Building a Dream Machine

Constructing a custom gaming PC gives you control over performance and aesthetics. Enthusiasts often scour hardware reviews and deal sites to find the perfect components. With prices fluctuating daily, it’s easy to lose track of total cost. This calculator simplifies the budgeting process, allowing you to see at a glance whether your wish list matches your wallet. Simply input the prices of your major components—CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and any extra parts like the case or cooling—and the calculator provides a running total.

The Simple Math

The total budget is the sum of all component costs:

Here $c$ stands for CPU price, $g$ for GPU, $r$ for RAM, $s$ for storage, and $o$ for other components. Though the formula is straightforward, seeing the numbers in one place helps you prioritize upgrades or scale back.

Sample Build Guide

Component	Budget ($)
CPU	200
GPU	350
RAM	100
Storage	80
Case & Extras	120
Total	850

This table illustrates how quickly costs can rise. Even mid-range parts can easily exceed $800, so carefully balancing performance needs against your budget is key.

Why Budgeting Helps

Knowing the total cost ahead of time lets you avoid overspending. If you’re torn between two graphics cards, this calculator shows how each choice affects the final price. Some builders prefer to stagger purchases over several paychecks, waiting for sales or rebates. Others swap in used components or opt for more modest cases to stick to a strict budget.

Future Upgrades

Many gamers design their PCs with future upgrades in mind. You might choose a motherboard that supports faster processors or extra memory slots. By calculating your current total, you can decide whether to spend more now for forward compatibility or save money and upgrade later. This approach also helps you track when it might be worth selling old parts to recoup some cost.

Conclusion

Use this calculator whenever you’re planning a new rig or pricing out components for friends. It requires no sign-ups and runs entirely in your browser, so you can adjust numbers quickly while browsing online retailers. An informed budget keeps your build enjoyable and ensures you get the best performance for your money.