The Best $500 Home Office PC Build – October 2024
Maximum Office Productivity for the Minimum Price!
Looking to build the best possible home office PC for around $500? No problem! This guide lists all the parts you’ll need to put together a balanced computer that has the power to handle any office task. And luckily, while low-cost video cards are nearly extinct, this office PC’s built-in video means you can get your system up and running without wasting a dime!
This Month’s Build, Powered by Intel
For October 2024, the $500 Home Office PC Build features Intel’s proven Core i5-12400, a six-core, 12-thread processor that is perfect for home office use. And adding to its value is its built-in graphics, allowing you to run this system without the added expense of a video card.
With regard to other components, you’re getting top-shelf gear. This includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe-based solid-state drive, which is lightyears ahead of the hard drives you’ll find in most off-the-shelf office PCs. The $500 Home Office PC Build is housed in a compact micro-ATX case and powered by a 500W power supply.
Perhaps the best thing about this build is that it offers plenty of opportunity for upgrades down the line thanks to the roomy interior, industry-standard components, and capable power supply. We’ve listed some of our top recommendations for accessories and upgrades, including a gaming-grade video card, later in this guide!
The DIY vs. Pre-Built Question
In addition to the DIY PC build we profile in this guide, you may wish to consider the pre-built PC we list as an alternative, even if you are committed to building your own PC. Why? Well, the answer is simple: OEMs get great pricing on components and Windows software, translating to excellent overall value for the home or small office PC user, especially if you don’t have extra time to spare to build a PC.
Parting Thoughts
Need to accessorize your new Home Office PC? Just scroll down to the end of this guide for our top picks, or check out our dedicated Monitor Buyer’s Guide, Speaker/Headset Buyer’s Guide, and Wireless Networking Buyer’s Guide!
Note that this guide provides direct links to Amazon in the US, and our Amazon links will auto-convert for readers in the UK, Canada, and the EU. with automated substitutions where required. If you decide to purchase any of the products we list, please use the links provided, which helps support continued development of these guides.
The Pre-Built Option
-
The Home Office Desktop –
Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92
$480Wow, just wow! This is a revelation! For around $500, the latest Acer Aspire will no doubt be a PC you can use for years to come. It’s equipped with the Intel Core i5-13400 ten-core, 16-thread CPU that boosts up to 4.6GHz, 8GB of DDR4 memory, a fast 512GB SSD, an 8X DVD, cutting-edge WiFi 6E wireless networking, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB 3.1 Type-C port in front for easy connections to modern devices. The one small upgrade we’d recommend is an extra 8GB of DDR4 memory to bring the total to 16GB.With this pre-built PC, you are truly ready to go right out of the box, as both a mouse and keyboard are included. While not as expandable as the DIY build we profile below, the price is right!
The DIY Option
-
CPU –
Intel Core i5-12400
$139 The Guru’s TipThis CPU comes with a capable cooler in the box. Also note that you should not substitute this for the 12400F, which is not the same processor - because it does not have built-in graphics, it will not work in this system.
-
Motherboard –
MSI PRO H610M-G WiFi DDR4
$90 The Guru’s TipThe motherboard's HDMI 2.1 port and DisplayPort support monitors with resolutions up to 4K.
-
Memory –
Silicon Power 2x8GB DDR4-3200
$29 The Guru’s TipThe speed of this kit will accelerate not just the CPU, but the built-in GPU as well.
-
Solid-State Drive –
Silicon Power 512GB NVMe
$35 The Guru’s TipThis drive comes in a number of sizes. 512GB is what we consider the minimum, but if you need more space, go for the 1TB or 2TB drives, which are even better deals!
-
Case –
Cooler Master Q300L
$40 The Guru’s TipSmall, inexpensive cases like this one sell out constantly, so grab it if you can!
-
Power Supply –
Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+
$39 The Guru’s TipThis is an exceptional deal coming from a major, trusted manufacturer!
-
Operating System –
Windows 11 Home (USB) @Newegg
$139 The Guru’s TipWindows 11 is the OS you want on your new system!
Optional Products
-
Video Card –
PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 Fighter 8GB
$200 The Guru’s TipEquip your office system to game with this compact yet powerful graphics card - it will fit perfectly in this system!
-
The Basic Wireless Keyboard/Mouse Combo –
Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
$28 The Guru’s TipThis combo uses a single tiny USB receiver to connect both peripherals!
-
The 24-inch Small Office Monitor –
Sceptre E248W-19203R
$80 The Guru’s TipTo use the built-in speakers, connect the monitor to your PC with an HDMI cable - it will carry both video and audio!
-
The Basic PC Speakers –
Creative Pebble 2.0
$17 The Guru’s TipTo connect these, you'll use a 3.5mm cable for audio and USB for power, both to your PC. No connection to the wall required!
-
Webcam –
Logitech C920x Pro HD Webcam
$70 The Guru’s TipWe advise you not to buy any Logitech webcams from third-party sellers. They are likely to be used or counterfeit.
Total Cost: $509
The Pre-Built Option
The DIY Option
- CPU – Intel Core i5-12400 ($139)
- Motherboard – MSI PRO H610M-G WiFi DDR4 ($90)
- Memory – Silicon Power 2x8GB DDR4-3200 ($29)
- Solid-State Drive – Silicon Power 512GB NVMe ($35)
- Case – Cooler Master Q300L ($40)
- Power Supply – Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ ($39)
- Operating System – Windows 11 Home (USB) @Newegg ($139)
Optional Products
- Video Card – PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 Fighter 8GB ($200)
- The Basic Wireless Keyboard/Mouse Combo – Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo ($28)
- The 24-inch Small Office Monitor – Sceptre E248W-19203R ($80)
- The Basic PC Speakers – Creative Pebble 2.0 ($17)
- Webcam – Logitech C920x Pro HD Webcam ($70)