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page title icon How Much Does a Good Gaming PC Cost? 2024 Updated Guide

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| Updated on January 2, 2024

If you want a great gaming experience, building your own gaming PC can be a fantastic choice. How much does a good gaming PC cost? Let's find out.

As a gamer, you need to have a good system to play your favorite games the way they were intended to be played in today’s era.

Furthermore, even with a limited budget, you can buy a cheap prebuilt gaming PC that can provide good performance.

This article provides low-cost prebuilt PC builds that you can use as-is or as a starting point for creating your part list.

So what is the average price of the best gaming PC with unmatched performance and visual grace? I will walk you through everything you need to know. So let’s get going!

How Much Does A Prebuilt Gaming PC Cost?

How Much Does A Prebuilt Gaming PC Cost?

You don’t need to build a gaming PC. The safest action is to get a prebuilt one if you prefer to purchase something that will function outside the box.

Due to the additional labor costs, you will probably spend more on such a computer. Though not always, please take note.

Because they buy computers in bulk, some retailers can offer you a lower price because each component is far less expensive for them as a whole.

You can find the best gaming PC deals on Amazon, iBuypower, Best Buy, Lenovo, Newegg, Dell, HP, Corsair, and NZXT.

Look at the prices below for the best extreme system, the best high-end option, and the best budget-friendly gaming PC:

Prebuilt Gaming PCs Explained

Reputable suppliers’ pre-built gaming computers frequently have balanced hardware setups.

Some of the most well-known brands in the PC industry create these in large quantities. These are typically offered at nearby stores and are created to be used right out of the box.

Building your own gaming PC was always the more affordable when seeking excellent parts.

However, you can now locate a decent bargain and purchase a cheap gaming PC reasonably priced from a store like NewEgg or even Amazon.

Hardware Configuration

Pre-built systems are a tempting option for people who are less concerned with the specifics of each component in their construction (such as the manufacturer and finer details like RAM speed).

They are perfect for someone who prefers ease to have complete control over the hardware in their system.

The ideal PC may be easier to purchase if you know a few specifications about what you want (such as the CPU and GPU you desire), but you must trust the PC manufacturer to determine the other gear.

Budget

Watch out for online and offline bargains if you’re considering buying a prebuilt system, especially around time-sensitive sales like Black Friday.

Price reductions differ from seller to seller, but being on guard for them when they occur can be a great way to ensure you get the system you want at a reasonable price.

Flexibility helps in this situation. Even if the system you want is not on sale, keeping your options open could result in considerable savings.

Assembly Time

Purchasing a prebuilt computer locally or online may be the best option if you need a system as quickly as feasible.

A prebuilt computer often comes with almost everything you need to get started, including a keyboard, mouse, and operating system.

Tech Support and Troubleshooting

A manufacturer warranty or retailer protection package is frequently available when choosing a prebuilt system.

You should constantly double-check what is provided because these specifics will vary if post-purchase support is crucial.

Software

Typically, prebuilt computers include an operating system and some manufacturer-recommended software pre-installed.

Aesthetics

These systems function perfectly for people who don’t want to change their system. That doesn’t imply that your own PC build will be unattractive.

Computer makers regularly underline the importance of differentiating your own gaming PC from standard non-gaming PCs.

However, given that they are mass made, they could not be uniquely yours.

Which PC Parts Do I Need to Consider Before Buying a Prebuilt Gaming PC?

The first step in choosing the best PC is knowing all the required parts.

Now that you’ve considered the key elements that impact your own PC, let’s dive into the specifics. The following items are necessary for your own computer setup:

Central Processing Unit or CPU

CPU

The processor, often known as the CPU, is the brain and heart of your personal computer. It performs all computations and activities required to run your games.

Using the most powerful processor you can afford when constructing a powerful gaming PC is wise. However, a quad-core processor should suffice to optimize a PC for gaming.

If you don’t intend to overclock your CPU, you can pick from a range of 4-6 chips. This can be purchased for as little as $150.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) Cooling System

Any gaming PC must include a CPU cooler, a little device that keeps the CPU cool while sitting on top of it. If you play a lot, you could become hot.

By absorbing the heat your processor generates, a CPU cooler with a heatsink over the CPU prevents overheating.

The price will depend on the type of cooler you select. AIO CPU coolers, liquid CPU coolers, and other CPU coolers are all available.

Although the cost of each cooler varies, I suggest AIO coolers. The basic one costs less than $100, while a liquid cooler can cost as much as $200.

Graphics Processing Unit or GPU

CPU

The graphics card produces all of the images. Though purchasing the most powerful GPU or graphics card is wise, you shouldn’t spend more than 45% of your budget on the device.

