How much does it cost to build a PC in 2026?
Posted by AmphibianSecure177@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hi, just tryna get a baseline. I was reading this post and wanted to know how much the new RAM/SSD prices would affect a build like this?
Thanks y'all!
CanisMajoris85@reddit
You used to be able to build a PS5 performance PC new for like $750 a year ago. Now that'd probably run $1100+, mostly because RAM that you'd have paid $75 for now costs $300 and storage that used to be $100 for 2tb is now like $250.
maxgeek@reddit
Look at prebuilt prices. They are cheaper than building but it will give you an idea of what you can get for the money.
postsshortcomments@reddit
These are about the bare minimum parts I'd throw at anything. I see it as a stepping stone build with decent immediate results as long as you have realistic expectations for 5+ year old GPU/6+ year old CPU.
Will get you really deep into the Steam library at 60hz 1080p gaming? Absolutely. Will this be able to play every brand, AAA release or CPU-bound release? Absolutely not, but if you are buying $60 new releases.. it'd be wise to spend that $60 on a CPU upgrade. Some of the titles it cannot play well may include a handful of multiplayer staples like Tarkov and BL4, but it mostly handles social multi-player titles at a more than playable level.
Pre-storage, pre-OS and pre-tax total: $549? Remember: no storage so we're not done yet.
Storage: a 500GB SSD for OS is my bare minimum. For over 60-100GB+ installs, it may not be optimal, but you probably wont be using Ultra Textures anyways. If you have an old, dead laptop manufactured since about 2014 there's a great chance you can pull an SSD out of it. Add a $15 2TB HDD for any installs under 10GB-15GB without much of a change in experience.
Case: You can often find some really nice, almost brand new cases used for very cheap. Sometimes they'll include 5+ case fans. Sometimes an old AIO (check the year it was released). Sometimes PSUs (check the quality of the unit before using it).
Full-used system advice: It's not uncommon to see used similar configs on marketplace for similar prices. Look out for NVMe storage ($130/1TB, $350/TB) and look out for 2x16GB RAM ($150 total, +$70 to what's allocated). Sometimes you'll see them sneak into specs or can catch a glimpse in an image. I'd be prepared to ask above asking price & drive immedaitely as there are plenty of builders who are looking for the exact same thing and know.
**Alternative configurations: ** 5500/motherboard bundles have been popping up on Newegg for $80-90 and are fairly parallel to a 3600 (wins some, loses some, but the gap is usually close). You'll have to watch somewhere like buildapcsales very closely as they typically only stay up for a few hours and might pop up weekly.
GPU can also be swapped with 5700, 5700XT, 2060, 2060 super, 2070. That said: I really do recommend a 3060 Ti 8GB as the DLSS will carry it extra far. The lowest of those is probably $100-130 if you can find one locally. The extra budget for a 3060 Ti is well worth it, though. End-game is a 9060 XT 16GB/5060 Ti or better. This is the GPU I'd personally roll with if I could not get one (there are other great options, I just don't think they're worth carrying in a system where eventually upgrades are planned).
I actually kind of like starting with a 3600 regardless because it's not uncommon to get a Zen2 motherboard buying used and they sell really easily. If you get a 5500 bundle, it will most likely come with a motherboard. If you buy the motherboard separately, be warned that it may require a Zen2 CPU to update anyways (so I think the 3600 is a better choice for a first-time builder.) Make sure you update the BIOs before throwing in a Zen3 CPU.
Stepping-stone upgrades: Eventually you'll want a Vermeer not Cezanne CPU, a 5600 is a good starting point. Watch out for 5800X3D Anniversary edition especially if the price starts with a $2. If that's outside of budget, its release may flood a bunch of Vermeers onto the used market and that's probably a great time to buy. Add a 9060XT 16GB or 5060 Ti 16GB and it's a pretty darn good machine.
SyFyFan93@reddit
I just built a mid to high tier 1440p gaming PC for ~$3,300.
AwayReplacement7063@reddit
Tbh a realistic budget build without sacrificing too much would probably be a minimum $800? But I’d say at least go in with $1,000 if you can. Gets you mostly/completely new parts and current platform AMD if you’re smart.
aminy23@reddit
For a gaming PC, $600-$800 is tough, but doable. $900-$1,100 it ends up improving a lot. $1,200-$1,800 is easy. $1,900+ is easily high end territory.
Typically I recommend allocating about 40% of the budget to the graphics card.
Key-Lawfulness-3871@reddit
Well...pray
InCo1dB1ood@reddit
Answer: "Alot".