How much did it cost to build a gaming PC in 2017 vs. 2023

In 2017, building a high-end gaming PC was a luxury, but it did not involve excessive expenditure. Meanwhile in 2023, building a PC with the same features implies a much higher expense, which is a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as inflation, and the computer component shortage.

Both systems we used for the calculation share the virtue of being the best in their launch year. However, their price difference is significant — something worrying for the user’s wallet.

Building a high-end gaming PC in 2023 will cost twice as much as it did in 2017

2017

All the components used in our model to build a PC in 2017 could run all AAA games at that time.

• Processor: Intel Core i7 7700k (€300)
• Graphics card: GTX 1080 overclocked (€540)
• ASUS Maximus VIII Hero motherboard (€230)
• RAM: 2 x 8 GB DDR 4 (€140)
• Power supply: good quality and 650 W, but not too expensive (€100)
• SSD hard disk: Samsung 960 Evo 250 Gb (€120)
• HDD hard disk: 2 TB regardless of the brand (€70)
• Case: simple and efficient (€100)
• Cooling: basic kit (€100)

In total, the purchase of all these components in 2017 would require an expense of €1700 euros.

2023

Building a PC with similar performance in 2023 implies spending much more than you needed a few years ago:

• Processor: Intel Core i7 13700K (€620)
• Graphics card: RTX 4080 Founder’s Edition (€1,469)
• Motherboard: compatible model (€400)
• RAM: 2 x 16 GB DDR5 RAM strips (€300)
• Power supply: Corsair RM850E 850 W (€190)
• Hard disk: Crucial P3 2TB (€160)
• Case: basic, but big (€100)
• Cooling: basic kit (€100)

The total expenditure in 2023 is €3339.

After comparing the prices, we can notice a significant increase in component costs. This is because it takes almost twice as much money to obtain equipment that competes with the best on the market.

This figure shows the worrying evolution of the industry. That is also why many users opt to get gaming consoles such as PlayStation 5 or Xbox X Series, which are last-generation consoles with modern hardware for a little more than €600.

What you should consider when buying a gaming PC

If you want to have the gaming PC of your dreams even despite the high hardware prices, here are some tips:

• For a PC designed primarily for gaming, the processor and the graphics card are the two main elements.
• Choosing the right capacity and type of RAM or hard disk (preferably SSD) is important. However, more than looking at the price, it is essential to be clear about the type of chipset and its characteristics.
• It is essential to think about the future. The motherboard is the main element that will impact the possibility of future upgrades.

Lastly, do not forget any of the elements. It is crucial to consider all of the details, such as the case, cooling, and power supply.

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