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The Most Average Gaming PC 2025

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips2.4M viewsJun 21, 202518:41
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Promos

Check out N-able at n-able.com today! It's been a few years and a lot has changed with the Steam Hardware Survey! What GPU will it be this time, and can it handle modern games with ray tracing? Alternative List: pcpartpicker.com Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Intel Core i5-12400 6-Core 2.5 Ghz CPU: lmg.gg ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard: lmg.gg Samsung 990 Evo Plus 2TB NVME SSD: lmg.gg Corsair RMx Series RM1000x 80+ Gold ATX PSU: lmg.gg Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V2 CPU Air Cooler: lmg.gg Crucial DDR5 Classic 16GB (2 x 8GB) 5600MHz RAM: lmg.gg Okinos Aqua 7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case: geni.us NVIDIA RTX 3060 8GB GPU: lmg.gg ► GET OUR MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 1:20 CPU 3:05 Motherboard 3:40 Memory and Cooler 4:20 Storage 5:15 Case 7:25 PSU 8:00 GPU 8:55 Display 10:10 Gaming 15:15 Price 17:00 Conclusion 18:30 Outro

Start
AI OverviewDefault language

The video opens by reframing the concept of the “most average gaming PC” as a practical snapshot of what a typical gamer might own today. The host explains that the build is assembled from the most popular components reported by the Steam Hardware Survey, highlighting the evolving relevance of Windows 10 end-of-life plans and the growing demand for more capable GPUs and CPUs in 2025. The initial segment dives into the CPU and motherboard choice, emphasizing a six-core CPU and a modern Z790 motherboard as the foundation, while also critiquing the Steam survey’s lack of explicit generation data for CPUs, which could help both gamers and developers understand the target audience better. The discussion then shifts to memory, cooling, and case selection, noting budget-friendly cooling solutions and a mix of DDR5 memory options, while also calling out the rising cost of popular motherboards and the trade-offs between speed, capacity, and value. By the time the build progresses to storage and case air flow, the host underscores how the top selling storage and chassis options influence the overall balance of performance and price, preparing the audience to evaluate how this average PC performs in real games. In the mid section the build officially comes together with a focus on the GPU choice, the RTX 3060 8GB, and its implications for modern gaming with ray tracing and DLSS. The host tests real-world performance in native 1080p, then toggles ray tracing and DLSS to illustrate how the budget card holds up under Doom Dark Ages and Indiana Jones, showing playable framerates while stressing that high-fidelity ray tracing is not the priority on a $1250 system. The discussion broadens to the monitor and display space, noting that 1080p remains the dominant baseline, with 1440p gaining share but not yet the standard, and calling for better data on refresh rates to guide future PC gaming builds. As gameplay footage runs, the video emphasizes that the experience should be judged by playability and enjoyment rather than absolute fidelity, reinforcing the philosophy that gaming is about fun as much as it is about hardware specification. The price analysis anchors the closing segment, where the host confirms the final build price around $1250 and contrasts it with alternative parts lists offering more RAM and a stronger GPU for a similar budget. Viewers are reminded of the Steam Hardware Survey’s strengths and its limitations, particularly in the granularity of CPU data, storage types, and display usage, which the host argues could better guide developers. The video ends with a candid verdict: the average PC at this price point is generally adequate for current titles, but not necessarily the best value for money, and it invites viewers to explore other build options or wait for price-to-performance improvements. In all, the video blends hands-on assembly with data-driven critique to illustrate how average hardware meets modern gaming expectations, while inviting discussion on the usefulness of survey data for steering future hardware development.

Topics · technology · gaming hardware · pc builds · hardware reviews

Questions answered

What is the target budget for the most average gaming PC 2025?
The video centers around a roughly $1250 build that uses popular components from the Steam Hardware Survey.
Does the RTX 3060 8GB meet modern gaming needs on this budget?
Yes, it provides playable performance with DLSS and some ray tracing enabled, but not at ultra settings or max fidelity.
What is a major critique of the Steam Hardware Survey according to the video?
The host notes that the survey lacks clear CPU generation data and comprehensive storage and display details, limiting its usefulness for developers and buyers.
What alternative is suggested for better value at similar prices?
The video points to other parts lists that double the RAM and offer a stronger CPU and GPU for a similar price.