PS5 Pro vs. Gaming PC: Can a $700 Console Finally Beat a Budget Rig in 2025?
The reviews are in, and the PS5 Pro is a beast. But it comes with a wallet-destroying price tag: $700 (and that's without the disc drive!).
As a PC enthusiast, this begs the question: Could I build a better computer for that price?
In 2025, hardware prices have dropped. SSDs are cheap, and GPUs are affordable again. Let's do a fair fight. PS5 Pro vs. a $700 Custom PC.
1. The Specs Comparison
| Component | PS5 Pro ($700) | Budget PC Build ($720) |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Power | ~RTX 4060 Ti Equivalent | Radeon RX 7700 XT |
| CPU | Ryzen Zen 2 (Old) | Ryzen 5 7600 (New) |
| Upgradeability | Zero | Infinite |
| Online Fee | $80/year (PS Plus) | $0 (Free) |
2. The "Hidden" Cost of Consoles
The PS5 Pro sounds cheaper upfront, but remember the "Online Tax." You pay $80 every year just to play multiplayer. Over 5 years, that console actually costs you **$1,100**.
On PC? Multiplayer is free. Plus, you get cheaper games on Steam Sales.
3. Performance: PSSR vs. FSR
Sony's new PSSR upscaling is impressive. It makes 1440p look like 4K. But on PC, we have something similar called Lossless Scaling (Frame Gen) which works on any GPU.
4. The PC Advantage (Modding)
You can't mod GTA VI on a PS5. You can't strip down the OS to make it faster. On PC, you can install lightweight operating systems like [ReviOS or AtlasOS] to squeeze out every last frame. Try doing that on a Sony console.
Conclusion
If you want "Plug and Play," buy the PS5 Pro. It's an amazing machine. But if you want Value and Freedom, the PC still wins in 2025. For the same price, you get a machine that can game, edit video, and code.
Are you Team Console or Team PC this generation?