Building a gaming PC can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. It is entirely possible to build an excellent gaming PC for around $1000 or even less if you shop smart and typically keep an eye out for discounts. First, it is important to identify the types of games you want to play as this will influence the kind of hardware required. Sure, a high end system can run practically any game on the highest settings with ease, but there is no point investing in top of the range hardware if the games you are playing are more basic and require less powerful components.
The most critical components of any gaming PC will be the graphics card and the processor. These two pieces of hardware are responsible for processing the game’s graphics and require dedicated RAM. The budget-friendly processor options from AMD’s Ryzen 5 series or Intel’s Core i5 or i7 series should suffice for most users. As for the graphics card, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 will meet nearly all gaming needs, but users who prefer virtual reality titles may have to opt for an RTX 2060 or higher.
RAM, storage, and cooling are less critical components when it comes to gaming. A 16 GB DDR4 RAM kit should provide enough performance, while an NVMe SSD or budget-friendly HDD coupled with a few storage expansing will provide ample storage space. Cooling fans can be purchased separately and usually come as either liquid coolers or air coolers. Most air cooler is more economical and shouldn’t cost more than $50, while liquid cooling units tend to be more expensive.
The power supply, monitor and all the other minor components such as PC case, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, etc. will naturally add to the cost. All these components can be purchased for an additional few hundred dollars, bringing the total cost of a gaming PC up to around $1000, possibly less if shoppers look out for discounts.
Although gaming PCs are often known as costly investments that can cost up to several thousands of dollars, it is easy to build a midrange gaming machine for less than $1000 if the shopper is smart about their purchases. As long as shoppers stick to budget-friendly hardware options and shop around for discounts, a gaming PC capable of running the latest titles on at least medium settings is not hard to come by.
GPU
A gaming PC’s GPU or graphics processing unit is the component that handles the heavy graphics lifting for your computer.GPUs are powerful, dedicated processors that are more efficient than a PC’s central processor. As such, they are essential for driving high-quality visuals in modern games. For entry to mid-tier gaming PCs, look to Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060, 1660, or 1070 Ti series. If you’re looking to create a more powerful gaming PC, consider investing in the 2060 RTX Super or 2070 RTX. Prices typically begin at around $300 and can easily exceed $800 depending on your choice.
CPU
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is the ‘brain’ of your gaming PC and is responsible for running the complexity of your computing workloads. On the budget end, AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600, 3400G, or 3600 series are great to get you started. For higher performance gaming, consider something from Intel’s i5 or i7 series. Expect to pay between $200 and $800 depending on the chosen processor.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the backbone of a gaming PC as it is responsible for providing a connection between the CPU, GPU and RAM. Fortunately, Motherboards for mid-tier gaming machines can be found for around $100. Aim for processors with an AM4 socket and ATX form factor for the best performance. You can save a bit of money by opting for the mATX form factor, but ATX is the best choice for mid-range gaming.
Storage
A combo of storage solutions is best for gaming PCs, featuring an SSD for quick start-up and loading times as well as an HDD for mass storage. SSDs are much faster than HDDs and come in either 2.5-inch or M.2 form factors. The Crucial MX500 or Samsung 860 Evo series drives are good choices for the budget-minded gamer. While HDD speeds are much slower, they are much more affordable and reliable. The Seagate Firecuda series offers good value. Budget 500 GB of storage to get you started.
Power Supply
Power supplies power and regulate the flow of electricity to your components and should match the wattage needs of your arsenal and other components. Power Supply Units, or PSUs, come in various shapes and sizes and vary in quality. In general, it’s best to purchase from reputable brands such as Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic. To achieve the best performance, purchase one that is 80+ certified. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a solid power supply.
RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is used to store data that can be accessed quickly as long as it remains powered on. 8GB of RAM should suffice for most gaming PCs, but 16GB if you plan on doing more than just gaming. For the budget-minded among us, a kit such as the Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB is the perfect choice. However, if you want to future-proof your gaming PC you can opt for higher capacity RAM such as the G.Skill TridentZ 16GB.
