Since the RAM crisis, it has become difficult for gamers to find parts for their builds. Particularly, the budget sector has suffered. Now, computer enthusiast “Linus Tech Tips” showcases his latest creation, which is said to outperform even a PS5 in terms of price-performance ratio.
What parts did the builder use? In his YouTube video from April 28, 2026, Linus presents a gaming PC that he reportedly assembled entirely from used hardware. He emphasizes how important it was to create a cost-effective and simultaneously powerful system.
The YouTuber used the following components:
- CPU: Intel i5 12400F
- Mainboard: ASUS Prime H610-M
- RAM: Corsair DDR4-3200 MHZ 16 GB
- GPU: EVGA 3070 FTW3
- Storage: Crucial P3 Plus Gen4 NVME 1TB
- Case: Thermaltake Versa H17
- PSU: Thermaltake Smart 500 W
- Cooler: Intel Laminar RM1 Cooler
Overall, all parts are said to have cost about 544 US dollars, approximately 465 euros, on the used market. According to his own statements, the PC is not only cheaper but also performs better than a standard PS5. Especially after Sony increased the official sale price of its PS5 consoles. Some gamers point to the price increase as an example, highlighting that gaming is becoming increasingly expensive.
The hope for an affordable Steam Machine from Valve is famously last to die. Those who want to learn more about the upcoming console PC should check out the following trailer:
Unthinkable with new hardware
The builder had to rely on used parts, as a project like this cannot be executed with new components. New hardware with similar performance costs at least:
- CPU: approx. 121 euros (via Geizhals)
- Mainboard: approx. 90 euros (via Geizhals)
- RAM: approx. 153 euros (via Geizhals)
- GPU: approx. 200 to 250 euros (only available used due to comparable performance, via eBay)
- Storage: approx. 200 euros (via Geizhals)
- Case: approx. 70 euros (via Geizhals)
- PSU: approx. 50 euros (via Geizhals)
- Cooler: approx. 11 euros (via Geizhals)
Overall, such a project would cost approximately 895 to 945 euros as of today, April 30, 2026, although one could still save money with a different case and storage. Used, the price is also between 600 and 750 euros in Germany.
How much gaming performance does the YouTuber’s PC have? In the video, Linus tests the assembled gaming rig side by side with a standard PS5 in games like Death Stranding, Returnal, and God of War. He notes that they often provide nearly similar performance, with exceptions where the PC is said to deliver more FPS.
A PC with a similar configuration achieves around 70 to 75 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at Full HD, without ray tracing and DLSS. In Silent Hill F, it even scores over 90 frames per second with the same preset (via YouTube).
In conclusion, Linus notes that the experiment is not entirely fair since a used PS5 is also cheaper than his built PC, making it difficult to compare the two devices 100 percent. Still, it is an interesting project that proves that budget gaming is not entirely gone but requires more compromises. There are also other ways if the used market isn’t an option for you: RAM too expensive for you? Here are 5 alternatives that let you game without an expensive gaming PC.
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