As someone who’s been tinkering with PC hardware for over a decade now, I can understand why one might be drawn to the convenience of a pre-built gaming console like the PS5 Pro. But let me tell you from personal experience, there’s just something about building your own gaming rig that feels incredibly satisfying.
On September 10th, Sony unveiled its PlayStation 5 Pro, and it elicited predictably varied responses. Priced at $700/£700 in the US/UK and €800 in Europe, the PS5 Pro appears to primarily cater to existing PS5 owners seeking an upgrade for their current setup. By offering trade-in deals that slash the cost of a PS5 Pro by half, Sony is clearly targeting the dedicated gaming market.
Although on paper, the upgrades appear substantial compared to its non-Pro predecessor – boasting a 67% increase in compute units, 28% faster memory, enhanced ray tracing, new AI upscaling, and 45% faster rendering – it’s worth noting that Sony has set a price point that places it in competition with gaming PCs.
The prices I quoted above don’t even include the PS5 Pro’s separate disc drive and vertical stand, which respectively run at about $80 and $30. Toss in a PSN subscription for a year just so you can play with your friends, and you’re looking at nearly $1,000 to get going.
My initial thought on the PS5 Pro was, “It might be better to just build a gaming computer,” and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in expressing this sentiment. While I appreciate console gaming and understand its place within the gaming world, the case for choosing PC gaming continues to grow as premium consoles become more expensive (and increasingly similar to high-end computers due to hardware upgrades).
If you’re on the fence about a switch to PC gaming, I’ve come up with five reasons why you should make the switch and three reasons why you might want to stick with Sony’s new console.
Why you should choose PC gaming instead of a PS5 Pro
Here are five compelling reasons that make this an excellent moment for transitioning to PC gaming:
1. You can build a great gaming PC for the same price as a PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro might seem like a steal when compared to high-end gaming PCs, but the fact is that most gamers aren’t building a rig with thousands of dollars of hardware.
There’s a definite sweet spot somewhere between $800 and $1,000 where you can get a quality gaming PC put together, especially if you do the work yourself. Building a PC isn’t something that everyone wants to do (even though it keeps getting easier), but there are pre-built systems available for around the same price. Some of the best pre-built gaming PCs often enjoy discounts, and you might be able to snag a great deal on something that comes pre-assembled.
Opting for a gaming PC comes with long-term financial benefits. Unlike consoles, there are no recurring annual fees to enjoy online gaming. Additionally, games tend to be less expensive and there’s a wider variety available. Moreover, the versatility of a gaming PC is unmatched – it’s not just a game machine; it’s a multi-purpose tool. Even if you don’t experience top-tier performance, the value you receive from this hardware remains substantial.
At the conclusion of this piece, you’ll find a DIY budget PC build guide, which provides insight into the types of hardware that can be purchased approximately for $800.
2. PCs have access to far more games and stores
When purchasing a PlayStation 5 Pro, you’re essentially joining Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) and PlayStation Store ecosystem. Although it’s possible to acquire physical game copies from other retailers, you’ll need an additional drive for your console to play these games, which can increase the overall cost. This price control is a strategy often employed by Sony, resulting in generally higher game prices compared to consoles. While there are sales on PSN and third-party key retailers, they don’t compare to the frequency of sales you might find on PC systems.
PC gaming went almost completely digital years ago, mainly on the back of Steam’s storefront. It’s one of the most consumer-friendly platforms I’ve ever seen, with easy refunds, absolutely rocking sales events, and what seems like an infinite number of games to consider.
Different platforms, not just Steam, vie for gamers’ attention, leading to fierce competition that results in reduced prices and even free games (like those offered by Epic). This scenario ultimately advantages the gamer, as they rarely pay the full price for games, thanks to frequent discounts on top titles at marketplaces such as CDKeys.
If what you’re after is a diverse selection of video games, then PC gaming is an excellent choice for you. While some exclusive Sony and Xbox titles may not be available immediately, they often become accessible over time. So, if you can wait a bit, you’ll have the opportunity to play virtually all games.
3. PCs can be upgraded over time to stay relevant
I really enjoy fiddling around with my computer, and it’s great that I can gradually enhance its functionality by adding new components, making it stay current. If you want additional memory, that’s easily solved; just grab some on sale when they’re discounted. The same goes for storage space if you’re into games. And if you’re aiming for a major upgrade like enhancing your graphics card (GPU) or processor (CPU), there’s no need to splurge on a whole new gaming console.
In my office, there are a few computers that I find myself pondering over the “Grandfather’s Ax” dilemma, as I’ve upgraded their hardware to such an extent that I can no longer recall the initial appearance of these computers. Let’s see if I can do the same with a gaming console.
For many gamers, it’s quite intuitive that they have the flexibility to update at their own pace, whether it’s because they want more time or they find an appealing price. After all, additional funds for buying games themselves is always appreciated.
