How much should you spend on a gaming PC in 2026?
It's one of the most common questions we get asked — and the honest answer is: it depends on what you play and the resolution you want to play at. Here's a practical breakdown of what each budget tier delivers in the UK right now.
Under £500 — Entry level
At this price you can expect smooth 1080p gaming in popular free-to-play titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox and Valorant. You'll typically get an entry-level dedicated GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 500GB SSD. It's a great starting point for first-time PC gamers.
£500–£750 — The sweet spot
This is where most UK gamers get the best value. You'll get 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a GPU capable of high frame rates at 1080p in titles like Warzone, Apex Legends and GTA V. This tier balances performance and value better than any other.
£750–£1,000 — High performance
Here you step into 1440p gaming with the latest GPU architectures. Expect high-refresh 1080p and solid 1440p, plus headroom for streaming and light content creation.
£1,000–£1,500 — Enthusiast
High-refresh 1440p and entry-level 4K, with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of fast storage. This is the tier to aim for if you want to play upcoming titles like GTA VI well.
£1,500+ — Extreme
No-compromise 4K gaming, high-FPS competitive play and serious content creation. You're paying for the best, and you get it.
Where is your money best spent?
If you're unsure, aim for the £500–£750 tier. It covers the vast majority of UK gamers' needs and leaves room to upgrade later. Don't overspend on a system far beyond what your games require — a £2,500 PC won't make Fortnite feel any different from a £600 one.
Don't know which tier you need?
Use our PC Finder — tell us what you play and your budget, and we'll recommend the right system. Or contact us for a personal recommendation.