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The all-newSony PlayStation 5 Prois here and has already divided the community thanks to its performance gains and increased price tag. While some label the mid-generation evolution of the PS5 console as being overpriced, others justify it thanks to the excellent upscaling it offers for smooth 4K gaming. One argument that has come out quite strongly, though, is that for the price of the PS5 Pro, one is better off just getting a gaming PC.
While it’s one thing tobuild a gaming PC equivalent to the PS5 Pro, not everyone wants to go into the DIY route. Thankfully, there are a handful of gaming PCs on the market that do offer performance similar to the PS5 Pro for about the same, or slightly more money. But are these PCs actually better value? Read on as Game Rant takes a deeper dive into the issue.
Best Gaming PCs That Compete With the PS5 Pro
Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop
The Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop combines the Intel Core i5 13400F processor with NVIDIA’s best mid-range GPU, the RTX 4060. There’s 1TB of NVME SSD storage for snappy performance and ample space, and the 16GB of DDR4-3200MHz RAM works well for multitasking and gaming.
Lenovo LOQ Tower Gaming Desktop
Featuring an RTX 3050 GPU coupled with the 14th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, the Lenovo LOQ desktop is one of the most affordable yet capable gaming PCs on the market. The 512GB SSD should be enough to get most gamers started, and the 16GB of DDR5 RAM clocked at 4800MHz aids in snappy performance, both for gaming as well as productivity.
Acer Nitro 50 Gaming Desktop - N50-650-UR13
The Acer Nitro 50 Gaming Desktop comes with an Intel Core i5-13400F processor coupled with 16GB of DDR4 SDRAM. There’s a 512GB SSD for the OS and other stuff, alongside a 1TB HDD for your games' library. The NVIDIA RTX 3060 inside remains one of the most powerful GPUs on the market, thanks to its 12GB of VRAM and support for advanced features like Ray Tracing and DLSS 3.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming Desktop
This Gamer Master Gaming Desktop from CyberPowerPC is an all-AMD build for fans of Team Red. The PC comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 processor coupled with the Radeon RX 7600 GPU with 8GB of VRAM. Additionally, there’s 16GB of modern DDR5 RAM, alongside a 1 TB NVMe SSD. From high-end gaming to multi-threaded performance tasks, this PC can handle it all.
Allied Gaming Stinger Gaming Desktop
The Stinger Gaming Desktop from Allied Gaming comes with an unlocked AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor alongside the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. Both the CPU and GPU come with native support for overclocking and can be pushed to the limits. Aiding that is an excellent cooling setup, complete with RGB lighting, which also extends to the RAM. And with 1TB of NVMe storage, there should be no issues in maintaining a big game library.
Considering that the PS5 Pro will be priced at $699, finding a gaming PC that matches its performance can be a bit challenging. Sure, there are some great deals on older PCs with previous-generation CPUs, similar to what the PS5 Pro uses, but that might not suit everyone’s needs. However, if you’re willing to stretch your budget a little, there are plenty of gaming PCs available that not only offer comparable performance—even at 4K—but also function as full-fledged computers with extra features.
For example, the Skytech Gaming Nebula desktop PC is a fantastic option. Priced at $850, it pairs the Intel Core i5-13400F processor with the NVIDIA RTX 4060. While the CPU isn’t the absolute latest, it outperforms the AMD Zen 2 processors in the PS5 Pro. Plus, with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, loading times are almost nonexistent, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. When it comes to 4K gaming, the inclusion of Nvidia’s DLSS technology boosts frame rates without compromising quality, making this rig a perfect choice for today’s modern titles.
Alternatively, for those on a tight budget, the Lenovo LOQ Tower Gaming Desktop comes at a price tag lower than the PS5 Pro. Featuring an Intel i5 14400F processor and an RTX 3050 graphics card, it offers solid performance for most modern games. Demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 can also run at a stable 4K 30FPS when used with DLSS, which isn’t as great as the PS5 Pro, but for less demanding titles, this combination should suffice.
One of the best features of the PS5 Pro is Sony’s customer service, making it a reliable gaming console. On the PC side of things, the Acer Nitro 50 Gaming Desktop is also renowned for its reliability and performance, making it a strong contender against the PS5 Pro. Equipped with an Intel i5 13400F CPU and RTX 3060 GPU with DLSS 3, this system is capable of handling demanding games with ease. Additionally, the Nitro 50 comes with a 512GB SSD coupled with a 1TB HDD for games. While that’s still short of the PS5 Pro’s 2TB of Gen4 SSD, that’s a good combination for ample storage and speedy performance.
