How Much Does It Cost To Build A Gaming PC In-Depth Analysis

How much does it cost to build a gaming PC? Well, it depends on what you’re gunning for. Several gaming PCs are out there that offer standard immersion potential. But if you’ve got your sights set on enhanced gaming comfort, building a PC is the best way to go.

But as the question above reveals, hitting the right estimate could be challenging, particularly for newbies.

Generally, what increases PC building prices depends on your choice of components. Also, the price you’ve got to fork out rests on how many components you intend to change. Regardless of what factors you have in mind, you need essential info.

Having essential facts will help you build a budget pc for gaming. And if you’re a high-end gaming lover, there’re several top-class options too.

In this piece, you’ll get access to a price range for building your PC no matter your budget.

Also, you’ll get to see several components required to get a perfect gaming PC set up. After this, putting together a gaming PC becomes more comforting and straightforward.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Gaming PC?

Budget Range

A slim budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some form of quality gaming. So, if you’re checking out an estimate for setting up a budget gaming PC, consider the following;

• GPU estimate : $80 – $200
• RAM (ideal memory space) : 4GB – 8GB
• Storage drive estimate: Varies
• Central processor estimate: Core i3 (Intel processors) or AMD Ryzen 1300X to 2200G
• Motherboard estimate: Gigabyte UD or MSI Gaming Plus range

Estimated Price Range: $300 – $600

Mid-Level Range

Getting decent gaming becomes possible when you spend a little more cash on components. With this info, you’ll have a great idea on how much to spend;

• GPU estimate : $200 – $550
• RAM (ideal memory space) : $8GB – $16GB
• Storage drive estimate: SSD-256 GB or 500GB HDD
• Central processor estimate: Core i5 (Intel) or AMD Ryzen 5 series
• Motherboard estimate: Gigabyte Aorus or Crosshair VIII range

Estimated Price Range: $600 – $1500

High-Grade Range

The high-rollers often get the best stuff, and they certainly get top-rated gaming too. With a massive budget, here’s what you can get from a high-budget PC build effort;

• GPU estimate : $650+
• RAM (ideal memory space) : 16GB – 32GB
• Storage drive estimate: SSD-1 TB NVMe
• Central processor estimate: Intel Core i7 or X series and AMD Ryzen or Threadripper Series upward
• Motherboard estimate: – MSI MEG Series or equivalent

Estimated Price Range: $2000 – $4000+

Required Components for a Sturdy Gaming PC

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Image translation is essential for a smooth gaming experience. That’s why a decent part of your budget should focus on a quality GPU.

GPUs come in a range of dimensions, and there’s a graphics card for just about any budget. With that aside, here’s what you need to check out on your GPU before forking out cash;

Cores

Some brands call their cores stream processors, but they perform similar duties. These cores offer enhanced frame rendering potential for smoother image quality.

In general, the higher your GPU core count, the more power it has to deliver smoother frames from HD content.

Built-in memory

If your chosen GPU doesn’t come with the right inbuilt VRAM, your game’s picture quality may appear in fuzzy format. That’s why you need to consider a GPU with an inbuilt RAM within 2GB – 8GB. As expected, GPUs with higher built-in memory costs more than lower options.

Aside from checking out the cores and memory capacity on your preferred GPU, consider the following too;

• Base and boost clock index
• Memory clock and bandwidth
• Image rendering performance

RAM

Without a decent RAM on your preferred PC, everything else may fall apart in a high-res gaming session. Consider a RAM with ideal properties to support your choice CPU.

RAMs range from 1GB to 32GB, depending on your needs and budget. Gamers have no business with 1 or 2GB RAM. And if you’re up for more power, it will be decent to max out your RAM for better performance.

Storage Drive

Gaming PCs require sturdy drives, particularly for sustained performance in long-hour sessions. In this case, you’ve got two choices: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drives (SSD).

Hard disk drives are common in several standard PCs and offer decent storage potential. But due to the volatility of these drives and fragile nature, it becomes challenging to support enhanced immersion.

