The most expensive and important component in the majority of gaming PCs is the graphics card. It’s the most essential part of the system and can quickly break the bank. In most cases, the GPU will account for 30%-50% of the overall cost of a gaming PC build. This means it is much more expensive than all the other parts, including the CPU, RAM, motherboards, storage, and other components.
Graphics cards vary in terms of price, depending on the model. Those designed for the latest AAA games such as Battlefield and Grand Theft Auto will set you back hundreds of dollars. The most powerful ones, such as the Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti, cost upwards of $1,200. This can eat up a large chunk of the budget for a gaming PC build and might require building the PC on a tight budget.
Another factor to consider when it comes to the most expensive part of a gaming PC build is the cooling system. While the CPU and GPU both generate a lot of heat, they need to be cooled efficiently to keep the system running smoothly. Traditional air coolers are the most popular and affordable option, costing between $50 and $150. Water cooling systems, while more costly, can offer better cooling performance, allowing the PC to remain stable at higher clock speeds.
One often overlooked part is the power supply unit (PSU). The quality of the PSU is important as it can directly impact the reliability and performance of the system. A good quality PSU will help protect the computer from any potential power surges and outages. Higher wattage models can also be more expensive though, ranging anywhere from $50 – $300 depending on the specifics.
Finally, the case itself can also be an expensive component. Not only does the case need to look good, it also needs to provide adequate space for the components inside and ensure proper air flow. A good quality case can easily set you back $100, with some top-tier models retailing for over $200. That being said, a case is a great investment and can last for many years.
The Computer Monitor
The computer monitor is probably the second most important part of a gaming PC. It’s the display that gamers see their games on, and a high-quality one can make all the difference. The good news is most gaming monitors aren’t too expensive. For example, a budget 24-inch 1080p monitor could cost as little as $150, while a higher resolution 27-inch 1440p monitor will set you back around $300. Bigger and higher resolution models can keep going up in price but they can often provide a better gaming experience.
For those that prefer higher refresh rates, premium models can have refresh rates of up 144Hz or even higher. The downside of these models is their cost, with higher refresh rate monitors usually costing more than standard options. The most expensive are typically the UltraWide versions with a larger 21:9 aspect ratio, costing several hundred dollars. For professional streamers and gamers, this feature is essential, but in most cases, it would be an unnecessary expense.
For most gamers, a good 24 or 27-inch 1080p monitor will offer the most bang for the buck. Any additional features like adjustable stands, built-in speakers, USB ports, etc will cost extra, and should only be chosen depending on the requirements.
Storage and RAM
Another important component of a gaming PC is RAM and storage. Most current games need at least 8GB of RAM, and more demanding games will require 16GB or even more. RAM is relatively affordable compared to graphics cards, and today you can get 16GB of DDR4 RAM for around $50-60. Higher speeds will cost more however, with 32GB kits retailing for $100+.
When it comes to storage, the most popular option are solid state drives (SSD). They offer faster load times and performance than standard hard drives, but they’re also more expensive. A 500GB SSD currently costs around $80-90, while a 1TB SSD will set you back around $150-$180. Hard drives are still useful for storing games that aren’t frequently played, or for backing up important files and documents. A 1TB hard drive can be had for around $30.
In terms of cost, RAM and storage don’t add too much to the total cost of the system. But without them, the PC would be unable to run the games at all, so they’re still very important. Overall, the graphics card remains the most expensive component of a gaming PC, and all the other components are only necessary to enable the PC to use the graphics card.
Peripherals
Peripherals cannot be overlooked either since they are necessary for a great gaming experience. A gaming mouse and keyboard are necessary for most games and can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars. For example, a high-end gaming mouse with lots of buttons and features can cost upwards of $200. However, it’s possible to find decent gaming mice and keyboards for around $50-60.
A gaming headset is also often necessary, as they provide a way to communicate with other players. Gaming headsets can range from $50-$200 depending on the brand and features. Other peripheral devices such as game controllers, surround sound speakers and headsets, and racing wheels can all add up quickly. In the end, it all boils down to what kind of experience the gamer wants.
Misc. Components
All of the other components such as the motherboards and power supplies are relatively inexpensive compared to the rest. However, they are still important parts of the gaming PC, and they can still add up if a high-end model is chosen. High-end motherboards can cost up to $300, while power supplies can range from $50-$300 depending on the wattage output.
That being said, these components are not as critical as the GPU or even the CPU when it comes to gaming performance. Even a budget motherboard and power supply can work well, so don’t be afraid to go for cheaper models to save some money.
Conclusion
To summarise, the most expensive part of a gaming PC will most likely be the graphics card. It’s the primary component that determines the level of performance, and hence it will usually account for the largest portion of the overall budget. Other components such as the CPU, RAM, storage, case, and peripherals can easily add up too, so it’s important to consider all of these before buying the parts for a gaming PC build.
