Gaming PCs can be quite a tricky purchase – you need to make sure you’re getting enough power without spending too much. How much should you spend on a decent gaming PC? Well, that depends on the games you plan to play and the level of performance you’d like.
For entry-level gaming PCs, you’re aiming to spend around $800 USD. For this you’ll get an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a mid-range graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 570. This type of set-up can run most popular games comfortably at 1080p (Full HD) resolution.
If you’re looking for a mid-range gaming PC, you’re looking at spending around $1,200 USD. For this you’ll get an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a high-end graphics card like the NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon VII. With this set-up you’ll be able to get great performance at 1080p, and should be able to manage some games at 1440p (2K) resolution.
High-end gaming PCs require a much heavier investment – you’re looking at spending around $2,000 USD. The components you’ll get will be even more powerful than the mid-range gaming PC set-up, and will consist of an Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a high-end graphics card such as the NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti or AMD Radeon VII. With a set-up like this you can get great gaming performance at 1440p and you should be able to push some games to 4K resolution.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just guidelines for a PC that will be suitable for gaming. If you need your PC for more than gaming, such as video editing or 3D modelling, then you may need to invest more. Likewise, if you feel that your gaming rig needs more power, then feel free to upgrade any of the components.
Where to Get a Decent Gaming PC?
Once you know the specs you need, it’s time to start shopping. There are a few different options available to you, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You can purchase a custom-built PC from an online retailer, or you can buy and assemble the parts yourself. Alternatively, you could look at buying a pre-built gaming PC.
Custom-built PCs are becoming more popular, especially with the rise of websites such as PCPartPicker which make it easy to compare and find the best components for your budget. Buying the parts yourself and assembling a PC can be quite a daunting task for newcomers, and if you’re not careful, it’s possible to end up spending too much. It’s best to get some advice online before entering this route.
Pre-built PCs are great if you’re not comfortable building your own rig. You can pick a pre-built PC up from retail stores such as BestBuy or Walmart, or you can purchase one online. If you go with a pre-built option, make sure to research the specs of the machine before you buy. Oftentimes these machines have the specs downgraded to save costs, so the advertised performance won’t be what you actually get.
Either way you go, make sure to read plenty of reviews before you commit to a purchase. It’s important to bear in mind that any gaming PC purchase won’t just be good for the here and now, you’ll also want it to last for a few years. So make sure you don’t end up settling for something that doesn’t meet your needs in the long run.
Upgrading a Gaming PC
It’s important to note that the longevity of a gaming PC isn’t set in stone. With a bit of maintenance and a few upgrades, you can extend the life of your gaming PC significantly. The most cost-effective way to do this is to upgrade your graphics card. Doing this will give you a significant bump in performance, so you can keep running your games at high settings.
Upgrading your graphics card can be a bit complicated, so make sure to do some research before you start. You’ll need to check the model number of your existing graphics card, as well as the specifications of the new card you’re planning to get. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the graphics card you’re planning to buy is compatible with the rest of your PC’s components.
You should also consider upgrading your RAM and CPU. Getting more RAM won’t necessarily boost your gaming performance, but it will allow you to multitask more smoothly. Upgrading your CPU is a bit more tricky, and requires a lot of research on what processor is compatible with your PC. It’s also important to ensure you don’t buy a CPU that’s more powerful than your existing processor.
Finally, it’s a good idea to upgrade your PSU (Power Supply Unit). Generally speaking, you won’t need to upgrade your PSU unless you’re doing a major hardware overhaul, but having a good PSU will help your PC run more efficiently.
What to Do With an Old Gaming PC?
So you’ve bought yourself a new gaming PC and you’re wondering what to do with your old system. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do. For one, you could put it up for sale on sites such as eBay or Craigslist. This can be a quick and easy way to recoup some of the money you spent on the new PC. Alternatively, you could donate your PC to a local charity or school. This is a great way to help those who are less fortunate than you and could really benefit from a good PC.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could take this opportunity to tinker with your old PC. Strip it of its components and turn it into a retro gaming machine, or maybe build a NAS (Network-attached Storage). Both of these projects can be completed on a budget and can give you a new appreciation for the technology you have. Have fun and see what you can create!
Conclusion
A decent gaming PC will cost you anywhere from $800 – $2,000 USD depending on the type of set-up you’re after. It’s important to keep in mind that these specs are just guidelines, and there are many other factors to consider such as GPU and RAM size. You can buy a gaming PC from a variety of places, depending on your preferences. And lastly, don’t forget to do something with your old system – whether you sell it, donate it, or repurpose it, that old gaming PC can still come in handy!
