The average cost of a gaming PC varies and depends on the hardware and software components chosen. Generally speaking, basic gaming PCs with modest specs will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. High-end gaming PCs that are powered by the latest and greatest hardware components, meanwhile, can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000.
There are a lot of variables that play into the final pricing of a gaming PC. The most important of these variables is, of course, the hardware. CPUs and GPUs can range in price from relatively affordable ~$100-$200 parts to absolute top-of-the-line ~$1,000+ parts. This will affect not only the cost of the main components of the system but also the cooling, power supply, and motherboard.
In addition to the hardware, the choice of operating system is generally an extra expense. Windows 10, for example, can cost up to $200 in some cases. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives like Linux but these tend to require more technical knowledge and may require additional software to run certain games.
Now, let’s talk about peripherals which are the extras like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam etc. As a rule, these extras can add up quickly. An entry-level gaming monitor from a reputable brand can easily end up costing between $200 to $400. As for gaming keyboards and mice, these can range from relatively inexpensive $20-$50 devices to extravagantly expensive $150+ models.
Finally, we have software. Many gaming titles are available for free, or for much cheaper via digital distribution services like Steam. Some titles, however, require special subscription services or can get quite expensive. For example, popular MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft can cost up to $50 per month.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Gaming PC
The cost of a gaming PC is affected by a variety of factors, ranging from the hardware and peripherals chosen to the software and other extras. When building a gaming PC, one should always consider all of these factors and decide how much they are willing to spend before starting the build. Of course, the performance of the PC will depend on the components chosen, and so like-for-like comparison should be carried out between different components. All in all, a basic gaming PC can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the hardware components, operating system, and extras chosen.
Operating System Costs
When applying a budget to a gaming PC build, the operating system often comes as an extra cost. Windows 10 is arguably the most popular operating system for gaming and this generally costs up to $200 depending on the edition, although there are cheaper alternatives such as Linux, while MacOS and ChromeOS can also be used by some, though at a reduced level of gaming performance.
Extras and Peripherals
For a complete gaming setup, a variety of peripherals and extras will generally be required. Monitors, for example, can vary in price from entry-level ~$200 models to high-end ~$1,000 models and the same can be said for gaming keyboards and mice. Webcams and headsets, meanwhile, tend to fall in the lower price ranges of the market. All of these should be accounted for when purchasing a new gaming PC.
Software Licensing and Subscription Services
Finally, software is a major part of any gaming build and this will generally include titles that require specific subscription services and potentially expensive licensing fees. This can be anything from online MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, to digital streaming services like Netflix, to advanced game development suites like Unreal Engine. The cost of these services should also be taken into consideration when creating a budget for a gaming PC build.
Conclusion
The cost of constructing a gaming PC can vary greatly depending on the hardware, software and peripherals chosen. High-end gaming PCs with all the latest components can cost thousands, while basic gaming PCs with modest hardware and software can still be quite affordable. Ultimately, it is important to remember to plan out a budget and research the various components, extras, operating systems and software before building the PC.
