If you are wondering how much does it cost to build a gaming PC right now, our complete guide answers that question. The price of PC builds been taken by storm lately, and there has been a lot going on, especially with high-end gaming PC.
Building a budget gaming PC, on the other hand, will not cost you as much, but you should know several facts. By the time you are done reading this thorough guide, you will know everything about prebuilt gaming PCs and their average cost, so stick around for more.
Contents
What Does It Take To Build a Gaming PC in 2022?
The cost of an average gaming PC build is always different, especially when the prices are constantly going up, but a gaming computer nowadays may cost as much as $2,100 or as little as $300. The cost depends on the type of gaming computer you wish to build and the purpose that will be used for. Note it is impossible to find a cheap power supply, PC case, or processing unit.
– Gaming PC Budget and Prices
To better understand what the difference between these computers is, let us show you a basic bullet list showing the major price fluctuations:
- Building a gaming PC build on a budget ($300 – $700)
- Building a mid-range gaming PC ($700 – $1300)
- Building a powerful gaming PC ($1300 – $2100)
As you can see, we can divide gaming computers into three different groups. We will further discuss each group in more detail and explain the best decision to make. Of course, the final decision depends on your budget, requirements, and wishes, so there is no right or wrong choice. Keep reading the following section of this article, where we explain a lot more about building gaming computers on a budget.
– Building a Gaming PC on a Budget
Before we explain what $300 to $700 can get you in the world of building computers, you must understand something else. Building a cheap gaming computer does not mean you will compromise on performance and appearance to save money. Although the computer is a lot cheaper than the other, you can still play the latest games, games that many people enjoy nowadays. However, the only flip side is that you will play the latest games on low to medium settings.
Nevertheless, you will still achieve decent 30 frames per second, which is more than enough for a computer this cheap. It is possible to upgrade your build for better performance, but the price range will increase. So, what can you get for a maximum of $700? Let us look at the following bullet list containing some essential computer parts:
- Intel Core i5-9400F motherboard
- Nvidia GTX1660
- Gigabyte Z390 UD motherboard
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 500GB SSD can also be possible
As you can see, getting decent motherboards and graphics cards is possible within the previously-mentioned budget. However, you should also consider spending part of your cash on other components, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers. Now that you understand a lot more about cheap gaming computers, it is time to learn more about mid-range gaming PCs. Keep reading the following section for more.
– Building a Mid-range Gaming PC
If you can spend more money, it is possible to build a mid-range computer that effortlessly handles all modern games. However, expect to pay as much as $1300 because this is considered a mid-range gaming computer. So, what will you get for this price?
First, you should expect to play most modern games at high settings and achieve frame rates up to 60 frames per second. In addition, besides the great computer, you can also find stunning gaming laptops for under $1300 that will satisfy the fussiest of customers. Now, let us look at a list showing some components you can buy for this price range:
- Intel 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Nvidia RTX2060
- Other high-quality graphics cards
Although we can add many other components to this list, we have tried to simplify things. So again, you can spend as little as $700 or as much as $1300, and you will still get a mid-range gaming computer. However, if you are not happy with this and have more money to spend on your computer, let us show you what you can get for more than $1300.
– Building a Powerful Gaming PC
If you are not just an enthusiast and want to spend more money on your build, expect to pay more than $1300 on various parts and components. Any computer over $1300 is considered high-end, and it is more powerful than the ones previously discussed. However, building this PC should not cost you more than $2100.
Consequently, you will experience all games in the highest settings and quickly achieve over 60 frames per second, even for the largest games. All the high-powered components can be found effortlessly, but it might happen to wait for some parts longer than usual. Again, we will show you a bullet list containing some components you can buy within this price range:
- 9th Generation Intel Core i9 processor
- Nvidia 2080 Super
- ASUS TUF Z390-Plus
- All other robust motherboards and graphic cards
You are guaranteed to experience stunning PC gaming moments because every game will run smoothly without any crashes or bugs. However, you need to plan your budget carefully because you should buy a CPU cooler and a hard drive. In addition, because you know a lot more about the various price ranges of gaming computers, you should learn more about the things you should consider before building the PC.
Factors to Consider Before Building a PC
Knowing the price range for various PC setups is not enough to understand what can affect the final cost. Numerous other factors can affect the price of your setup, and before you decide which parts to buy, read the following bullet list for more information:
- Games
- Aesthetics
- Internal components
- External components
All the items in this list will raise or lower the price of your final unit based on what you choose. Of course, the most important points are the internal and external components, but certain games and aesthetic components can significantly affect your budget. So, to better understand what is really going on, please continue reading the following sections of this article that explain the major considerations.
– Games You Choose To Play
We have previously explained that playing all modern games on budget computers is possible, although you may not experience the highest possible settings. However, this is exactly something you should consider before starting your build. Some recent RPG games, such as The Witcher and Far Cry, require advanced gaming hardware and software for smooth gaming. It would be best to invest more money in more powerful components if you want to play these games smoothly.
