Is PC gaming cheap or expensive compared to consoles?

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indzman

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#1  Edited By indzman
Member since 2006 • 27736 Posts

I find building a nifty gaming PC is expensive for future proof gaming, but tottally worth it in the long run (minimum 5 years). Building a low budget PC is much cheaper than consoles , but not worth it as one will struggle with newer upcoming games or may need to upgrade all over again in 2- 3 years time. Console is cheaper investment , put disc and play but then again console games are expensive compared to PC games (steam sales), you also need a full HDTV which is expensive compared to PC monitors. Its wise to invest in PC over consoles if one can afford it ... imo as nowadays all new games are releasing on steam.

Whats your opinion warriors? :)

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lostrib

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#2 lostrib
Member since 2009 • 49999 Posts

Yes

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Animal-Mother

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#3 Animal-Mother
Member since 2003 • 27362 Posts

Barrier to entry on a PC is higher. But sales are much more abundant. Plus you can do almost everything with a PC.

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XaosII

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#4 XaosII
Member since 2003 • 16705 Posts

Yes, the initial cost is notably higher than any console. But PC games tend to fall much quicker in price. It balances out in the medium term, and then becomes quite a bit more cost effective over the long-term. I can't remember the last time a console game released with a $40 price tag; thats a fairly regular occurrence for PC. Sure its only $20 or $10 here and there, but it adds up if you do quite a bit of gaming.

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clyde46

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#5 clyde46
Member since 2005 • 49061 Posts

You want the best, you gotta pay for the best. We don't accept foodstamps here.

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DEadliNE-Zero0

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#6  Edited By DEadliNE-Zero0
Member since 2014 • 6607 Posts

@lostrib said:

Yes

Maybe no. Yes?

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jhonMalcovich

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#7  Edited By jhonMalcovich
Member since 2010 • 7090 Posts

One needs a PC anyway, so if it will be a gaming PC then it´s always a win.

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indzman

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#8 indzman
Member since 2006 • 27736 Posts

@deadline-zero0 said:

@lostrib said:

Yes

Maybe no. Yes?

I sincerely hope lostrib is not following in thegergs footsteps =P

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clyde46

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#9 clyde46
Member since 2005 • 49061 Posts

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

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#11 jhonMalcovich
Member since 2010 • 7090 Posts

@clyde46 said:

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

What gpus you gonna use for sli ?

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pyro1245

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#12 pyro1245
Member since 2003 • 9384 Posts

@lostrib said:

Yes

This was going to be my answer... maybe I would have put a period after it? now we'll never know.

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clyde46

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#13  Edited By clyde46
Member since 2005 • 49061 Posts

@jhonMalcovich said:

@clyde46 said:

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

What gpus you gonna use for sli ?

I'm thinking 980's but the latest leaked benchies show it only just the 780Ti.

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#15  Edited By jhonMalcovich
Member since 2010 • 7090 Posts

@clyde46 said:

@jhonMalcovich said:

@clyde46 said:

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

What gpus you gonna use for sli ?

I'm thinking 980's but the latest leaked benchies show it only just the 780Ti.

Wait for a 6GB+ versions of 780ti, if they are not released yet.

EDIT: they gonna be released soon

http://wccftech.com/evga-launch-gtx-780-6gb-gtx-780-ti-6gb-variants/

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Animal-Mother

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#16 Animal-Mother
Member since 2003 • 27362 Posts

@clyde46 said:

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

You're a lunatic sir. hahahah

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clyde46

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#17 clyde46
Member since 2005 • 49061 Posts

@jhonMalcovich said:

@clyde46 said:

@jhonMalcovich said:

@clyde46 said:

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

What gpus you gonna use for sli ?

I'm thinking 980's but the latest leaked benchies show it only just the 780Ti.

Wait for a 6GB+ versions of 780ti, if they are not released yet.

They aren't coming. They released a small number and they were snapped up real fast. Don't expect anymore.

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clyde46

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#18 clyde46
Member since 2005 • 49061 Posts

@Animal-Mother said:

@clyde46 said:

My new build is clocking in around the £4000 mark.

You're a lunatic sir. hahahah

Complete revamp, new OS, new screens etc.

