PC prices and misconceptions.

[Joshimodo]

and a PC requires a monitor (which will cost about as much as a TV)

...Yeah?

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/174584

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/158568


http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5296761/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CHome+entertainment+and+sat+nav%7C14419512/Trail/searchtext%3EPANASONIC.htm

http://www.dixons.co.uk/gbuk/logik-l22dvdb20-22-full-hd-lcd-tv-with-built-in-dvd-player-black-06867332-pdt.html

Plus, monitors will ALWAYS be better quality than TVs, for resolution, refresh rate, response times, colour reproduction, contrast ratio, blacks, brightness...well, everything.

 

[Scars Unseen]

For those that are saying that putting together a PC is too difficult, allow me to put things in perspective for you. I used to work at a PC tech support call center. My job was to help people get their computers working and order parts if needed.

I once got a call from a customer that had a no POST/no video issue. For those of you who don't know what that is, it pretty much means that you get power, but nothing else. No picture, no indication of activity. Not even the beep that you computer makes when it starts (which is actually the PC telling you that all the hardware checked out. It gives different combinations of beeps when something is wrong).

In order to get his computer working, I had him open up his case, remove every component from the motherboard, and then reseat everything, one component at a time, until we determined what the problem was. As it turned out, reseating the components fixed the problem. He got everything back where it was supposed to go and the PC worked fine after he was done.

The kicker? He had Down Syndrome. That's right. With assistance(over the phone, even) even the mentally challenged can put together a PC. It's just plugging stuff into sockets. Are you less capable than a man with Down Syndrome? No? Then stop telling us that it's too hard. You're just too lazy (which I will accept as a valid excuse if you want to use it).

 

[008Zulu_v1legacy]

When I built my machine a few years ago I started over from nothing, due to all the stuff I wanted my old mainboard couldnt support. Ran me about $1500AU, I wanted the best I could get att he time. Even though it is about 3 years old now, it is way more powerful than a PS3 or x360. The only thing I may have to upgrade in the near future is the video card.

More expensive short term, but more worth it long term.

 

[imperialreign]

Okay, seriously, console gamers, learn your facts or go home, a PC hasn't cost $2000 since I was 5 years old.

Unless you're a cracked-up hardware junkie (like myself) who's absolutely insane enough to spend $1400 on two HD5970s at time of release . . .

There is madness to my methods

 

[WanderingFool]

I baught a $1200 ASUS laptop, partly for gaming, and partly because I need the portability of the laptop. I could have gotten a much better Desktop if I let my friend (who is a computer wiz, and my only hope for salvation if something PC related troubles me) build me one. Though it would have cost probably $800-900, but he believes in the good stuff... whatever that may be.

 

[Cronq]

I've never seen an Xbox make it past year 2.

Also, since PC's can be used for about 1 million more things, I think we should be able to deduct some of the cost from the "cost of gaming". HDTV's definitely need to be added into the cost of consoles, it's required for the setup.

 

[CrystalShadow]

Seriously!? People on this forum and everywhere in general (Over generalized statement ftw!) are really off on their estimations on how much a PC really costs.
People think you have to upgrade a PC every couple of years, that is true, but only one part, the video card.
Graphics cards only cost around $130 for a great card, no one buys top of the line, it is a waste of money since that card will be on sale in a couple of months.
A good card will run you only about $90-100, this card will run all games on med to high settings, no joke.

I got so angry when I heard someone say a 'gaming' PC will run you $800, ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?
Without looking for deals or sales, I went to new egg, the results are as follows.

Click for results [http://img574.imageshack.us/f/pcprice.jpg/]

Now for those lazy, I "bought"
250gb hdd
Generic motherboard
4GB ram.
Radeon HD5770 1gb Video card.
2.8ghz triple core
and a power supply.
This ran me only
$452.94 (no shipping)
(Disclaimer: Some of these parts might not match each other, as far as compatibility CPU might not fit the mobo, and ram etc, but the prices are right for general parts)

This is better then my PC "gaming" rig which is:
2.3ghz dual core
2gb ram.
Nvidia 8800gt 512mb
500gb hdd

I can run most games before 2008 on highest settings, all new Call of duty games etc can still run on highest with minor FPS dips. New games run on medium, I'll need to upgrade my PC in maybe 2 years, and it will cost me roughly $130

/rant

Okay, seriously, console gamers, learn your facts or go home, a PC hasn't cost $2000 since I was 5 years old. If your thinking of buying a PC, make sure it costs south of $500, unless you are rich or trying to impress that mystical geek girlfriend, its not worth it.

