After a small little article I wrote in fall last year regarding what would be a better option, a budget PC or the newly released PS5 Pro, I thought it would be fun to dig deeper and come up with actually price comparisons to see what would match the most powerful PlayStation (and game console) to date, the PlayStation 5 Pro. Enough chit-chat, let’s see what’s what!
The PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) is Sony’s latest high-performance gaming console, enhancing the already powerful PlayStation 5 with improved hardware specifications and better graphics capabilities. For gamers who prefer PC gaming or those wondering how much an equivalent gaming PC would cost, this article breaks down the PS5 Pro’s specifications and compares them to a similarly powerful gaming PC, taking into account both performance and pricing.
PlayStation 5 Pro Specifications
Before comparing it to a PC, let’s examine the key specifications of the PS5 Pro:
- CPU: 8-core / 16-thread AMD Zen 2
- GPU: 16.7 TFLOPs, AMD Radeon RDNA-based graphics engine
- RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
- Performance: Capable of running most native PS5 games at 60 FPS, with some reaching 120 FPS at native 4K resolution (sometimes utilizing PlayStation’s PSSR AI upscaling technology)
Price of the PS5 Pro
The base PlayStation 5 Pro model is priced at $699.99 USD. However, it requires additional peripherals for full functionality:
- External disc drive (for playing physical games) – $79.99
- Vertical stand – $29.99
Total cost including these peripherals: $809.97 USD.
Building a PS5 Pro-Equivalent Gaming PC
Now, let’s examine what it takes to build a gaming PC that matches or surpasses the PS5 Pro in terms of performance.
1. Processor (CPU)
- Equivalent PC CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- Approximate Cost: $167
The Ryzen 7 5800X is an 8-core/16-thread processor, similar to the PS5 Pro’s custom AMD Zen 2 processor. It provides excellent gaming performance and ensures minimal bottlenecks.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
- Equivalent PC GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- Approximate Cost: $519.99
The PS5 Pro features a 16.7 TFLOPs RDNA-based GPU, which is comparable in raw performance to an RTX 4070. This GPU is powerful enough to handle 4K gaming at 60 FPS and includes ray tracing and AI-based upscaling features similar to PlayStation’s PSSR.
3. RAM
- Equivalent PC RAM: 16GB DDR4 at 3200MHz
- Approximate Cost: $60
While the PS5 Pro uses GDDR6 memory (which is optimized for graphics processing), most gaming PCs rely on DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. 16GB of DDR4 is sufficient for gaming, though DDR5 (which costs more) could provide future-proofing.
4. Storage
- Equivalent PC Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
- Approximate Cost: $100
The 2TB NVMe SSD ensures high-speed game loading times, matching the PS5 Pro’s performance.
5. Motherboard
- Equivalent PC Motherboard: B550 chipset motherboard
- Approximate Cost: $100
A B550 motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 (needed for high-speed SSDs and GPUs), making it a good match for this build.
6. Power Supply (PSU)
- Equivalent PC PSU: 650W 80+ Gold certified PSU
- Approximate Cost: $80
A 650W power supply ensures stable power delivery, supporting both the RTX 4070 and the Ryzen 7 5800X.
7. Case and Cooling
- Equivalent PC Case: Mid-tower case with adequate airflow
- Approximate Cost: $100
A well-ventilated case and a quality CPU cooler will keep the system cool, maintaining peak performance.
8. Operating System (OS) and Peripherals
- Windows 10/11 License: $100
- Keyboard & Mouse: $50
Final Cost Comparison: PS5 Pro vs. PC
| Component | PS5 Pro Price | PC Equivalent | PC Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Included | Ryzen 7 5800X | $167 |
| GPU | Included | RTX 4070 | $519.99 |
| RAM | Included | 16GB DDR4 | $60 |
| Storage | Included (2TB NVMe) | 2TB NVMe SSD | $100 |
| Motherboard | Included | B550 Chipset | $100 |
| Power Supply | Included | 650W PSU | $80 |
| Case & Cooling | Included | Mid-Tower Case | $100 |
| OS & Peripherals | Included | Windows 10/11, Keyboard & Mouse | $150 |
| Total Cost | $809.97 | $1,276.99 |
That’s just under $1,000. If that’s over your budget, make sure to check out our: gaming pc parts configuration under $1000 article.
Is the PS5 Pro or a Gaming PC the Better Option?
Advantages of the PS5 Pro:
- Cost-Effective: At $809.97 USD, the PS5 Pro provides high-end gaming performance at a lower price than a comparable PC.
- Optimization: Games are optimized for the hardware, ensuring stable performance without needing settings adjustments.
- Exclusive Titles: Many first-party PlayStation games (e.g., God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us) are only available on PlayStation.
- Ease of Use: No need for hardware upgrades or software configurations; just plug and play.
Advantages of a Gaming PC:
- Upgradeable: Individual components can be replaced or upgraded over time.
- Wider Game Library: Access to Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and emulation.
- Customization: Users can fine-tune settings for maximum performance and visual fidelity.
- More than Gaming: PCs can handle productivity tasks, streaming, content creation, and more.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a dedicated gaming machine with great performance at a lower price, the PS5 Pro is the better value. However, if you want a versatile system for gaming and other tasks, investing in a gaming PC makes sense, despite the higher upfront cost.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your budget, gaming preferences, and whether you value customization over convenience.
