Your 2025 Guide to Buying a Gaming PC

PC gaming is one of the fastest-growing segments in the gaming industry today. With major storefronts like Steam leading the charge, developers are increasingly prioritizing the PC platform to serve hundreds of millions of users monthly. Investing in a quality gaming PC can be as flexible as your budget allows, with thousands of options ranging from $500 to over $10,000. This flexibility is a key advantage over consoles, giving you the freedom to opt for an affordable budget system or go all-out with a top-tier model. There's also a growing selection of handheld gaming PCs for those seeking portability.

Keep in mind that PC technology, especially components, evolves rapidly. New hardware launches weekly, creating frequent sales all year. However, there are specific times when PC prices hit their lowest points. Below, we've compiled the best times to buy a gaming PC in 2025. Use our detailed guide to upcoming sales events to plan your purchase and stretch your budget!

Best Times to Buy a Gaming PC

After New Hardware Releases

Whether you're eyeing a new 50-series graphics card or a complete pre-built desktop, the best prices often appear right after new hardware launches, typically rising as stock dwindles. Retailers look to clear out older inventory, making it the perfect time to find excellent deals on last-generation hardware. For individual components, check major retailers like Amazon, where third-party sellers often discount CPUs, budget GPUs, RAM, and more.

When buying a pre-built system, manufacturer websites are your best bet. Dell, Lenovo, and HP frequently run substantial discounts directly on their online stores. To time these sales correctly, stay updated on tech announcements and follow the latest deals on gaming PCs.

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekends are generally a great opportunity to buy a gaming PC. Retailers such as Dell, Walmart, and Amazon offer select pre-built models at competitive prices, so you can shop with confidence. Key holidays to watch include President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. These weekends reliably feature solid discounts on gaming PCs, making them worth waiting for if you're aiming to maximize savings.

The next major holiday sale will be around the Fourth of July, with big manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo expected to run promotions.

Prime Day

Prime Day is another prime opportunity to purchase a gaming PC. Amazon’s annual July event brings a wide range of discounts on quality builds. Although Amazon leads the event, other retailers like Walmart and Target typically launch competing sales. You'll find numerous deals on complete PCs, components, and every accessory imaginable.

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is scheduled for July 8–11, and early offers are already appearing. Walmart and Target have confirmed they'll also be discounting products during this period. Walmart often features at least one compelling gaming PC deal to rival Amazon's, so keep an eye out.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday

As with most tech products, Black Friday is an ideal time to hunt for gaming PC deals. This major sales event includes some of the year's lowest prices, and gaming PCs are no exception. You can save significantly on both new and older models, with plenty of time beforehand to research your preferred setup.

Cyber Monday also brings worthwhile gaming PC offers. Since these are primarily online-only deals, focus on manufacturer websites for the best selections. Dell, for example, often lists heavily discounted models, including Alienware pre-built systems.

Start of the Calendar Year

The beginning of the year is another smart time to buy a gaming PC. In January, retailers work to clear out remaining holiday inventory, sometimes leading to savings that surpass Black Friday. New CPU and GPU generations typically launch in Q1 or Q4, contributing to these January sales.

If you're hunting for these often-unannounced deals, follow the IGNDeals account for prompt notifications on major gaming PC discounts. Since retailers don't follow a fixed schedule in January, vigilant monitoring is key to securing the best prices.

PC Hardware Is Always Evolving

It’s worth repeating: hardware manufacturers constantly refresh their PC product lines. The powerful gaming PC you buy today may not hold its top status in a few months. However, this works in your favor, letting you snag outstanding deals on previous-generation models when new hardware arrives.

The same applies to individual components. Retailers reduce prices relatively quickly once next-generation parts hit the market. If you're building your own PC, you might buy components one by one during sales or get lucky and find everything discounted at once. Ultimately, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase a gaming PC at a great price—if you stay informed and watch the market closely.