Why Are Gaming PC Prices Rising in 2026? (And How AWD-IT Keeps Prices Low)

If you've been looking to build or buy a gaming PC recently, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: prices are going up. From custom gaming PCs to prebuilt systems, the cost of entry into PC gaming has increased significantly over the past few years.

But why exactly are gaming PC prices rising in 2026? And more importantly, where can you still get the best value gaming PC in the UK? Let’s break it all down.

If you've been looking to build or buy a gaming PC recently, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: prices are going up. From custom gaming PCs to prebuilt systems, the cost of entry into PC gaming has increased significantly over the past few years.

But why exactly are gaming PC prices rising in 2026? And more importantly, where can you still get the best value gaming PC in the UK? Let’s break it all down.

Common Reasons Your PC Is Running Slow

✅ Too Many Background Programs

Running multiple apps at once can overload your system memory (RAM).

Fix:

  • Press ctrl - alt - delete → Open Task Manager
  • Close high-usage programs

✅ Startup Apps Slowing Boot Time

Some apps launch automatically and slow everything down.

Fix:

  • Open Task Manager → Startup tab
  • Disable unnecessary programs

Rising GPU Prices and High Demand

One of the biggest contributors to rising gaming PC prices is the cost of graphics cards (GPUs).

Modern GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD, such as the RTX 5000 and RX 7000 series—are becoming more powerful than ever, but also more expensive to produce and purchase. With features like ray tracing, AI upscaling (DLSS), and 4K gaming performance, demand has skyrocketed.

At the same time, global demand from gamers, content creators, and AI industries is pushing GPU supply chains to their limits, driving prices even higher.

One of the biggest contributors to rising gaming PC prices is the cost of graphics cards

Power Draw & UK Energy Costs

This matters more in the UK than most regions.

GPU
Typical Gaming Draw
PSU Required
RTX 5060
~145W
500–550W
RTX 5060 Ti
~160–175W
600–650W
RTX 4070
~200W
650–750W
Lower wattage = lower monthly electricity costs, quieter cooling, and cheaper full systems.

 

Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials

You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.

1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)

Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.

Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.

Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.

PC hardware market has been impacted by inflation

Inflation and Rising Component Costs

Like many industries, the PC hardware market has been impacted by inflation. Components such as:

…have all seen price increases due to higher manufacturing, logistics, and material costs.

Even shipping costs and global manufacturing slowdowns have affected gaming PC builds and prebuilt systems, which ultimately reflect in the retail price.

✅ Outdated Drivers & Software

Old drivers can cause lag and compatibility issues.

Fix:

  • Update Windows
  • Update GPU drivers
  • Keep apps up to date

Enthusiast Builds (RTX 5080 / 5090 / RX 7900 XTX+)

  • ✅ 4K Ultra gaming at high FPS
  • ✅ Fully unlocked ray tracing features
  • ✅ Ready for upcoming AAA titles through 2027+

Verdict: Ultimate AAA experience — no compromises.

GTA 6 GPU Comparison Table (RTX 50 Series)

GPU Model
Performance Tier
Best Resolution
VRAM (Expected)
GTA 6 Settings
Ideal User Type
RTX 5060
Entry-Level
1080p
8–12GB
Medium–High
Budget gamers looking for smooth GTA 6 gameplay
RTX 5070
Mid-Range
1440p
12–16GB
High–Ultra
Best value for most UK gamers
RTX 5070 Ti
Upper Mid-Range
1440p / 4K
16GB
Ultra
High FPS + future-proofing
RTX 5080
High-End
4K
16–20GB
Ultra + Ray Tracing
Enthusiasts & high-performance gaming builds
RTX 5090
Ultra Enthusiast
4K+ / 8K
24GB+
Max Settings + Full Ray Tracing
No-compromise, ultimate GTA 6 experience

Next-Gen Technology Comes at a Premium

Gamers want the best, and that means upgrading to cutting-edge features like:

  • DDR5 RAM
  • PCIe Gen 5 SSDs
  • High refresh rate gaming (144Hz / 240Hz)
  • 1440p and 4K gaming builds

These advanced technologies improve performance dramatically, but they also increase the overall cost of a gaming PC setup.

The result? Even “mid-range” gaming PCs today are more powerful and more expensive than ever before.

Even “mid-range” gaming PCs today are more powerful

more gamers are choosing prebuilt gaming PCs UK-wide for convenience, reliability, and warranties

Increased Demand for Prebuilt Gaming PCs

Not everyone wants to build their own PC. In fact, more gamers are choosing prebuilt gaming PCs UK-wide for convenience, reliability, and warranties.

This surge in demand has led to:

  • Higher production costs
  • Longer build queues
  • Increased labour and testing requirements

All of these factors contribute to higher overall prices across the market.

Why AWD-IT Still Offers Affordable Gaming PCs

Despite these industry-wide challenges, AWD-IT continues to deliver some of the best value gaming PCs in the UK.

Here’s how we keep prices competitive:

✅ Direct Partnerships with Suppliers

We work closely with top brands like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, and Corsair to secure great deals on components.

✅ Efficient In-House Builds

All our custom gaming PCs are built and tested in-house, helping us reduce overhead costs and pass savings directly to you.

✅ Wide Range of Budget Gaming PCs

Whether you’re after an entry-level gaming PC, mid-range build, or high-end RTX gaming rig, we have options for every budget.

✅ Regular Deals and Discounts

We frequently run gaming PC deals, seasonal sales, and bundle offers, ensuring you always get maximum value for your money.

We frequently run gaming PC deals, seasonal sales, and bundle offers, ensuring you always get maximum value for your money.

find your perfect gaming PC at a price that works for you

Get the Best Gaming PC for Your Budget

While gaming PC prices may be rising across the industry, that doesn’t mean you need to overspend. At AWD-IT, we’re committed to offering:

  • Affordable gaming PCs UK
  • High-performance prebuilt systems
  • Custom gaming PC builds
  • Fast delivery and reliable support

Browse our latest deals today and find your perfect gaming PC at a price that works for you.

Mid-Range AAA Beast

  • RTX 5070
  • Ryzen 7 7800X3D
  • 32GB RAM

Best for 1440p ultra settings + ray tracing

High-End 4K Powerhouse

  • RTX 5080 / 5090
  • Intel i7-14700K
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM

Built for 4K ultra gaming with zero compromises

Who Should Buy in the UK (Clear Advice)

✅ Buy an RTX 5060 if you:

  • Game at 1080p
  • Want a quiet, efficient PC
  • Have a £800–£1,000 budget
  • Prefer a brand‑new UK‑built PC

✅ Buy an RTX 5060 Ti if you:

  • Use or plan to move to 1440p
  • Want longer lifespan
  • Play larger AAA titles

❌ Skip both if you:

  • Only care about 4K gaming
  • Already own a strong RTX 4070‑class GPU

Final Verdict: Can Your PC Handle AAA Games in 2026?

  • Yes, if you have a modern mid-range or high-end system
  • Maybe, if you're running older hardware (with settings compromises)
  • No, if you're still on pre-RTX era GPUs

The reality: AAA gaming is more demanding than ever, and keeping up means investing in the right hardware.

Final Thoughts

Gaming PC prices are increasing due to a combination of hardware demand, rising manufacturing costs, inflation, and next-gen technology. However, smart buying decisions and choosing the right retailer can still help you get incredible performance without breaking the bank.

And that’s exactly where AWD-IT stands out, delivering powerful, affordable gaming PCs without compromising on quality.

Need Help Speeding Up Your PC?

Our expert team at AWD-IT is here to help you find the perfect solution — whether that’s an upgrade or a brand-new build.