It is often debated if building a gaming PC is cheaper than buying one ready-made. While the answer to this question ultimately depends on the components you intend to buy or build with, there are several factors that can influence the overall cost. Fortunately, the cost of manufacturing components has decreased significantly over the years, making it easier for experienced PC gamers to build their own gaming rigs.
The first factor to consider is the time it takes to build the gaming PC. Experienced PC builders can easily put together a gaming PC in an hour or so. On the other hand, even a novice builder may take longer if they are unfamiliar with the components they are using. If a gamer is considering building a PC on their own, they should factor in the amount of time it will take them to research each component and build the machine. This can make the cost of building a gaming PC appear more expensive than buying an already-made one.
Secondly, there’s the cost of the individual components. Generally speaking, buying a pre-made gaming PC is more expensive than custom building one. However, buying higher quality components can offset the cost of buying a gaming PC, in turn resulting in a cheaper overall cost. This can be especially true if you intend to buy a single part for your gaming PC, such as a graphics card.
Thirdly, depending on the area of the world the PC builder is in, different retailers may offer different prices. This is because different parts may be sold at different prices in different regions. Shopping around may result in buyers finding cheaper parts, thus allowing them to build a gaming PC at a lower cost.
Fourthly, different types of coupons and discounts available online can be used to find cheaper parts. Companies such as Amazon offer monthly deals and discounts on certain products, which can result in more savings for the PC builder. Additionally, many third-party websites have coupons that can be used when shopping online, resulting in savings of up to a few hundred dollars.
Finally, people may find that building their own gaming PC isn’t cheaper. If the total cost of all the components is higher than the cost of an pre-made one, then it may not be worth it to build the gaming PC. In this situation, it may be cheaper to just buy an off-the-shelf gaming PC.
Types of Components for Gaming PC
A gaming PC generally consists of a CPU, motherboard, case and various other components. The CPU is the processor that runs the game and determines the performance. Typically, gaming PCs come with high-end CPUs such as Intel’s Core i7 or AMD’s Ryzen 5. The motherboard usually comes with several sockets for additional components, such as RAM and graphics cards.
The case houses all the gaming PC components. A good gaming PC case should be spacious enough to hold all the components and be able to provide proper cooling. Most gaming PC cases come with plenty of fans to keep the temperature regulated and there are also cases that come with built-in liquid cooling systems which are great for keeping temperatures low during intensive gaming sessions.
Besides a decent CPU, motherboard, and case, additional components are necessary for a gaming PC. This includes RAM, graphics card, storage, and peripherals. For RAM, gamers typically pick RAM that is geared towards gaming. This usually consists of faster and larger RAM sticks, such as DDR4. For the graphics card, high-end GPUs are the norm, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and the AMD Radeon RX 570.
Storage-wise, gamers may go for an SSD or a HDD. An SSD provides faster access to games and can boot up the system quickly. This is great for gamers who are serious about their gaming speeds. For storage, a larger storage drive should be chosen if the game library consists of many titles. Most gaming PCs come with at least 1TB of storage, some even reaching up to 4TB.
Peripherals such as gaming keyboards and mice are also important for a gaming PC. Many gaming keyboard and mice come with features specifically for gamers, such as macro keys and customisable weights. Of course, these components come with a premium price tag. However, these are great for gamers who want to get an edge over their competition.
Cost of Building Gaming PC Components
The cost of components for a gaming PC varies greatly. High-end components such as the CPU, GPU, and RAM can cost a significant amount of money, while cheaper components such as the case, storage, and peripherals come with lower price tags. Additionally, the brand and quality of components can have a great impact on the cost of building a gaming PC. High-end brands such as Asus and Gigabyte tend to cost more than generic components, but come with better performance.
The processor is one of the more expensive components of a gaming PC. High-end processors from Intel or AMD can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on their specifications and performance. For the graphics card, high-performance GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX 2080 and the AMD Radeon RX 5700 can cost over $400. As for RAM, 8GB is usually enough for gaming, although 16GB is recommended for more serious gamers. 8GB DDR4 RAM can cost around $60-100, while 16GB of the same type of RAM can cost up to $200.