On the flip side, your budget computer will work perfectly with all other casual games. So, if you are a casual gamer not interested in the latest in the gaming world, you do not have to spend thousands of dollars for a decent gaming experience. Moreover, you can even consider certain laptops for popular games such as Stardew Valley or Among Us. Your budget setup will not have any issues rendering these games or any other within the same range.
So, now you understand how games can significantly affect your final unit; and thus affect your budget. We recommend customers choose the games they want to play before starting the full build for optimal results.
– Aesthetics Components for Improved Look
Gaming is not only about having powerful computers for some customers. Not only do they want to experience smooth gaming, but they also wish to have an attractive computer with the latest aesthetic components. However, these components can significantly affect your budget, especially if you try to keep your build under $1000. So, what are some of the best aesthetic components you can get for your computer?
One of the most popular components is clear cases because they can overhaul your build entirely and make it more appealing. In addition, it is a great idea to get color-changing light bulbs, convenient PC case stands, and amazing stickers. Of course, all these components will not improve your computer’s performance but will make everything look more appealing and custom.
So, if you are ready to spend more money on additional aesthetic components for your computer, there are various options to choose from. However, it is possible to keep things simple and; thus build an impressive setup on a low budget. It is up to you to choose. Now, let us move on to the more important components that will affect your final cost.
– Internal Components
There is nothing more important for proper gaming than your internal components. The internal components are what the computer is really made of, and there are several crucial components that no computer can be complete without.
In addition, you will likely spend most of your budget on these component:
- Motherboard
- CPU (central processing unit)
- CPU cooling systems
- Video cards
- RAM (random access memory)
- Storage (HDD, SSD, and NVME M2)
- Power supply
- PSU
It is impossible to build a fully-functional gaming PC without the components shown here. However, their price range varies on their performance and power, as we have explained in the previous sections of this article. Therefore, it is crucial to learn more about the components shown in this list, so keep reading the following sections for more.
– Motherboard
Without the motherboard, it is impossible to build a custom PC because all the other internal components are linked or directly connected to it. In addition, the type of motherboard you choose will determine the type of CPU, storage, and expansion slots, so conduct thorough research before you purchase it. First, however, what about the price, and how much does it cost to purchase a motherboard?
A motherboard may vary from $50 to $350. The basic and budget ATX board only costs $50, and it is more than enough for a decent gaming computer able to run most games. On the flip side, you can purchase a full-size ATX board that may cost $150 to $350. If you are just a casual gamer, we recommend getting a budget ATX.
– CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The following important component is the CPU, or the central unit for processing. You can choose between four and six chips if you have no intentions of overclocking your CPU. This basic build will cost you around $150-200. The CPU is the component that does most of the work, so it generates a lot of heat, and this is also something you should consider.
On the flip side, a graphics card over $200 is more important for most gamers. A powerful GPU means you will not experience any lags, freezes, and delays, but you should consider spending more money. In addition, since CPUs generate a lot of heat, you must look for a cooling solution.
– CPU Cooling System
It is normal for the CPU to develop a lot of heat during gaming, especially if your computer is running for a certain period. So, to remove all the heat from the CPU unit, an additional heat sink is installed above the unit. However, cooling systems vary, and sometimes choosing which one is best for your build can be tricky. In addition, basic cooling systems are quite cheap, but more advanced ones can affect your budget significantly.
For example, there are two common types of cooling systems: Liquid CPU coolers and AIO CPU coolers. Although liquid coolers are more efficient, we recommend getting an AIO CPU unit cooler because it gets the job done at a notably lower price. A basic AIO cooler can cost less than $100, whereas a liquid cooler can set you back around $200. This is a significant price difference, especially if you try to keep things as cheap as possible.
Nevertheless, you must invest in any system because your CPU will overheat after extensive use.
– Video Cards
No setup would be complete without a decent video card, especially if you build your PC for gaming, streaming, or editing. They are known as the heart of your gaming computer. However, the latest processors have built-in video cards that can run at 30-60 frames per second in low to medium settings. Note that this does not mean that you cannot upgrade your build and opt for better video cards for an improved gaming experience.
In addition, it is possible to choose the highest settings and 1080p to 4K resolution, but you will experience a slight drop in the frame rates per second. A decent video card costs around $300, but if you opt for something of higher quality, expect to pay as much as $500.
– RAM (Random Access Memory)
The random access memory is one of the cheapest essential components you must buy for your computer. A typical 16 GB of memory will cost you around $60, which is more than enough for most modern games. On the other hand, you can opt for 8 GB RAM if you consider playing a limited number of games or games that do not require a lot of memory. In addition, 8 GB RAM is more than enough if you do not have a large library.
However, if you are a true gamer who wants to play the latest games, you should consider spending at least $100 on 32 GB RAM because the newer the game is, the more memory it needs. Nevertheless, the RAM will not put your budget back a lot compared to the previous essential components.
