In 2018, gaming PC prices can range from under $500 to in excess of $3000, depending on individual requirements and preferences. Budget gamers may not find value in spending more than the minimum needed, while enthusiast gamers may find value in spending a bit more for a fully featured, higher-end gaming PC. In order to determine what’s best for a given individual, it’s important to consider the type of games being played, desired performance, budget, and other important considerations.
Gaming Requirements
The main component of a gaming PC build is the graphics processing unit, or GPU. This is what dictates the computer’s capabilities to run the latest games in good quality and with smooth frame rates. If a person is playing games that require a lot of processing power and a powerful GPU, then a more expensive gaming setup is likely to be needed to meet the demands. On the other hand, if a person is mostly playing older games that don’t require a lot of graphical processing power, then a less expensive setup may suffice. In this case, budget-conscious gamers may find greater value in opting for the more affordable solution.
Hardware Specifications
The specifications of the hardware components, such as the processor and RAM, can also help determine the amount to spend on a gaming PC. The processor and RAM help dictate how much multitasking the computer can handle and how quickly it can process data. For faster multitasking, a more expensive setup may be necessary. Gamers who need to run multiple applications and games simultaneously or who want their games to load quickly and run smoothly may benefit from spending the extra money on a faster processor and more RAM. This is especially true if they are going to be playing the latest games with cutting-edge graphics.
Peripherals and Perks
In addition to the cost of the PC itself, gamers should take into account the cost of additional peripherals they may need, such as monitors, controllers, keyboards, mice, and more. They should also consider any special upgrades they may desire, such as a larger hard drive, more RAM, a higher-end GPU, or additional cooling fans. All of these additional components and perks can quickly add to the total cost of the gaming setup.
Budget and Preference
Having a budget and knowing your personal preferences can help determine how much a gaming PC should cost. Some gamers may be content with a budget-friendly setup, while others may prefer to invest in a higher-end gaming PC. In either case, it’s important to consider the factors mentioned above before making a final decision.
Purpose of Use
Another important consideration when looking at gaming PC prices is the purpose of its use. If a gamer plans on using the PC for more than just gaming, such as producing music or video editing, then they should factor in the cost of the additional components they’ll need to meet their needs. Having a separate PC for gaming and other tasks may be a better option for some.
Gaming Software Compatibility
Finally, gamers should consider what type of games they’ll be playing and if their chosen gaming system will be able to support the game software. Some games may require certain hardware components, operating systems, and other specific software to run properly. Knowing what gaming system specs are needed for the games being played could potentially save a lot of money in the long run.
Game Quality Settings
The quality settings of the games being played can also affect the cost of a gaming PC build. Higher-end games may require a more powerful graphics card and additional RAM to run, thus leading to a more expensive gaming setup. Those who want the best performance possible might need to spend more money on the graphics processing component alone. However, those who aren’t too concerned with the finer details and are only looking to play games at the highest possible frame rate and image quality should be able to find an adequate gaming setup at a lower price.
Required Speeds
The speed of the games being played will also affect the cost of a gaming PC build. The faster the game involves graphics processing, the more power it will require. Those who want the best performance should expect to pay more for the appropriate hardware. On the other hand, those who are only looking to play games at lower speeds may be able to find a budget-friendly setup that will still provide a satisfactory gaming experience.
Quality of Parts
The quality of the gaming components can also have an impact on the cost. Poorly built parts will not only run slower, but may also break down more quickly than higher-end components. Therefore, gamers should be sure to purchase only reliable, quality parts in order to get the most out of their gaming PC. A bit of research on the components they are considering could be beneficial in the long run.
