It can be daunting to begin building your own gaming PC. If you are looking to get the absolute most for your money, understanding how much it will cost to build a gaming PC is essential.
Realistically, the cost of a building a gaming PC will vary substantially depending on your needs. Competing at the highest levels will require a more expensive rig, and those looking for a budget option won’t need the same power. In general, gaming PCs cost between $700 and $2,000.
The cost of your gaming rig will depend largely on the type of components you choose. There are a few areas where you should consider investing more money.Your motherboard is your central connection point, so it’s worth investing in a reliable unit. DDR4 RAM is currently the most expensive type of RAM, but it provides substantial performance benefits. Investing in a good graphics card will also help futureproof your system, as it is one of the most important components when it comes to gaming performance.
On the other hand, you don’t need to invest in the most expensive components if you don’t need the latest technology. There are plenty of good components available at lower price points. When building a budget gaming PC, it’s important to focus on the essentials. Invest in a good power supply and a solid CPU, and don’t worry about fancy features like multiple graphics cards or complex cooling systems.
Building a gaming PC is an exciting and rewarding process. It’s important to shop around and do your research, as there are plenty of components available at different price points. While it may be tempting to opt for the latest, most powerful components, you can easily build a gaming PC without spending too much.
How Much is The Graphics Card?
The graphics card is the heart of a gaming PC and the most important component when it comes to gaming performance. High-end graphics cards can cost up to $1,000, but you don’t necessarily need to invest that much. If you are looking for a good budget card, look for models in the $200 to $400 range.
A good mid-range card should be enough for most gamers. Nvidia RTX 2060, 2070 and 2080 series and AMD RX 5700, 5700 XT and Radeon VII series cards all offer good performance in the mid-range price range. If you want the absolute best in gaming performance, the latest Nvidia RTX 3080 and 3090 series cards are currently the best available.
It’s also important to consider the type of games you’ll be playing. Different games require different levels of performance. If you are looking to play demanding games like the latest triple AAA titles, investing in a higher-end graphics card may be worth it. On the other hand, if you mostly play less demanding games, a budget card may be enough.
What About The Processor?
The processor is another key component in a gaming PC and will determine the overall performance of your system. Intel’s latest 10th-generation chips provide excellent performance and can easily handle the latest games. If you are looking for a budget option, AMD’s Ryzen series CPUs provide affordable and good performing processors.
When it comes to gaming, the processor isn’t as important as the graphics card. However, it’s still worth investing in a good CPU if you want to futureproof your system. An Intel Core i5 processor or higher should be enough for most gamers, and you can always upgrade to a higher-end processor later on.
When looking at processors, the number of cores and the frequency (GHz) are the most important performance factors. The higher the number of cores, the better, as it will allow your CPU to handle more complex tasks. The frequency (GHz) determines how quickly the cores can work, so a higher frequency will result in better performance overall.
In general, Intel’s Core i5-9600K and Core i7-9700K processors offer good performance in the mid-range to high-end range. If you are looking for a budget option, AMD’s Ryzen 5 2600 and Ryzen 7 2700X are both good choices.
How Much is The RAM?
RAM is one of the most important components of a gaming PC and will heavily affect your gaming performance. RAM comes in different types, and the most expensive type is currently DDR4 RAM. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point for most gaming PCs and should be enough for most gamers. However, if you plan on running multiple applications at the same time, 16GB of RAM is recommended.
Ultimately, the type and amount of RAM you choose will depend on your budget and the type of games you plan on playing. If you are looking for the best performance, look for RGB RAM with a high frequency (MHz). On the other hand, if you are on a budget, you can opt for cheaper RAM with a lower frequency.
Overall, RAM can be a bit expensive, so you should invest in a good motherboard that supports multiple RAM slots. That way, you can start with 8GB of RAM and upgrade later on if necessary.
Do I Need An Operating System?
Yes, you will need an operating system when building a gaming PC. Windows 10 is currently the most popular operating system for gaming PCs and the one most likely to be supported by the latest games. You can purchase a license for Windows 10 from Microsoft for around $150.
Alternatively, there are free alternatives such as Linux. While Linux can provide a good gaming experience, it’s not as widely supported as Windows, so you may encounter some compatibility issues. Additionally, many modern games use DirectX, which is Windows-exclusive and not available on Linux.
What About Cooling Systems?
Cooling systems are an important part of a gaming PC, and it’s important to invest in a good cooling system if you want your system to run at its peak performance. A good cooling system will keep your components running cool, which will help protect them from damage due to overheating.
Air cooling systems are the most common type, and most modern CPUs come with stock coolers that work well. However, if you want to seriously overclock your CPU, a high-end air cooler or liquid cooler may be worth the investment.
Ultimately, the type of cooling system you choose will depend on your budget and your needs. A good stock cooler should be enough for most gamers, and upgrading to a higher-end cooling system is only necessary if you plan on overclocking your system.
What Accessories Do I Need?
To complete your gaming PC, you will need a few essential accessories. These include a power supply, a monitor, a keyboard and mouse, and an internet connection. A good power supply will provide enough power to run your components and help reduce the risk of damage due to power surges.
The size and resolution of the monitor you choose will depend on your budget and the type of games you plan on playing. A good 3 monitor setup can provide an immersive gaming experience, but a single 1080P monitor should be enough for most gamers. It’s worth investing in a quality gaming keyboard and mouse, as these will provide the best performance
Finally, you’ll need an internet connection for online gaming. If you don’t already have a connection, you can get an internet package from your local internet service provider. Most gaming PCs should have Ethernet and WiFi capabilities.
