In my experience, playing games on a PC is awesome. Knowing how much a gaming PC costs is really useful. It helps plan your spending.

Gaming PCs are super popular because they’re awesome for gaming. They’re powerful, customizable, and make the games look fantastic. They have amazing graphics that make gaming really fun.

How Much Does a Gaming PC Cost?

In 2023, top gaming PCs can cost between $500 and $4,000. ^[1] There are two types: OEM and SI.

OEMs like HP, Dell, Acer, and Lenovo make their own parts and build gaming PCs. They might be cheaper but could have compatibility issues for future upgrades.

On the other hand, SI gaming PCs, like those from Skytech Gaming, use parts from different brands to make powerful setups. They’re good if you like upgrading your gear.

Gaming PCs are great for serious gamers. They have better graphics and speed than regular computers, and you can upgrade them easily.

Remember, OEMs might be cheaper but harder to upgrade, while SIs might cost more but offer more flexibility.

Is $1000 a Good Price for a Gaming PC?

Let me help you decide if $1000 is a good deal for a gaming PC. In my experience, yes, it’s a solid choice!

At this price, you can get a gaming PC that offers great visuals and a really smooth gaming experience. It’s a good starting point to find a gaming PC that will keep up with your gaming adventures for a long time.

When you’re looking at gaming PCs under $1000, here’s what’s important:

• Performance: Look for systems that have a good balance of CPU and GPU power. This helps your games run smoothly. A strong processor paired with a good graphics card is usually a smart choice.
• Storage: Try to find systems that offer both SSD and HDD options. An SSD makes everything load faster, while an HDD gives you lots of space for your games.
• Upgradeability: It’s nice to have a PC that you can upgrade later on. Maybe you’ll want more RAM or a better graphics card down the line. Having that flexibility means your PC will last longer and give you better value.

Cost of Prebuilt Gaming PCs

Making your own gaming computer isn’t a must. If you like things simple, buying a ready-made PC is a safer option. But, remember, prebuilt PCs can cost more because they involve extra work.

Occasionally, prebuilt PCs might come at a lower price.. Stores that buy lots of computers at once can offer lower prices because each part costs less. Some good stores to check out are Best Buy, Cyberpower, iBuyPower, Alienware, and NZXT.

To help you decide, I compared prices for one computer from these stores. Look at the breakdown of gaming PC costs below to help make your choice easier.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Good Gaming PC?

Building a good gaming PC can cost differently. A basic setup might be around $500 to $1,000. For a better experience, you might spend up to $2,000 or more.

If you want a top-notch gaming beast, get ready to pay about $3,000 to $4,000, depending on what you want.

I’ve put together costs in an easy table:

Is It Cheaper to Build a Gaming PC?

Making your own gaming PC in 2023 can save you money, even with higher part prices. Here’s how:

Consider used parts—they’re cheaper. Look for deals at different stores for discounts. Spend your budget on the most important parts for a custom, budget-friendly setup.

Now, let’s check out the good and not-so-good sides of building your own gaming PC:

How Much Is a Gaming PC and Monitor?

For a basic setup, you can expect to pay between $500 to $1000. But if you want a top-notch gaming experience, be ready to spend $2000 or more.

It’s important to choose wisely based on what you need. Find a balance between your budget and what the PC can do. This way, your gaming PC and monitor will match your gaming wants and needs.

What are Important Features to Look for in a Gaming PC?

Selecting a great gaming PC involves some key things to consider for a top-notch gaming experience.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is like the brain of your gaming setup. You’ll want one with multiple cores, like the Core i5 or i7, for smooth multitasking and really good performance.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Think of the GPU as the artist. It’s super important for awesome visuals and making sure your games run smoothly. Get a mid-range GPU for regular gaming or a high-end one for really fancy gaming experiences.
• Random-Access Memory (RAM): RAM is like your computer’s short-term memory. The more, the better! Shoot for at least 8 GB (but 16 GB is even better). If you do lots of things at once, 32 GB is awesome.
• Hard Drive: You want a fast hard drive, like an SSD, to make games load quickly and keep your computer responsive. Games these days need a lot of space (like 20GB to 180GB), so make sure your hard drive can handle it.
• Monitor: Look for one with a higher refresh rate – it makes everything look smoother while you play.
• Cooling: If it gets too hot, it might slow down. Try to keep it between 60-70°C for the best performance.

