Building a high-end or even a decent mid-range gaming PC can cost $1300 to $2500 quite easily, which is why many people look for ways to save money or cheap out on crucial components. Financing a gaming PC could be the solution for getting a high-end system for a few bucks a month, but is it even possible to finance a gaming PC?
Financing a gaming PC is similar to financing a TV or a car, so some advantages come with it. But also a few disadvantages, which you should know about.
If you plan on buying a monster PC you will need a monster monitor for your baby as well. Gaming monitors have many advantages and you will notice that even when you’re working on your monster monitor will leave you breathless,
Should I Finance A Gaming PC?
Now, before you run out to finance the ultimate gaming PC, you should definitely know the pros and cons of financing a new PC. Knowing the pros and cons is crucial, as you can get into serious problems if you cannot afford the payments or break the contract.
| Pros of Financing a Gaming PC: | Cons of Financing a Gaming PC: |
|---|---|
| You can play on a high-end build for a few dollars per month | 0% interest offers not always trustworthy (check terms&conditions!) |
| You can customize the specifications of the gaming system | Possible bad effect on your credit rating |
| Financing plans available in different sizes | Interest rates increase depending on your credit score |
| Low upfront costs | |
| Simple process |
It is highly recommended to know what you want to do with the PC. If you’re going to use the system to play demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, The Witcher, or online multiplayer games on the highest settings, going for a mid to high-range system is recommended. Particularly if you want to record videos or stream your gameplay live on platforms like Twitch or Youtube.
If you only want to play games from time to time, watch videos on Youtube, or some streams on Twitch, paying for a high-end build would be a waste of money. So, find out what you want to use the system for at first.
After you know what you want to use it for, take a look at your finances and find out how much money you can afford to spend. When you have a few numbers, you can go to OriginPC or other online retailers to create a custom gaming PC depending on your needs and budget.
Remember, financing is not always the best option. Most gamers buy their gaming rigs online and pay the full price at the checkout. Financing only makes a lot of sense if you don’t have enough money for a one-time purchase.
Also, financing a gaming PC from a retailer or company is not cheaper than purchasing all parts and building the PC on your own. If we combine all monthly payments and compare it to the sales price of all components, the result is about the same. Sure, the numbers vary depending on the offer, interest rates, and overall worth of the build.
If you choose to finance, I highly recommend reading the terms and conditions and checking the interest rate. If the interest rate is too high, for instance, 25% on a $1000 gaming PC, you would pay $1250 in total. In that case, I would instead build the PC on my own.
Side note: If you want to know what tools are needed to build a gaming PC, read our dedicated post here.
So, should you finance a gaming PC? If you don’t have a ton of money at the moment, but still want a new gaming system, yes, financing could work fine. But, there are also other methods to pay for a new rig over a certain period.
For instance, Amazon offers the option to pay for more expensive items (like a gaming PC or high-end GPU) over a few months, with fixed monthly payments at a 0% interest rate.
Can You Rent a Gaming PC?
Gaming PCs can be rented for a set period of time that can be agreed with the owner. Renting is commonly used for Esport tournaments or events that occur in different locations.
Larger Esport arenas like the Blizzard Arena in Los Angeles have their own gaming PCs already, so they don’t need to rent them first.
However, renting a gaming PC is more unusual for us normal gamers, as we have your main setup at home, or with us if we use a gaming laptop. The problem with renting a gaming PC as a regular person is that you have to send the system back to the company you rented it from. Ideally, someone would come to you to pick it up again.
Prices for renting a new/used gaming PC depend on the system specifications and range from $50 to $295 per day/week.
Where Can I Finance a Gaming PC
Modern gaming systems can be financed on OriginPC, CyberPowerPC, and other online retailers through Affirm or direct payments. Financing a new PC can also be done in local PC stores and retailers.
Depending on your location and company/retailer you chose to build and finance the gaming system, they could offer multiple ways for monthly payments, for example, PayPal or check.
Besides payment options, the APR varies between each retailer/company. To get the best financing conditions, having a good credit score is needed. With a low credit score, the APR can set between 14%-30%.
| Retailer/Company: | Possible Financing: | APR (Interest Rate): | Financing Time Frame: |
|---|---|---|---|
| OriginPC | Yes  |
Fixed 14,99% or depending on credit score | 6-36 Months |
| CyberPowerPC | Yes |
0% – 30% based on credit score | 6/12/24 Months with Affirm |
| XIDAX | Yes |
10% – 30% | 3/6/12 Months with Affirm |
| CLXGaming | Yes |
0% – 29.99% | 3-36 Months |
FAQs
How can I improve my credit score to secure better financing terms?
To improve your credit score, focus on making timely payments for your existing debts, such as credit cards, loans, or utility bills. Minimize outstanding debt, keep credit card balances low, and avoid applying for multiple new credit accounts simultaneously. Regularly reviewing your credit report for errors and disputing inaccuracies can also help improve your credit score.
Is it better to finance a gaming PC or pay for it upfront?
The decision to finance or pay upfront depends on your financial situation and personal preferences. Financing allows you to spread the cost over time, making it more manageable if you don’t have the funds available upfront. However, keep in mind that financing may incur interest charges, and the total cost could be higher compared to paying upfront.
Can I finance a gaming PC through online retailers or local PC stores?
Yes, both online retailers and local PC stores often offer financing options for gaming PCs. Online retailers may provide financing through third-party services like Affirm, while local stores may have their own financing programs or work with local financial institutions. It’s advisable to compare terms, interest rates, and options available from different sources to choose the most suitable financing option for you.
Will financing a gaming PC affect my credit rating?
Financing a gaming PC can impact your credit rating, both positively and negatively. Making timely payments on your financing plan can demonstrate responsible credit behavior and help improve your credit score over time. However, missing payments or defaulting on the loan can have a negative impact on your credit rating. It’s crucial to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments before committing to a financing plan.
Final Words
By taking the time to research and consider all your options, you can navigate the financial labyrinth and emerge on the other side with your dream gaming PC. Whether you’re a casual player or an eSports competitor, the right computer can power up your play and transform your gaming experience. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