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DEadliNE-Zero0

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#19  Edited By DEadliNE-Zero0
Member since 2014 • 6607 Posts

@indzman said:

@deadline-zero0 said:

@lostrib said:

Yes

Maybe no. Yes?

I sincerely hope lostrib is not following in thegergs footsteps =P

hehe

But seriously, it depends. A proper gaming rig is definitely going to cost more. 700-900 euros will do.

If we count monitor, keyoard and mouse, i guess windows OS, it could be an extra 100-150 euros, but then again, like you said, you need an HD tv for consoles, plus mayeb a new controller, etc.

You also save 50 euros a year by not paying for multiplayer and sales on PC are much, much better. Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, GMG, etc. Also, on Amazon UK and Game UK, prices fall faster for pc games.

Finally, depending on where you shop you might be able to buy games at launch for cheaper than consoles. Again, amazon and game uk, but i use a legit site called G2A, which gets me Steam keys for new games at 30-40 euros vs 50-60 euros.

But then, there's the issue of power consumption, etc.

All in all, pc might save one money in the long run, but i don't think it's bad anyway.

IMHO, PC offers tons of awesome features you don't get on consoles, like BC, any controller, K/M, mods, emulators, creative community and games. All of these are, to me, worth paying extra, even if twice has much.

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#20 aroxx_ab
Member since 2005 • 13236 Posts

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

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lostrib

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#21 lostrib
Member since 2009 • 49999 Posts

@aroxx_ab said:

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

what if they don't own one?

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indzman

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#22 indzman
Member since 2006 • 27736 Posts

@deadline-zero0 said:

@indzman said:

@deadline-zero0 said:

@lostrib said:

Yes

Maybe no. Yes?

I sincerely hope lostrib is not following in thegergs footsteps =P

hehe

But seriously, it depends. A proper gamign rig is definitely going to cost more. 700-900 euros will do.

If we count monitor, keyoard and mouse, i guess windows OS, it could an extra 100-150 euros, but then again, like you said, you need an HD tv for consoles.

You also save 50 euros a year by not paying for multiplayer and sales on PC are much, much better. Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, GMG, etc. Also, on Amazon UK and Game UK, prices fall faster for pc games.

Finally, dependign on where you shop you might be able to buy games at launch for cheaper than consoles. Again, amazon and game uk, but i use a legit site called G2A, which gets me Steam keys for new games at 30-40 euros, vs 50-60 euros.

But then, there's the issue os power consumption, etc.

All in all, pc might save one money in the long run, but i don't think it's bad anyway. IMHO, PC offers tons fo awesome features you don't get on consoles, liek BC, any controller, K/M, mods, emulators, creative community and games. All of these are, to me, worth paying extra, even fi twice has much.

So True.

And any present consoles will become obsolete in 7 years with newer consoles incoming, but PC won't be outdated. You can keep / play all your older games , upgrade PC and continue PC gaming. You can't even play PS 3 games on PS 4 or Xbox 360 games on Xbox one.

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#24  Edited By OhSnapitz
Member since 2002 • 19282 Posts

@lostrib said:

Yes

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#25 aroxx_ab
Member since 2005 • 13236 Posts

@lostrib said:

@aroxx_ab said:

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

what if they don't own one?

Then you are probably in a life situation there you have more important things to spend money at than gaming.

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deactivated-5ebea105efb64

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#26 deactivated-5ebea105efb64
Member since 2013 • 7262 Posts

But you already own everything.(sorry looked at one of your blogs. :) )

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#27 glez13
Member since 2006 • 10310 Posts

Entry point, as in hardware, is more expensive. If hardware is more powerful and the closer the tech is released to that of the console the electric bill will also be higher. You can balance it in the long run with usually better priced software, no online fee, and also the privilege of that extra power that you decided to buy, so better quality and performance.

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#28  Edited By OhSnapitz
Member since 2002 • 19282 Posts

@aroxx_ab said:

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

I never understood that logic from Herms.. People/Gamers have keyboards/Mice/Monitors and a copy of Windows OS just lying around, but they don't have TV's.

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#29 clyde46
Member since 2005 • 49061 Posts

@OhSnapitz said:

@aroxx_ab said:

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

I never understood that logic from Herms.. People/Gamers have keyboards/Mice/Monitors and a copy of Windows OS just lying around, but they don't have TV's.

