Question Helping neighbors Grandson get basic gaming PC that is up-gradable

[chrisf1320]

Hey All,
Here is a run down of what I am trying to accomplish.
I am helping my neighbors Grandson get involved in computer building. He is very good student and pays attention and is doing his do diligence learning about the parts.
He wants to build a gaming system, with my help, but I am not around enough to help him daily and also I don't think I want the responsibility of "being on call".
I have given him a 10 year old system that runs to take apart and practice on, who cares if he screws it up.

I believe the best scenario for him with his modest budget of $500 to build a tower only is to get one that is pre-built and ready to roll, but with some good foundations that will be fun for him to upgrade as he mows more lawns for money.
I am not familiar with AMD stuff, but it seams in that price range that is a popular CPU.
He is really excited to get going, but don't want him to get discouraged with a first build drama and let him learn as he goes.

So with that all said, can you throw some system suggestions that are tower only and ready to go for this young aspiring computer builder.
Wifi ability is a must
Thanks in Advance!

 

[stonecarver]

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/223244437

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/223143267

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/223189404

https://shopgoodwill.com/categories/computers?p=1

For learning and without to much at stake meaning the price of admission a great place to get for a student or like you said a neighbors grandson.

He can still be saving up for a new build while like you said learning.

 

[chrisf1320]

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/223244437

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/223143267

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/223189404

https://shopgoodwill.com/categories/computers?p=1

For learning and without to much at stake meaning the price of admission a great place to get for a student or like you said a neighbors grandson.

He can still be saving up for a new build while like you said learning.

I appreciate the thought on this, but I have given him a computer that I built so he can play with before digging into the new one.
He is 13 and wants to game and he has money burning a hole in his pocket!

 

[ohio_buckeye]

What does the computer you gave him look like now if you don’t mind me asking?

If you could find a Dell prebuilt with an 8th gen or higher you can find videos where folks move the components to a custom case.

 

[bill001g]

The problem with many prebuilt like say HP is they have massive amounts of proprietary things inside which makes it almost impossible to upgrade.

Do you have microcenter near you. You can pick out parts and they will put the parts together for $75 if I remember correctly. They will also help with selection of parts in your price range.

You are only going to get a fairly basic pc for $500. Gaming is all about the cost of the video card and you will easily spend 1/2 your budget for something that is on the lower end. The video card companies think everyone has $500 or more laying around just for the video card.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I think If you’ve got Microcenter nearby, how about something like this? The gpu would be used but at least you can upgrade later.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3061325088...1QoO_yZSxW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY


https://www.microcenter.com/product...l-flare-16gb-ddr5-6000,-computer-build-bundle

Toss in a cooler and use the case from the build he currently uses. Probably new psu as well.

 

[chrisf1320]

I think If you’ve got Microcenter nearby, how about something like this? The gpu would be used but at least you can upgrade later.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3061325088...1QoO_yZSxW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY


https://www.microcenter.com/product...l-flare-16gb-ddr5-6000,-computer-build-bundle

Toss in a cooler and use the case from the build he currently uses. Probably new psu as well.

I appreciate the input, but I think we need a push button race ready pc
I have given him the tools to learn.
Thank you