PC Gaming Is Too Expensive

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2025 | Gaming

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PC gaming is too expensive. This statement gets tossed around all the time. I heard it recently at a cookout where a father was discussing his son's idea to switch from console gaming to PC gaming.

He mentioned that his son wanted a "gaming laptop," and not just any laptop, an Alienware or a MacBook Pro (which isn't a PC, but still). We're not talking about the low end, either. We're talking about the $2,800 price range.

If you are one of these people, I have a few points that may blow your mind.

  1. While high end machines are nice, they are not necessary to fully enjoy PC gaming. A list was made by vvhitevvolf on Amazon describing how he plays "newer" games on his Pentium 4 machine.

    He's using a Windows XP box with a Pentium 4 at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading enabled. He's also running 2 GB DDR2 RAM, a 9500 gt 512 MB GPU, and a 22 widescreen LCD monitor. This setup is about the quality you would find in an office (especially a company that doesn't believe in IT spending). He usually runs his games at 1280 x 800 resolution. Some games list a dual core CPU as a requirement, but he has played such games on his PC.

    Furthermore, textures are typically not an issue and are usually set to high. He has configured his games to run on his machine. They may not look exquisite, but they run.

    You may have to turn off AA, particle settings, and shadows if you have a similar setup. Lowering the resolution will also help. This may not be the optimum way to play a PC game, but it can be done.
  2. The Cost of games may not even be a factor. There are a plethora of free to play games out right now, such as Path of Exile, League of Legends, Planetside 2, and many more!

    Plenty of free mods and various other free ways to play games exist.

    Even if you take the plunge and buy a game, there are frequent sales from digital distributors such as GOG, Steam, Green Man Gaming, and even Origin. Take a look around, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Zeik's Computer Build

Two months ago, one of our writers, Zeik, built a decent gaming PC at just over $1,000.

Zeiks PC 20130515

Here is a rundown of what I have under the hood. Keep in mind that this would normally be only a <$1000 PC, but I ran over a bit customizing it. Also, I chose Air Cooling because it works best with the case.