New budget gaming computer

[Dad_SB_83]

Why not just get a console? What games do you want to play?

You will absolutely not be able to build any kind of gaming PC that would compete with the newest PS5 or Xbox for that price.

You can get a PS5 where I live for $400-500 and you will not be able to build a gaming PC that will outperform it or even be on par with it for that price.

@Mongrel am I wrong? I can't imagine how on Earth you'd build a gaming desktop that at least matches PS5 performance for less than $800-900 -- certainly not for $500. Am I wrong?

I admit I might be, I know my way around the technology, I used to build and mod my own machines but it's been several years so I'm out of the loop in terms of part prices these days.

 

[Mongrel]

@Mongrel am I wrong? I can't imagine how on Earth you'd build a gaming desktop that at least matches PS5 performance for less than $800-900 -- certainly not for $500. Am I wrong?

I admit I might be, I know my way around the technology, I used to build and mod my own machines but it's been several years so I'm out of the loop in terms of part prices these days.

Yes, see the link which you appeared to miss the first time

Edit, the website has been updated since last week, new link to the same page

 

[Mongrel]

To clarify:
Hardware wise, it's a wash. The PS5 has a slightly more powerful GPU, a marginally slower CPU and shared system memory.

While it boasts of 4K performance, it's not native 4K and heavy use is made variable frame rates. The expected output device is a TV which often leads to input lag issues.

Other reasons.

The PC has a massive library for games, Steam & GOG by themselves dwarf anything available for consoles with no subscription to play games online (there are a few exceptions but that's per game. While Humble Bundle provide a Gamepass like experience if you wish to sample a variety of games.

Some games don't translate very well, or at all, to consoles and 'exclusives' are often just a matter of waiting, whereas you can just plug a controller into a PC

Finally, once you know you can build a PC it's easier to start tinkering with it. A home built PC, IMO, is just a base to improve on however you want. Whether it's more storage, adding additional RAM, or a friend is selling a better GPU after an upghrade.

 

[Andy_Ross]

 

[Mongrel]

The "average" 60fps point is why all the competent reviewers are showing the "1% lows" in system reviews, a consistent & smooth framerate is preferable to intermittent stuttering.

It also brings up the point that the graphics in PC games are, normally, very customisable so you can tweak the settings to give yourself the best gameplay experience for you and your system.

Edit - Also mods. The MOBA genre was popularised by Warcraft 3 mod

 

[Andy_Ross]

I run around 200 mods on both Skyrim and Fallout and about 40 on Stalker.

 

[JimOfAllTrades]

Yes, see the link which you appeared to miss the first time

Edit, the website has been updated since last week, new link to the same page

We're holding off for a few weeks for now, but are looking at more at the $750 build at that link. I've given up on the surprise aspect and talked to my son and he seems to feel like you and @Andy_Ross that the PC has more games available and many are better on a PC than on a console. So when we do get something it looks like it will be a PC.

Thanks everyone for all the information.