I'm in Australia and have never built a PC myself, although a friend has helped me with PC-related stuff before. I'm considering switching because PC gaming looks much more flexible and powerful, but I've heard that components are expensive at the moment. I could spend up to around $2,000 AUD on a setup, though I'm not sure whether that's enough for something worthwhile. I don't need an enthusiast-level machine—just a solid mid-range PC that can run modern games at around 60 FPS. Would that budget be better spent on a tower, or should I stay with a console?
4 Answers
One advantage of PC gaming is that you don’t have to replace everything at once. You can build a balanced system now, then upgrade the graphics card or processor several years later. A prebuilt can also make sense if you’re uncomfortable assembling the machine, but compare its individual components and avoid paying a large premium for outdated hardware.
For the best value, prioritize the graphics card, then choose a reasonably priced previous-generation CPU, motherboard, and RAM combination. Sixteen gigabytes of RAM is workable, while 32 GB gives you more breathing room. A 1–2 TB SSD is a practical starting point, especially if your internet is slow and reinstalling large games would be inconvenient. Use a compatibility checker before buying anything, and don’t overspend on the motherboard unless you specifically need extra ports or storage slots. A well-ventilated mid-tower case and a quality 80+ Gold power supply should also leave room for future upgrades.
The biggest question is whether the $2,000 includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, and other accessories. If you already have a usable monitor and peripherals, the budget goes a long way. If not, consider buying some accessories second-hand through local marketplaces or looking for a complete used setup from someone you trust.
A $2,000 AUD budget is enough for a very decent mid-range gaming PC, especially if that amount is just for the tower. You should be able to play current AAA games at 1440p around 60 FPS with sensible settings, and it would comfortably outperform a console in many situations.
That’s reassuring, thanks. I’ll start comparing parts and prebuilt options.