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PC build budget calculator

By Tiny · how I pick

Enter your budget and what the PC is for, and see how I'd split the money across parts, with a reason for each line. Nothing you type leaves your device.

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For the tower itself: not the monitor, keyboard or Windows license.
Reused parts drop out, and their share goes to everything else.

How I set these splits

These are rules of thumb, not a formula: where an extra dollar makes the most difference for each kind of build. For gaming and local AI, that's the graphics card; for a home server, it's storage and RAM; for school and office use, a solid CPU with built-in graphics and a fast SSD. Use the numbers as a starting point, then check real listings, because prices move constantly.

2026 note on RAM: memory prices are unusually high because of a global DRAM shortage. If the RAM line looks too small for real prices right now, take the difference from the case or cooler first, not the GPU. More in is it a good time to build a PC?

Before you buy anything

Quick answers

How should I split my PC build budget?

For gaming and local AI, the graphics card usually deserves the biggest share, roughly 35 to 50%. For a home server, put more into storage and RAM; for office and school use, a good CPU with built-in graphics and a fast SSD matter most.

How much of a gaming PC budget should go to the GPU?

Typically around 35 to 40% of the tower budget, since the graphics card has the biggest effect on frame rates.

How much should I spend on a PC power supply?

Usually 5 to 8% of the budget. Buy a reputable brand with enough wattage for your graphics card rather than the cheapest unit.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a PC in 2026?

It depends on RAM prices and what you can reuse. Building still gives you more control, but with memory prices high, prebuilt and used business PCs can be competitive, especially for office and school use.

Related guides

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I don't quote prices, because they change by the hour, so every link goes to current listings.