OK, seriously, that might work for you, but you're neglecting some issues here.
The upgrade stuff is true. If you're careful.

But costs vary from country to country.

My PC, which is similar in spec to what you listed, (but I cut corners in already having monitors, keyboard, and a hard drive to spare from old systems.), cost me around £550.

That in itself is probably fair enough. UK prices are just higher. (Typically, $1.5 US = £1, give or take. So that's about $800 to you.)

However, for a gaming PC, there's an important cost this totally neglects:

Windows.

Now, if you've built a computer before, you might be able to get away with not buying a copy. (or of course, you could stoop to piracy, but that doesn't count), but if your previous computers were store-bought, all you'll have is OEM copies of windows which you are not allowed to transfer to a new system.

So what does a legit copy of windows cost you, for a homebuilt system?
in the UK, anything from £140 to £190, depending on which version it is, and where you get it.
Mine cost £180. Now, those of you in the US have it a little easier, because Microsoft usually ignores the exchange rate when selling in the UK. (eg. if you pay $180, we get to pay £180, despite £180 being about $270)

So, taking that into account, my 'new' PC, cost me £750 in total. With a few compromises, I guess I could have saved about £100 or so, but equally, some of the components are fairly dodgy as is, and this neglects the extra cost that would have arisen if I didn't have some parts lying around already, so it's a fairly realistic figure for a decent gaming PC.

That equates to $1100 or so, by the way.

Now, maybe the UK, as you might have noticed, doesn't have the best prices, but even so, I don't consider that all that expensive for a good gaming PC.

Is it high end? Hardly. The graphics card cost £140, when the high end stuff costs £350. Similarly, the CPU cost £150, when a high end CPU can top the scales at £950. (no, I'm not kidding there. There really are CPU's that cost the equivalent of $1500)

Anyway, you either got lucky, or are missing a few points here. Building a gaming PC from the ground up certainly doesn't need to cost $2000, but it still isn't cheap.

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

I don't know if price is always the deciding factor in the PC vs console argument. There are other things to consider. A run down:

1. A gaming PC always cost more in both time and money, at least, initially.

I can go to the nearest store buy a console and a game, come home, hook it up, and be playing in less than thirty minutes, with a total cost of around $350. I can do the same thing in an hour with a PC, but it'll cost me over $800. Of course that's a pre-built computer. If I want to build it, I have to learn what parts I want, find them, get them shipped to me, put it together, buy the game, and finally I can start playing, with a price tag of around $600.

2. Learning the PC code

To use a console I only need to know where the on button is, and when buying a game make sure it's made for my console of choice. For a PC, I need to know my specs vs the games specs, what parts and who they are made by, if they're compatible, how to put it together, how to take it apart, and an entire list of terminology I would not use otherwise. See, if you work or live in the detailed computerized world, this is simply tools of the trade, but if you are only a casual computer user ( and most people are) this requires a rather large amount knowledge to be learned, and while learning it would no doubt come in handy in other areas of life, it seems a bit much for simply wanting to play a game.

3. Comfort

I think most people would agree that they play video games to relax. A console is made to be played sitting on the couch. It's designed so that it fits in the compartments of most entertainment centers, with controllers that will reach to the couch, and don't require a level surface to use. A PC is designed to be used at a desk or table. Which means an office chair, albiet a potentially really nice office chair. But, even the nicest chair has difficulty competing with the couch in terms of comfort. In short, the console is more user friendly for the gaming purpose.

I am not saying the PC is inferior. In my opinion, it has several benefits over the console, however, it also has an equal amount of disadvantages.