The dependability of your graphics cards affects gaming. When gaming, it is more crucial than your processor.

The latest processors have a built-in GPU that can run at 30-60 frames per second (fps) in low to medium settings.

Which is better, AMD or NVIDIA? Nvidia RTX tends to be more powerful, especially at the high end.

AMD graphics card offers greater value at lower prices and a more user-friendly graphical user interface.

The price of a capable RX570 graphics card is about $171. The prices for NVIDIA’s earlier models will decrease due to the newest generation of 30x series cards.

You can buy an RTX 2060 right now for $300, or you can wait a little bit to acquire the 3080 and 3090.

Motherboard

Your computer’s motherboard, to which all the components are linked, is the main circuit board and forms the framework of your system.

A motherboard with a CPU socket compatible with your processor and enough RAM slots to support the amount of RAM you’re utilizing is required. On this, you shouldn’t cut corners.

A full-size ATX board can cost between $150 and $350, compared to a $50 budget ATX board.

Storage

Storage

Your pictures, audio, and other data will be stored here. A hard drive (or SSD) is a requirement when designing a perfect gaming PC, but you can add more if you need more capacity.

I suggest choosing an SSD (Solid State Drive) with at least 120GB of storage, even if you cannot buy one with more space.

Power Supply Unit or PSU

One of the components you’ll need for a budget build is the power supply, which powers all the components in your gaming PC.

Buying a power supply that can handle all the parts you currently use and any future additions is critical.

Always opt for a power source with a higher wattage than you require to be safe. The right PSU should be chosen with consideration for your GPU.

The average price ranges between $50 and $75 for a 500W bronze-rated PSU. PSUs with a rating of more than 500W or gold-rated will cost extra.

PC Case

CPU

This is the housing for all the parts of your gaming PC. It depends on your preference because there are so many options available.

Because the computer’s performance is unaffected by the case you choose—be it basic, expensive with plenty of lights and fans, or see-through—this component can help you build a cheap gaming PC.

You don’t need a case, but if you care about aesthetics or safeguarding your CPU, you can pick one up for $30. Depending on the features, a bespoke design may cost over $100.

Random-Access Memory or RAM

RAM is your computer’s temporary storage space while performing other activities.

The more RAM your gaming PC has, the smoother your gaming experience will be. However, how much RAM is required for gaming?

You’ll need at least 8GB for smooth sailing, but I suggest 16GB for the best performance. The RAM on one machine is 16GB and costs roughly $60.

If you just play a few games and don’t have a sizable library, getting a PC with 8GB of RAM is still possible.

A budget of at least $100 may be required if you’re a PC gamer always hunting for the newest and best titles to buy 32GB RAM or more.

What Should Your Budget Be for Your First Gaming Computer?

There are many choices beginners could investigate, but they must first apply the breaks and think creatively.

The tier of gaming PC you choose ultimately depends on your financial resources and the kinds of games you want to play games.

Depending on your level of independence, you might want a budget gaming PC around $700, a mid-range gaming PC under $1,100, or a high-end gaming PC costing over $1,500.

Being persistent on what you need is your best chance of getting that reasonable price.

Don’t be scared to insist on having your first gaming PC customized for your needs to get the most out of your money.

I am here to help you be brave, save money, and get the most value for your money when purchasing your first gaming PC.

What Is the Price of the Cheapest Gaming PC?

You must invest at least $800 in a gaming PC to play modern PC games.

You might get away with spending $400 if you intend to revel in some nostalgia rather than play the newest releases.

Of course, even at $400, you’re still paying more than you would for a standard gaming console and still unable to play new games.

Other components without RGB lighting are usually cheaper but perform the same. If you aren’t ready to commit at least $800, I advise against buying a gaming PC.

The ability to customize and enjoy better gameplay is worth the extra cost compared to a gaming console.

It makes little sense to invest $400 and not even be able to take advantage of the key advantages.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Gaming PC?

Depending on what you want to accomplish with it, building a gaming PC may cost you as much as $3,000 or even $4,000.

Expect to pay at least $2,000 to run high-end video games at their highest settings.

You can build a gaming PC for as cheap as $1,500 if you are ready to do the work yourself (depending on whether you need accessories like a monitor).

You should specify exactly what you intend to use the computer for before moving forward and attempting to estimate its cost.

For instance, the Oculus Rift team advises having a Windows 10 computer, an Intel Core i3-8100, an RX 570 or GTX 1060, and 8 Gigs of RAM.

Such a project would run you about $1,000 in total. That sounds like a pretty good deal, right?

For the best results, a powerful rig with an Intel Core i7 processor or greater and at least 8GB of RAM is required for simultaneous gaming and streaming.

