How to Save Money on a Gaming PC Without Cutting Corners

By OpenBoxit Team · 2026-04-09

A capable gaming PC costs somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on what you play and how you play it. But most people spend more than they need to because they buy everything new, at full price, all at once.

Here is how to build the same PC for less.

Buy the GPU Open Box

The graphics card is the single most expensive component in most gaming builds, and it is also the component with the best open box deals. A GPU that was returned to Best Buy after someone upgraded is the same card you would buy new. Same chip, same cooler, same performance.

Open box GPUs regularly save 15-25% off retail. On a $600 card, that is $90 to $150 back in your pocket. Since the GPU goes inside your case where nobody sees it, cosmetic grade is irrelevant. Buy the cheapest grade available.

Do Not Overspend on the CPU

Here is what most people get wrong: they buy a top-tier CPU to pair with a mid-range GPU. In gaming, the GPU does most of the work. A Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 handles virtually every modern game at high settings. The price difference between an i5 and an i9 is $200 to $300 that you will never notice in games.

Put that money toward a better GPU instead.

RAM and Storage: Buy What You Need

32GB of RAM is the current sweet spot for gaming. Do not buy 64GB unless you are doing video editing or running virtual machines. The extra 32GB adds $50 to $80 for zero gaming benefit.

For storage, a 1TB NVMe SSD is enough for most people. Game install sizes are large, but you do not need every game installed at once. A 1TB drive holds 10 to 15 modern games comfortably. Add a second drive later if you need it.

The Case and PSU: Function Over Flash

A $70 case with good airflow outperforms a $200 case with RGB lights and a tempered glass panel. Your PC does not care how it looks. It cares about airflow and cable management. Spend the minimum on a case that has good reviews for thermals, and move on.

The power supply is the one component you should not cheap out on, but you also do not need to overspend. A quality 750W 80+ Gold unit from a reputable brand (Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic) is enough for any single-GPU build. Open box PSUs are fine since they have minimal moving parts.

Time Your Purchases

Component prices fluctuate constantly. A GPU that costs $550 today might be $480 next month. Here are the best times to buy:

• New product launches: When a new GPU generation launches, the previous generation drops in price. This is often the best time to buy open box.
• Holiday sales: Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school sales all bring discounts.
• Random retailer clearance: Best Buy, Newegg, and Amazon all run flash sales throughout the year. Open box inventory fluctuates with return volume.

Where to Buy

For the best prices on open box and refurbished components:

• GPUs: Best Buy open box, eBay certified refurbished
• Monitors: Best Buy open box (frequently returned for size preferences)
• Motherboards: Best Buy open box, Newegg open box
• Cases and PSUs: Best Buy open box, Woot deals
• Peripherals: eBay certified, Woot, Amazon Renewed

A Real Example

Here is a mid-range gaming build buying smart versus buying new:

Same performance. $265 less. No corners cut.

Browse open box GPU deals or check out our full deals page to start building.