have fixed resolutions and settings. Some of the games I tested on this Linux setup had locked settings and black bars, for example, but overall performance was still good.

Testing Shadow of the Tomb Raider using the built-in benchmark at 1080p High settings, the game runs without difficulties, averaging 77 FPS. It’s easy going here because I didn’t run into any strange glitches as I had on previous installations.

Finally, I included the oddball game Big City Little Kitty, which I’ve been having fun with. It performed flawlessly at 1080p at its highest settings, however I did notice a few strange graphical hiccups. Character models, for example, had odd characteristics such as missing legs, although this had no bearing on gameplay. We maintained an average of 71 frames per second with FSR 3.1 set to Quality, which is excellent for this GPU.

Now that Bazai is in desktop mode, I truly appreciate the work that has been done. You would be able to perform all standard desktop functions, including web browsing, document editing, and 4K movie playing, if this were your only computer. Furthermore, if Windows is more your taste, you can install it instead of just Linux.

Conclusions

All in all, the performance of these games is decent for a $240 PC with an RX 590. While it is occasionally possible to find these older PCs for less money, the secret to successful eBay or other marketplace purchasing is patience. Please let me know which parts you’re using in the comments section below if you’re assembling a project similar to this one!

Video review of Affordable Linux Gaming PC Build: Play AAA Games Without Breaking the Bank!