Its still something that needs to be factored in.

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#30 deactivated-5920bf77daa85
Member since 2004 • 3270 Posts

Most people that buy gaming PCs upgrade their every few years to meet a performance standard that consoles didn't have to begin with. This is especially true with this generation, as the systems weren't exactly mind-blowing even before release. In general, PC gamers would not tolerate the performance issues that come with many console games - despite the fact the publishers know how the game is going to run before release.

Also, if you have a "gaming PC" you don't have to buy a separate PC.

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#31 OhSnapitz
Member since 2002 • 19282 Posts

@indzman said:

So True.

And any present consoles will become obsolete in 7 years with newer consoles incoming, but PC won't be outdated. You can keep / play all your older games , upgrade PC and continue PC gaming. You can't even play PS 3 games on PS 4 or Xbox 360 games on Xbox one.

Ironic considering the 360 was released in 2005 and it's still being manufactured and sold.. with games still being made for it.

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#32  Edited By lostrib
Member since 2009 • 49999 Posts

@aroxx_ab said:

@lostrib said:

@aroxx_ab said:

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

what if they don't own one?

Then you are probably in a life situation there you have more important things to spend money at than gaming.

Or it could be that we live in a time when many young people stream media from the internet rather than classic TV watching. When I graduated from college and went to grad school I didn't own a TV, but I did have the money for gaming.

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#33 bforrester420
Member since 2014 • 3480 Posts

It depends. Do you really need to run the most graphics intensive games on Ultra settings, on Dual Monitors, at 1440p, with 80fps? If you're like me, then no. You can buy or build a competent enough desktop for gaming for around $800 where all you'll need to buy is a new GPU every 8 years or so and play anything a console generation is capable of, likely with greater performance.

When you couple that with how much, and how cheap, game availability is on PC and it's cheaper over time.

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#34 splodergeoff
Member since 2014 • 25 Posts

I'd say PC Gaming is cheaper, unless you're really hard-core and always need the latest kit.

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#35 BldgIrsh
Member since 2014 • 3044 Posts

Startup cost is more. Spending over time is less. So basically pay big up front save more in the long run.

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#36 Effec_Tor
Member since 2014 • 914 Posts

In the long run... PC gaming is allot cheaper.

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#37  Edited By Cloud_imperium
Member since 2013 • 15146 Posts

Yes it is cheaper . In the beginning you spend a bit more than consoles if you want it to last longer but later you save a lot more than you do on consoles . I know I am stating the obvious but the biggest factors are : Free Online and Cheaper Games .

A low-mid range PC can last for 3+ years and a mid range-High End PC can last for 5+ years . Which is almost as much as console generation . Then all you need to do is , add a mid range graphics card for 100-150 bucks and you are good to go again . That said , PC DOES NOT have to be cheaper because it offers a lot more than consoles BUT ... it still is .

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#38 deactivated-5ac102a4472fe
Member since 2007 • 7431 Posts

I would say that the PC have the ability to be cheaper. And the average PC (around 1000$ give or take) would most certainly be a cheaper long term Investment.

Hell if we went by a gen a PS4 would cost around 650 IF you want PS4, it does get some free games each month with the online, not a bad Investment allround, but that is outside the games you buy, extra controller if you need one, I will not add those costs, since it is fairly dependent on person to person basis.

Now the real point comes to how many games a year you buy. If you buy 10 games a year for each of those platforms, the PC will be 100$ cheaper by year on average, ofcourse most of us buy way more then 10 games, and this is just base prices for games on average, the PC games tend to have a lower pricepoint and way more and better sales on average.

So A higher initial cost, lower cost for games and upkeep, but it too is sependent on a person to person basis. Ive seen people that spends WAY more Money on PC gaming then you ever could on Console. Most of the time at the end of an average generation (5 year mark) they seem to have evened out.

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#39  Edited By glez13
Member since 2006 • 10310 Posts

@OhSnapitz said:

@aroxx_ab said:

It is nothing like "future proof" with PC, everything get old fast cuz it coming new things all the time.

Why does console gamers need to buy a new HDtv when they already own one watching tv etc?

I never understood that logic from Herms.. People/Gamers have keyboards/Mice/Monitors and a copy of Windows OS just lying around, but they don't have TV's.

