Building your computer can be the best way to get the performance you need for gaming, but whether it is worth it depends on several factors. These include price, customization, and compatibility. While purchasing a new computer can save money, it can also sacrifice potential performance and cause other problems.
Cost
The first step in building a gaming PC is to select a CPU and graphics card. These two components can range in price from less than $300 to more than $1,500. Choosing a CPU and graphics card that will meet your gaming needs can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to save money while still getting a quality gaming PC.
If you’re looking to save money, consider purchasing a pre-built computer. These machines typically come with a copy of Windows and other components, including a mouse and keyboard. Most pre-built machines have a graphics card, CPU, and sufficient RAM. Consider getting an optical drive if you don’t want to spend money on a graphics card and monitor.
You can also save money by reusing parts from your old computer. You can also transfer your Microsoft Windows license, saving you money. The cost of moving the Windows license isn’t included in example builds. Consider selling your old computer and reusing the components to save even more money.
The cost of building your gaming PC varies depending on your needs and budget. If you’re gaming on the PC, a cheaper CPU may be sufficient, but if you want to use it for video editing or rendering, an i7 or Ryzen 7-tier CPU would be best. Your budget should allow you to buy a CPU and graphics card compatible with your motherboard. The cost of these components varies greatly, from just a few hundred dollars to more than $4000.
Another factor in the cost of building your computer is labor. While a pre-built computer will cost you more than $1500, it still won’t cost you as much as a custom-built PC. If you’re uncomfortable building your gaming PC, you can buy a pre-built gaming PC from Amazon or NewEgg for much less.
Another factor in the cost of a custom-built PC is the operating system. You may opt for a Linux distro, which will cost you very little. However, Windows is more expensive and comes with a costly license. If you’re not comfortable installing and using Windows, you can always purchase an upgraded version of Windows, which will save you about $100.
Depending on your budget, you can build a gaming PC for as little as $300. The cost of a gaming PC depends on the specifications so higher-end gaming PCs will cost more than those with lower-end specifications. A gaming PC’s average price is between $700 and $2000.
Compatibility
If you are planning to build a gaming PC, you should first check whether the components you are planning to use are compatible with each other. This will help you make the best computer possible and troubleshoot any issues. Incompatibility between different parts can lead to problems such as overheating or your setup not turning on. Luckily, there are several ways to check the compatibility of an element before purchasing it.
Customizability
Gaming PCs are available in a wide variety of configurations to match the needs of any gamer. While the components used in a gaming PC are the most critical factor in the cost, you can also customize the look of your PC according to your tastes. For example, you can add colored lighting strips or a transparent shell to the chassis. As a result, the customizability of gaming PCs has become a prevalent trend among PC gamers.
