Building your own gaming PC is a rite of passage for many Australian gamers. Whether you’re chasing ultra-high FPS or simply want to explore new releases at a solid frame rate, the right build can transform your experience. But with hardware prices often higher in Australia than in North America or parts of Asia, knowing where to invest and where to economise is critical.

In this guide, we break down the major components of a gaming PC build and provide region-specific advice on when to save your dollars—and when to spend them.

The Core Components Breakdown

A gaming PC is typically built around the following parts:

1. CPU (Processor)

2. GPU (Graphics Card)

3. Motherboard

4. RAM (Memory)

5. Storage (SSD/HDD)

6. Power Supply Unit (PSU)

7. Case

8. Cooling System (Air or Liquid)

9. Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Peripherals

Let’s dive into each to see where your money goes furthest.

CPU – Splurge (To a Point)

In Australia, CPUs often come with a noticeable markup, especially on new releases. But a powerful processor is key for performance in CPU-heavy games like Total War, Cities: Skylines 2, or competitive eSports titles with high refresh rate monitors.

Recommendation:

• Best Value: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X or Intel Core i5-13600K

• Splurge If Needed: For streamers or creators, Ryzen 9 7900X or i7-14700K

• Tip: Watch for price drops at retailers like Scorptec, PCCG, and Umart.

GPU – Splurge (It’s Worth It)

Your graphics card is the single most important component for gaming performance. While the Australia tax does hit GPUs hard, a smart splurge here will future-proof your system.

Recommendation:

• Mid-Range Power: NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD RX 7800 XT

• Budget Friendly: RTX 4060 Ti or RX 6700 XT

• High-End: RTX 4080 Super—if your wallet allows!

Tip: Local used markets like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree can offer huge savings—but always test before buying.

RAM – Save (Within Limits)

Most modern games are happy with 16GB of RAM, and RAM prices in Australia are fairly reasonable compared to GPUs and CPUs.

Recommendation:

• 16GB DDR5 (5600MHz or higher) is the sweet spot.

• Upgrade to 32GB only if you edit video or use demanding software.

Storage – Save on Capacity, Splurge on Speed

A fast SSD means quicker boot times, reduced in-game load times, and smoother overall performance.

Recommendation:

• 1TB NVMe SSD (e.g. WD Black SN850X, Samsung 980 Pro)

• Add a cheaper 2TB SATA SSD or HDD for game libraries or media

Tip: Australian retailers often bundle SSDs with builds—check pre-built deals even if you plan to build your own.

Motherboard – Balanced Spend

Don’t overspend here. A reliable mid-tier board with decent VRMs and futureproofing (PCIe 5.0, DDR5) will suffice.

Recommendation:

• For AMD: B650 or X670 chipset

• For Intel: B760 or Z790 chipset

Avoid low-end boards with poor heat sinks or limited upgrade options.

PSU – Don’t Cheap Out (Splurge Cautiously)

A low-quality PSU is a risk—not just to your PC, but to your home. Look for 80+ Gold certification from reputable brands.

Recommendation:

• Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, Cooler Master

• 650W–750W for most builds, 850W+ for high-end GPUs

Cooling – Save, Unless Overclocking

Stock coolers are fine for many CPUs. If you’re not pushing performance limits, there’s no need for high-end liquid cooling.

Recommendation:

• Save: Stock cooler or mid-range air cooler like Noctua or Be Quiet!

• Splurge: Only if you’re overclocking or want a quieter system

Case – Save, but Choose Wisely

Cases are highly subjective. You can save money here, but don’t sacrifice airflow or ease of assembly.

Tip: Brands like NZXT, Fractal Design, and Cooler Master offer great mid-tier options under $150 AUD.

Peripherals – Splurge on Comfort

While you can start cheap, investing in a high-refresh-rate monitor and mechanical keyboard will elevate your experience.

Recommendation:

• Monitor: At least 144Hz for eSports or shooters

• Mouse: Look for sensor quality, DPI adjustment

• Keyboard: Mechanical with reliable switches (Cherry, Gateron, etc.)

Aussie-Specific Tips

• Retailers to Watch: MSY, Scorptec, Umart, Centrecom, and Mwave often have flash sales.

• Time Your Build: Prices dip around EOFY sales (June) and Black Friday.

• Consider Pre-Built: Sometimes Aussie retailers offer pre-builts with cheaper GPU/CPU combos than buying parts individually.

Sample Build: Sweet-Spot Gaming PC (~$2,200 AUD)

Final Thoughts

When building a gaming PC in Australia, informed spending is everything. Splurge on performance—especially the GPU and CPU—and save on extras where possible. Keep a close eye on Australian tech retailers, monitor sales, and remember: your first build doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to run well and make you proud.