Building your own gaming PC can be an exciting and rewarding way to get a powerful computer perfectly suited to your needs as a gamer. However, one major consideration is how much it will cost to build your ideal gaming rig.
Let’s break down the expenses so you can budget properly before embarking on a PC build.
PC Parts Cost Breakdown
The foundation of any gaming PC is the PC parts or components that make it tick. Here is a look at typical cost ranges for essential gaming computer parts:
Processor (CPU) – $100 to $500+
Budget-range CPUs: Intel Core i3s or AMD Ryzen 3s
Mid-range CPUs: Intel Core i5s or AMD Ryzen 5s
High-end CPUs: Intel Core i7s or AMD Ryzen 7s
Graphics Card (GPU) – $150 to $1,500+
Entry-level gaming GPUs start around $150+
Mid-range gaming GPUs around $250 to $500
High-end GPUs from $500 up to $1,500+
Motherboard – $60 to $300
Budget motherboards have basic features
Quality boards have extra fan headers, M.2 slots, WiFi, etc.
RAM – $50 to $250+ for 16GB to 32GB
Storage (SSD & HDD) –
250GB SSD: $25 to $100+
1TB+ Hard Drive: $35 to $60+
Power Supply (PSU) – Quality 500W+ PSU: $60 to $150
Case – $50 to $200+ for tower cases
As you can see, costs vary widely based on your performance requirements. Prioritizing the right components is key.
Total Cost: Budget to High-End Gaming PCs
Considering all those PC component options, here is an overview of the total costs to build complete gaming desktops at different budget levels:
Entry-Level Budget Gaming PC
$500 - $800
Geared for 720p/1080p gaming
Parts like R3 CPU, GTX 1650 GPU
Mid-Range High-Performance Gaming PC
$800 - $1,500
Geared for high 1080p/1440p gaming
Parts like i5 CPU, RTX 3060 Ti GPU
High-End Future-Proof Gaming PC
$1,500 - $3,000+
Geared for max 1440p/4K gaming
Parts like i7 CPU, RTX 3080 Ti GPU
The main factors determining cost are the power of your CPU and GPU, as they directly impact gaming performance. High-end parts drive up costs quickly. Make smart choices for the gaming resolution you want to max out.
Add Peripherals & Software Costs
Beyond just the tower itself, remember to account for critical gaming gear add-ons:
Gaming Monitor - $200 to $800+
Gaming Keyboard & Mouse - $50 to $200
Operating System License (Windows 10/11) - $100 to $200
Other Accessories (Headset, Speakers, etc) - $50+
And if you don't already have core software:
Antivirus Software Subscription - $40 to $100 per year
Microsoft Office License - $70 to $150 one-time fee
Factor these into your total budget to determine the all-in cost of your new custom gaming setup.
Is It Worth It to Build Your Own PC?
Building your gaming PC may require more effort upfront, but it unlocks outstanding capability, performance, and customization no pre-built PC can match. Plus you save money over comparable pre-built systems. If you take the time to understand components and carefully plan your parts selection, creating your dream gaming machine can be well worth it and provide years of enjoyment.
Determine the type of gaming experience you want, set your total budget, and then start picking parts to build the ultimate gaming PC at the most affordable cost possible. Let the games begin!