So you want a gaming PC but you don't want to spend a fortune. Good news — you don't
have to. But there's a lot of confusing information out there, and plenty of ways to
waste money on the wrong thing. This guide cuts through it.
We build and sell gaming PCs from our store in Morley, Perth, and we talk to
budget-conscious gamers every week. Here's what we actually tell them.
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First, Set a Realistic Budget
Gaming PCs range from around $1,000 all the way to $5,000+. But for most people, the
sweet spot for a capable gaming machine in 2026 is $1,500 to $2,500.
It's worth knowing that gaming PC prices have shifted recently — over the last three
months, RAM and SSD costs have risen sharply, pushing the price of a quality
entry-level build up by around $300–$400. A build we were putting together for $1,600
at the end of 2025 now costs closer to $1,995 to do properly. That's not us padding
margins — it's just the current state of the component market.
If your budget is under $1,500, it's worth considering whether a well-specced
refurbished business PC might serve you better in the short term while you save up
for a proper gaming build.
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The GPU Is the Most Important Component
If you only remember one thing from this guide, make it this: the graphics card (GPU)
makes or breaks a gaming PC.
A common mistake is buying a PC with a great CPU but a weak GPU. You'll end up with a
machine that's fast at everything except the one thing you bought it for.
For budget gaming in 2026, look for:
- NVIDIA RTX 5060 — the current entry-level sweet spot. Built on NVIDIA's latest
Blackwell architecture, it delivers excellent 1080p performance and handles 1440p
comfortably. This is what we're building with right now.
- RTX 5070 — worth the step up if your budget stretches, especially for higher
resolution or more demanding titles.
The previous generation RTX 4060 cards are no longer readily available new, so if
you see one being advertised as a new build, it's worth asking where the card came
from.
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How Much RAM Do You Need?
For gaming in 2026, 16GB is the minimum. Most modern games recommend it, and running
Windows alongside your game will eat into less than 16GB quickly.
32GB is ideal if you also use your PC for streaming, video editing, or running multiple
applications. It future-proofs your machine too.
Anything less than 16GB and you'll notice it.
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SSD or HDD?
SSD. Always.
An SSD (Solid State Drive) means faster boot times, faster game load times, and a
smoother overall experience. A traditional HDD is slow by comparison and there's no
reason to buy a new gaming PC with one in 2026.
For storage size, 1TB is the sweet spot — enough for Windows, several large games,
and everyday files.
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Don't Forget the Display
A great PC paired with a poor monitor is a waste. If you're building a budget gaming
setup, factor the monitor into your overall spend.
For gaming, look for:
- At least 1080p resolution (Full HD)
- 144Hz refresh rate minimum — this makes gameplay noticeably smoother
- Response time of 1ms–5ms
If your budget is very tight, a 1080p 144Hz monitor can be had for $200–$300 and
makes a significant difference over a standard 60Hz screen.
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New Build vs Second-Hand Gaming PC — A Word of Warning
You might be tempted to buy a second-hand gaming PC to save money. Be careful.
A pre-owned gaming PC is like buying a second-hand race car — you have no idea how
hard it's been driven. Gaming PCs run hot under load for hours at a time. Thermal
paste degrades, fans wear out, and components pushed hard over years aren't always
obvious from the outside.
If you're buying second-hand, make sure you're buying from a reputable shop that has
tested and warranted the machine — not a random listing on Facebook Marketplace.
At PC Hardware Refresh, all our gaming PC builds use 100% brand new components. Every
build comes with a minimum 2-year warranty on most parts and is ready within 48 hours
of parts confirmation.
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What We Build at PC Hardware Refresh
We offer custom gaming PC builds starting from $1,995 with our entry-level Battlemage
build — an RTX 5060-powered machine designed for smooth 1080p gaming across all modern
titles.
Yes, $1,995 is more than some people expect to pay. But that price reflects the real
cost of quality components in 2026 — new GPU, new SSD, new RAM, properly assembled
and warranted. We'd rather be upfront about that than cut corners to hit a lower number.
All builds use 100% new components, are assembled in-store at our Morley location, and
come with a minimum 2-year warranty on most parts — ready within 48 hours of parts
confirmation.
Want to talk through your options? Come in and see us — we'll match a build to your
budget and what you actually play.
📍 Shop 27D, Coventry Village, 243-253 Walter Rd W, Morley WA 6062
📞 0473 050 659
🕐 Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Or browse our current gaming PC range at pchardwarerefresh.com.au