4. PCs can be used for more than just gaming
You bought a PS5 Pro, and you’re using it for gaming, as it was intended. Great.
You purchased a computer specifically designed for gaming, but you’re finding that it’s also ideal for handling any other tasks you require on a monitor. In fact, it’s even more versatile than before.
The benefit of having a multipurpose PC can’t go unsaid. I use my main gaming PC for sound editing and recording, artwork, productivity, Photoshop, video conferencing, and much more. The value there shouldn’t be ignored, and if you also need to use a PC regularly, you’re essentially ticking off two boxes simultaneously.
5. PCs offer more control over your games
Console games are designed to suit a particular piece of hardware, ensuring a consistent level of performance. However, this could mean running at 30 frames per second (FPS) which, while satisfactory for some, may not meet the expectations of others seeking higher frame rates.
PCs vary significantly from one another. Games are designed to operate on various types of hardware, which may have its drawbacks but also provides flexibility for users to customize their systems to run specific games efficiently. If you’re not satisfied with your current frame rate, it’s likely that you can boost it by adjusting settings within and outside the game, although this might require a few minutes of tweaking.
Another great advantage is being able to choose when to enhance your computer for smoother gameplay in an eagerly awaited game.
When it makes sense to stick with a PS5 Pro
If you’re hesitant about diving into PC gaming, here are three points that might make you reconsider and stay loyal to Sony’s console instead.
1. All of your friends are already on PlayStation
Similar to Xbox Live, the PlayStation Network by Sony is a subscription service that grants you the ability to engage in multiplayer games with your friends online.
One strong argument against the move to PC gaming is that all of your friends are on PlayStation, with no ambition to switch.
Increasingly, cross-platform gaming is a reality, yet there remain instances where PC and PlayStation users cannot engage in multiplayer activities together.
2. You live in a place where PC parts aren’t easy to buy
Finding necessary PC components may prove more challenging than expected, particularly for individuals residing in less urban areas. In some cases, your nation may necessitate the importation of hardware, thereby increasing costs and making it more difficult to procure essential parts.
If that sounds familiar, the convenience of a one-stop purchase for a PS5 Pro likely makes more sense. Even if you buy a pre-built gaming PC, the eventual upgrade route will be harder to navigate.
3. You want access to exclusives on Day One
If you’re eager to play Sony’s exceptional exclusive games, it’s likely that a PlayStation 5 (PS5 Pro) would be the ideal choice for you, as these games usually appear on PS5 first.
I’m content to hold off until titles like Spider-Man Remastered, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima become available on PC, but not everyone shares my patience.
How to build a gaming PC for $800
Finding suitable components within a specific budget and performance range could prove simpler than you’d expect.
For crafting hypothetical PC configurations, PCPartPicker has been my trusted resource over the years. It boasts numerous user-created builds that you can explore. Spending hours selecting various components is made easy since there’s a built-in compatibility filter to ensure seamless operation of all your chosen hardware pieces.
In the course of penning this piece, I’ve devised a budget-friendly gaming PC setup as a point of reference for you, showcasing the type of equipment you can obtain within your budget range.
At this point, the estimated cost without a Windows license is approximately $771. You can select your own case fans to potentially raise the price to around $800. Keep in mind that during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period, there are often discounts on PC hardware, which could lower the overall cost.
This PC is a standard model for gaming, capable of supporting 1440p resolution at decent frame rates. It may not be equipped to handle 4K or advanced ray tracing effects, but these features might not concern many users. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a high-quality gaming monitor since its price can range significantly. Keep in mind that you’ll also require a display to pair with the PS5 Pro for your gaming experience.
Instead of sticking with the current AMD AM4 platform for your build, you might want to consider investing a little extra and opting for a component compatible with the upcoming AMD AM5 platform. This move will help ensure that your PC remains up-to-date for future tech advancements, although the AM4 platform is still viable for now. Interestingly, AMD has released new Ryzen 5000 chips concurrently with their latest Ryzen 9000 hardware, demonstrating their commitment to keeping older systems relevant and competitive.
If you prefer portable gaming, it’s wiser to choose either a versatile handheld game device or a potent gaming laptop. The handheld option offers less power but is highly mobile, whereas with a gaming laptop, you’re likely to invest more money for hardware that rivals a desktop PC.
What about mini PCs?
Small-scale Computers continue to improve significantly, offering numerous compact gaming systems that are comparable in size or even smaller than a conventional game console.
The ASUS ROG NUC 970, which we gave a positive review to, features an RTX 4070 GPU and an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU. However, this compact powerhouse doesn’t come with a budget-friendly price tag; it costs approximately $2,200.
Hey fellow tech lover here! While there are plenty of budget-friendly mini PCs out there, they aren’t typically designed for high-performance gaming. If you’re on the hunt for a cost-effective computer that can handle gaming without breaking the bank, I’d recommend opting for a full-size model instead. Happy gaming!
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2024-09-11 19:39