A few days ago Counter-Strike: Global Offensive set the record of 1.4 million simultaneous players on Steam. Since the game is free to play, the user count has only increased to date. If you like CS:GO , we have created the perfect PC to play it for less than 600 Euros.
We have to say that the primary configuration far exceeds the needs. We have done it this way because in the future we could buy a dedicated graphics card, making a simple improvement on the base we have. This system more than meets the requirements established for Valve’s most popular game.
These are the computer components for CS:GO
Before getting down to work, let’s see the requirements that are established to run the game:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom X3 8750
- RAM memory: 2 GB
- Graphics card: At least 256 MB of VRAM and compatible with DirectX 9
- Storage: 15GB
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Any modern processor by cores and power, more than meets. The best possible solution is the AMD Ryzen APUs, which combine the processor and the graphics card in the same package. It allows us to save the graphics card, which are worth a fortune and have it all in one system.
We have chosen the Ryzen 7 5700G because it has 8 cores and 16 threads working at 3.8 GHz and reaches 4.6 GHz in Boost mode. This processor includes a Radeon Vega 8 graphics card working at 2000 MHz. The Wraith Stealth heatsink is included, more than enough. The choice of this processor is based more on the number of cores than on the graphics, since in the future, if we need it, we can purchase a graphics card without changing the processor.
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite
We have a very good and complete processor, which is why we have searched for a motherboard to match. We wanted something cheap, compact, but also very complete. This Gigabyte motherboard is the most interesting we’ve found for a low price. It is based on the micro-ATX form factor, which is more compact, eliminating unnecessary PCIe slots.
The four DDR4 DIMM sockets stand out from this motherboard. In addition, it has two M.2 SSD sockets and two PCIe slots, one of them shielded. It has a fairly robust VRM phaser system, more than enough for the chosen processor.
Regarding connectivity, this motherboard has a PS/s, four USB 2.0 ports and four USB 3.2 ports, as well as an Ethernet port. It integrates a DVI video output and another HDMI.
It’s a fairly simple motherboard, despite having this flashy gaming design, but enough leftovers for the purpose of this setup.
RAM memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB
Although we built this system to play CS:GO, we understand that it will be used for many other tasks, such as browsing. We also think that it will not be a temporary system, but that the user will use it for many years. We have said it with the processor, giving an equally good alternative, but inferior. We have thought something like this with the chosen Corsair Vengeance LPX , which is more than necessary, but the price is attractive.
We have come across this Corsair Vengeance LPX kit, which are simple and high-quality modules. This kit is based on two DDR4 RAM memory modules of 16 GB each, for a total of 32 GB. These memories work at 3200 MHz, which is a very good working frequency for AMD processors.
Obviously, you may think that it is too much RAM, so we bring you an alternative. You can save more than 30 euros with these Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2×8 GB) 3200 MHz . They are the same kits, but the capacity is different.
SSD: Crucial P3 1TB
The game doesn’t require a lot of space, but of course, we will use the computer for many other things. For this very reason we have chosen a unit with great capacity and performance. The best option is a Crucial drive, which after all is the trademark of Micron, one of the largest manufacturers of memory chips.
The chosen P3 drive is based on the M.2 2280 format and makes use of the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. This drive has a capacity of 1TB and offers read speeds of up to 3500MB/s and write speeds of up to 3000MB/s .
There is not much more to say either, it is a unit with a large capacity, good performance and a reasonable price.
Case: Tempest Spectra RGB
There are many options on the market for towers or boxes to house all the components. What we were looking for was a quality box that allows good airflow and has something different. We have come across this Tempest chassis , which complies and also allows you to install quite large hardware.
This Tempest tower is ATX format , so it can house the chosen motherboard without problems. Includes RGB lighting on the front and also on the rear fan. In addition, the front has openings on the sides and in the lower part of the front. It has a tempered glass window, which allows you to see inside.
This chassis has two USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 connectors on the front, as well as a headphone jack. It integrates a button that allows you to control and manage the RGB without problems and without the need for software.
Power Supply: Corsair CV650
We have found a small problem in this case and it is the price. The idea was a 500W source that had an 80 Plus Bronze certificate and was from a recognized brand. We wanted something for about 50 euros or so, but we couldn’t find anything, so we went with the reliable Corsair CV60.
The Corsair CV650 power supply offers us a power of 650W , more than enough for this system and for possible future expansions. This source has the 80 Plus Bronze certification, which is currently the minimum recommended. The big drawback of this power supply is that it is not modular, so we have to work hard to hide the cables.