How Much Is a Good Gaming PC? A Complete Guide to Pricing, Performance, and Value in 2025

If you are purchasing a gaming PC, the question of How much is a good gaming PC? is likely at the top of your mind. Whether you are a beginner looking to get into gaming, an experienced player wanting better performance, or someone streaming on platforms like Twitch, there is a gaming PC setup for everyone.

But how do you determine what is considered good, and how much should you expect to spend?

In this post, we will analyze the cost of gaming PCs based on their performance, specifications, and specific preferences, allowing you to determine which PC is a worthwhile investment.

What Defines a Good Gaming PC?

Before we dive into pricing, let us define what makes a good gaming PC. The main factors that determine performance are:

• Graphics Card (GPU): Crucial for gaming visuals and smooth gameplay, especially in high-end games.
• Processor (CPU): This is ideal for playing games without lag and offers fast load times.
• RAM & Storage: 16GB of RAM is typically the sweet spot for most gamers. Fast storage SSD improves game load times and performance.
• Cooling and Build Quality: Proper cooling is essential for maintaining system stability, especially during long gaming sessions.

These components combine to provide the performance you need for gaming, streaming, and multitasking. So, now, look at how much you should expect to pay based on your needs.

How Much Does a Good Gaming PC Cost in 2025?

Entry-Level Gaming PC: Under £500

If you are starting and want to play less demanding games like Fortnite or Minecraft, an entry-level gaming PC under £500 may be a good choice. These systems typically come with:

• Graphics Card: Budget options like the GTX 1050 Ti or Radeon Vega graphics cards can run most games at medium settings.
• Processor: A basic Intel Core i5 10th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 6 core gaming pc.
• RAM: 16GB of DDR4 RAM is perfect for casual gaming.
• Storage: A 500GB HDD or 256GB SSD.

Performance: Expect to play games at 1080p resolution with medium settings. You will get 30-60 FPS on most titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and CS: GO.

Pros:

• Affordable price.
• Great for casual or beginner gamers.
• Can handle older or less demanding games.

Cons:

• Limited for high-end games or AAA titles.
• May struggle with heavy multitasking.

Mid-Range Gaming PC: £500 - £1,000

For more demanding games like Call of Duty: Warzone, Cyberpunk 2077, or Apex Legends, a mid-range gaming PC is ideal. These systems generally feature:

• Graphics Card: An upgrade to the RTX 3050 or higher for solid performance for modern games.
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 for smooth gameplay and better multitasking.
• RAM: 16GB of DDR4 RAM is best for gaming and streaming.
• Storage: A 512GB SSD or 1TB HDD for fast load times.

Performance: With high settings and 60-120 FPS, you can expect smooth gameplay in most modern titles at 1080p. Some games will even run at 1440p.

Pros:

• Handle most modern games.
• Suitable for streamers who need both performance and reliability.
• Excellent value for the price.

Cons:

• Not ideal for 4K gaming.
• Limited future-proofing for upcoming titles at ultra settings.

High-End Gaming PC: £1,200+

• You will need a high-end system if you are an esports professional, streamer, or content creator wanting to experience 4K gaming or virtual reality (VR).
• Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 4060 or higher for top-tier 4K gaming and VR.
• Processor: Intel Core i7 13th gen or higher for flawless performance across multiple tasks.
• RAM: 32GB or more, allowing you to handle multitasking, video editing, and high-end gaming without issue.
• Storage: A large SSD (1TB or more) for fast game loading and massive game libraries.

Performance: These systems can deliver 144 FPS or higher, even on ultra settings in the latest AAA titles. They are also perfect for VR gaming and streaming in 1080p or 4K.

Pros:

• Handle any modern game at the highest settings.
• Best for streaming or content creation, especially with the large RAM and fast storage.
• Future-proofed for years to come.

Cons:

• Higher electricity costs due to power-hungry components.

What Do You Get for Your Money? Performance Expectations Based on Price

Entry-Level (£500): Expect decent performance in less demanding games and 30-60 FPS at 1080p on medium settings. It is a solid choice for beginners or casual gamers.

Mid-Range (£1,200): Expect high FPS (60+ FPS) with high settings in modern games, perfect for playing competitive games like Fortnite and Call of Duty at 1080p or 1440p.

High-End (£1,200+): With this price range, you can enjoy 4K gaming, high refresh rates, and the ability to run AAA games at ultra settings. These PCs are also ideal for streaming and VR gaming.

Custom Builds vs. Prebuilt Gaming PCs: What is Best for You?

When purchasing a gaming PC, you have two main options: custom builds or prebuilt systems.

• Custom Builds: Offer better value for money as you choose each component. They require more effort but allow control over your system performance. Perfect for experienced gamers or those who want to tweak every detail.
• Prebuilt PCs: Convenient and easy to use, prebuilt PCs come ready to go, saving you time. However, they can be slightly more expensive due to assembly and branding costs. But, for many gamers, the convenience is well worth the price.

How to Choose the Right Gaming PC for Your Needs

When deciding how much to spend on a gaming PC, consider the following:

• What games do you want to play? Games like Fortnite or League of Legends require far less power than demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2.
• What is your primary use? If you plan to stream or create content, invest in a PC with more RAM and better cooling.
• Budget and future-proofing: While it is tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider how long the system will last and if it is capable of running future games at a satisfactory level.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Investing in a Good Gaming PC?

The question of how much a good gaming PC depends on your individual needs. For casual gaming, a system under £500 will do the job, but if you are into esports, streaming, or 4K gaming, you may want to invest in a mid-range or high-end build.

At XUM, we provide high-quality, custom-built gaming PCs that cater to every need—from entry-level to high-performance systems—designed and built in the UK. Ready to level up your gaming experience? Contact us today to find the perfect gaming PC for your budget and needs.