For most gamers it doesn’t get much better than having a sweet custom gaming desktop that can handle any game you throw at it with ease. But in today’s world the price tag can be a formidable barrier to entry. Any gamer – casual or serious – might wonder, “How much does it cost to build a gaming computer of my dreams?” Well, the price varies depending on which components you want for your gaming PC setup. Having said that, with us, you can build a fantastic gaming PC without breaking the bank.
Gaming PCs use specialized hardware, including powerful discrete graphics cards, to achieve the visual quality and higher frame rates that modern games demand. As you might expect, this high-performance gear comes with a higher price tag. Nevertheless, there are two ways to get your hands on a quality gaming PC without forking over too much cash.
First, you can invest in a prebuilt system. This saves you the headache of shopping around for deals on components and assembling your PC, which can be a nerve-racking experience for most beginners; hell even when you have built a few PCs it is still nerve-racking. CyberPower PCs come with a comprehensive warranty, something you won’t get when you build your own custom PC. In addition, we offer a reliable configuration tool you can use to select each component and design your perfect build.
Still prefer to select each component and build a PC yourself? In this guide we will help you design your ideal gaming system. Read on to discover the estimated cost to build a gaming PC that suits your every needs throughout a range of budgets.
Table of Contents
What Parts do you need to build a gaming pc?
How much will it cost to build a gaming PC? For an accurate estimate, let’s break down the 8 key components of a gaming PC.
Note: When building your own gaming pc, don’t forget to factor in the cost of a monitor, peripherals (mouse / keyboard), and an OS (if you do not already have one ready to boot). Let’s get into it.
CPU – The Processor
One of the main components that will affect how much you’ll need to build a gaming desktop is the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU is the “brain” and the one of the primary components of your gaming PC. It processes data to enable the computer to execute instructions from programs, such as your operating system, games, or any other applications you use.
For gaming, the CPU handles game logic, calculates physics simulations, and handles integrations between the game and the rest of your system. Faster, more powerful processors improve game performance by reducing lag, supporting faster framerates, and ensuring smooth gameplay in CPU-intensive games or those with complex simulations.
Average Price Range: $250 – $459
Motherboard – A Home for your Components and Connections
Your computer’s motherboard is printed circuit board that connects all its components. In gaming PCs, the motherboard ensures that all the hardware communicates effectively and works together. It also provides expansion slots for additional gaming peripherals or hardware.
Average Price Range: $105 – $425
GPU
The graphics card (graphics processing unit – GPU) is what renders images, videos, animation, and of course, games. The GPU is crucial for processing and displaying high-quality graphics in modern games. They ensure smooth frame rates and feature realistic lighting and textures. A more powerful graphics card will deliver better performance at more detailed resolutions, making games look better and run more smoothly. For that to happen, you must take the necessary measure to prevent the GPU from overheating, such as cooling or cleaning your PC to regulate the unit’s temperature. Being such a vital component, a GPU will considerably influence how much you require to build a gaming computer.
Average Price Range: $259 – $999+
RAM – Random Access Memory
RAM, or random access memory, serves as temporary storage for running applications on your PC. In gaming, RAM helps load game assets quickly – things like textures, maps, models, and more. This can speed up loading times and reduce stuttering.
Sufficient RAM, in general, ensures smoother multitasking and better performance in resource intensive games. But how much RAM do you really need for gaming? We recommend at least 16GB. 32GB is even better because it can provide a much needed performance boost and newer releases are beginning to recommend this much.
Average Price Range: $99 – $179
Storage – SSDs & Hard Drives
SSDs and hard drives store all of your data and files. From your operating system to games, movies, and documents, any file you need lives in your storage. SSDs – solid state drive – have faster read and write speeds than a standard disc drive. This makes them the preferred option if you want to play the latest games without long load times or poor performance.
Average Price: $69 – $299
Case – The Home for All of Your Components
The case, or chassis, is the physical box that houses all your components. Cases come in various shapes and sizes, as well as styles to suit any aesthetic.
Average Price Range: $59 – $150
PSU – Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) powers your gaming PC. It converts AC power to DC power so you can plug your PC into an outlet. Typically higher-end components will have higher power draws, so a more powerful PSU that can output more wattage is necessary.
PSUs come with different efficiency ratings, Corsair, who makes great power supplies we use in our own systems, explains these efficiency ratings. Usually, you’ll see an efficiency rating on power supplies that reads something like “80 PLUS____PSU”.
Basically, there are several tiers, ranging from Bronze to Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Platinum is the highest tier, meaning it offers the best power efficiency. This can translate into cooler PC temperatures, better performance, and lower energy bill. And how much it will it cost to build a gaming PC with such a component? This amount might be higher compered to that of building your setup with a lower-tier PSU.