In the end, it seems that if you are only looking for a game to play, the console is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way to play, while the PC is the most advanced, detailed, and potentially ( long term) cheapest to use.

Arguments about the positives and negatives of each medium, usually don't address all the issues ( including my post, which is not in-depth) and often involve a futile attempt to point out why one medium is supposedly better than the other, or at the very least equal in all catagories. Which is not true.

very much agreed to this. preferences people. everyone has them. being snoddy about it just makes you look like an elitist bastard, and that is where the stupid flame wars start.

pc's do not cost that much, HOWEVER you have to know what your doing and watch for prices during holiday sales, checking for compatibility/etc... and for the average person, the amount of time for that is a bit too much. (thats not me, but im just saying i understand both perspectives.)

 

[Sangnz]

For those of us who are PC gaming enthusiasts we will spend silly amounts of money on our gaming rigs but that's our hobby. It is not the norm and it is not needed to be able to play games we just like having beastly rigs that can run everything at the max possible settings, then we go and overclock them

For the average gamer, you probably don't have to spend any or much more than the latest gen consoles when they first came out in order to have a PC capable of playing games at mid/high end settings. This is mainly due to dual console/pc development having slowed down the need to constantly upgrade your graphics card. Also PC games are in the main cheaper than their console counter part.

All of that having been said there is generally nothing a console can do that a PC can't.
When it comes down to it a console controller is probably easier to zone out on the couch with than a wireless keyboard and mouse.

 

[Glademaster_v1legacy]

snip

Taking all starting costs into account and other things like OS and peripherals and moniters it will cost you about 1,000 euro to get a PC. On a console it will cost you to buy a console peripherals and depending on the consoles there are subs for playing online. That will bring up to around 600-700 euro for a console. Since we are going all out we will include online subs. Say a this console and PC will last 5 years before any upgrading. That is 60euro/year for online subs which is an extra 300 euro on the running cost of a console while on PC online costs are nil MMOs aside.

PC games are also around at least 10 euro cheaper and drop in price quicker than console games. So say if you buy 5 new games a year over the 5 years that is 25 games. So that is a total of 250 saved on games not including things like Steam sales and preowned games on consoles.

So overall a PC or console from complete scratch the PC is cheaper.

 

[Delusibeta]

However, for a gaming PC, there's an important cost this totally neglects:

Windows.

Now, if you've built a computer before, you might be able to get away with not buying a copy. (or of course, you could stoop to piracy, but that doesn't count), but if your previous computers were store-bought, all you'll have is OEM copies of windows which you are not allowed to transfer to a new system.

So what does a legit copy of windows cost you, for a homebuilt system?
in the UK, anything from £140 to £190, depending on which version it is, and where you get it.
Mine cost £180. Now, those of you in the US have it a little easier, because Microsoft usually ignores the exchange rate when selling in the UK. (eg. if you pay $180, we get to pay £180, despite £180 being about $270)

I'll be blunt: learn to shop. Dabs, first result, OEM version of Home Premium: £77.23 [http://www.dabs.com/products/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-oem-64-bit-1pk-68YS.html]. Even if you really want a box, we're still talking sub-£120 [http://www.dabs.com/products/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-english-dvd-65Z2.html]. That's after about 30 seconds of searching, you could probably find a cheaper copy.

Honestly, for building PCs there's little point for most people to not get the OEM version of Home Premium.

 

[Aeshi]

1) It could depend on where you live.

2) Maybe people don't want to go through the tedium of building,upgrading and maintaining your own computer? (This is coming from an IT college student)

3) If you screw up even the tiniest bit you could ruin several hundred pounds/dollars worth of electronics.

 

[Daveman]

My laptop plays any game I've tried to run on it (i.e. most PC games... but not Crysis obviously) and it cost about £500. Just in case I wasn't clear... IT'S A LAPTOP. :3 Most people have laptops too anyway so in the end you're saving moneys. Not to mention that's with OS etc...

 

[CrystalShadow]

However, for a gaming PC, there's an important cost this totally neglects:

Windows.

Now, if you've built a computer before, you might be able to get away with not buying a copy. (or of course, you could stoop to piracy, but that doesn't count), but if your previous computers were store-bought, all you'll have is OEM copies of windows which you are not allowed to transfer to a new system.

