The gaming world was taken aback when Sony unveiled the PS5 Pro, a beefed-up version of the PlayStation 5, and slapped a hefty $700 price tag on it. It’s a price point that’s never been seen before for a console, leaving many wondering if it’s actually worth the investment.
As a seasoned PC gamer, I understand the initial shock. Why shell out $700 for a console when you can build a much more powerful PC for the same price? It’s a valid question, and the truth is, you absolutely can build a PC with higher specs for that price. However, the picture is not so simple. The fact is, it’s surprisingly difficult to find a pre-built gaming PC that truly rivals the PS5 Pro’s performance for the same price. Most pre-built machines in this range utilize older, less powerful components, often sacrificing performance for affordability.
Take, for instance, the example of the [PC Model], a popular budget-friendly option with an Intel Core i5-14400F and RTX 3050 GPU. While it’s a solid machine for 1080p gaming, it falls short of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities when it comes to running modern AAA games at 4K resolution. This is where Sony’s pricing strategy starts to make sense. The PS5 Pro boasts a more potent GPU, optimized for 4K gaming, putting it ahead of comparable pre-built PC options.
The issue lies in the fact that many PC builders rely on older hardware to keep costs down. Even the well-regarded Dell XPS Desktop 8960, a popular choice for budget PC builds, comes with a weaker RTX 3050 GPU with reduced VRAM, priced at $850. If manufacturers offered PCs equipped with older, more affordable CPUs and GPUs, the PS5 Pro’s price might seem less appealing. But the reality is, those options are scarce.
The PS5 Pro, on the other hand, while utilizing a CPU that’s two generations old and a GPU that’s one generation behind, still delivers a compelling gaming experience. In the world of PCs, where builders often stock shelves with older components, you would theoretically find a PC for $700 that could outperform the PS5 Pro. However, in practice, those options are difficult to find.
Considering the plug-and-play convenience a console offers, the PS5 Pro’s price tag starts to become more justifiable. However, if you’re willing to get your hands dirty, you can still build a fantastic gaming PC for $700.
Here’s a suggested PC build that rivals the PS5 Pro’s performance:
*
CPU:
Ryzen 7 5700X*
CPU Cooler:
[Cooler Name]*
Motherboard:
[Motherboard Name]*
Memory:
[Memory Size & Speed]*
Storage:
[Storage Size & Type]*
GPU:
RTX 4060*
Case:
[Case Name]*
Power Supply:
[Power Supply Name]This PC comes in at around $737, slightly over our budget, but it boasts similar CPU power to the PS5 Pro and a vastly superior GPU, the RTX 4060. This GPU not only surpasses the PS5 Pro’s performance but also comes equipped with Nvidia’s DLSS Frame Generation, further enhancing visual fidelity.
Building a PC does come with some risk, but with a little research and our guide on how to build a PC, you’ll be able to navigate the process with confidence. Once you’ve assembled your custom machine, you’ll likely wonder why you ever hesitated.
The biggest advantage of building a PC is its upgradability. Unlike a console, where you’re locked into a specific configuration, a PC allows you to upgrade components over time, ensuring you can keep up with the latest technology without having to buy a whole new system.
In the end, Sony didn’t pull the $700 price tag out of thin air. The PS5 Pro is the result of significant development costs, and Sony is well aware of the price ceiling it needs to stay within to sell enough units. Compared to pre-built PCs available off the shelf, the PS5 Pro’s price point makes sense. However, the power of building your own PC lies in the ability to create a machine that outperforms the PS5 Pro without sacrificing budget. It requires a bit more effort and possibly a touch of risk, but the end result is a powerful gaming PC that punches well above its weight class.
