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As the festive shopping season approaches, many tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the Black Friday sales to secure the best bargains on gaming PC components. Since 2016, I have dedicated time each year to compile findings that aid gamers in assembling high-performance yet affordable machines. However, this year presents unique challenges in the quest for value.
With soaring RAM prices and a noticeable scarcity of discounts due to recent tariffs, the landscape for building budget-friendly gaming PCs is tougher than before. Despite these obstacles, there are still opportunities for savvy shoppers to piece together a competitive setup.
Current state of gaming PC components
This year, the situation seems dire for potential PC builders. While last year’s Black Friday allowed for a solid build priced around $485, the same setup now requires an approximate 17% increase in budget, primarily impacting memory capacity. Whereas 32GB of RAM was affordable previously, you may now be restricted to only 16GB for similar prices.
Assessing the options
Even with these hurdles, constructing a gaming PC remains a viable option, especially for those entering the world of gaming or on tight budgets. Such builds can easily accommodate future upgrades, including the addition of a dedicated graphics card, ensuring that users are not stuck with outdated components.
For those contemplating a new system within the next six to eight months, investing now might be prudent. The ongoing increases in memory prices could further complicate future purchases, making a current build a strategic move.
Exploring unique opportunities
One notable avenue for finding quality components is through Micro Center, a haven for PC builders known for its in-store promotions and bundle deals. If you reside near one, tracking their offerings could yield significant savings and valuable hardware combinations.
Reevaluating build strategies
In previous years, my focus has been on maximizing quality while minimizing costs. However, this year’s circumstances necessitate a shift in approach. Rather than scraping the barrel for low-cost components, it may be wise to invest slightly more in a robust setup that will endure over the next few years. Aiming for longevity can offer a more rewarding experience as gaming demands evolve.
For instance, a mid-range gaming PC could have been built without relying on Micro Center’s unique deals, provided shoppers were prepared and proactive weeks in advance. Deals like the 9600X bundle from Newegg exemplify the type of opportunity that can elevate your gaming experience if caught in time.
Best deals for Cyber Monday
As Cyber Monday approaches, many deals initially offered on Black Friday continue to be available. In fact, numerous discounts may still reflect the same offers from earlier in the month, allowing for additional savings. It’s essential to remain vigilant, as new discounts can emerge as retailers look to capitalize on the shopping frenzy.
Top gaming deals to watch
Among the best deals currently available, the Powercolor RX 9070 GPU is priced at $520, offering a savings of $60. Additionally, the Alienware Aurora with RTX 5080 is available for $1,915, representing a significant discount of $884. These offers reflect the ongoing trend of substantial price reductions on high-quality hardware during this shopping season.
Strategies for smart shopping
With soaring RAM prices and a noticeable scarcity of discounts due to recent tariffs, the landscape for building budget-friendly gaming PCs is tougher than before. Despite these obstacles, there are still opportunities for savvy shoppers to piece together a competitive setup.0
With soaring RAM prices and a noticeable scarcity of discounts due to recent tariffs, the landscape for building budget-friendly gaming PCs is tougher than before. Despite these obstacles, there are still opportunities for savvy shoppers to piece together a competitive setup.1