The PS5 Pro has arrived, promising a big leap in performance over the original PS5. This new machine comes with a hefty $700 price tag, $200 more than its predecessor.
The extra cost mainly goes toward a beefed-up graphics processor. At $700, it’s getting close to the price range where building a decent gaming computer becomes possible. This could make some gamers think twice about which platform to choose for their next upgrade.
Graphics Power: Gaming PC vs PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro packs a powerful punch in the graphics department. Its new GPU boasts 60 AMD compute units, a big step up from the original PS5. This puts it in the same ballpark as some high-end desktop graphics cards.
Building a PC to match the PS5 Pro’s graphics power isn’t easy on a budget. A comparable desktop GPU alone could cost over $400. Add in other necessary parts like the case, motherboard, CPU, and memory, and the price quickly adds up.
But it’s not just about the numbers. While a top-tier PC graphics card might use more power, it doesn’t always mean much better performance. The PS5 Pro makes smart use of its hardware, often getting more bang for its buck than a PC.
The PS5 Pro also has some tricks up its sleeve. Its upgraded ray-tracing hardware could outperform some desktop GPUs in certain tasks. This means prettier lighting and reflections in games.
Here’s a quick look at how the PS5 Pro stacks up against the original PS5:
| Feature | PS5 Pro | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | RDNA 3 (likely) | RDNA 2 |
| Compute Units | 60 | 36 |
| Memory Speed | 18 Gbps | 14 Gbps |
| Launch Price | $700 (expected) | $499 / $399 |
The PS5 Pro’s extra compute units and faster memory should lead to smoother gameplay and better graphics. Games might run at higher frame rates or with more detailed visuals.
For gamers, this means:
- Sharper images in 4K resolution
- More stable frame rates in demanding games
- Better handling of ray-tracing effects
While a high-end PC can still outperform the PS5 Pro, Sony’s new console offers great graphics power at a set price point. It’s a strong option for those who want top-notch visuals without the hassle of building a PC.
Gaming PC vs PS5 Pro: Processor Power
The PS5 Pro keeps the same CPU as its predecessor. It has eight Zen 2 cores running at 3.5 GHz. While this isn’t bad, PC processors have moved ahead.
New PCs often use Zen 4 or Intel 12th and 13th Gen chips. These are much faster than the PS5 Pro’s CPU. Even mid-range PC chips can outdo the console’s processor.
For most games, the PS5 Pro’s CPU is fine. But it might struggle with some titles. PCs have an edge here.
Building a PC with a top-end CPU and good graphics card for $700 is tough. But you can make a solid rig with a newer, faster chip for about the same price as a PS5 Pro.
| Feature | PS5 Pro | Gaming PC |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Type | Zen 2 | Zen 4 or Intel 12th/13th Gen |
| Core Count | 8 | Varies |
| Clock Speed | 3.5 GHz | Often higher |
| Performance | Good for most games | Better for all games |
In short, while the PS5 Pro’s CPU works well, PCs offer more processing power. This can make a big difference in some games and tasks.
Gaming PC vs PS5 Pro: Storage Space
The PS5 Pro steps up its storage game with a bigger 2 TB SSD. This boost is a big deal for gamers who love to keep lots of games ready to play. Modern games can eat up a ton of space, so having more room is always nice.
But it’s not all rosy. We don’t know yet how much of that 2 TB will be free to use. The older PS5 had less usable space than its total storage, so the same might happen here.
On the PC side, storage options are all over the place. You can pick and choose what works for you. Want a huge hard drive for lots of games? Go for it. Prefer a super-fast but smaller SSD? That’s cool too.
Both the PS5 Pro and gaming PCs use fast SSD tech. The PS5 Pro keeps the speedy storage from its older sibling. PCs can use even faster drives, but for most games, you won’t notice a huge difference.
In the end, storage isn’t a make-or-break feature for either option. Both can give you plenty of space and speed for your games. It comes down to what you prefer and how much you want to spend.
Gaming PC vs PS5 Pro: What’s the Damage?
Let’s talk cash. The PS5 Pro is set to hit shelves at $700. That’s a chunk of change, but it’s still cheaper than most gaming PCs.
Building a PC that matches the PS5 Pro’s power is tricky. You’d need to spend over $1,000 to get close. The cheapest pre-built PC with similar graphics power costs around $1,150. That’s $450 more than the PS5 Pro!
Here’s a quick price breakdown:
- PS5 Pro: $700
- Budget gaming PC: $1,000+
- Mid-range gaming PC: $1,150+
Graphics cards are a big part of the cost. A PC with an RX 7800 XT card (similar to PS5 Pro power) starts at $1,150. Even dropping to a slightly weaker RX 7700 XT still puts you over $1,000.
Nvidia fans aren’t catching a break either. An RTX 4060 Ti system costs just under $1,000, but it won’t match the PS5 Pro’s speed. The RTX 4070 comes closer, with some good deals starting at $1,100. That’s still $400 more than Sony’s console.
It’s not all bad news for PC gamers. Computers offer:
- Upgradability
- Wider game selection
- More than just gaming
But if pure gaming power per dollar is your goal, the PS5 Pro has a clear edge right now. PC builders will need to get creative to match that value.
Gaming PC vs. PS5 Pro: Upgrading Options
The PS5 Pro is a solid choice for gamers who want a ready-to-play system. But PCs offer more flexibility.
Upgrading a PC can be a great alternative to buying a new console.
For about $800, you can upgrade key PC parts like the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and RAM. This might cost more than a PS5 Pro, but it gives you more power and options.
Here’s what you could get for around $800:
- CPU: Intel 12600KF
- GPU: RX 7800 XT
- Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Pro RS ATX
- RAM: 32GB Corsair
This setup would likely outperform the PS5 Pro in many ways. Plus, you can upgrade it again later.
PCs have other perks too:
- Huge library of games
- Can do more than just gaming
- Freedom to customize
The $700 price tag of the PS5 Pro makes PC upgrades more tempting. You might be able to boost your current PC to match or beat the PS5 Pro for less money.
Keep in mind that upgrading an old PC might need extra parts. You may need a new power supply or case. But even with these extras, a PC upgrade can be a smart choice.
The PS5 Pro is still good value. But the price increase from the base PS5 makes PC gaming more appealing.
At $500, consoles were much cheaper than gaming PCs. The $200 jump to $700 changes things.
You can’t buy a full gaming PC as powerful as the PS5 Pro for $700. But you might be able to upgrade your current PC to match it for less.
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