We've all been there - you want to get into PC gaming but don't have thousands to drop on the latest RTX graphics card or 12-core processor. Budgets are tight, but your desire to play games like Valorant, Apex Legends, or CS:GO on more than just integrated graphics is strong.
Luckily, Tech By Matt is here to help. With over 220,000 loyal subscribers, this YouTube tech expert specializes in building capable gaming rigs on the tightest of budgets. In his latest December 2023 video, Matt manages to put together a surprisingly decent $125 gaming PC using only used parts from eBay.
Curious to see what performance can be squeezed out of such a tight budget? Let's dive into Matt's latest creation and see how he manages to play modern titles on the cheap.
## Basic Background on Tech By Matt
As an influencer, Matt has been creating tech content on YouTube since 2015. Based in the United States, he makes easy-to-follow tutorials and reviews centered around two main niches - budget tech and gaming.
With 9 years of producing videos, Matt has amassed quite the following - over 220,000 subscribers and 45 million views. His audience ranges from high schoolers and college students on tight budgets to thriftier tech enthusiasts.
Matt's bios and video descriptions also indicate he has an entrepreneurial spirit, funneling his influence into Amazon and eBay affiliate commissions. By including links to featured products, he likely earns a small percentage of any sales driven by his videos.
## Latest $125 Budget Build Breakdown
In his aptly titled "$125 Budget Gaming PC Build! (2023)" video, Matt outlines how he scored used parts on eBay to assemble a full gaming PC for just $125. Within 2 weeks, the video has already garnered over 42,000 views - indicating a strong interest among his audience for budget content.
The 15-minute video walks step-by-step through each component, how to identify eBay listings for used parts, and finally how to assemble them into a complete build. Here's a full breakdown of the components that make up the $125 budget rig:
- **CPU:** AMD Phenom II X4 965 - an older yet still capable quad-core CPU from AMD. Matt manages to score one for only $30.
- **Motherboard:** Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 - snagged for a mere $20, this microATX board offers USB 3.0 support and several SATA ports.
- **RAM:** 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 RAM - while not the latest DDR4, these 8GB sticks provide enough memory for budget gaming. Cost was $25 total.
- **GPU:** AMD Radeon HD 7850 - at $35, this older AMD card still packs enough punch to play esports titles at 1080p medium settings.
- **Storage:** 500GB Hard Drive - picked up for just $15, plenty of space to install Windows 10 and a few games.
- **Power Supply:** 550W PSU - found on eBay for only $20, provides enough power for all components. Non-modular to cut costs.
- **Case:** DIYPC Solo-T2-R - basic but well-reviewed microATX case with front USB 3.0. Just $20 for the case.
As Matt mentions in the video, buying used parts is key for putting together such an inexpensive DIY gaming PC. While limited compared to pre-builds, performance should still be suitable for many popular esports titles.
## Targeted Affiliate Promotions
In addition to walking through the budget build, Matt makes sure to include several affiliate links in the video description:
- eBay listings for used desktops and graphics cards
- Amazon listings for budget graphics cards and pre-built gaming PCs
- Newegg listings for refurbished pre-built gaming PCs
By including these targeted affiliate links, Matt likely earns a small commission from any purchases made if viewers want to buy a pre-built PC rather than build their own. This allows Matt to monetize his influence and tutorials beyond just YouTube ad revenue.
## Who's The Target Audience?
Based on the budget focus and entry-level gaming capabilities highlighted, the core target audience appears to be:
- High school and college students with limited budgets
- Young teens getting into PC gaming for the first time
- Budget-conscious buyers who want to game without spending a fortune
The thrifty nature of buying used parts allows even viewers with lower incomes to potentially build their own starter-level gaming PC after watching Matt's tutorial.
For those without the time or tech skills to build their own, Matt provides easy Amazon and Newegg purchase links for decent pre-built systems around the $500 price range.
## Closing Thoughts
While limited compared to modern AAA gaming rigs, Tech By Matt manages to prove you can play popular esports and multiplayer titles on the cheap. His $125 used part budget build hits that sweet spot of "good enough" performance while keeping costs low.
For younger viewers just getting into PC gaming, following Matt's parts list and tutorial in the video provides an easy starting point. For older audiences like college students, it offers a way to game on the side within a tight budget.
With parts picked carefully for value, solid performance for the price, and easy-to-follow instructions, this budget DIY build is a great option for audiences of all tech skill levels. Matt's ability to make budget PC builds accessible for his wide subscriber base explains his continued popularity on YouTube.
So for those looking to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank, Tech By Matt has you covered. What budget gaming build will he come up with next?
Tech By Matt's Recent Data
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Subscribers | 220000 |
| Total Views | 45832438 |
| Number of Videos | 215 |
| Average View Count (90 days) | 30819 |
| Average Comments (90 days) | 102 |
| Average Engagement Rate | 4.34% |
| Viewership/Fan Ratio | 14.01% |
| Comment/View Ratio | 0.33% |
