Sony’s PS5 Pro: 3 PC Build Alternatives That Hold Their Own

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Sony's PS5 Pro: 3 PC Build Alternatives That Hold Their Own

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of consoles from their humble beginnings to the powerhouses they are today. The PS5 Pro is undoubtedly a marvel, but its price tag leaves me scratching my graying beard in bewilderment.

The PS5 Pro from Sony is causing quite a stir in discussions online. While many acknowledge the potential 45% performance improvement, the main topic of conversation revolves around its $700 price point. This figure has sparked disagreement among consumers, with some finding it too expensive for a mid-generation console that lacks a disc drive, especially since Sony’s PlayStation series doesn’t seem to have many must-have titles releasing towards the end of the year.

Supporters claim that the PlayStation 5 Pro offers a significant amount of power, costing more initially to assemble a comparable PC. Upon its launch, it will be the most potent console available, leading to comparisons with powerful PCs. Despite consoles adopting technologies like X86 CPUs, SSD storage, and connectivity options (such as USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth), these similarities are being drawn between the two platforms.

Building A Gaming PC Versus The PlayStation 5 Pro

Here’s another way of phrasing that statement: Should one consider constructing a gaming computer equivalent to the PlayStation 5, or simply pre-ordering the console upon release (or even trying to find a resold unit before the holidays), both at roughly the same cost? Or, is it wiser to invest in the entire PC gaming market instead?

Users can enjoy numerous perks in a more flexible gaming environment offered by a PC, such as cheaper games, superior graphics, modular upgrades, and simpler repairs among others. Embracing this setup, our team at Game Rant has curated 3 optimal PC builds designed for users aiming to achieve performance on par with the PS5 Pro straight out of the box, while also capitalizing on the advantages of the PC gaming ecosystem. As performance becomes more crucial in ensuring games are played as intended by developers, these builds will ensure a smooth and satisfying gaming experience.

The Enthusiast-Grade PC Build That Decimates The PS5 Pro’s Capabilities

In 2024, the construction you see utilizes top-tier gaming hardware. It boasts the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which doubles the core count of Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro console, and combines it with a potent RTX 4080 SUPER graphics card.

This setup boasts a 64GB RAM with low latency from XPG, coupled with the ASUS ROG Ryujinn cooler to maintain CPU temperature. It effortlessly meets its performance promise and enhances visual appeal thanks to the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL case. The premium MSI MPG X670E Carbon Wi-Fi handles connectivity duties and supports PCIe 5.0 for future graphics cards, while it also houses a Crucial T700 SSD drive.

Everything here is fueled by an efficient and dependable Seasonic Vertex 1200W Power Supply Unit, supplying top-notch efficiency and unwavering power to a high-performance gaming PC that surpasses the PS5 Pro’s graphical capabilities as of now.

Total Estimated Cost: ~$3300

The Mid-Range PC Build To Exceed The PS5 Pro’s Prowess

If you’re a gamer looking for top-tier performance at an affordable price, AMD’s Ryzen 7 7800X3D is currently the leading octa-core CPU in the market. It consistently ranks among the best CPUs for gaming PCs and builds due to its impressive gaming capabilities. This processor pairs perfectly with the powerful RTX 4070 Ti SUPER GPU, which boasts the advantages of DLSS3 and Ray Tracing technology. Plus, it comes equipped with a future-ready 16GB of VRAM.

The NZXT N7 B650E motherboard, known for its robustness and design, supports PCI-E 5.0 and houses both components effectively. The Corsair H100x RGB Elite Cooler ensures optimal cooling for the 7800X3D processor. This build also features high-speed, low latency DDR5 RAM from G.Skill and a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD, which offers storage capacity similar to the PS5 Pro while boasting twice the speed. A gold-rated 850W power supply unit from Thermaltake is responsible for managing the system’s power requirements.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the versatile and effortless-to-customize Hyte Y60 case I’ve come across. It offers the flexibility of upgrades, including an optional display for those who need it, along with a built-in PCI-E 4.0 riser cable that makes modifications a breeze.

Total Estimated Cost: ~$2200

The Entry-level PC Build To Match The PS5 Pro’s Graphics

The Intel Core i5 14400F is a refreshed Rocket Lake-based CPU that leverages a capable 10-core configuration that exceeds the CPU power available to the PS5 Pro even as it continues to impress on other fronts. The RTX 4070 SUPER from Zotac that makes up approximately half the cost of the suggested build puts it significantly ahead of Sony’s offering even as it makes compromises on RAM, opting for an entry-level DDR5 kit and a smaller 1TB SSD that still offers similar read/write speeds as the PS5 (and PS5 Pro).

The economical MSI B760 motherboard, requiring a BIOS update upon purchase, facilitates effortless expansion while providing Wi-Fi support. The entire system is constructed within the flow-focused Lian Li Lancool 216 case. An XPG Core Reactor PSU provides power to all components with a 750W capacity, enabling straightforward upgrades should they be necessary in the future.

Considering an estimated cost of around $1250, this build is $500 above the price of a PS5 Pro. However, it boasts superior speed and allows for user-friendly upgrades in the future. This makes it a compelling choice for individuals seeking flexibility, as compared to the upcoming PlayStation 5 console.

Total Estimated Cost: $1250

FAQ

Q: How Much Storage Does The PS5 Pro Come With?

The upgraded PS5 model features a 2TB SSD, matching the speed of the standard PS5 Pro (approximately 5500 MB/s). For those who desire more storage, an M.2 SSD upgrade option is available, similar to the original PS5 console.

Q: Does the PS5 Pro Come With A Disc Drive?

Instead of the PS5 Pro coming prepackaged with a disc drive, it’s a digital-only console initially. However, if you need disc playback functionality, you can buy an extra disc drive for about $80.

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2024-09-18 01:04