I stopped gaming on PC over ten years ago and moved to Xbox, but I really miss all the great PC-exclusive games. I have been thinking about building a new gaming rig again. However, I've heard that the prices for RAM and graphics cards have skyrocketed due to AI influence. If I want to build a PC from scratch (I already have a monitor and keyboard/mouse), what's a rough estimate for a budget to run AAA games? For example, with GTA6 on the horizon, what are the current price points?
5 Answers
If there's a Micro Center nearby, they often have bundle deals that make building cheaper. Worth checking out if you're near one!
Building a PC with all new parts is about $1200 as a starting point, but that can vary based on discounts. Just a heads-up; it’s a tough time to start since RAM and storage costs are pretty high right now.
I appreciate your honesty on that, it's good to know.
Having your monitor and peripherals already saves a lot! For a solid gaming rig, expect to spend between $1500 to $2000. Components can add up quickly, so keep in mind the small extras like cases, fans, and cables. Here’s a rough breakdown: around $600 for a GPU, $200 for the CPU, about $400 for RAM, $100-$200 for storage, $100-$150 for PSU, and about $50-$100 for cooling. It all adds up, so plan for everything you need to get it running.
Ugh, $400 for RAM really makes me cringe.
Check out pcpartpicker.com or other sites where you can find build lists and ideas. They’re really helpful for planning a budget.
Thanks! I didn't even know that resource existed, I'll definitely check it out.
For brand new parts, you might be looking at over $2000 for even a mid-range system. If you're okay with slightly older tech, opting for a DDR4 processor like the 5800X3D might help you keep the total under $1200.
Prebuilt systems might be the way to go too. I just got a really solid prebuilt from Micro Center for about $1900. It’s been perfect for 1440p gaming!
That’s awesome! I work just a mile away from one!