You may be familiar with the difficulty of getting your hands on the latest Xbox or PlayStation console. With gaming PCs continually gaining and maintaining their popularity, buying, or building one can be an excellent option for the gamer who cares about saving money and outstanding graphics.
The rest of this article will discuss whether you should get a gaming PC, whether you should buy one pre-assembled or build your own, how much it costs to get a gaming PC, and how long your PC will last you.
Should I get a gaming PC?
If you are a gamer who enjoys excellent graphics and high game performance, a PC may be for you. A top-of-the-line PC is often much easier to get your hands on than the latest consoles, and the game library is more expansive. In addition, your gaming PC is versatile: it can be used for much more than only playing games.
What else can I use my gaming PC for?
In addition to playing games, your gaming PC can be used for streaming music, movies, and shows. You can surf the internet, complete school, or work assignments, and do anything else you would use a regular computer for—with the bonus that your gaming PC will get the job done a lot faster.
Why should I get a gaming PC instead of a console?
With the popularity of the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, you may be asking yourself why you should make the expensive investment of a gaming PC over a console.
The most important factor, other than the incredible graphics that you will experience using your PC, is the fact that consoles are far more expensive in the long run. Games are cheaper to purchase on a PC, and unlike on consoles, you do not have to pay to play online titles.
You can also upgrade your PC hardware, unlike consoles. While the PlayStation 5 will become outdated as soon as the PlayStation 6 is released, you can easily upgrade individual parts of your PC to keep it up to date and top of the line.
Can I play popular games on a gaming PC?
In most cases, yes! Many games these days even offer cross-platform support, meaning that you can play with your friends on console using your PC. When it comes to console-exclusive titles, you will unfortunately not be able to play them on your PC. This is one con to owning a PC—but the money you will save on games and online play more than makes up for it.
Should I build my gaming PC or buy it pre-assembled?
When it comes to building or buying a gaming PC, a lot of your decision will come down to personal preference. Building a PC is often much cheaper than purchasing one fully built, and it can offer more opportunity for customization. However, purchasing a PC, while more expensive, is quicker, easier, and has less room for error if you are worried about making a mistake while assembling your PC.
If you choose to build your PC, you can take your time, hand-picking every individual component and even shopping around for deals to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck. If you choose to buy a PC, however, you are paying for more than the computer: you are also paying for the service and warranties that come along with getting a pre-built option.
How much does it cost to build a gaming PC?
The good news is that building a PC is so customizable that the cost is almost entirely dependent upon your budget. You can build a gaming PC for anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how high-end you choose to go and how willing you are to shop around for deals. If you choose to go the high-end route it’s important to understand the cost as components can add up quickly. It may be worth it to investigate taking out a loan instead of using a credit card to finance your purchase.
How much does it cost to buy a gaming PC?
The cost of buying a gaming PC has a similar range as building one, but it is not quite so customizable. According to The Cost Guys, the average gaming PC will cost between $800 and $1,200 to purchase. However, if you want the highest end computer with a 60+ frame rate on max settings, that cost can skyrocket up to $2,000 or more.
What are the most important parts of my gaming PC?
The two main components of your gaming PC are the processor and the graphics card. These are two areas where it is worth it to go for the best quality, because these components will ensure that your computer runs quickly and with the best quality graphics.
Even a “cheaper” graphics card alone can set you back $500, so this will be a large chunk of your computer’s total cost. The highest end graphics cards, like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090, are priced at around $1,499.
If you are planning to build your PC, you will want to conduct thorough research on all the parts you will need. You can discover which parts you should invest the most in and which ones you are able to skimp a little more on.
How long will my gaming PC last?
How long your gaming PC lasts will depend on a number of factors. It will of course depend on which parts you decided to go with when you built or purchased your PC. The newer and higher-end your PC is when you get it, the longer it will last over time.
It also depends on how much wear and tear your computer receives and how well you take care of it. Additionally, if you built your own PC, you could upgrade individual parts as the years go by. This way, you can extend the life of your PC to keep up with the latest models, unlike with consoles. Your PC can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years on average.
Is a gaming PC worth it?
If you are a gamer who wants the best possible gaming experience, then a gaming PC will be worth it for you. Although gaming PCs can be expensive up-front, you will save money in the long run due to reduced cost of games and free online play.
In addition, the graphics you will experience on your PC will far outshine those you would experience on a console. In short, a gaming PC is always worth it for the serious gamer. Even the pros prefer to play on PC!
