ETA Prime Builds Sub-$250 Linux Gaming PC
For just under $250, YouTuber ETA Prime has assembled a Linux-based PC capable of handling demanding PC titles at 1080p. Designed as a living room PC, this build offers more power than the Steam Deck while maintaining a similar console-style interface.
Here's a breakdown of the build:
- Base: HP Pavilion PC with a Ryzen 5 3500, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB m.2 SSD (purchased on eBay for $168)
- GPU Upgrade: AMD Radeon RX 590 8GB (purchased for $68, RX 580 suggested as an alternative)
- RAM Upgrade: Additional 4GB stick for a total of 20GB
- OS: Bazzite Linux (Fedora-based distro with a Steam Deck-like UI)
Performance Highlights:
- Cyberpunk 2077: High settings at 1080p, average FPS in the high 50s to mid-60s (AMD FSR Balanced)
- Ghost of Tsushima: Medium settings at 1080p, upwards of 70 FPS (AMD FSR enabled, some graphical glitches)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: High settings, average 77 FPS
Things to Consider:
- AMD no longer provides driver updates for the RX 500 series.
- While performance is good for the price, newer games may pose a challenge.
Overall, this build demonstrates that it's possible to create a budget-friendly gaming PC capable of respectable performance.
Source: ETA Prime on YouTube
