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Are you looking to buy a gaming PC, but need to figure out how much to budget? Well, you’re lucky because we’ve got some tips to help you. When building a gaming PC, there are quite a few things you must consider before making a choice. The first is what games you are going to play on your pc. Games like Fortnite and Overwatch are less demanding than Witcher 3 or Grand Theft Auto 5. This means you can get away with buying a cheaper PC if you’re only interested in playing less demanding games.
Another thing to consider is what resolution you want to be able to play at. If you’re content with playing at 1080p, then you won’t need to spend as much as someone who wants to be able to play at 4k. Finally, you need to think about what kind of frame rate you want to be able to achieve. If you’re happy with 30fps, you won’t need to spend as much as someone who wants to hit 60fps. Let alone those looking to game at 100+ FPS.
So let’s start answering our main question in steps while exploring what we want.
What is a gaming pc?
A gaming PC is a personal computer that is designed for playing video games that are meant to be played on a PC. These games require a high-performance graphics card and processor. Gaming PCs are often more expensive than standard computers, ranging in price from about $500 to $2000. Some gamers build their custom gaming PCs, while others purchase pre-built models.
When shopping for a gaming PC, it’s essential to remember the type of games you want to play. Games like Fortnite and Overwatch require a different type of computer than The Witcher 3 or Assassin’s Creed. If you need help determining what gaming PC you need, talk to a salesperson at your local electronics store or visit an online retailer like Amazon.
Once you’ve decided on a suitable gaming PC for your needs, the next step is figuring how much you’re willing to spend. Gaming PCs can be costly, so it’s important to set a budget before shopping. You should also factor in the cost of any accessories you’ll need, such as a gaming chair, headset, or keyboard.
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, try to balance performance and price. It’s also important to read reviews before purchasing any gaming PC to ensure you’re getting a quality product. With so many options available, there’s sure to be a perfect gaming PC out there for everyone.
Why do you need a gaming pc?
If you’re a gamer, you would know that gaming computers are a different breed than general-use PCs. They require more processing power, faster storage, and specialized cooling to handle the demands of modern games. But how much do you need to spend to get a fabulous gaming computer?
Let’s get to what exactly you want to look for in a gaming PC:
- A powerful processor: You’ll need at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU to handle today’s AAA games.
- Plenty of RAM: 8 GB is the minimum these days; 16 GB is better. DDR5 is the fastest RAM available right now, but you would also be fine with DDR4. But when buying DDR4, you want to make sure you are getting two similar sticks of RAM that will work in Dual channel. You can read up our topic for dual channel memory for more on this topic.
- Fast storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) is essential for load times and in-game level loading. A larger hard drive (1TB or more) gives you room for all your games and other media files.
- Good graphics: A graphics card is what brings the beautiful images in your games to life. Look for at least an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT for 1080p gaming; if you have a 4K monitor, aim for an RTX 2080 Super or Radeon VII. If you do have a lot of money, then jumping on to some of the latest cards like RTX 3070 or 3080 might also make sense.
- Cooling: Gaming computers generate a lot of heat, so good cooling is important. Some higher-end graphics cards come with their own built-in coolers; otherwise, aftermarket options are available.
What are the different types of gaming pcs?
When it comes to gaming PCs, there are a few different types that you can choose from. The most common type is the desktop PC, which offers the most power and flexibility when it comes to gaming. However, some laptops and consoles offer good gaming performance if you’re looking for a more portable option.
If you’re looking for the most powerful gaming PC possible, then a desktop is the way to go. You’ll be able to find high-end gaming desktops that offer top-of-the-line performance for even the most demanding games. Of course, this power comes at a price, and you can expect to pay quite a bit more for a high-end desktop than you would for a lower-end model.
A laptop might be a better option if portability is more important to you than raw power. Gaming laptops offer outstanding performance for many of the same games you would play on a desktop PC. They’re less powerful than their desktop counterparts, but they’re much more convenient to take with you on the go.
Not to forget with the advent of ports like Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, and the news of Thunderbolt 5 and USB4.2 releasing soon, buying a laptop with a decent processor and then linking it with an external desktop grade GPU is also a thing now.
Finally, there are also dedicated gaming consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 5. These devices are designed specifically for gaming and offer excellent performance for many of today’s popular games. However, they don’t provide the same level of customization or upgradability as a PC, so if those things are important to you, then a console might not be the right choice.
How much should you budget for a gaming pc?
When it comes to budgeting for a gaming PC, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The price of the actual gaming PC itself will vary depending on specs like the processor, graphics card, and memory.
- You’ll need to factor in the cost of any peripherals like a gaming mouse, keyboard, and headset.
- Consider the price of any games or software you might want to purchase.
With all that in mind, how much should you actually budget for a gaming PC? A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least $500 for the hardware alone. This will give you enough room to get a decent machine that can handle most modern games without any issues. If you have more money to spend, you can always upgrade individual components like the graphics card or processor to get even better performance.
So there you have it! When budgeting for a gaming PC, make sure to keep these factors in mind. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure that you have enough money saved up to get the best possible gaming experience.
How to choose the right gaming pc for you
The most important factor when choosing a gaming PC is understanding your needs. That means considering what types of games you want to play, how often you plan on playing them, and at what settings you want to play them. Only then can you accurately assess which components are worth their salt and how much money you should be spending on each one. Here’s a quick rundown of the critical parts of a gaming PC and how they affect performance.
The CPU: The brain of your PC. Get the best one you can afford.
More important for: Almost everything
Budget for: At least $200
The Graphics card: This is what will make games look great. Get the best one you can afford.
More important for: 3D games
Budget for: $100-$300
The RAM: extra memory helps everything run smoothly. 4 GB is enough for most people, but 8 GB is better if you can afford it.
More important for: smoother game performance, especially with demanding games
Budget for: $40-$100
Hard Drive: Where all your stuff is stored. A larger hard drive will let you store more games and other files. Look for at least 500 GB, but 1 TB is even better. Solid-state drives are even faster, but more expensive.
More important for: Game installation and loading times, storing media files
Conclusion
With all the different factors, it can take time to determine how much you should budget for your gaming PC. However, by keeping in mind the type of games you want to play and the level of performance you need, you can narrow down your options and make a decision that fits your needs and budget. With research and careful planning, you can build the perfect gaming PC without breaking the bank.