The cost of the case, storage and peripherals are usually lower than that of the CPU, GPU and RAM. A decent mid-range case can cost around $50-100, while a high-end case can cost over $200. For storage, an SSD with around 500GB of storage can cost around $80-140, while a HDD with the same amount of storage can cost about $50-70. Peripherals such as gaming keyboards and mice can cost anywhere from $40 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the features and brand.
Is It Cheaper to Build Gaming PC?
The answer to this question depends on the individual situation. Generally, building a gaming PC can save money. However, this depends largely on the components being bought or built with. For example, if an individual intends to build a gaming PC with only HDDs and generic components, then buying a pre-made gaming PC may still be cheaper. On the other hand, if an individual intends to buy higher-end parts and build a gaming PC, they may be able to save money over buying a pre-made one.
In addition, shoppers should take into consideration the amount of time they have to research and build the PC. Experienced PC builders may already have a good knowledge of the components they plan to use and may be able to put together a gaming PC fairly quickly. However, for those who are modeling their first gaming PC, the amount of time spent researching each component and building the machine can add up and potentially make the cost of building a gaming PC seem more expensive than buying a pre-made one.
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on what components and features the individual wants on their gaming PC. If an individual’s gaming PC needs are fairly modest and they want to save money, then buying an off-the-shelf gaming PC may be the way to go. On the other hand, if the individual has specific gaming needs and wants to customise their gaming PC, then building it themselves may be a more cost-effective option.
Benefits & Risks of Building Gaming PC
Building a gaming PC has a variety of benefits, such as improved performance and increased customizability options. Building your own gaming PC allows you to garner better performance than a pre-built gaming PC, as you can pick components that specifically cater to your gaming needs. This allows you to have a gaming PC that is more powerful than off-the-shelf gaming PCs, but at a lower cost.
Additionally, building your own gaming PC allows for customizability options. You can add or remove components as needed, allowing you to keep your gaming PC up-to-date as hardware and software evolution. This keeps your gaming PC as future-proof as possible and you can keep adding new parts as the technology improves.
However, building a gaming PC does come with some risks. If you are unfamiliar with the components you are using, it can lead to compatibility or BIOS issues. On top of that, incorrect installation of components can lead to damage to your gaming PC. The cost of repairing these components can start to add up, thus making it more expensive than buying an off-the-shelf gaming PC.
Additionally, building your own gaming PC can be a time-consuming and tedious task. From researching each component to putting it all together, the time spent can definitely be more than an off-the-shelf gaming PC. This can be especially true if you don’t have the right tools and knowledge of the components you are using.
How to Build Gaming PC Easily?
Building a gaming PC is not as hard as it may seem. You don’t need to be a PC expert or electronics engineer to put one together. All you need is the right tools, parts, and knowledge of how to put it all together. There are many helpful guides online that will walk you through the process step-by-step.
First, you should do your research on each component of the gaming PC. From CPU to GPU to storage and RAM, be sure to pay attention to the compatibility of each component with each other. This will ensure that you don’t have any compatibility issues or bios issues later on. Once you have done your research, you can purchase the components and begin the build process.
Second, gather the needed tools for the build. For example, you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to open the case and attach components and thermal paste for the CPU and GPU. Additionally, you will need to gather the peripheral components for gaming, such as a keyboard and mice. Some gaming keyboards and mice come with built-in features, so research on those as well.
Third, begin the build process. Start by opening the case and attaching the motherboard and the processor. Make sure to follow the user manual and read any notes on attached with the components. Next, attach the RAM, GPU, and storage. Connect all the cables rightly and route them properly. Assemble the case and turn on the system.
Finally, install the operating system and any other software and programs you may need. Install the drivers for the motherboard and other components, then calibrate the settings as necessary. Test the system to make sure that all components are working as they should, and your gaming PC is ready to go.