The Best Budget Gaming PC

Let me tell you about three awesome gaming computers that won’t cost you a fortune. These PCs offer great gaming experiences without breaking your budget.

• OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop GT15-0015na PC: The OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop has a Core i7 Processor that packs a punch for its price. It comes with a spacious 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, making games look stunning. It’s easy to upgrade, but if you push it too hard, it might heat up a bit.
• YEYIAN Kunai X12 Gaming PC Desktop Computer: The YEYIAN Kunai X12, running on Windows 11. This PC is great for multitasking! It boasts a Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB GDDR6 graphics, ensuring smooth gaming. However, some users reported occasional problems.
• HP Omen 25L AMD Ryzen 7: The HP Omen 25L AMD Ryzen 7 is a powerful gaming desktop. With an AMD Processor, 16GB RAM, and AMD graphics, it delivers impressive visuals. It’s easy to customize and looks sleek. Just be aware it might get a bit warm and doesn’t support 4K.

Best Entry-Level Gaming PC

These entry-level gaming PCs are pretty cool and won’t hurt your wallet too much. You can find them on Amazon to see how much they cost right now!

• AVGPC Q-Box Series Gaming PC – 4.6 GHz: Meet the AVGPC Q-Box Series Gaming PC! It’s great for playing lots of games without spending too much money. It has a 1TB hard drive, a 500GB HDD, and a 3.8GHz Ryzen_7 processor. This means it works pretty well for most things. With 16GB RAM, you can do a bunch of stuff at the same time. Just remember, it might not handle the fanciest games at their highest settings because it doesn’t have a special graphics card just for gaming.
• Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer Intel i7: Check out the Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer! It’s awesome for gaming and comes with 16GB DDR3 RAM and a 3.4GHz Intel Core i7-2600 processor. Games run smoothly thanks to its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 4GB graphics card, although some very fancy games might not work perfectly.
• Skytech Archangel 3.0 Gaming PC Desktop: The Skytech Archangel 3.0 Gaming PC is ready to go as soon as you get it! It has a GTX 1050 Ti, perfect for handling popular games. This PC might not have all the fancy ports, but it has an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 500GB SSD. It’s a good choice for most games, even though it’s missing a few things.

Best Premium Gaming PC

Let’s check out some premium gaming computers that seriously up your gaming game.

• Corsair ONE i300: The Corsair ONE i300 packs a punch! It’s got the latest Intel Core i9-12900K processor, lightning-fast DDR5 RAM, and a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card. Even though it’s small, it stays cool and quiet with its liquid-cooled system. It might be a bit pricier and not so easy to upgrade, but believe me, its gaming power is worth it!
• Alienware Aurora R13: The Alienware Aurora R13 is a gaming marvel! With an Intel Core i7-12700KF processor and top-notch NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, it looks cool and reduces noise with improved airflow. It’s stylish, easy to upgrade, but its 120mm CPU cooler could slow down heavy tasks a bit.
• CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR: The Gamer Xtreme VR series is a budget-friendly powerhouse! It runs on high-performance Intel Core processors and superfast DDR RAM, ensuring smooth gaming. With powerful video cards and cool LED lights, it’s a great gaming buddy, though it might consume a bit more power.

3 Ways to Find the Best Gaming PC for Your Budget

As someone who loves gaming, I know how tough it can be to find a great gaming PC without spending too much. Here are three easy ways to help you find the perfect gaming setup without burning a hole in your pocket.

• Look Around and Compare: Start by checking out different brands and types of gaming PCs. Read what others say about them and see how well they work. This will help you pick the one that fits what you need and doesn’t cost a ton.
• Pre-built or Custom-built: Deciding if you want to buy a ready-made gaming PC or build your own is a big deal. Ready-made ones are easy, but might cost more. Making your own lets you choose exactly what you want without spending too much. It takes a bit more time, but it can be worth it.
• Money vs. Performance: Think about what you really need in a gaming PC. Some fancy parts can be expensive, but might not make a big difference for most gamers. Focus on things like the graphics card and processor to get the most out of your budget.