Average Price Range: $115 – $255
CPU Cooler
CPU coolers, as the name suggests, keep your CPU from overheating, which is essential to keeping your gaming rig cool and functional. There are two kinds of coolers: air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers use a heat sink and a set of fans to radiate heat away from the processor. Liquid coolers do the same thing, but leverage the higher heat conductivity of liquids to effectively remove heat from the CPU. Nowadays, many gaming PCs utilize AIO liquid coolers, which use a heat plate that attaches to the top of the PC and a set of flexible tubes to conduct heat away from the CPU to the radiator, where a fan exhausts that heat. This design makes AIOs highly effective.
More expensive PC gaming hardware will use more electricity and operate at a higher clock frequencies, so as expected, they produce more heat. Therefore, you’ll need a great air cooler or even liquid cooling to deliver this great performance. In general, liquid cooling solutions cost more than air coolers.
Average Price Range: $49-159+
Additional Costs to Consider
When calculating the average cost to build a gaming computer, you also factor in additional expenses. Here are other components to buy when building a gaming PC.
Peripherals
Many players solely focus on core components like the CPU and GPU when building a gaming PC – which is not necessarily a bad approach. But peripherals are often overlooked and can be just as important because they directly affect your gaming experience. These include:
Monitor
The monitor determines how smooth and responsive your gameplay will be. A monitor with 144Hz-165Hz refresh rate reduces motion blur in fast paced shooters like Call of Duty or Apex Legends. An even higher refresh rate of 240Hz-360Hz is ideal for competitive gamers because it offers ultra-fluid motion.
For resolution, opt for 1080p, if yours is a budget build. With 1440p, you can enjoy more clarity and better performance. While 4K offers the most stunning detail, it requires a high-end GPU, which will add on to the average price to build a gaming PC. Additionally, consider a 1ms or 2ms response time to prevent ghosting and input lag.
Average Price Range: $245 – $999+
Keyboards
How much is it to build a gaming PC with a good gaming keyboard? It depends on whether you select a mechanical or membrane keyboard. The former lasts longer as it can withstand 50 million+ keystrokes and register keypresses faster. But it is pricier than membrane keyboards that feel mushy and wear out faster.
Average Price Range: $59 – $259
Mice
Gaming mice offer better tracking, programmable buttons, and customization for different playstyles. The best options feature adjustable DPI settings to let you switch between precision aiming (low DPI) and fast movement (high DPI). Some offer optical sensors, which outperform their laser counterparts because they provide better tracking.
Average Price Range: $29 – $199
Headsets
In gaming, the right headset can provide good audio and deliver immersive gaming experiences. This can give you an edge in competitive environments. Consider an option with surround sound as it allows for positional audio, helping you hear footsteps or gunfire direction.
Ideally, it should also have a noise-cancelling mic to improve team communication. You can either go for wired headsets with zero latency or wireless options, which are convenient but require charging.
Average Price Range: $49 – $219
Operating System and Software
The OS is the backbone of your PC. Without it, your gaming rig is just an expensive box. Windows is the best and most obvious choice for gaming because it offers DirectX support and is the most widely used OS with compatibility for pretty much all games.
Our gaming PCs include the latest version of Windows, but if you are building your own PC from scratch, you will need to buy yours separately. The price of the games you want can also contribute to the total cost to build a gaming desktop. If you are gaming content creator, then you that also includes premium streaming software such as OBS and Xsplit, and video / photo editing tools like Adobe.
Average Price Range: $95 – $215
Customization and Aesthetic Upgrades
Gamer lights might not be for everyone, but how much does it cost to build a PC if you invest in aesthetics? You’ll have to cough up a few extra dollars, but the advantages are worth it. Besides making your PC setup look cool, customization can improve organization and overall build quality. Consider investing in RGB lighting to enhance immersion. You can also get custom keycaps to personalize your setup.
Average Price Range: $29- $199
Breaking Down The Average Cost to Build a Gaming PC
So, how much does it cost to build a gaming computer? As we’ve seen above, the price of building a gaming PC varies widely because different performance level components cost different amounts of money. High-end, and thus high-performance systems, will cost more than entry level hardware.
