Some tech enthusiasts are there who love to build their own system instead of buying a pre-built one. There are several reasons for it, but the most prominent one is they want to utilize peak performance and look to get the most out of their gaming, content creation, and more. At the same time, building your own computer with your hands gives you a better sense of attachment to your PC. On the flip side, it may be challenging to find different computer components in your budget, especially if you don’t know the actual price of each one.
In short, building your own gaming PC is often seen as this mystical, expensive process that only the most hardcore gamers can undertake—but it doesn’t have to be that way! Remember, you have to know how much does it cost to build a gaming PC before actually buying and assembling different PC components. Sure, it will cost you if you’re looking to build the most powerful gaming rig possible with all the bells and whistles. But if you’re looking for a great gaming experience on a budget, building your gaming PC can be a great option.
How much does it cost to build a gaming PC?
The first step in constructing your gaming computer is collecting all the primary required parts. A gaming PC’s cost varies depending on the components’ specifications, features, and overall quality. You would still need to pay attention to these elements if purchasing a brand-new gaming PC. Remember, you can get the parts for your PC from online or physical stores. Your budget will determine the total cost of your gaming PC, as prices can vary. Well, that said, let’s explore the prices of different components to guess the total price!
Motherboard
The motherboard is the primary circuit board in your computer to which all other parts are connected, and it serves as the structural backbone of your setup. Although a motherboard is an excellent place to cut costs, the lower-end models have fewer features and capabilities. Prices for the low-end range from $60-$100, the middle budget ranges from $100-$200 and upgrading to the high-end costs $200+. Remember, if you want to go for a top-tier motherboard, ensure to pair it with the same-tier other components.
Graphics card
All the images in your games are produced by the graphics card. Even though it’s wise to purchase the most potent GPU you can, you shouldn’t spend more than 45 percent of your whole budget on the graphics card. At the time of writing, purchasing a GPU at MSRP is the largest issue in terms of stock availability; consequently, avoid scalpers and be patient. Prices for the low-end range from $200-$250, the middle budget ranges from $250-$600 and upgrading to the high-end costs $600+.
Processor
The processor, often known as the CPU, is the brain and engine of your gaming computer, doing all computations and operations necessary to operate your games. When constructing a gaming computer, it’s wise to use the most powerful processor you can afford. The MSRP for the two top CPUs from AMD and Intel’s most recent generations ranged from $550 to $600. Prices range from $125 to $200 for low-end CPUs to $450+ for high-end. CPUs are still generally reasonable, but older, more affordable chips might occasionally be difficult to find.
RAM
RAM is your computer’s temporary storage space while performing other activities. The more RAM your gaming PC has, the smoother your gaming experience will be. However, you’ll need at least 8GB for smooth sailing, but we suggest 16GB for better performance. When shopping for quicker memory kits, RAM costs rise. Prices for the low-end with 8 GB storage range from $40-$60; the middle budget ranges from $70-$100 for 12 GB, and upgrading to a 32GB capacity costs $100+.
Hard Drive
All of your data will be stored here. A hard drive is a requirement when designing a gaming PC, but you can add more if you want. Even if you can’t afford a larger SSD, we still advise picking one with at least 120GB of storage. The older, more practical M.2 type SSDs cost more than the newer 2.5″ SSDs. Prices for the low-end with 250 GB of storage range from $30-$60; the middle budget ranges from $60-$100 for 500 GB, and upgrading to a 1TB+ capacity costs $100+. Know all these prices before heading into the actual stores.
Power Supply Unit or PSU
The power supply, which powers all the components in your gaming PC, is one of the components you’ll need for a cheap gaming PC build. Purchase a power supply that can support all the components you currently use as well as any changes you might make in the future. You can reduce expenses by choosing a non-modular choice and ensuring you have the ideal amount of power for your design. Prices for the low-end range from $30-$50; the middle budget ranges from $50-$100; and upgrading to the high-end costs $100+.
PC Case
The choice of a PC case depends on your preference since there are so many options available. This is one of the parts that can help you create a gaming PC for less money because the computer’s performance is unaffected by the type of case you select—basic, pricey with plenty of lights and fans, or see-through. The PC case prices for the low-end range from $40-$60, the middle budget ranges from $60-$100 and upgrading to the high-end costs $100+. Remember, ensure effective thermal management features when buying one.
Cost of components when building a gaming PC
| Part | Low-end Build | Mid-tier Build | Top-tier Build |
| Motherboard | $60-$100 | $100-$200 | $200+ |
| Processor | $125 to $200 | $450+ | $550–$600 |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | $200-$250 | $250-$600 | $600+ |
| RAM | $40-$60 | $70-$100 | $100+ |
| Storage (SSD) | $30-$60 (250GB) | $60-$100 (500GB) | $100+ (1TB) |
| Power Supply | $30-$50 | $50-$100 | $100+ |
| PC Case | $40-$60 | $60-$100 | $100+ |
Do you really need to build your own gaming PC?
A few factors can help you determine whether you build your PC or buy a pre-built one. First, if you’re a tech enthusiast who wants to build their PC on their own, you’re good to go. Second, several tech users want to save their money and don’t want to make an expensive purchase. In case you’re one of these users, you must build your PC in order to save some of your bucks. In contrast, if you don’t have much time and don’t want to take the hassle of finding different PC components, you’re good to go for a pre-build computer system.
Conclusion
This post was all about determining how much it costs to build a custom PC for different purposes like gaming, content creation, and more. If I simplify my whole experience, the typical cost of building a gaming PC could be anywhere between $800 to $4200+. But remember these numbers, or you may say, evaluations may vary from time to time, store to store, and user to user. Anyhow, you must remember that building a custom system is only helpful if you want top-tier performance, save some bucks, or want to do it by yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prebuilt gaming PC vs custom: which is better?
Both types of PCs have their benefits and advantages. For the sake of simplicity, the custom PC can give you better performance and attractive aesthetics at an affordable price if you pull everything right. On the other hand, a pre-built system may be slightly expensive but save you a lot of time plus give you quite a competitive performance as custom if you know what you’re doing.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a gaming PC?
Building a custom PC may be a more affordable option since you don’t have to pay extra profits or taxes to retailers. On the other hand, it may be an expensive option in some cases, like when you don’t know the actual prices. Additionally, if you’re purchasing a single piece while the retailers have bought in bulk. In such a case, the retailer may be able to lessen the cost of a pre-built one. In short, the answer may vary from user to user and from time to time.
How long does it take to build a PC?
Suppose you’re an expert or have built different PCs earlier. In such a case, you can build a computer in less than an hour or in a complete hour. On the other hand, the beginner may need at least 3-4 hours of continuous hassle to achieve the same milestone. For more information, you can go and check out this in-detailed post about the time required to build a PC.
Tech Hardware Expert
A graduate in Computer Engineering from the prestigious NUST, Atif Liaquat possesses an innate passion for computer technology that dates back to his childhood days of experimenting with hardware and software. In the past six years, he has parlayed this passion into a successful writing career, delivering a wealth of knowledge to his readers with his unique blend of technical expertise and clear, engaging prose. His rare ability to demystify complex tech concepts for a broad audience distinguishes him in the industry. Atif's insightful and educational content continuously piques the curiosity of readers, cementing his position as an invaluable voice in the tech world.
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