An Intel Core i9 processor provides an even smoother gaming experience if you expect less influence on your gaming performance.

Intel Core i5 processors are more powerful than AMD Ryzen 5 processors. They have twice as many threads but an increased clock speed of up to 4.4GHz, quicker than the i5’s 4.6GHz.

I recommend reading my other article: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Gaming PC?

In conclusion, you can choose between a low-cost, mid-range, or high-end gaming PC design when constructing your own PC.

Sample PC Builds

Be aware that our suggestions for the finest PC builds are based on our knowledge of componentry, market research, and testing I’ve done of the main parts of each build.

However, I have not tested all of the components in each build together because I am aiming to target pricing points and often updating these lists (as prices change)

Some of the less performance-centric components, such as the case, motherboard, and PSU, maybe ones I have not reviewed.

Decent Gaming PC

High-End Gaming PC

Factors to Think About When Building a Gaming PC

There are several factors to take into account when choosing a gaming setup. Some of the elements that could impact the cost of a gaming PC setup include the following:

  • Games: Think about those you enjoy or wish to keep playing. RPGs like Far Cry and The Witcher need more specialized gaming technology than a budget computer for fluid gameplay. For casual PC gamers, budget gaming PCs might be suitable. Popular games like Among Us and Stardew Valley may be played on gaming laptops. A cheap gaming PC build can run it if it can.
  • Know-how: Here, you must choose whether to construct or buy a gaming PC. Is it more economical to build a gaming PC? Building a gaming PC can be more expensive than purchasing one. It will take much of your time and perhaps even some support if you are a beginner. A prebuilt gaming PC for $300 might be a better option. It is cheaper and simpler than building your own gaming PC.
  • Aesthetics: For gaming PCs, clear casings, color-changing LED bulbs, and other mods are growing in popularity. Matching your gaming computer’s and room’s colors won’t cost much. There are greater chances of discovering the greatest gaming computer at a reasonable cost without customizations.
  • Internal Components: Motherboard, CPU (Central Processing Unit), CPU Cooling Systems, RAM (Random Access Memory), Video Card, Graphics Card, Storage, etc.
  • External Components: Monitor, Mechanical Keyboard, Mouse, Case, Audio, RGB lighting, Gaming Desk, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following are some of the most often inquiries regarding the price of a good gaming computer:

Is a $600 Gaming PC Worth It?

This setup will give you the performance you need to play the latest games in high settings and leave you plenty of room for future upgrades.

How Much Does an Average Gaming PC Cost?

Basic tools, a processor, CPU cooling system, motherboard, RAM, storage, graphic card, power supply, computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers are required to build a gaming PC.

A typical gaming PC that can run all games at low to medium settings costs between $800 and $1200 USD.

If you want to run high-end games with a 60+ frame rate on high settings, you may need to pay as much as $2,000.

Is $1000 a Lot for a Gaming PC?

You can build a gaming PC for $1,000 that can easily max out anything on a 1080P (common resolution) monitor.

However, $1,000 worth of parts will also let you max out most games on a 1440P monitor and act as a starting point for 4K gaming.

Is a Budget Gaming PC Build Worth It?

Absolutely. PC gaming can be enjoyed with low-cost or high-end PC components, and the experience is superior to that of consoles.

A budget PC is worthwhile because of the improved quality, free online play, MODS, and more.

How Much SSD Will I Need for PC Gaming?

On the SSD, keep your smaller games like Fortnite. The minimum is 500GB, but I suggest 1TB.

Is Building My Own Gaming PC Less Expensive?

Building your own PC can be a significant advantage if you’re on a tight budget and hoping to save extra money.

By selecting the best components, you can compare pricing and avoid paying extra for expensive items you don’t need.

Why Is a Gaming Computer So Pricey?

Powerful graphics cards are one factor in the high cost of a powerful gaming PC.

Another factor is that the cost of manufacturing their parts is higher because they are not as widely produced as desktops and laptops.

When you compare the components of a desktop or laptop computer to those of a gaming PC, the components are typically smaller and less expensive.

You will get more features for your money, and your own computer will look more expensive

Conclusion

It’s time to invest in a new computer, and you’re ready to test how it performs in most games now that you know how much a gaming computer construction costs.

Anyone who likes computers or wants to play will find building a PC thrilling.

It’s not an easy task for everyone, but to build a gaming PC can be a terrific option to get the most powerful system.

The best alternative for many gamers is to purchase a prebuilt gaming PC if you aren’t ready to build a gaming PC yourself.

I hope this guide addressed all of your concerns and assisted you in selecting the components you require. I appreciate your reading!

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