Getting a brand new gaming system in today’s era doesn’t cost a fortune anymore, as you can get a powerful system for about $1,000. However, gaming PCs in this range are not considered high-end, as such systems take everything a step further and generally cost more. So, how much is a high-end gaming PC?
High-end gaming PCs cost between $2,000 and $4,000. High-end systems generally contain more powerful parts like an Nvidia RTX 3090 GPU, which can cost up to $1,800 by themself. However, the final price depends on what parts you decide to build into the system.
It is possible to build a high-end gaming PC for less than $2,000 by choosing less powerful, price-reduced, or used hardware. You can cut down the cost even more if you already own PC parts, such as RAM and storage.
Here are a few examples of high-end gaming PCs and how much they cost:
| Gaming PC: | Price: | CPU: | GPU: |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MEG Trident X | $1,899.00 | Intel Core i7-10700K | GeForce RTX 3070 |
| Corsair ONE a200 | $2,547.99 | AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900X | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 |
| ALIENWARE AURORA R13 | $2,169.99 | Intel® Core™ i7-12700F | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 |
| MSI MEG Trident | $3,999.00 | Intel Core i9-10900K | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti |
| CORSAIR VENGEANCE i4200 | $2,399.99 | INTEL CORE i7-10700KF | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER |
Side Note:Â According to TheCostGuys, a typical gaming PC will cost you between $800 and $1,200. For my mid-range gaming PC, including an Nvidia RTX 2070 Super, I paid about $1,300.
What is considered a high-end Gaming PC?
When it comes down to categorizing what type of gaming PC should be considered as high-end, we can see that there are many definitions for that:
Generally, a high-end gaming PC is defined as a system that can run high-demanding game titles on the highest settings with high FPS. High-end systems are also capable of running games on higher resolution, such as 4K much smoother, compared to standard gaming PCs.
Another definition of a high-end gaming PC is a rig, which contains the most powerful components available, such as the graphics card, processor, or motherboard.
Current high-end PC parts are Nvidia’s RTX 3080/3090, as they are one of the most powerful gaming GPUs on the market, or the new AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, which beats Intel’s Core i9-10900K in multiple games.
Because high-end PCs contain more powerful parts than other builds, they tend to have a higher price tag on them.
Factors That Influence the Cost of a PC
Generally, the cost of a gaming system you find online reflects how much computing power you’ll get. However, it’s possible to cut down the cost of gaming PCs quite a lot based on three factors.
Parts:Â The biggest influence on the final price of your gaming system make all the different parts. Especially GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and storage cost a lot of money. High-end components such as the Nvidia RTX 3080 cost over $1,000 brand new. Note that you can build an entire gaming rig for $1,000 or less! High-end CPUs are not as expensive, but still, they can cost up to $470.
Side Note:Â The most expensive part of a gaming PC is the graphics card, followed by the CPU. Also, quality PC cases can cost between $80 and $180, depending on the size and materials.
Accessories:Â Additions like case fans, fan controllers, or case accessories also influence the price of a complete PC. If you want to order a pre-built system, you can remove unnecessary items to reduce the price tag. For instance, adding a fan controller to a system costs between $30 and $90.
Expansions:Â Besides the main components of a gaming PC, you can also add sound cards, wired network adapters, wireless network adapters, and more. However, adding a sound card is not always needed, as some motherboards already feature a built-in sound card.
If you want to know how much other gaming equipment costs, follow the link provided below.
Is a high-end Gaming PC worth it?
High-end gaming PCs are not different than any other standard mid-range build, not considering the overall higher performance. A good, standard mid-range gaming PC can do almost everything a high-end system can do, so are they even worth it?
High-end gaming PCs are worth it if you need increased performance to play games in higher resolution as 4k or in VR. If you edit and render videos in high resolution besides gaming, high-end models can give you enough performance. However, high-end PCs are not worth it if you don’t play high-demanding games in high resolution.
​Generally, a high-end gaming PC can also be used for video editing, video rendering, or streaming on Twitch. But still, they are only worth it if you really need the performance, as decent systems can already be purchased for about $1,200.
For instance, my system, which costs about $1,300, can run high-demanding games on high settings with decent FPS. Titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare runs at 138 FPS, Battlefield V at 115 FPS, and Overwatch at 148 FPS (Epic Setting)
To play games on high settings, you don’t need a system for $2,500 as other people or streamers like Ninja have. Some people forget that they use their PC all the time, and for other tasks as well, besides gaming.
Are pre-built PC worth it?
With so much money on the table, it is crucial that the PC you buy is perfect in terms of specs and performance. Pre-built PCs are a popular option for people who never build a PC on their own or just don’t want the hassle of a building process and the worries of breaking something.
So, should you buy a pre-built PC instead of building the system yourself?
Pre-build PCs are worth it if you don’t want to build a PC by yourself. Generally, pre-built PCs cost a bit more, compared to DIY builds, and can not be customized entirely sometimes. However, if you want to buy a high-end gaming PC, it is recommended to pick the parts and build the system by yourself.
You can still go to a big retailer and customize a pre-build system, but picking all parts on your own allows you to get everything into the case you want. You can also find lower prices by searching for parts by yourself, which can be a substantial amount sometimes.
​​​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the lifespan of a high-end gaming PC?
Oh, good question! These PCs are built to last, but their actual lifespan can vary depending on various factors like usage, maintenance, and upgrades. Typically, a high-end gaming PC can last anywhere from 5 to 8 years before significant upgrades are required. But remember, staying on top of cleaning and maintenance helps maximize its lifespan!
2. Does a high-end gaming PC consume more electricity?
Intriguing, isn’t it? High-end gaming PCs, due to their powerful components, do tend to use more power than a standard home PC. However, modern components are designed to be energy-efficient, and the actual power consumption will largely depend on the tasks you’re running. So, while your electric bill might go up a bit, it won’t skyrocket unless you’re running intensive tasks 24/7.
3. Are there any downsides to owning a high-end gaming PC?
A valid question! While these machines offer unparalleled performance and versatility, they do come with a higher price tag. Additionally, they might require more maintenance due to their complex setup and powerful components. However, if performance and versatility are what you’re after, a high-end gaming PC might just be worth every penny!