On the flip side, solid state drives offer greater speed and durability for several high-res games. Also, the fact that these drives have zero moving parts enhances storage integrity.

Central Processor

Selecting a quality processor is essential to achieving more fluid gaming. That’s why you need to check out the following on your preferred CPU;

Threads

The threads on your chosen processor determine specific amounts of code your PC can interpret. In most cases, high-budget CPUs offer more live threads, increasing reading potential.

Clock Speed

CPUs on your system determine how fast your programs run. That’s why you need to check out your processor’s clocking speed and compare this info with your motherboard.

Cores

These are responsible for program execution and reading on your computer. While some choices may feature a single core, pricey and high-end options offer multiple execution potential.

Motherboard

When it comes to selecting motherboards, you need to check out overclocking potential before anything else. With overclocking, you can significantly enhance CPU performance without any add-ons.

After checking out overclocking, you need to consider your board’s compatibility with high-end processors.

PCIe Slots

Aside from having a great CPU and RAM to boot, you need a motherboard with PCIe slots. With these PCIe slots, you can conveniently boost your game’s performance. Fitting NVMe cards onto your motherboard could deliver up to eight times processing speed.

Board Series

The board series of your choosing promotes better connectivity with other devices. Also, your chosen board series boosts gaming performance.

In general, your choice for a board series falls within your budget, so you don’t have much work here.

GPU compatibility

While you’re at it, you need to check out if your motherboard can power the GPU you intend to buy. Without confirming this info, you could get embroiled in a heart-wrenching situation.

Check Gaming Monitor

Other Parts to Consider

Casing

If you’re building a PC from scratch, it becomes essential to check out your computer’s casing. Your preferred PC’s casing has to sport the right dimensions to feature all your components nicely.

When checking out an ideal PC casing, consider getting a unit with more than enough space to prevent overheating. When you get the dimensions right, standard performance is sure from your chosen prebuilt PC.

Airflow

Checking out your PC casing for space isn’t the only point to consider during a build effort. Also, you need to take a look at vents placed on your Pc’s covering.

With better airflow from your PC, enhanced ventilation is more comfortable, enhancing your computer’s life.

Power Consumption

After almost everything checks out, you need to consider your creation’s power consumption potential.

Consider adding a power supply unit with 80+ rating or greater. Adding this to your system prevents under-voltage and too much power consumption.

Heat Control/Reduction

Aside from checking out the essential components to provide a significant gaming boost, you need to closely monitor heating.

During operation, a host of parts in your gaming PC could heat up real fast. Ensuring your PC remains as cool as possible is paramount.

So, the best place to start is by checking out the built-in fans on your computer. Also, confirm from your PC’s maker what modifications could result in significant motherboard heating.

Apart from the obvious gains engaging your PC maker offers to enhanced gaming, there’s much more.

Alerting your PC maker on what mods you’re planning to make will avail you more info to secure warranty coverage. That’s another reason why going solo while building your PC isn’t such a great idea.

FAQ

What’s the price range for getting a prebuilt gaming PC?

• Budget prebuilt PCs: $500 – $600
• Mid-range prebuilt PCs: $600 – $1500
• High-end prebuilt PCs: $2000+

Is building a gaming PC worth it?

Building a gaming PC gives you a greater idea of how each component performs. Also, building your own computer saves you more cash than buying a prebuilt option.

Do M.2 NVMe cards support better gaming?

NVME cards could considerably enhance your gaming performance. You can comfortably get up to 800% CPU boost from this add-on. But ensure your PC supports this card and seek expert advice before using these cards

How much should I spend in building a gaming PC?

You should spend between $300 to over $2000 depending on your needs and budget.

Last Piece

After reading through this and religiously following all steps, you’re less likely to ask “How much does it cost to build a gaming PC?” anymore.

With the info right here, it becomes comfortable to place a price tag on the PC of your dreams. And with the extra info right here, you’ll get gaming without hassle!