Your idea that everyone has a TV is as outdated as the idea that everyone has a desktop PC.

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deactivated-57ad0e5285d73

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#40 deactivated-57ad0e5285d73
Member since 2009 • 21398 Posts

It is expensive to do it proper. Don't let anybody fool you. If you want its benefits be prepared to pay a lot of money.

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lostrib

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#41 lostrib
Member since 2009 • 49999 Posts

@Heirren: how much is a lot?

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#42 hiphops_savior
Member since 2007 • 8535 Posts

That's the beauty of PC Gaming. It's really only as expensive or as cheap as you need it to be.

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#43 Jankarcop
Member since 2011 • 11058 Posts

$500 every 5 months, no thanks.

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#44 clone01
Member since 2003 • 29822 Posts

Its probably a little more of an up front investment for a good rig, but I think the cost of the games is significantly cheaper. And the thing is, you have a computer that can do so much more than just games.

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#45 heretrix
Member since 2004 • 37881 Posts

PC gaming is as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.

That's why it's so awesome.

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#46 deactivated-57ad0e5285d73
Member since 2009 • 21398 Posts

@lostrib said:

@Heirren: how much is a lot?

There are more knowledgeable people here than me to answer that. There are those that will say you can build a machine for cheaper and cut corners but that doesn't make sense. Imo, it makes more sense to spend a bit more up front and get stuff that will last. Just go to newegg, amazon, etc and look at prices. Let's say you want something that performs really really well. You'll want a decent keyboard, a decent mouse, a reliable hdd, and if you do go the route of getting very high fps the monitor is going to cost darn near the price of the components.

However, I still think it makes the most sense to build towards a 1080p resolution. There is simply no display out there yet that compares to plasma for modern games. Even the priciest of the fastest monitors will have shit color, blacks, and contrast by comparison. What I don't get about pc gamers--and I've said this before--is that they will rave and rave about the much higher resolution yet these monitors lose a LOT of detail because they don't perform well in other areas that equate to a good picture. The catch is that plasmas are on the way out. I think Samsung still sells a few on their website, though.

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#47 Ballroompirate
Member since 2005 • 26695 Posts

@hiphops_savior said:

That's the beauty of PC Gaming. It's really only as expensive or as cheap as you need it to be.

Depends on what you want out of gaming, also you're not gonna get much out of a $400 PC so in all honestly there is short of a "minimal" amount of money you actually need to put into a rig if you actually want to play anything above medium/low settings.

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#48 lostrib
Member since 2009 • 49999 Posts

@Heirren said:

@lostrib said:

@Heirren: how much is a lot?

There are more knowledgeable people here than me to answer that. There are those that will say you can build a machine for cheaper and cut corners but that doesn't make sense. Imo, it makes more sense to spend a bit more up front and get stuff that will last. Just go to newegg, amazon, etc and look at prices. Let's say you want something that performs really really well. You'll want a decent keyboard, a decent mouse, a reliable hdd, and if you do go the route of getting very high fps the monitor is going to cost darn near the price of the components.

However, I still think it makes the most sense to build towards a 1080p resolution. There is simply no display out there yet that compares to plasma for modern games. Even the priciest of the fastest monitors will have shit color, blacks, and contrast by comparison. What I don't get about pc gamers--and I've said this before--is that they will rave and rave about the much higher resolution yet these monitors lose a LOT of detail because they don't perform well in other areas that equate to a good picture. The catch is that plasmas are on the way out. I think Samsung still sells a few on their website, though.

So you say you have to spend a lot of money, but then you can't actually say how much? then how do you know it's a lot

I'm not sure what your point is about plasma, since I'm sure the majority of console gamers aren't using plasma TVs. So do you go into threads about console resolutions and graphics and say that their TVs lose a lot of detail?

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#49 turtlethetaffer
Member since 2009 • 18973 Posts

If you're like me and aren't concerned about having a game look as good as it possibly can then yes it's pretty cheap. I can play quite a few games on my laptop and they all run fine for the most part. Occasional hiccup here and there but nothing that ever breaks the deal.

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#50  Edited By bforrester420
Member since 2014 • 3480 Posts

@Jankarcop said:

$500 every 5 months, no thanks.

?