Pay for your PC in installments (up to 12 payments)Gaming PC budget: how much should you allow in 2023?
The world of gaming is evolving rapidly, and if you want to stay at the top of your game, a quality Gaming PC setup is essential. But how much do you need to spend to get the best possible gaming experience?
Gaming PCs vary hugely in cost, and it can be confusing to understand why some cost ten times more than others, even with similar specifications.
In this article, we’ll explore the key components that affect the cost of a Gaming PC and explain why a €500 PC is different from a €5,000 PC.
What budget can you expect for a high-performance Gaming PC?
To get a high-performance Gaming PC, you need to invest in high-quality components that can meet the demands of modern games. It’s also worth bearing in mind that it’s sometimes better to wait and build up a bigger budget in order to invest in a PC that will last for many more years.
The minimum recommended budget for a high-performance Gaming PC is around €1,000. With this amount, you can assemble a PC capable of running the latest games with decent graphics quality and an acceptable refresh rate.
However, the budget will depend on your gaming profile, and here are three categories to guide you.
1. The casual player:
If you only play occasionally with lighter games like League of Legends or Fortnite, an affordable setup between €800 and €1,000 with an Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 processor, 8 to 16 GB of RAM, a GeForce RTX 3050/60 or RTX 4060 graphics card, and an SSD of at least 500 GB will be more than enough.
2. The regular player:
For those taking on more demanding games such as Lost Ark or Dying Light 2, a budget between €1,200 and €1,700 is recommended. This range includes an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 processor, 16 to 32 GB of RAM, a GeForce RTX 4060Ti/4070/4070Ti graphics card or an AMD RX 7700XT/ RX 7800XT graphics card, and an SSD of at least 1 TB.
3. The enthusiast player:
If you’re a dedicated gamer who wants the ultimate gaming experience with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring, plan for a minimum budget from €1,800. Such a setup includes an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 processor, 32 to 16 GB of RAM, a GeForce RTX 4070Ti/4080/4090 series graphics card or an AMD RX 7900/ RX 7900 XTX, and an SSD of at least 1 TB.
These high-end PCs deliver incredible graphics and fast loading times.
What about streaming / video editing / graphics?
For productivity use, although the graphics card is important, you should mainly focus on the amount of RAM and the processor. However, many people make mistakes when estimating the names of Intel and AMD processors.
If, logically, an i9 13900K outperforms all its predecessors, then an i5 13600K is well worth it—or even sometimes surpasses an i9 12900. So there’s no need to necessarily spend a bundle to get components that will do the job brilliantly.
Why an SSD rather than an HDD?
In terms of gaming and information processing more generally, SSD storage is far faster than HDD storage. With an SSD, no more endless loading times—everything happens in the blink of an eye!
Don’t neglect quality peripherals:
In addition to the PC itself, don’t forget how important quality peripherals are. High-quality headsets, mice and keyboards can significantly improve your gaming experience.
Headsets provide better-quality sound, which is crucial for first-person shooter games. Precise mice with fast response times improve gameplay, while keyboards offer faster response times and greater customisation.
What screen should I get for my PC?
Why is there a price difference between a €500 PC and a €5,000 PC?
Gaming PCs can have significant price differences, but it depends on the components and features included. Here are a few key factors that influence the cost:
- The processor : More powerful processors, such as Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9, cost more than base models like the Core i3/Ryzen 3.
- The graphics card : High-end graphics cards, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4000 or AMD Radeon RX 7000, are more expensive but deliver exceptional performance.
- Memory and storage : More RAM (16 GB or more) and a fast NVMe SSD will increase the price.
- The cooling system : PCs with better cooling can cost more to ensure optimal performance. There are also custom AIOs that cost a fortune, but they are aesthetically stunning and extremely efficient in terms of cooling.
- Upgradeability : PCs with upgrade options and replaceable components can be more expensive.
- Gaming resolution : PCs intended for 4K (2160P) or higher resolutions can cost more.
- Advanced features : Overclocking, liquid cooling, or modding can significantly increase the cost.
In conclusion
Building a high-performance gaming PC requires a minimum budget of around €1,000. Price differences between gaming PCs are mainly due to the quality of the components used.
Premium PCs opt for higher-quality components, ensuring optimal performance, while budget PCs use cheaper components to cut costs.
Choosing the right gaming PC for you will depend on your specific needs, your preferences, and the budget you have available.
