A gaming PC that is powerful, reliable, and affordable is something that many gamers strive for. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of “How much to build a decent gaming PC?” because the cost of components and the level of gaming performance you desire will determine the final cost. Generally speaking, however, building a decent gaming PC will likely cost you around $600 to $800. This can vary depending on the type of graphics card, motherboard, processor, RAM, and storage you purchase.
When it comes to building a gaming PC, there are numerous components and factors to consider. Components like the motherboard, RAM, and graphics card are essential for gaming, as well as an adequate power supply and cooling system. The processor and storage options (SSD vs. mechanical hard drive) will make a difference in performance as well. Furthermore, cases are an element of the build that can make your gaming PC look much better.
If you are willing to spend more than $800, you can begin to invest in higher-end components that can offer better gaming performance. If money is no problem, you can even build the ultimate gaming PC with components that will cost you thousands of dollars. But for the average gamer, $800 is enough to build a gaming PC that can handle most games with settings on high or ultra.
When building a gaming PC, it is important to consider your budget and try to pick the best components that you can afford. Doing research on the specific components you are looking to buy is essential, and will help you determine what you should spend your money on. If you’re willing to invest in higher-end components that have higher price tags, it can pay off in gaming performance.
Building a decent gaming PC on a budget may sound daunting, but it is actually quite straightforward. Once you have picked the components you want, you can either build the PC yourself or seek professional help. Once the build is complete, it is important to configure the BIOS and install the necessary software (driver and updates) in order to utilize the full potential of your gaming PC.
Building Your Own Gaming PC vs. Buying Prebuilt
When it comes to getting a decent gaming PC, many people consider building their own vs. buying a prebuilt system. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine which route to go down. Building your own gaming PC allows for maximum customization and the ability to tailor the components towards your specific gaming needs. Buying a prebuilt system may come with a pricier price tag, but it also comes with convenience, as all components are pre-installed and the user does not have to go through the hassle of building it on their own.
When building your own gaming PC, it is important to consider certain important factors. The type of processor, graphics card, RAM, and motherboard you select will directly influence the gaming performance of the system. It is also important to invest in a reliable power supply in order to ensure adequate power supply to the components, otherwise the system might become unstable or even the components could be damaged.
It is also important to consider storage options. Most gaming PCs will come with some form of storage either an SSD or a mechanical hard drive. An SSD will generally be faster and offer better performance, whereas a mechanical hard drive is a more affordable option. Lastly, the case and cooling system of the gaming PC should be considered, as both will impact the look and performance of the system, respectively.
Types of Components
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The processor of your gaming PC is arguably the most important part of your system. An Intel i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU are great options that provide good gaming performance without breaking the bank. If you’re willing to spend more, an Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPU will offer better performance.
Motherboard – A motherboard is what all the components of your gaming PC are connected to, and as such it is an important factor to consider when building a gaming PC. Make sure to always pick a motherboard that is compatible with the processor, RAM, and other components you select.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – A decent Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is probably the second most important component in your gaming PC. A good option is a mid range graphics card such as the Nvidia GTX 1650 or the AMD Radeon RX 560. If you’re looking for better performance, an Nvidia GTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 590 will provide good performance without breaking the bank.
Random Access Memory (RAM) – The amount of RAM you should aim for depends on what kind of games you play and how the game runs on your system. As a general rule of thumb, 8 GB of RAM is enough for the average gamer. If you want more RAM, 16 GB should provide ample performance for most games.
Storage –Storage is another important factor to consider when building a gaming PC. Generally speaking, a combination of a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a Mechanical Hard Drive (HDD) is considered ideal, as an SSD can provide better loading speeds and an HDD can provide more storage space (1TB or more). Of course, if budget and space is an issue, you could opt for only an SSD.
Optimal Settings and Software
Once your gaming PC is built and the necessary peripheral is purchased (i.e. keyboard, mouse, etc.), you will need to set the appropriate settings in order to maximize the potential of your gaming PC. This includes installing the necessary drivers for your hardware as well as software such as antivirus, game optimization programs, and background programs that can take advantage of the hardware in your PC.
It is also important to remember to update your drivers regularly (especially the GPU driver) in order to ensure optimal performance. Furthermore, overclocking your processor can help maximize the performance of your gaming PC, however this is not recommended unless you are comfortable with the necessary settings and are familiar with the concept of overclocking.
Conclusion
Building a decent gaming PC does not have to be expensive; however, it does require careful consideration of all components and how they will affect the overall performance of the system. Research is key, especially when it comes to selecting high-end components that may have higher price tags. Lastly, keep in mind the optimal settings and software required to take full advantage of your gaming PC.
