When considering a gaming PC build, one of the most critical considerations is the weight. The heavier the system, the more power necessary to lift it and the more difficult it can be to move around. That’s why it’s important to figure out how much a gaming PC weighs in kilograms upfront. Generally speaking, PCs built for gaming range from 5-15 kg, but the specific weight of your gaming PC will depend on several factors, such as the parts you use and the size of the chassis.
The first major factor in determining the weight of your gaming PC is the components you select. While most components tend to be quite lightweight, there are several heavier items that can add some heft to your system. Video cards in particular can add several kilograms, with high-end cards weighing up to 3kg. Power supplies are also another major variable and can range from 0.8-3kg depending on their size and output. The chassis itself can also be a source of heft, with mid-tower cases weighing up to 5 kg without any components.
Once you’ve picked out the components for your gaming PC build, you’ll have a better idea of how much the final system should weigh. Keep in mind that some components may not be manufactured to the same weight specifications. A high-quality chassis, for example, may be heavier than a generic one. Ultimately, however, the final weight of the PC will depend on how many components are installed.
It’s also important to consider other factors when estimating the weight of your gaming PC. Some components, such as water cooling radiators, can add a considerable amount of weight to a rig. In addition, any additional cables, peripherals, and accessories can also add to the total. Overall, these extra items will add up, so it’s important to factor them in when planning your system’s weight.
The best way to get an accurate weight for your gaming PC is to actually put it together and measure it using a scale. This method is arguably the most accurate way to determine the system’s weight. However, if you don’t have access to a scale, you can try to estimate the weight by adding up the individual weights of all the components.
All in all, a gaming PC typically weighs anywhere between 5-15kg, depending on the components you choose and the size of the chassis. To get an accurate weight for your system, you can either try to estimate it based on the individual component weights or weigh it using a scale. Either way, it’s important to know how much your gaming PC weighs before you build it, as this will make it easier to move and transport.
Chassis
The chassis of a gaming PC can be a major factor in determining the weight of the system. In general, there are three main types of cases that are commonly used for gaming builds: mini-towers, mid-towers, and full-towers. Mini-towers are the smallest and lightest of the three, typically weighing in at around 3kg. Mid-towers are slightly larger and can weigh up to 5kg, while full-towers are the largest and heaviest, reaching up to a maximum of 10kg.
The weight of your chassis will ultimately depend on several factors, such as the size and construction material. Larger cases and those made of steel tend to be heavier, while smaller ones and those made of aluminum are usually lighter. When selecting a chassis for your gaming PC, it’s important to consider not only the form factor and aesthetics but also the weight, as this can have a significant impact on the total weight of the system.
In addition to choosing the right size, another way to lighten the load on your gaming PC is to use a lighter material. Many cases are made of steel for added durability, but aluminum alternatives can provide similar protection while weighing significantly less. Ultimately, the choice of chassis material will affect the final weight of your gaming PC, so it’s important to consider this when planning your build.
Overall, the size and material of your gaming PC’s chassis can have a big impact on the system’s weight. While larger, steel cases may provide more durability and protection, they are also much heavier. Choosing a smaller case or one made of aluminum will reduce the overall weight of the system, which can make it much easier to transport.
Power Supply
The power supply of a gaming PC can also be a major contributor to the overall weight. Generally speaking, power supply units can range from 0.8-3 kg, depending on their size and output. Smaller, low-wattage units are typically around 0.8kg, while larger units can range up to 3 kg. However, the specific weight of your PSU will depend on the specific model, so it’s important to weigh it before you install it.
In addition to the weight of the unit itself, the cables of your power supply can also add some heft to your system. Most PSUs will come with several cables, including PCIe cables and Molex connectors. Depending on the wattage and type of power supply you select, the cables can add up to several additional kilograms. Overall, it’s important to factor in the weight of the power supply and any associated cables when planning your gaming PC build.
Ultimately, the weight of your power supply is an important factor to consider when building a gaming PC. Smaller, low-wattage PSUs tend to be lightweight, while larger units can add several kilograms to the total. Additionally, the cables used can also add extra heft, so it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your system’s weight.
Video Card
The video card is one of the heaviest components in a gaming PC build. High-end cards can weigh up to 3kg, while midrange cards fall in the range of 1-2kg. Before selecting your video card, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the GPU, as this will affect the overall weight of your system.
When it comes to selecting a GPU, a good rule of thumb is to look for cards that are small and lightweight. Smaller products tend to be lighter, and as a result, they will add less to the overall weight of the system. Additionally, some GPUs may also include a cooling fan, which can add even more heft to the card. While fans can be useful for keeping the GPU cool, they can also add some serious weight, so it’s important to account for this when planning your build.
In addition to size and weight, the type of GPU can also have an impact on the total weight. Dedicated graphics cards are usually heavier than integrated GPUs, as they have larger components and more circuitry. If you plan on using dedicated graphics for your gaming PC, it’s important to factor this into your calculations for the total system weight.
Overall, the video card is one of the heaviest components in a gaming PC build. After selecting your GPU, it’s important to consider the size, type, and weight of the card, as this can drastically affect the system’s weight. Additionally, any additional cooling fans should also be taken into account, as they can add substantial amounts of heft to your system.
Heatsinks and Cooling
Another important factor in determining the weight of your gaming PC is the cooling system. Heatsinks, radiators, and other cooling components can add several kilograms to your rig, so it’s important to factor this into your calculations for the overall weight of the system.
Generally speaking, the weight of your cooling system will depend on the size and type of components you select. Air-cooled heatsinks and fans tend to be the lightest components, with typical models weighing less than half a kilogram. Large water radiators, on the other hand, can easily weigh up to 2kg. Additionally, some components may also include fans and other cooling devices, which can further add to the total weight.
To keep the weight of your gaming PC down, it’s important to select the right components. Air-cooled heatsinks, for example, are typically much lighter than water radiators. Additionally, you may also want to consider opting for smaller radiators, as these are often lighter than their larger counterparts. Ultimately, the type and size of cooling components you select can have a big impact on the system’s overall weight, so it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your build.
Overall, the cooling system of your gaming PC can be a major contributor to the total weight. Heatsinks, radiators, fans, and other cooling components can range from half a kilogram up to several kilograms, depending on the type and size of the parts. When selecting cooling components, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the parts, as this can drastically affect the final weight of your system.
