When it comes to gaming, having a great gaming PC setup is of the utmost importance. From the hardware to the software, gaming PCs are essential for the best gaming experience. But the question of how much is a gaming PC in Canada often leaves gamers scratching their heads. The answer isn’t simple, as it depends on the type of gaming PC desired and, to an extent, the components used. But to get a broad idea of the price range, the following should be taken into consideration.
Budget
The first factor to consider is budget. In Canada, budgets for gaming PCs can range widely, from entry-level gaming PCs for around a few hundred dollars to high-end performance machines with prices reaching in the thousands. It is important to determine how much money is available to spend on the gaming PC before making any selections or following any guides. That will then satisfy certain criteria or provide certain extra features, depending on the budget.
Components
The components of the gaming PC, such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, and case, are the most important aspects to get right. The prices of these components vary wildly depending on the brand and the specific version. For example, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is a much more expensive graphics card than the GeForce GTX 1660 Super. This means it is important to compare the different types of components available on the market in order to get the best price available for the right performance output.
Warranty
Things can go wrong with computers, especially when they’re pushed to the limit while gaming. As such, it is important to look into warranty options when purchasing parts and the computer itself. Most Canadian companies offer at least one year of warranty on their parts. It is possible to purchase extended warranties, but this may cost extra. It is important to note, however, that warranties do not always cover damage caused by overclocking.
Location
Where one does their shopping for the different components and computer can also affect the cost of the gaming PC. Shopping locally may cost more but comes with advantages such as being able to view or test certain components or systems before buying. Shopping online is often cheaper, but items may not be able to be returned or exchanged as easily.
Custom Builds
Another factor to consider when looking at the cost of a gaming PC in Canada is the potential to customize the computer with each individual component. This allows for more flexibility when choosing the ideal specifications that fit the budget and games being played. This can add to the cost of the gaming PC but is often the best option if an even more serious gaming rig is desired.
Service and Support
Finally, service and technical support are an important part of the total cost of a gaming PC in Canada. Not all gaming PC tiers come with premium service and support. It is important to look into the customer service offered by different companies to determine whether the extra cost of customer service is worth the investment. This will help to avoid future service problems or issues that require a professional to solve.
Memory
When considering how much is a gaming PC in Canada, it is important to factor in the cost of RAM. Memory is a key component in any gaming PC, and it affects the performance of the system as a whole. Generally, 8GB is considered the minimum while 16GB is the recommended amount of RAM. Prices vary greatly between different types and sizes of RAM, so it is important to research the best price for the right amount.
Storage
Finally, the storage of a gaming PC is an important component to consider. Generally, games can take up a lot of space, and players may find themselves needing to upgrade their storage often. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a lot faster than Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), but they come at a higher price. It is important to factor in the cost of these drives when determining how much a gaming PC will cost in Canada.
Graphics Cards
Graphics cards are essential for any gaming PC. High-performance cards from NVIDIA and AMD will allow for better visuals, higher frame rates, and improved overall performance. But these cards come with a hefty price tag. It is important to consider how powerful the card needs to be in order to keep the desired budget and performance requirements. Be sure to compare different prices and models before making a purchase.
Processors
Choosing a processor is an important step when building a gaming PC. The most important factor when selecting a processor is its number of cores and clock speed. Fewer cores and a lower clock speed means a lower price. But it is also important to keep in mind the particular games being played and how the processor can affect the performance. Intel Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 CPUs are the higher-end processor models, but be sure to compare prices of different models before making a decision.
Build or Buy?
One of the biggest questions when considering how much a gaming PC will cost in Canada is whether to build or buy it. Building a gaming PC is often the more cost-efficient choice, as gamers can select the exact parts they need in order to meet their desired specifications. But if time or knowledge are a limitation, buying a pre-built gaming PC may be the better option. There are a wide array of excellent pre-built gaming PCs in Canada, but there are also plenty of potential pitfalls to avoid when selecting one.
