Best budget PC under 20000: CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, SSD on Jan 14

If you want to build a solid foundation for a budget desktop PC under ₹20,000, then carefully selecting components that offer solid performance for everyday tasks with clear headroom for future upgrades is exactly the way to go. 

In this article, we’ll outline a configuration for a basic budget PC based on Intel’s platform that balances cost and functionality, focusing on components available as of January 14, 2025.

CPU: Intel Core i3-14100F

The Intel Core i3-14100F is a 14th-generation processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a turbo boost up to 4.7 GHz. It’s well-suited for multitasking and general computing needs. However, it’s important to note that the ‘F’ suffix indicates the absence of integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU for display output.

Motherboard: MSI PRO H610M-E DDR4 Micro-ATX

This motherboard supports Intel’s 14th, 12th and 13th generation processors and offers essential features for a budget build, including DDR4 memory support, multiple USB ports, and reliable build quality. 

Also read: Best budget PC under 15000: CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, SSD on Jan 13

However, since the i3-14100F lacks integrated graphics, ensure that the motherboard has the necessary video outputs and that a discrete GPU is included in the build to provide display capabilities.

GPU: Up to your use case

Given that the Intel Core i3-14100F does not have integrated graphics, incorporating a discrete GPU is necessary for doing any sort of graphic-heavy tasks in the future. While high-end GPUs may exceed the budget, considering entry-level options like the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 or AMD Radeon RX 550 can provide basic display output and support for light gaming, keeping the overall cost within the ₹20,000 limit.

RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 3200MHz

A single 16GB DDR4 module operating at 3200MHz ensures smooth multitasking and system responsiveness. This setup allows for future upgrades to a dual-channel configuration if desired.

Storage: Western Digital Green SN350 500GB NVMe SSD

Also read: Best gaming PC under 30,000: CPU, GPU, Motherboard, RAM, SSD on Jan 13

This NVMe SSD offers 500GB of fast storage, ensuring quick boot times and responsive application performance. It’s a cost-effective solution for both the operating system and essential applications.

Cost Breakdown:

Component	Model	Price (₹)
CPU	Intel Core i3-14100F	7,500
Motherboard	MSI PRO H610M-E DDR4	5,700
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030	5,000
RAM	Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4	3,000
Storage	WD Green SN350 500GB NVMe SSD	2,799
Total		24,999

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on availability and location.

This build is well-suited for everyday computing tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. If you add in a discrete GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030, it can handle light gaming at 720p to 1080p resolutions on low to medium settings, making it suitable for titles like CS:GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends.

Notes on assembly

• Power Supply: A reliable 450W power supply will suffice for this configuration, ensuring stable power delivery to all components.
• Case: Opt for a budget-friendly Micro-ATX case that offers adequate airflow and space for future upgrades.
• Cooling: The Intel Core i3-14100F comes with a stock cooler, which is adequate for its thermal needs under standard operating conditions.

Future upgrades

• Dual-Channel Memory: Adding a second 16GB RAM module in the future can enable dual-channel memory configuration, improving system performance.
• Higher-End GPU: As budget allows, upgrading to a more powerful graphics card can enhance gaming performance and enable higher settings in more demanding games.

By carefully selecting these components, you can assemble a functional and efficient PC within a ₹20,000 budget, with room for future enhancements as needed.

Also read: Future of PC tech: 3 key trends of 2025