Considering that Sony is using an all-AMD build for the PS5 Pro, there’s the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming Desktop, which is the ultimate AMD build close to the PS5 Pro’s performance. It combines an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 processor and Radeon RX 7600 graphics, thus delivering high frame rates and stunning visuals. The RX 7600 GPU is based on the same RDNA 3 architecture that the PS5 Pro uses. However, while Sony has opted to use an in-house upscaling called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), this PC will let gamers enjoy AMD’s FSR technology. At the end of the day, it’s the frame generation that counts, and this $1000 build will not disappoint.
Lastly, one of the main reasons why gamers prefer PC gaming is because everything is customizable, and in some cases, even overclockable. For fans of tweaking, the Allied Gaming Stinger Gaming Desktop is an overclockable powerhouse that matches the PS5 Pro’s performance. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor and RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, it provides exceptional gaming capabilities. The best part is that both the CPU and GPU are unlocked with extensive support for overclocking, allowing gamers to push the PC to its limits and match the performance of the PS5 Pro.
Benefits of the PS5 Pro
While gaming PCs offer impressive performance and customization, the PS5 Pro provides a unique value proposition. Its rumored specs, including a GPU comparable to an RTX 4070 and a 2TB NVMe SSD, alone justify a premium price tag. These components, typically costing over $750, are bundled into a sleek, all-in-one console. Compared to PCs that cost even a grand, the PS5 Pro still manages to offer a more powerful GPU with plenty of fast storage space. On top of that, there’s added hardware that would raise the bill of parts higher, but the console comes at a solid price tag of $699 only. But that’s not all. Beyond hardware, the PS5 Pro offers several intangible benefits too.
The PS5 Pro includes an excellent DualSense controller that’s ergonomically designed for comfort and precision, enhancing gameplay significantly. For any good gaming PC, one would have to fork extra for a good keyboard and mouse, plus a good gaming controller if they fancy one. The fact that an excellent controller is already included in the PS5 Pro’s package also adds to the value-for-money aspect.
Players also benefit from arobust library of first-party games, many of which are exclusive to the PlayStation, offering unique experiences that can’t be found on other platforms. Several titles also make their way to consoles first, including themuch-awaited GTA 6, which will launch on PC at least a year post its console launch. A major reason for this is the fact that, unlike PCs, consoles require minimal setup and tweaking. The system is designed to work seamlessly out of the box, eliminating the need for extensive configuration. This simplicity can be a significant draw for gamers who prefer a plug-and-play experience.
Benefits of a Gaming PC
Investing in a gaming PC comes with a host of benefits that make it a compelling choice for many gamers, especially when considering a slightly higher price point. First and foremost, a gaming PC is not just a gaming machine; it’s a legitimate computer that can be used for work and productivity as well. Whether it’s for video editing, graphic design, or everyday tasks like browsing and document creation, a gaming PC excels in versatility. Plus, users have the freedom to customize settings to their liking, whether it’s tweaking graphics options for specific games or adjusting performance settings for optimal multitasking. What’s more, is that PCs allow the user to upgrade their system with ease. This means players can enhance their systems as technology evolves.
Furthermore, Sony’s ability to sell the PS5 Pro at a lower price point is partly due to its reliance on recurring revenue from PlayStation Plus subscriptions. While this subscription offers benefits, it can add up over time. In contrast, PC gaming often involves a one-time purchase. That’s it. There’s no added cost for online multiplayer gaming, which can save money in the long run. Additionally, games for PCs often come at lower prices compared to their console counterparts, and there’s the added benefit of accessing an unmatched library of games, including options for emulation that allow players to enjoy classics from various platforms.
PS5 Pro vs Gaming PC: Which One Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the decision between a PS5 Pro and a gaming PC depends on the person’s individual needs and preferences. For those who prioritize a hassle-free, plug-and-play gaming experience and are primarily interested in enjoying 4K gaming at 60 FPS, the PS5 Pro is an excellent choice. Its sleek design, intuitive interface, and exclusive PlayStation titles make it a compelling option for console gamers. One will have to pay extra every month for the PS Plus subscription, but that’s the justified cost of convenience.
On the other hand, the gaming PC is ideal for those who crave versatility and customization. For gamers who love tweaking settings, optimizing performance, and upgrading hardware, a PC offers endless possibilities. It’s also a fantastic choice for individuals who want to balance gaming with productivity tasks, whether it’s for work, content creation, or multimedia projects. Additionally, PC gaming often offers lower long-term costs with free multiplayer gaming and a broader library of games, including emulated titles from older consoles.
FAQ
Q: Can a gaming PC offer better graphics than the PS5 Pro?
Yes, gaming PCs can often offer better graphics than the PS5 Pro. However, the PC needs to be configured with similar high-end components and utilize technologies like ray tracing and DLSS, which will cost more than the PS5 Pro.
Q: Do I need to upgrade a gaming PC frequently?
While gaming PCs can be upgraded, it’s not necessary to upgrade frequently. A well-built PC can handle modern games for several years, and users can choose to upgrade specific components based on their needs and budget.
