Buying a Computer with a Monitor for 13,000 UAH ($350)

Choosing and Purchasing an Affordable Home Computer for Modern Gaming

Looking to Buying a Computer with a Monitor for 13,000 UAH ($350)? The price of a new computer with a monitor has traditionally hovered above $1,000. But times have changed, and today, the gaming industry isn’t evolving as rapidly as it did in the early 2000s. A brand-new system in 2024 might still cost between 20,000 and 50,000 UAH, and even then, it won’t be a top-tier powerhouse.

On the used market, system units range from 4,000 to 9,000 UAH (prices are approximate). Here’s the good news: even a used computer in this price range can handle all essential tasks for 2024–2025. Better yet, you’ll likely be thrilled to know that a PC at this price can run nearly all games up to 2023 on medium graphics settings.

Let’s explore an option where not all components are brand new—a mix of new and used parts. This is how I managed to buy a computer with a monitor, assembling my own PC in 2023.

Monitor

Modern monitors are highly reliable, and if you’re looking to save money, buying a used one is a safe bet. On online marketplaces, you can find 22–24-inch monitors with a resolution of 1680×1050 or higher for 1,000–1,500 UAH. I recommend an IPS panel with a 1920×1080 resolution for the best experience. I snagged a monitor with a 1680×1050 resolution for 1,000 UAH, and it suits me fine, though I plan to upgrade in a couple of years. New monitors start at around 4,000 UAH. To check a monitor, simply turn it on and inspect the display for spots or dead pixels—used or new, the process is the same.

Processor, Motherboard, and Memory

For these components, I recommend buying new. In this market, if every hryvnia counts, AMD takes the lead with highly efficient and affordable processors. I’m not against Intel—two of my other PCs run on older Intel chips, and their reliability and stability are impressive. My experience with AMD over the past six months has been equally satisfying; its stability and performance bring me joy daily. These are excellent modern processors. I chose the Ryzen 5 3600 with its stock cooler. The slightly pricier Ryzen 5 5500 offers a bit more performance. Both are solid choices depending on your budget and will handle all tasks well, fully utilizing mid-range graphics cards for modern gaming.

Motherboard
Pick one compatible with your processor, with room to upgrade to a more powerful CPU in a few years. A decent motherboard can be found for 2,200–2,500 UAH.

Memory
DDR4 outperforms DDR3, making it the obvious choice. While DDR3 can still manage most tasks and games today, DDR4 at 3200 MHz is ideal. I went with the cheapest DDR4 at 3200 MHz. Due to my tight budget, I initially bought one 8 GB stick and added another two months later, bringing me to 16 GB. I can confidently say 16 GB is more than enough for now. You can always upgrade to 32 or 64 GB later.

Case

For a budget build, choose a case with a built-in power supply. I picked one with a 500W PSU without much research. It’s sufficient but runs at its limit. It supports my graphics card, which consumes up to 190W (despite aiming for 150W), and everything works stably without shutdowns or reboots. However, I recommend a case with a 600W PSU and USB 3.0 on the front panel—search around, and you can find one for 1,500–1,700 UAH. Add two extra fans (intake and exhaust) for better airflow.

Storage

I suggest a 128 GB M.2 SSD for the system as a budget option, paired with a used 2 TB+ HDD in good condition for storage. Larger 500–1,000 GB M.2 drives are available, but HDDs remain a great choice for storing photos and videos even today.

Graphics Card

New mid-range graphics cards cost 6,000–10,000 UAH, so opting for a used one starting at 1,500 UAH is very practical. A 1,500 UAH card can run nearly all games up to 2023, including most titles before Alan Wake 2, which demands a modern GPU. If, like me, you haven’t gamed in a decade, a 1,500 UAH card opens up a world of games from the past ten years. For a school kid, this PC would be a dream—it’ll run all major games and PlayStation hits, offering more than just a console but a full-fledged computer.

Buying a used graphics card can be risky if the seller doesn’t provide tests or proof of functionality. I bought mine used, visited the seller’s home, and saw it working—that was enough for me, even without extensive testing. So far, it’s been flawless. Look for sellers upgrading to a new card; you’re more likely to get a reliable one.

Check out this video for more insights: https://youtu.be/B4gAHi17h8M.

Conclusion

Buying a computer with a monitor for 13,000 UAH ($350) is entirely possible in 2024 – 2025. With a mix of new and used parts, you can assemble a solid PC for gaming and everyday tasks. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy modern computing without breaking the bank!