Best PC Build Under $1000 to Match the PS5 Pro – What You Need
September 14, 2024The PS5 Pro is here, and while it’s an incredible piece of hardware, some gamers may be thinking: Can I build a PC that offers the same, or even better, performance for the same price (or less)? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, with a budget of under $1000, you can build a gaming rig that not only matches the PS5 Pro but also provides the flexibility, upgradability, and wider game library that comes with PC gaming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through an affordable PS5 Pro-equivalent PC build. We’ll break down each component, explaining its importance and how it compares to the hardware in the PS5 Pro, making sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Table of Contents
Why Build a PS5 Pro-Equivalent PC?
Before diving into the build, let’s quickly discuss why you might want to build a PC instead of opting for a PS5 Pro.
- Game Library: While the PS5 Pro boasts a solid lineup, most of its games eventually come to PC, often with enhanced graphics and performance options. Additionally, a PC gives you access to platforms like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games, expanding your gaming possibilities.
- Upgradability: Consoles have a fixed lifespan and become obsolete as newer models launch. A PC, on the other hand, is modular. If one part becomes outdated, you can simply swap it out rather than buying an entirely new system.
- Flexibility: A gaming PC is more than just a gaming machine. You can use it for productivity, video editing, streaming, and so much more.
- Future-Proofing: With the right components, your PC will continue to handle new games long after the PS5 Pro becomes dated.
The Best PC Build Under $1000 to Match the PS5 Pro
Now, let’s get to the heart of the article. Below is our detailed step-by-step guide for building an affordable gaming PC that rivals the PS5 Pro in performance for less than $1000.
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X ($124)
Why it’s great: The PS5 Pro runs on an AMD Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads. While the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X has 6 cores and 12 threads, it offers exceptional gaming performance due to its higher clock speeds and better single-threaded performance. Plus, it’s power-efficient and widely regarded as one of the best budget gaming processors. Expect smooth performance in the latest AAA titles at 1080p and 1440p. In benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 5600X performs on par or better than the PS5 Pro’s CPU, particularly in games optimized for PC.
2. GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT ($350)
Why it’s great: The PS5 Pro comes with a more powerful RDNA 2 GPU, but the RX 6700 XT is a close match with its 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This GPU packs 40 compute units, offering stellar performance in both 1080p and 1440p gaming. The RX 6700 XT can handle most modern games at high settings, rivalling the PS5 Pro’s graphical capabilities. It’s perfect for ray-tracing in supported games and delivers strong FPS in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or soul games like Elden Ring.
3. Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO ($110)
Why it’s great: This motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 (future-proofing your system for faster SSDs and GPUs), overclocking, and is fully compatible with the Ryzen 5 5600X. It also comes with all the essential features like M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs and multiple USB ports. You won’t need anything fancier than this board for a budget build. It provides all the performance and stability you need, with room for upgrades like additional RAM or a newer GPU in the future.
4. RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 3200MHz ($41)
Why it’s great: The PS5 Pro uses 16GB of unified GDDR6 memory, but in a PC, 16GB of DDR4 RAM will be more than enough to handle gaming and multitasking. Corsair Vengeance LPX offers great performance at an affordable price, and 3200MHz is fast enough for gaming and productivity tasks. Most modern games recommend 16GB of RAM for optimal performance. Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or multitasking with several applications open, this kit is more than enough to keep your system running smoothly.
5. Storage: Western Digital SN570 1TB NVMe SSD ($50)
Why it’s great: The PS5 Pro uses a high-speed SSD to cut down load times, and this NVMe SSD from Western Digital does exactly that. With read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s, it’s fast, reliable, and perfect for gaming. Expect near-instant load times and smooth gameplay transitions. It’s an excellent, cost-effective storage solution for gaming, and 1TB gives you plenty of room for multiple large games.
6. Power Supply: EVGA 600W 80+ Bronze ($40)
Why it’s great: A reliable power supply is essential to any build, and the EVGA 600W 80+ Bronze delivers enough power for this setup with some room for upgrades. It’s efficient, quiet, and budget-friendly. This PSU provides more than enough juice for the system and ensures stable power delivery during intensive gaming sessions. 600W is the recommended wattage for the RX 6700 XT, making this a safe and affordable choice.
7. Case: NZXT H510 Mid Tower ($70)
Why it’s great: The NZXT H510 is sleek, minimalistic, and offers excellent airflow. It also provides plenty of space for your components and future upgrades. It’s one of the best budget PC cases on the market today. Great cable management, solid build quality, and good thermals make the NZXT H510 a perfect choice for this PS5 Pro-equivalent build.
| Component | Price (*As of the time of publishing) |
| CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | $124 |
| GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | $350 |
| Motherboard: MSI B550M Pro WiFi | $110 |
| RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance 3200MHz | $41 |
| Storage: 1TB WD SN570 NVMe SSD | $50 |
| PSU: EVGA 600W | $40 |
| Case: NZXT H510 | $70 |
| Total | $785 |
Performance Comparison: PS5 Pro vs. Under $1000 PC
So, how does this build stack up against the PS5 Pro? Let’s break it down:
- Graphics: With the RX 6700 XT, this PC offers similar, if not better, performance in 1440p gaming compared to the PS5 Pro.
- CPU: The Ryzen 5 5600X provides better single-core performance, making it more adept at handling tasks like streaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Storage: The 1TB SSD provides fast load times, similar to the PS5 Pro’s custom SSD.
- Upgradability: This PC build allows for future upgrades, while the PS5 Pro does not.
When it comes to raw power, this build is more than capable of going head-to-head with the PS5 Pro. In terms of gaming at 1440p and even 4K, you’ll get nearly identical performance across most AAA titles. The RX 6700 XT can handle high settings at 1440p with ease, delivering smooth frame rates comparable to the PS5 Pro. And, unlike the console, you can tweak settings to your liking. Additionally, with 1TB of SSD storage, you won’t run out of space as quickly as with a standard console.
Is It Worth It?
At around $860, this PS5 Pro-equivalent build doesn’t just match the console in performance—it surpasses it in terms of future-proofing, upgradeability, and versatility. And you don’t need to stretch much further to get there. The best part? You’re not limited to just gaming—you’re building a PC that can handle anything you throw at it.
The PS5 Pro is an impressive machine, but for under $1000, you can build a gaming PC that rivals its performance, while offering you more options, greater control, and room for future upgrades. So, why settle for less? Take your gaming to the next level and enjoy the flexibility that comes with a custom-built PC!
