PC gaming is currently one of the fastest-growing sectors in the industry. With platforms like Steam at the forefront, developers are increasingly focusing on the PC platform to serve its hundreds of millions of monthly users. Investing in a good gaming PC is a significant decision, with prices that can vary dramatically based on your budget. Options span from around $500 to well over $10,000, offering a key advantage over consoles: the freedom to spend exactly what you want. Opt for an affordable budget system or go all out with a premium, high-performance machine. The market also includes a wide array of portable handheld gaming PCs for those who value mobility.
Remember that PC technology, especially components, is in a constant state of evolution. New hardware arrives almost weekly, leading to year-round sales. However, there are specific periods when prices for gaming PCs hit their absolute lowest. Below, we outline the best times to buy a gaming PC in 2025. Use our detailed guide to plan your purchase and get the most value for your money!
Note: Due to potential changes in U.S. trade policy, now might be an ideal time to buy PC parts and accessories. The current suspension of tariffs is scheduled to end on August 12, 2025. If tariffs are reinstated, the cost of hardware manufactured outside the U.S. could see a significant price increase.
Best Times to Buy a Gaming PC
After New Hardware Releases
Whether you're in the market for the latest 50-series graphics card or a complete pre-built system, the best prices typically appear right after new hardware launches, often increasing later as stock diminishes. Retailers discount previous-generation models to clear inventory, making post-release periods ideal for scoring deals on last year's hardware. For individual parts, check major online stores like Amazon where third-party sellers often slash prices on CPUs, entry-level GPUs, RAM, and other components.
For pre-built systems, manufacturer websites are your best bet. Companies like Dell, Lenovo, and HP frequently run substantial promotions on their official stores. To capitalize on these opportunities, stay informed about tech announcements and monitor sources for the latest PC deals.
Holiday Weekends
Holiday weekends consistently offer great opportunities to buy a gaming PC. Major retailers, including Dell, Walmart, and Amazon, feature select pre-built models at heavily reduced 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 are reliable for finding quality discounts, making them worth waiting for if maximizing savings is your goal.
The next significant holiday sale will coincide with the Fourth of July, with major brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo expected to roll out various promotions.
Prime Day
Amazon's Prime Day, typically held in July, is another prime opportunity to purchase a gaming PC. During this event, you'll find numerous deals on well-configured systems. While Amazon leads the sale, other retailers often launch competing promotions, giving you a wide selection of PCs, components, and accessories at discounted prices.
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is scheduled for July 8-11, with early offers already appearing. Competing retailers like Walmart and Target have also confirmed they will run simultaneous sales. Walmart often features at least one compelling gaming PC deal to rival Amazon's offers, so keep an eye on their listings as well.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
As with most tech products, Black Friday is a peak time for gaming PC deals. This sales event often features the year's lowest prices, and PCs are no exception. You can save significantly on both new and previous-generation models, with ample time beforehand to research and decide on your preferred setup.
Cyber Monday follows with its own set of online-exclusive deals. Manufacturer websites are particularly fruitful during this period. Dell, for example, frequently offers steep discounts on Alienware pre-built systems around this time.
Start of the Calendar Year
The beginning of the year is another excellent window for buying a gaming PC. In January, retailers aim to clear out remaining post-holiday stock, sometimes resulting in even greater savings than Black Friday. This period also often aligns with new CPU and GPU launches in late Q4 or early Q1, further driving sales.
To catch these often-unannounced deals, we recommend following deal-tracking accounts like IGN Deals for instant notifications on major PC discounts. Since there's no fixed schedule for January sales, vigilance is key to securing the best offers.
PC Hardware Is Always Evolving
It's crucial to keep in mind that PC hardware is continuously advancing. The top-tier gaming PC of 2025 will inevitably be superseded in the months that follow. This rapid cycle can work in your favor, however, as it creates excellent buying opportunities for outgoing models whenever new hardware is introduced.
The same principle applies to individual components. Retailers reduce prices on older-generation parts relatively quickly once newer versions become available. If you're building a PC from scratch, you might purchase components individually as they go on sale, or potentially find everything you need discounted at once. Ultimately, there are many chances to buy a gaming PC at an attractive price, but staying informed about market trends is essential to succeed.
