How Much does it Cost to Build a Gaming Computer?

Building a gaming computer can be an expensive proposition, especially when you want to build a top of the line gaming beast.

Here are my Christmas 2011 estimates for how much it will cost to build a gaming computer, and the performance you can expect out of it:

• Top of the line - $15,000. Will be able to play current and next generation games at high resolutions and high frame rates.
• High end - $8,000. Able to play current generation games at high resolution and frame rate, but will be obsolete quicker than top of the line
• Mid range - $3,000. Able to play current generation games at a decent frame rate, may need some tweaking of video options for optimal speed.
• Low end - $1,000. Able to play current generation games by turning down video options
• Tight budget - $700. Able to play most games with most video options turned down in game.