– Storage (HDD, SSD, and NVME M2)
The market for storage options is huge. Manufacturers offer some amazing deals better than ever, and there is no wrong or right option. Although any storage you choose will work, we recommend getting an SSD (solid state drive) for storing your data. In addition, you should consider getting an SSD with a capacity of at least 256 GB because a 128 GB SSD is not enough for most modern games.
On the other hand, you can opt for a 1 TB HDD if you do not want to spend a lot of money on an SSD because the cost will be the same. Many customers prefer a good-quality SSD because it offers a better speed-to-performance ratio than the other two options. You will get a smooth gaming experience with most modern games, especially if you opt for the 258 GB SSD.
– Powering Your Setup
Once completing every component from your build, it is time to power things up. As with the other internal parts, the power supply is essential and must be thoroughly thought through. Most people pick random items without thinking twice, but you must do your research to ensure everything works properly. In addition, there is a minimum recommendation for power.
For example, we recommend getting at least 450W of power for your gaming PC to enjoy without any limitations. However, you can opt for more powerful units if you plan on upgrading your computer in the future. A higher wattage unit should work well with most components, but you should always check the wattage of every other part. Finally, make sure to get the 80+ power efficiency branding unit.
– PSU
It is impossible to choose the right PSU without the GPU because it’s the key factor. Your typical 500W bronze-rated PSU can be yours for $50 to $75, which is a reasonable price. However, expect to pay more for PSUs with a higher rating than 500W.
For example, gold-rated PSUs will cost double the price of bronze-rated. Nevertheless, they are worth it. This section wraps everything necessary you were supposed to know about the internal components. Now, let us move on to the external components and the facts you must know.
– External Components
Whenever people talk about building their gaming computers, they do not pay much attention to the external components. These components are as important as the internal, and they will affect your budget, especially if you opt for higher-end gear. So, you should never neglect the external components, and there are several components you should consider. Please read the following bullet list for more information:
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Case
- Audio
- Gaming desk
- RGB lighting
Although it is possible to add other external components, we believe these are the most important. In addition, based on the type of components you choose, your budget will likely suffer significant change.
– Monitor
If you have spent hundreds and even thousands of dollars on other parts, you should spend a lot of money on your monitor. There is a simple reason behind this theory. Namely, your build will be worthless without a proper monitor, even if you have the best computer parts in the world. The monitor must display and render the data correctly, no matter what type of monitor you choose.
The monitor communicates with all the parts of your gaming setup, including the graphics card and the CPU, thus, providing the best performance. However, a high-quality monitor will cost you a lot, so you must research whether the monitor you have chosen supports your internal components. First, let us learn something about the keyboard.
– Keyboard
The number of keyboards you can choose from is endless, but you should opt for a mechanical keyboard for gaming. A decent mechanical keyboard should not cost you more than $120. However, if you are willing to spend more cash on a better mechanical keyboard, expect to pay more than $200. The keyboard should be easy and comfortable to touch, so make sure to test it before purchase.
– Mouse
Another external component that no PC built will ever be complete is a mouse. They are one of the cheapest items in this article because you can get a low-DPI mouse for around $10. However, if you are a professional gamer that cares about the DPI, the cost of the mouse can be over $300, which is a significant difference.
This mouse should have scroll wheels, 8200 ++ DPI settings, and multi-function buttons.
– Case
Although a case may be one of the least essential items in this article, you should consider getting one if you have the money. The case will protect your CPU or aesthetics, and it should not cost you more than $40. You can, however, get a customized design case for around $100, which is not so bad if you consider the additional features. We highly recommend getting a durable case for your new computer.
– Audio
It is not obligatory to pay for an integrated audio system because there is an easy and cheap solution. You can buy speakers, headphones, and a sound card for less than $200. Of course, the cost of these components may be as high as $500, but only if you purchase extremely expensive units.
– Gaming Desk
A good-quality gaming desk will get you a long way, especially if you build a high-end gaming computer. You must store your gaming PC and the external components somewhere, so make sure to calculate the cost of such a desk. Although you can go for the standard table and chair, many sleek and simple gaming desks will make your final build extravagant.
– RGB Lighting
The RGB lighting is becoming more and more popular each year, and this is especially true in 2022 because you can fully customize your setup. To be exact, you can choose the entire color spectrum or 16.8 million colors.
The fact that makes the RGB lighting setup appealing is that it is affordable, and you can customize any component. It makes your computer look more expensive, and no modern gaming setup can be imagined without RGB lighting.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide answered how much it costs to build a gaming computer, either a basic or a high-end version. However, we have also covered a plethora of important details, and you can remember them in the following bullet list:
- Anyone can custom-build a computer if you carefully follow this guide containing the details.
- Modern gaming computers can be divided into three general divisions, starting from the cheapest built.
- The budget-built costs around $700, the mid-range-built costs $1300, and the high-end built costs $2100.
- You should consider a number of crucial factors before building your personal computer.
- The internal and external components are the essential parts of any computer.
You are ready to start building your computer, and you know a lot more about the final cost after reading every section of this article carefully. So now you need to select the parts wisely and plan your budget beforehand.