Streaming is becoming popular nowadays with Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming becoming more accessible to everyone.
However, not everyone has a powerful computer for streaming games and budget can be an issue.
If you have a limited budget to buy the components for a streaming PC build, I’m here to help with this article. Yes, you can get a streaming PC set-up for less than $1,000 without compromising performance.
My goal is to give you a balanced build that can help you jumpstart your streaming career without breaking the bank. I’ll also be including alternatives for each component so you can make adjustments based on your budget.
Let’s get started.
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 provides great value despite being one generation behind.
It has 6-cores with hyperthreading. This means you have more than enough cores to handle streaming while providing a seamless gaming experience.
This processor also has a performance clock of 3.5 GHz and it can boost up to 4.4GHz. You can also pair it with a decent cooler and you can overclock it for more performance.
One of the reasons why it’s one of the best streaming processors today is its price. It currently retails for $140, meaning you can spend more on the graphics card and other parts.
One downside to the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is that there’s no upgrade path once you purchase it. It’s the last of AMD’s AM4 sockets.
Alternative: Intel Core i5-13400F
The Intel Core i5-13400F is faster than the Ryzen 5 5600 on some titles and it also has 10 cores and can go up to 4.6GHz.
However, it’s more expensive than the Ryzen 5 5600 with a retail price of $200 to $250, depending on where you get it.
Another thing to consider is that this processor also uses an LGA 1700 motherboard which is more expensive than its AM4 counterpart.
If you can stretch your budget for a streaming PC build, the i5-13400F is definitely worth your money.
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
If you have a limited budget, an air cooler is an obvious choice rather than a liquid cooler. Air coolers are generally more affordable, plus they’re quieter and easy to maintain.
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE works with both the Ryzen 5 5600 and the i5-13400F.
It’s an affordable air cooler with a very impressive performance for its price. It only retails for around $20 yet it performs like coolers that are twice its price.
Motherboard: MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi mATX AM4
The MSI B550M Pro-VDH is an affordable motherboard that pairs well with the Ryzen 5 5600. It supports the processor right out of the box so you don’t have to update its Bios.
This motherboard features adequate ports and four DDR4 memory slots. It also has two m.2 slots and onboard Wi-Fi. You can use this motherboard with the latest graphics card, which it can handle quite well.
Lastly, the VRMs are decent which means you can use the board to overclock the Ryzen 5 5600 for more performance.
It retails for around $120. It can even be cheaper, depending on where you get it since the AM5 motherboards are already out.
Alternative: Gigabyte B660M DS3H DDR4 mATX LGA1700
If you’re going for the Intel i5-13400F, then the Gigabyte B660M DS3H DDR4 is a great budget option.
It’s not as packed with features compared to other motherboards – it doesn’t even have VRM heatsinks, but it’s more than enough to house the 13400F.
For $120, you get support for the 13th gen Intel processors, 128Gb max memory support, two m.2 slots, and more than enough ports for a basic setup.
Memory: OLOy 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3600MHz Memory
The OLOy 32GB is a budget-oriented memory stick that works well with the 5th gen Ryzen processor.
The sweet spot for a Ryzen processor is 3600MHz, which makes this pair of RAM a great fit retailing for around $75.
However, this is just a suggestion. You can opt for other RAM sticks with 3600MHz memory and you’re good to go.
When it comes to capacity, 32GB is overkill for gaming and 16GB is already enough but, since this is a streaming PC build, go for at least 32GB. This ensures that you’ll get smooth gameplay while running the necessary streaming software.
Storage: Silicon Power UD90 2TB m.2 Drive
Silicon Power is fairly well-known when it comes to storage devices and the UD90 2TB m.2 drive is a wise pick if you want a fast drive that doesn’t break the bank.
The 2TB capacity is more than enough for modern games and the PCIe 4.0 interface makes loading software and files blazing fast.
Like memory, you have the freedom to pick whichever drive you want. Whether it’s gen 4 or gen 3, it doesn’t matter much since the speed difference is negligible.
Video Card: Zotac RTX 3060 Ti Gaming Twin Edge OC
Graphics card prices have gone down since their peak from 2020 to 2022. Now, you may be able to snag the Zotac RTX 3060 Ti Gaming Twin Edge OC for around $400 if you find a good deal somewhere.
The Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti will help you stream smoothly due to its NVENC encoder. This reduces the load on your CPU and helps with encoding the stream on your PC.
Performance-wise, it’s a great entry-level 1440p card and it can max out almost all titles at 1080p. It’s more than enough if you play esports titles such as Valorant, Dota 2, Apex Legends, and Overwatch.
Given that this is Zotac’s base variant, it doesn’t have that many features such as RGB lighting or good-looking backplates.
Alternative: Radeon RX 6700XT or Secondhand RTX Card
The Radeon RX 6700XT is more powerful than the RTX 3060 Ti when it comes to gaming and it’s comparable to the RTX 3070 when it comes to gaming performance.
However, it’s only an alternative on our list since it doesn’t have NVENC which helps with streaming.
If you’re only going to stream occasionally, then the 6700XT is the better choice. But, if you’re planning to stream full-time, then the NVENC encoder from Nvidia cards will help you.
In addition, the secondhand market is full of used RTX cards at the moment since the crypto bubble burst. You just have to look carefully and make sure that you’re not getting a defective card.
For $400, you can purchase a used RTX 3070 or a higher variant.
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 650W 80+ Gold Fully Modular Power Supply
The Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 650W 80+ Gold power supply is capable of powering all the components listed above, including the Nvidia Rtx 3070 and the RX 6700 XT.
It retails for around $90 and is rated gold when it comes to efficiency. It also has a 650W rating which is plenty of headroom if you go for the RTX 3060 Ti.
The fully modular feature makes cable management easier and you can also reduce the cable clutter inside the case.
Case: Deepcool Matrexx 40 3FS
In general, your case choice would depend on your personal preference such as aesthetics, size, and budget.
But if you want a straightforward case that’s compatible with the parts listed above, then the Deepcool Matrexx 40 3FS is worth checking out for building a streaming PC.
It retails for around $60 and it has all the features you need in a simple case.
The Matrexx 40 30FS is a microATX mid-tower with a tempered glass panel, power supply shroud, and internal drive bays for future expansion. It also comes with three RGB fans already set up for positive airflow.
If you get this case, all you need to do is install the parts and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Budget-wise, $1000 is possibly the sweet spot when it comes to a streaming PC build, as the parts listed above can handle any game at 1080p and 1440p.
Hopefully, this streaming PC build guide will help you take your gaming career to the next level. If not, this guide will at least get you moving on the right track.
At the end of the day, an unbalanced build will affect your streaming quality.
Remember that there are many ways to build a streaming PC under $1000. The components mentioned above are merely suggestions and you can definitely play around with other parts available to you based on your budget.
Have fun building your streaming PC!
Aim is a tech and gaming content writer who loves playing Apex Legends, Valorant, and Dota 2. He also plays casual games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokemon titles on his Nintendo Switch too. He also builds gaming computers and does tech troubleshooting on the side.