So what does a legit copy of windows cost you, for a homebuilt system?
in the UK, anything from £140 to £190, depending on which version it is, and where you get it.
Mine cost £180. Now, those of you in the US have it a little easier, because Microsoft usually ignores the exchange rate when selling in the UK. (eg. if you pay $180, we get to pay £180, despite £180 being about $270)

I'll be blunt: learn to shop. Dabs, first result, OEM version of Home Premium: £77.23 [http://www.dabs.com/products/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-oem-64-bit-1pk-68YS.html]. Even if you really want a box, we're still talking sub-£120 [http://www.dabs.com/products/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-english-dvd-65Z2.html]. That's after about 30 seconds of searching, you could probably find a cheaper copy.

Honestly, for building PCs there's little point for most people to not get the OEM version of Home Premium.

Except that it's counterproductive if you expect to replace your computer anytime soon.

OK, fair enough, that's still a big price gap, because I've never seen a copy of any version of windows (even oem releases) go for less than £130. And believe me, I checked dozens of places. Of course, that was almost a year ago now though.

Even so, the OEM version can't be reinstalled, officially. So wether or not it saves money depends on how likely you are to need to replace large parts of your system before getting a new PC.

Edit: Comparisons for where I usually shop, show they also list at around £70 now. But that most assuredly was not the case when I built my last PC.

Seems someone has lowered the prices, which is just as well, because the gap between UK and equivalent US prices was ridiculous.

 

[TheComedown]

No case and don't forget Monitor+100 and OS +50 to 100

Most people don't want to build their own PC

A lot of us suck at this sort of thing and I don't want to drop 500 bucks on something we can't get to work.

It will cost about 750-800 to get a decent pre-built PC.

A monitor may be a couple hundred if you want something decent, how much is a decent hi-def tv? You're looking at anywhere from a grand to $6000 depending on how crazy you are.

 

[Ossian]

I got so angry when I heard someone say a 'gaming' PC will run you $800, ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?

Well that person is right in some ways, $800 is a good amount if you want a gaming pc that is fairly nice. You could spend $400 on that shitbox you posted, but its not something I would want on the desk beside me...

The whole "ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?" part was a little bit extreme though, because it can cost a lot more than you expect to have a top of the line system. I built my own for a little bit less than four thousand, not four hundred.. But you get what you pay for, I have my own custom watercooling allowing me to OC my cpu to 4.2 ghz easily, dual gtx295s in quad sli (4 nvidia GPUs), 12 gigs of ram, Solid state drive for OS, etc...

That isn't a gaming machine, its skynet.

Okay, the PC I listed can play Crysis 2 at highest settings, thats all I need to say, anything more powerful is unnecessary

 

[No_Remainders]

[

You obviously just ignored my original post as I said it had to specify TWO things.

It must cost whatever the amount was in Euro and it must ALSO ship to Ireland.

Enjoy.

 

[Kabutos]

[

You obviously just ignored my original post as I said it had to specify TWO things.

It must cost whatever the amount was in Euro and it must ALSO ship to Ireland.

Enjoy.

452.94 U.S. dollars = 342.850655 Euros

If you can find me a PC that costs that much (even pre-shipping) over here that'll ship to Ireland. I'll convert to worshipping you as my new god.

First of all, I'd like to say that $485 is pretty damn close to an arbitrary number like $452. Even converted into Euros, it's only 372, and I don't think 30 Euros is such huge gap.

Secondly, I'm aware that Newegg doesn't ship to Ireland; I just used it as a general reference for the prices. You could just as well buy from Scan or OcUK.

 

[Signa]

You're just too lazy (which I will accept as a valid excuse if you want to use it).

After personal experience and all these threads, this is the ONLY excuse to favor consoles over PCs. It IS a good excuse too. Some people just don't have the time to learn, assemble, and tinker with all the things that are needed to run a PC properly. Just don't whine that it costs too much because that's YOUR decision. At least you are given an option for cost instead of whatever the set MSRP is for your console of choice.