Entry-Level Gaming PC ($500 – $800)
How much does a gaming PC cost to build if you’re aiming for an entry-level system? Expect to spend about $500 – $800. This budget can offer a reliable CPU, a capable GPU, and sufficient RAM, enabling you to relish excellent gaming experiences. Here’s a sample build:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 – $145
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6650XT – $259
- Motherboard: MSI B450M Pro – $95
- RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200Mhz – $59
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD – $65
- Power Supply: EVGA 600W 80+ Bronze – $55
- Case: Deepcool MAtrexx 50 Mid Tower – $59
- Cooling: Air Cooler – $55
Mid-Range Gaming PC ($800 – $1500)
For a powerful gaming PC that delivers smooth performance at 1440p and 4K, a mid-range build whose price ranges between $800 and $1500 is the sweet spot. With this budget, expect a strong CPU-GPU combo to ensure impressive frame rates in AAA titles and ray tracing support.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X – $255
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti – $419
- Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO – $139
- RAM: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3600MHz – $95
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (Gen 4) – $119
- Power Supply: Corsair RM750x 80+ Gold – $125
- Case: Lian Li Lancool 215 – $99
- Cooling: Deepcool AK620 Air Cooler – $75
High-End Gaming PC ($1500+)
How much does a gaming computer cost to build if you’re into serious gaming? At least $1500 should be enough to get you cutting-edge gaming hardware, including the latest CPUs and powerful GPUS that can handle 4K gaming, ray tracing, and ultra settings.
With this build you will get blazing-fast load times, excellent cooling, and a system ready for streaming, content creation, and VR gaming. Here is an example of a build within this price range:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K – $555
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super – $1,199
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi – $359
- RAM: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz – $165
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD (Gen 4) – $189
- Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x 80+ Gold – $185
- Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO – $179
- Cooling: Lian Li Galahad II 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler – $189
Tips for Saving on Costs
Although building a gaming PC is rewarding, it can be costly too. Fortunately, with a few strategies, you can still build your dream rig without spending a fortune or compromising on quality and performance. These include:
- Wait for Sales: Many component manufacturers and retailers offer seasonal sales, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Wait until then and enjoy the best deals once prices drop.
- Consider Used or Refurbished Components: Look for used components, such as GPUs or CPUs, because their price tags are friendlier. Make sure to buy from trusted sellers, though. They might be willing to refund your money or replace the components if they have any issues.
- Make the Most Of Bundle Deals: At CyberPowerPC, we offer bundle deals with fantastic discounts on multiple components. Explore our March Massive Sale and snag amazing deals.
- Build Your Gaming PC in Phases: If your budget is tight, start by building a PC with the essential parts and then upgrade it over time. For example, you can start with a solid CPU and GPU and add extra storage or RAM later.
Alternative: Buying a Prebuilt PC
The alternative to building your own gaming PC is buying one from a trusted brand, such as ourselves. Here, you have two options. One – our website allows you to select each individual component, and then we build a gaming PC for with those parts. This lets you enjoy the benefits of “building” a custom PC without the hastle of actually assembling it. The PC will arrive fully built and ready to play. Don’t just take our word for it, Forbes considers our gaming PCs one of the best you can buy.
Option 2 is to go with a prebuilt system. These systems are boxed and ready to ship upon your placing an order, so they arrive quickly. You can also purchase one of our prebuilt PCs at one of our retailers, such as Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.
Level Up Your Game with CyberPowerPC
Now that you understand the average PC build cost, why wait to upgrade your gaming experience? CyberPowerPC helps you take charge of your gaming experience with top-tier gaming PCs designed for wins in every title. Want to jump into the action from the get-go? Get yourself a prebuilt PC that will deliver performance right out of the box. CyberPowerPC delivers the power you need at prices you’ll appreciate. Start your upgrade today!
How Much Does it Cost To Build a Gaming PC: FAQs
What is the most expensive component of a gaming PC?
The most expensive part of your gaming PC will probably be the graphics processing unit (GPU) – especially if you are working with one of the higher budgets. CPUs would be your next big ticket item when setting up your gaming PC.
Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC than to buy prebuilt?
The cost of building a gaming PC can be lower than that of buying a prebuilt PC if you take advantage of the best deals on individual components and discounts. When you build your own PC, you can also avoid the extra costs that prebuilt manufacturers charge for assembly, branding, and technical support.
Is $1000 enough to build a gaming PC?
The average cost to build a gaming PC that can handle 1440p gaming and even 4K gaming at decent settings is $1000. However, you can also get great prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000, all offering a powerful CPU and GPU as well as enough RAM and storage for modern games.
What monitor setup should I use?
The best monitor setup depends on your gaming style, budget, and whether you prioritize speed (FPS) or visual quality. For instance, a single 1440p 144Hz monitor is ideal for AAA games and casual gaming. Explore our collection of gaming monitors to find one that suits your playing needs.
How much does SSD storage cost?
SSD prices vary based on capacity, speed, and brand. For instance, a Samsung 1TB PCIe 3.0×4, NVMe SSD costs about $96.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when building a gaming PC?
When building a gaming PC, refrain from using incompatible or low-quality parts because they can result in system crashes and failures. Also, remember to connect all the cables properly and double-check them to prevent booting issues. Moreover, remember to research the average cost to build a gaming computer so you can set a realistic budget.