How much does it cost to build a gaming PC is the first question of every gamer. Unfortunately, early 2023 may not be the best time to create a gaming PC because CPU and GPU costs are astronomically inflated owing to chip shortages. However, if you still want to construct a gaming PC on a friendly budget, we have made it a little easier for you. In this article, we will help you to know how much it costs to build your gaming PC. We have done significant research on all PC components, including the CPU, motherboard, case, GPU, RAM, storage, power supply, and cooling, and have narrowed down the best options, so you don’t have to worry.
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As a PC gamer, you must have a proficient gaming machine and an age of fantastic graphics and incredibly demanding video games if you want to play your favourite games the way they were supposed to be played. Increase your knowledge about how much to build a gaming PC, and then you will be able to get the best deals. Some gamers may claim that PC gaming is too expensive, but the reality is that even on a tight budget, you can build (or buy) a budget PC that can give outstanding performance in most games at 1080P resolution.
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Are prebuilt Gaming PCs expensive?
To start your gaming career, first, know how much a gaming PC costs to build. There is also a possibility that you need not construct your gaming PCs. If you prefer to buy something that will work outside of the box, a prebuilt one is the safest option. You will almost certainly pay more for such a computer due to the additional labor costs. But surprisingly, the cost to build a gaming PC can be reduced if you buy a prebuilt PC.
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This isn’t always the case, though. Some vendors can offer you a lower price since they buy computers in bulk, which means that the individual price of any specific part is much lower for them. Take a look at the prices below:
| Retailer | Computer | Price |
| Cyberpower | Z370 i7 | $1,065 |
| iBuyPower | Revolt 2 Z390 | $1,299 |
| Best Buy | HP – Omen By HP Obelisk Desktop | $899 |
| Microsoft | Alienware Aurora R11 | $899+ |
| NZXT | NZXT BLD | $699+ |
How can you build the best Gaming PC Under a Budget?
We intended to use a CPU with a modern design, at least four cores, and multithreading capabilities. It is a good idea to explore how much it costs to make a computer in the market.
In terms of GPU, having a GPU powerful enough to run games at 1080p resolution and more than 60fps at medium to high settings is essential in 2021. Several motherboards to choose from, but we selected one with at least four USB 3.2 Gen 1 connections, one USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and an optical multichannel audio port.
While 8GB of RAM is plenty, for now, it would be best to future-proof the PC by upgrading to 16 GB. SSDs have gotten a lot cheaper, and you can now get a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD for rapid booting, installing and running games, and accessing large apps if you want a power supply with at least 650W, a fully modular architecture, and an 80+ certification for the power supply. All these will help you to get an idea about how much to build a gaming PC. We usually think to spend the least on the PC case due to the limited budget, but we made sure that you can purchase a decent-looking issue with a tempered glass side panel in the future to show off your RGB stuff.
Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC or buy one that has already been made?
How much to build a gaming PC? There is no simple answer to this question. It used to be that constructing your PC was always the most cost-effective option — at least if you wanted high-quality components. Today, though, you can get a terrific bargain on a low-cost gaming PC from places like NewEgg or even Amazon. A clear difference between buying a prebuilt PC or making a new one.
| Build Your PC | Buy a Prebuilt PC | |
| Pros | -Better understanding of how everything works -Overall cheaper | -Professional does it for you, less chance of mistakes -Ready to go when you get it |
| Cons | -You can make a costly mistake | -Paying extra for the cost of labor |
Know about the Average Cost of Gaming PC Components
There is no simple answer or one-size-fits-all solution to how much it is to build a computer. Many PC gamers will tell you that putting together a system that allows you to play the latest games at their top settings can be difficult. Your computer’s average cost will be determined by the components used in its construction. Here are some cost-cutting recommendations on how to acquire computer parts and how much they cost:
CPU
You do not want to sacrifice outstanding gaming performance by settling for a mediocre CPU. A good match between your CPU and graphics helps you to have a good gaming experience. Like the graphics card, the processor is an essential component of a gaming PC, and you don’t want to skimp on it. The cost to build a gaming PC is entirely your personal choice. If you opt to cut expenditures in this area, you can face a bottleneck problem. This indicates that the processor cannot keep up with the graphics card, and you may experience significant performance loss due to this issue.
To avoid bottlenecks, it is necessary to have a CPU that’s on pace with your graphics card and calculate how much it will cost to build a gaming PC with additional choices. AMD and Intel both produce high-performance processors. If you do not mind investing a little more money for reliability and performance between different processors, an Intel chip, such as an i5 or i7 from the 7th or 8th series, would be a good choice. If you want to save money while still having a decent-performing CPU, getting an AMD Ryzen series card like the Ryzen 7 2700x is recommended.
| Range: | Cost: |
| Low-End Processor | $50-$150 |
| Mid-Range Processor | $150-$350 |
| High-End Processor | $400+ |
Graphics Card
What Do 2GB And 4GB Graphics Card Means? When it comes to gaming, the reliability of your graphics card is critical, and you should be aware of how much a good gaming pc costs with an excellent graphics card. When gaming, you can consider it to be more significant than the processor. A strong RX 570 graphics card may be had for roughly $171. Due to the recent announcement of the 30x series of cards, older NVIDIA models will also be reduced in price. You can acquire an RTX 2060 for around $300 right now or wait for the 3080 or 3090 to come out.
