I'm in Australia and have never built a PC myself, although a friend has helped me with PC-related things before. I'm considering switching from console because PC gaming seems much more flexible and capable, but I've heard that hardware prices are still high. My budget is around $2,000 AUD, and I'd prefer not to spend that much if it would only buy a low-end system. I don't need an extreme build—something that can run modern games smoothly at around 60 FPS would be fine. Would that budget be enough for a worthwhile gaming PC, and what parts should I prioritize?
5 Answers
Prioritize the graphics card first, since it has the biggest effect on gaming performance. A previous-generation CPU, motherboard, and DDR4 memory can still handle 60 FPS perfectly well and may leave more money for the GPU. Aim for at least 16 GB of RAM, though 32 GB is preferable if the budget allows. A 1–2 TB SSD is a practical choice, especially if your internet is slow and reinstalling large games would be inconvenient.
One advantage of a PC is that you don’t have to replace the entire system at once. You can upgrade the graphics card later, then replace the processor or add storage when needed. If building from scratch feels intimidating, compare reputable prebuilt systems during sales, but check the exact power supply, motherboard, cooling, and graphics card rather than judging the deal by the CPU alone.
The biggest question is whether the $2,000 includes the monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, and operating system. For the tower alone, it’s a comfortable budget. If you need a complete setup, it becomes tighter, but you can still build a good 1440p system by shopping carefully. Used monitors and peripherals can also help reduce the cost.
You don’t need an expensive motherboard or flashy accessories for good performance. Choose a reasonably modern board with the features you actually need, a reliable 80 Plus Gold power supply around 750–850 W, and a case with decent airflow and included fans. A medium tower gives you room for future upgrades. If you still need a monitor, a 27-inch 1080p IPS display is usually a better value than spending heavily on premium panel technology.
A $2,000 AUD budget can absolutely get you a solid mid-range gaming PC capable of running modern AAA games at 60 FPS. It should outperform a current console, especially if that budget is just for the tower. If you already have a suitable monitor and peripherals, you can aim for 1440p gaming and potentially higher settings.
Thanks, that gives me a better idea of what I can realistically get.
Make sure the parts are compatible before ordering. The motherboard socket, memory type, power supply, case size, and graphics card clearance all need to match.