PC gaming very expensive?

i5Baby · Jul 30, 2014

Hello! I'm a 14 year old kid.

I am here to stubbornly rant about the price of PC gaming. Sure, I could go play on some console, but that takes the fun out of hardware.

Don't you ever think PC gaming is pretty expensive? Say, $5 to build a gaming PC that can just supply you with a simple entertainment experience at "High Settings". Don't you think it's a bit too overboard? All you're doing on it is using it as a regular computer, and playing some games on it.

Maybe it's the fact that I'm 14 and unemployed, or that computer part manufacturers are greedy. If you think about it, all you want to do is have a computer that can run "demanding" games at Ultra Settings.

Oh, and please, don't rant about my age and that one sentence: "Kid, we have actual jobs".

ODST120 · Jul 30, 2014

Nope, if you buy decent used components, you can build a powerful rig for ~$500 (i5 3570k and HD 7950)

i5Baby · Jul 30, 2014

ODST120 :

But don't you think it's a lot of money to just play Battlefield 4 on Ultra Settings on a PC?

RazerZ · Jul 30, 2014

Not at all. Steam sales and other stores reduce the price gap between console and pc. Not to mention pc has a ton of free games as well. You don't really need a $700 build to play at high settings either.

ODST120 · Jul 30, 2014

RazerZ :

^Is very true

pierrerock · Jul 30, 2014

nah just take time to look in forum thread adn you will see dozens of people building a computer for ultra 1080P gaming with a 500 $ PC like this one i just made to cheer you up

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($116.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($48.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.91 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $506.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-30 22:25 EDT-0400

i5Baby · Jul 30, 2014

Seriously, what (not spoiled) 14 year old has the money to go and build a gaming PC that can play every game at ultra, 60FPS? Even at $500 dollars? We can't earn money as efficiently as adults.

nathan4102 · Jul 30, 2014

I think most people who build computers build it for more than just games. Even if that's all they use it for, there's value in building a computer yourself, gaining that experience and knowledge, and just being able to say to yourself "Yeah, I made this shit, I ordered all the parts and put it together and got it running". $500 is a lot but it's SO much more than gaming, at least to a computer enthusiast like myself.

To add, at 14 years old you aren't expected to buy your own computer. Wait till christmas and ask for parts, thats what I would do if I was you. OR just tell your folks you need a new computer for school stuff and outline the parts they'll need to ship for you. Worth a shot?

RazerZ · Jul 30, 2014

You could wait two years and try to find a job, or you could go about doing jobs like pet sitting/babysitting, lawn mowing ,etc.

Buying something with your hard earned money is so much more rewarding than to have your parents buy it for you (imo).

Anheanz · Jul 30, 2014

idk, since i was like 14 ive been reffing soccer in the summer. I make like $700 in 4 weeks. And yea, like the guy above said, you can get a $500 build that'll play everything

USAFRet · Jul 30, 2014

i5Baby :

You won't be 14 forever. Suck it up.

RazerZ · Jul 30, 2014

nathan4102 :

USAFRet :

More like enjoy it while you can :lol:

Anheanz · Jul 30, 2014

besides, a console is at least $400 with all $60 games. if you buy 2 or three games your already at the price of the pc. You can get popular games for like $20 or (usually) less on pc

i5Baby · Jul 30, 2014

Anheanz :

Alright guys, thanks for all the help and support!

Gam3r01 · Jul 30, 2014

Some more input here.
Tomb raider, 5 dollars
BF3 FREE
BC BC2 5 dollars
Planetside 2 FREE
L4D2 2.50
Fallout 3 and NV 2.50 each

And so on. Not to mention games such as Diablo 3, Starcraft, and more.

RazerZ · Jul 31, 2014

OP In case you didn't get why BF3 was free from Gam3r01's post it was part of Origin's " On the House" program

https://www.origin.com/en-us/store/free-games/on-the-house

The games they offer for free usually aren't that great, but from time to time they do have good games. Last game I picked up from the program was Dead Space.

Gam3r01 · Jul 31, 2014

Yeah, I should have specified.
Since I stated using origin I got sim city for 20 bucks. Past that by using on the house I have claimed dead space, BF3, and peggle.
I probably wont download the first or the last, but if you claim it its yours free.

i5Baby · Jul 31, 2014

Alright, thanks!

Any more input is appreciated, though.

chris_james_evans · Jul 31, 2014

i5Baby :

PC gaming hardware IS expensive if you want top end gear but since I switched from consoles I haven't had to pay £40 - £50 for a game. With so many digital download sites for PC games like Steam and Humble I think it will work out in the long run.
Plus not only can old PC games be backwards compatible (unlike most consoles now), they will look even better when you upgrade your rig.

i5Baby · Jul 31, 2014

Sorry to still rant, but isn't most of the gaming fanbase on consoles? (Other than games like Crysis and BF4) Most of my gamer friends were on my old PS3.

RazerZ · Jul 31, 2014

If you're 14 it's understandable that none of your friends game on a pc. Many people around your age either haven't heard much of pc gaming, think it's too expensive, or simply do not care for it.

While the gaming fan base of consoles might be higher than pc, there are still plenty of people that play on line if that's what you are worried about.

Also I believe the average age of a pc gamer is around 30.

Pr3di · Jul 31, 2014

At this point in your life, you`ll just have to make due with what you have.
I was dreaming of my PC since over 5 years ago until I was able to get the money to build it.

And for refference, I got my 1st bike when I was 18, payed with my own money, and was working on construction sites in the summer to pay for college.

So don`t get hung up on this! It`s just a phase and it will pass.
I`m just sorry that you`re this young, and complaining about PC prices, instead of being out there and having fun without any electronics, the way me and a lot of older guys used to have.

i5Baby · Jul 31, 2014

Luckily I have some experience in building things (Woodworking, circuits) and I am pretty creative.

I think I'll get back into that stuff.

Gam3r01 · Jul 31, 2014

I still use my hands on skills even though I work with computers now.
I could either buy a composite desk large enough for my pc and 2 monitors for 250 bucks, or I could make my own for 30.
25' of steel and 16' of angle iron later I had a desk frame made in my welding class at school. Drop in a nice piece of solid oak and stain it, now I have a desk much stronger and cheaper than those in stores. And honestly better looking.

i5Baby · Jul 31, 2014

Gam3r01 :

Haha, I always like to think that way too.

PC gaming very expensive?

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