If you are cautious about considering how much it costs to build a gaming desktop, buying a lower-end GPU can help you save a bit more money, and you can buy a Mid-Range GPU like a GTX 1060 GTX 1050ti or an RTX 1660 card instead. These cards have an excellent price-to-performance ratio, which means you will receive the best performance for your money. You will lose a lot of understanding and may be disappointed with your build if you cut corners.
High-end Graphics Card
If you have money and desire a high-end graphics card such as a GTX 1080 Ti or even an RTX 2080 Ti, go for it! If you can get your hands on the RTX 3060 for the suggested retail price, most games will run at approximately 120 frames per second at high quality and Full HD resolution. The price can become higher if you want everything to be of top features, and the cost of how much it is to build a gaming computer can vary from person to person.
At a high quality and QHD resolution, you can still obtain close to 100 frames per second. You can play games at 4K resolution and high settings and still achieve playable frame rates. You may play 4K games on your PC by connecting it to your 4K TV. For many years to come, these cards will keep games operating smoothly. This is a cost comparison between different GPUs.
| Range: | Cost: |
| Low-End GPU | $100-$200 |
| Mid-Range GPU | $200-$500 |
| High-End GPU | $500+ |
Storage: HDD or SSD
Striking the right mix with your gaming PC’s SSD memory and HDD additional storage options reduces game load time while chasing a low price, but you should know that the cost to build a gaming pc can vary with time. Although 8GB of RAM is sufficient, finding a pair of 4GB sticks is difficult. Furthermore, for future-proofing your PC design, it is recommended to buy 16GB of DDR4 RAM. You can get a total of 16GB of RAM by purchasing two of these RAM sticks. That is enough memory to hold a vast AAA gaming title and game streaming software without having to remove your other apps.
Motherboard
If you want to select a powerful motherboard that can accommodate more storage, has expansion possibilities, and is compatible with future CPU upgrades, it is essential to calculate the average cost to build a gaming pc. Even with minor performance variations between motherboards, there can be a huge difference, so it is critical to choose the proper one. Essentially, the CPU socket support, ports, size, and general quality all play a role in your motherboard selection. Aside from that, there are a few other things to think about.
The most excellent gaming motherboard is the cornerstone of any gaming PC, and you should choose one early on in the process without caring about how much it costs to make a gaming PC because it is an integral part of your PC. A motherboard dictates, among other things, the size of the case you should buy, the best SSD to use, and the compatible CPUs you may use; thus, picking the finest motherboard is crucial to a problem-free setup.
How much does your first gaming PC cost?
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There are numerous possibilities available to newcomers, but they must first apply the brakes and think outside the box. The grade of gaming PC you choose is determined by a combination of your financial background and the types of games you desire on your gaming PC. Being persistent on precisely what you require is your best shot for finding fantastic offers and helps you to calculate how much does your first gaming PC costs. Do not hesitate to demand that your first gaming PC be customized to your specific needs to get the most bang for your buck. Investing in your first gaming PC can and should be worthwhile, which is why we are here to help you take risks, save money, and get the most bang for your buck.
What is the price of a Standard Desktop Computer?
You might also be wondering how much a conventional desktop PC would cost instead of a high-end gaming PC. It would undoubtedly be less expensive. If you only need a computer for browsing the internet, creating documents, and storing images, it will cost you around $300 to $600. You won’t have to worry about fancy games, so you won’t have to spend as much on a CPU or graphics card, lowering the overall cost of your computer. If you’re buying a PC for your company, don’t forget to ensure some basic essential types of equipment that a gaming PC must have.
Are PC sales declining?
The average cost of building a gaming pc can vary as per the demand in the market. The popularity of PC gaming has dwindled. In a self-contained bubble, the consoles and their digital stores exist. Because of the absolute monopoly, prices are pretty high. Prices are rising because there is little competition among the several digital distribution outlets.
These platforms provide more deals and discounts. Another aspect that has propelled is how much it costs to build your gaming computer. Games and services are less expensive, and many are available for free. There has been an increase in innovation because you no longer need permission to release PC game updates, and you can tweak existing games on your gaming pc and have fun.
FAQs
Why does my PC shut down when gaming?
If your computer is infected with malware, it may shut down by accident while you’re playing games. Check if your antivirus software is up to date. To avoid malware interfering with your computer’s normal operations, run a malware scan.
How long does a gaming PC last?
Typically, a gaming computer lasts two to three years. If you utilize your computer carefully, it can live for up to eight years. Gaming computers need to be upgraded from time to time. The core components of a gaming computer determine its long-term viability.
Why is PC gaming dying?
There are several causes for PC gaming’s demise, including digital game piracy, users unwilling to pay the total price for digital goods, a shortage of dedicated servers, developers reluctant to produce games for various hardware combinations, and more.
