With the extreme advancement of games, a regular laptop won’t cut it. If you are looking to get your hands on graphically demanding games like Halo or Assasin’s Creed, you better have a gaming PC. So, how much does it cost to build a gaming PC? The answer depends on what you are looking for. But the average cost of a gaming PC can be anywhere from $500 to over $3,000.
Things to Consider
There are several factors you need to think about when looking for a gaming PC setup. Here are the things that can affect a gaming setup price:
Games
Think about the type of games you are currently playing or would like to play in the future. Some RPGs like The Witcher and Far Cry will require more than a beginner gaming pc, especially if you want to enjoy smooth-sailing gameplay.
If you are a casual gamer you might be able to get away with a budget PC build. Popular games like Among Us and Stardew Valley can run on laptops—think, if it can run on a laptop then it can run on a budget gaming PC.
Know-how
This where you have to decide if you are going to build or buy a gaming PC. Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC? Some people are surprised to find out that building your own PC can actually be more expensive than simply buying one.
You are going to need a lot of time (and maybe, even help) especially if you are a noob. It actually might be better to get a $300 prebuilt gaming PC instead. Less headache and it comes out cheaper, too.
Aesthetics
More and more people are now decking out their gaming PC with clear cases, color-changing lights, and other modifications. If you care about matching the color of your room and gaming pc setup, it won’t be cheap. You have a better chance of getting a good gaming pc at a reasonable price without the customizations.
Internal Components
Now that you have thought about the major factors for your PC, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of things. The following are the internal components that your gaming setup will need:
Motherboard
Your motherboard will dictate the kind of CPU you are going to get as well as the memory, expansion slots, USB, storage, and network options—it’s something you don’t want to skimp on. A budget ATX board starts at $50 while a full-size one is around $150 to $350.
CPU
If you aren’t planning on overclocking your CPU, then it’s okay to opt for one with 4 to 6 chips. This can cost you at most $150. For most gamers, a GPU is a better priority than getting a CPU over $200.
CPU Cooler
Sometimes, the heatsink that comes with your processor won’t be enough to keep your computer from overheating. To keep this from happening, you can choose from different types of CPU coolers. Basic types are less than $100 but if you want a liquid cooler, it can set you back a cool $200.
RAM
The average cost of a gaming PC’s RAM is about $60, which is 16GB. However, if you are just playing a few games and not have an entire library, it’s possible to have a PC with only 8GB RAM. For those who are the type to keep getting the latest and upcoming games, you might need a budget of over $100 to get 32GB or higher RAMs.
GPU
If you have high-refresh rates for your games, you are going to need an advanced GPU that can cost up to $500. But for casual gamers, a modern GPU will do and it’s just around $150. If money is really tight and you aren’t that concerned with your graphics, you may opt for the integrated type.
Storage
You should have enough space for your operating system, the games you’ll play, and other things you might want to store or install on your computer. Medium-capacity storage, such as an M.2 SSD, can fall anywhere between $40 to $70. Now, if you an NVMe M.2 plus other additional storage drives, prepare to shell out $150 or more.
PSU
Choosing the right PSU relies heavily on your GPU. Bronze-rated PSUs, 500W, can cost $50 to $75. Anything higher than 500W or gold-rated PSUs, expect it to go over $100.
External Components
When someone asks, “How much does it cost to build a gaming PC?” most people focus too much on the CPU and forget the external components altogether. Be sure to factor in the prices for the following:
Monitor
A 24-inch monitor with a display of 1920 x1080 is around $100 to $200. Be prepared for pricier models if you want a larger monitor or if you’ll need a multiple-monitor PC setup.
Keyboard
If you don’t want a membrane board, it’s possible to get a mechanical keyboard for less than $100. High-end mechanical keyboards cost over $200.
Mouse
You can get a mouse with low DPI settings for only $10. But serious players usually opt for mice with scroll wheels, 8,200++ DPI settings, and multi buttons that cost up to $300.
Case
A case is something you can forgo but if you care about PC aesthetics or shielding your CPU, you can get a basic one at $30. For customized designs, it can cost over $100 depending on the features.
Audio
Using integrated audio will cost you nothing but if you buy a sound card, speakers, and/or headphones, it’ll be around $100 to $500.
So, How Much Does it Cost to Build a Gaming PC?
Add it all up and budget builds can go as low as $500 while custom gaming PCs can go over $3000.
