TR Forums

I've been playing on PS4 for a long now. But I want to make some changes and want to buy a Gaming PC for a price range of $2000-3000.

I am thinking to go with Alienware Area 51 but suggestions are really welcome

Are you only looking for a complete gaming PC or would a DIY PC also be considered? With a DIY you will get more bang for your bucks since you can tailor the specs to your exact requirements. There's also the middle ground where some shops will build custom PCs for you where you have more freedom in choosing the specs than if you go for a brand-name. What kind of games are you going for (FPS and MMORPG have different requirements for example) and how large should the monitor be? 27" QHD is the sweet spot for price/performance in my opinion, but perhaps you would like something bigger? What about VR?

Although, regarding the current mining price craze on GPUs I am wondering if you might even save money now if OEMs are able to source GPUs cheaper than the rest of us?

demolition wrote:

Some shops will build custom PCs for you where you have more freedom in choosing the specs.

e.g.: https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

I would just go with the DIY route and use PC Partpicker as your guide and with RAM and GPU prices now you can easily make it 2000 to 3000 dollars. :snicker:

https://www.ibuypower.com/ is another boutique builder option like cyberpower. Those two are my go-to. The only thing I don't like about them is that they're super RGB-everything, flashy cases, decent but not great PSU choices, typically stock/factory GPUs, and it's either full ATX behemoths, or a couple mITX boxes that are expensive.

Also, here's the TR system guide and build guide: https://techreport.com/review/32967/system-guide-current

Most boutiques don't charge too much of a premium compared to DIY (using the exact same components), but DIY can open up more options to really get exactly what you want (both aesthetically, brand preference, and quality)

Right now is NOT a great time to build/buy a gaming PC. RAM prices are high, and GPU prices are almost double the MSRP. Maybe check back again in a few months.

JustAnEngineer wrote:

demolition wrote:

Some shops will build custom PCs for you where you have more freedom in choosing the specs.

e.g.: https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

I know it was 9 years ago, but I got a PC from CyberPower and was happy with it. Prices were pretty in-line with Newegg components, too, so I only paid ~$50 in labor, IIRC.

Question to OP: what is your monitor? Does it need to be included in the budget?