Rtx 3060 Vs Ps5 In 2024 Is Pc Gaming Finally Cheaper Than Console

In 2024, the line between console and PC gaming has never been thinner. With inflation stabilizing and GPU prices returning to pre-scarcity levels, a critical question emerges: Is building or buying a mid-tier gaming PC now more affordable—and more powerful—than purchasing a PlayStation 5? At the heart of this debate lies the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, a once-in-demand graphics card, and Sony’s PS5, still one of the most popular consoles on the market. This isn’t just about raw power; it’s about long-term value, flexibility, and whether the traditional cost advantage of consoles still holds.

The answer, surprisingly, may favor the PC side for the first time in over a decade—if you know where to look and how to build smart.

Performance Comparison: Raw Power and Real-World Gaming

The PS5 uses a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU with 10.28 teraflops of theoretical compute power. On paper, that sounds impressive, but real-world performance is better measured through actual game benchmarks at common resolutions like 1080p and 1440p. The RTX 3060, while rated at around 12.74 teraflops, benefits from superior architecture in key areas: ray tracing, DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), and driver optimization.

In practice, the RTX 3060 consistently outperforms the PS5 in games that support DLSS, delivering smoother frame rates at 1440p with high settings. Even at 1080p, the PC card handles modern titles like Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Resident Evil 4 Remake with ray tracing enabled—something the PS5 struggles with unless using performance modes.

“DLSS is the secret weapon of mid-range GPUs. It allows cards like the 3060 to punch well above their weight class.” — Mark Liu, Senior Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Additionally, the RTX 3060 supports variable refresh rate, higher memory bandwidth, and PCIe 4.0, giving it a technological edge even if both systems use similar underlying GPU philosophies.

Total Cost of Ownership: Breaking Down the Numbers

At first glance, the PS5 appears cheaper: $499 for the standard model. But comparing just the console to a single GPU is misleading. To make a fair assessment, we need to compare the full system cost of a functional gaming PC built around the RTX 3060.

Component	PS5 (Standard)	RTX 3060 PC Build (2024)
Base Price (MSRP)	$499	$299 (GPU only)
Full System Build (CPU, Mobo, RAM, PSU, SSD, Case)	N/A	$700–$850
Monitor Required?	No (uses TV)	Yes (~$150+)
Peripherals (Keyboard/Mouse)	Controller included	Optional (~$50–$100)
Total Estimated Entry Cost	$499	$1,050–$1,200

On the surface, the PS5 wins by a wide margin. But here’s where 2024 changes the equation: used and open-box markets.

Due to the decline in crypto mining demand and widespread adoption of newer GPUs like the RTX 4060 and 4070, the RTX 3060 can now be found used for as low as $200–$230. Refurbished or bulk-packed units are available for under $250 new. Pair that with budget-friendly components—such as an Intel Core i3-12100F or AMD Ryzen 5 5600—and a complete 1080p-capable gaming PC can be assembled for under $700 in 2024.

Tip: Look for pre-owned RTX 3060s from reputable sellers with remaining warranty. Many were lightly used during the post-mining sell-off.

Longevity and Upgrade Path: Future-Proofing Your Investment

This is where PC gaming pulls decisively ahead. The PS5 is a closed system. You cannot upgrade its GPU, CPU, or RAM. While storage can be expanded via NVMe SSD, the core performance is locked until you buy a next-gen console—likely the PS6 in 2028 or later.

In contrast, a PC built around the RTX 3060 today can be upgraded incrementally. In two years, you might swap out the GPU for an RTX 5060, keep the same case, PSU (if 550W+), and storage, and instantly gain a performance leap. The same motherboard and CPU can often last five years with minor tweaks.

• Year 1: RTX 3060 + Ryzen 5 5600 → Solid 1080p/1440p gaming
• Year 3: Upgrade GPU to RTX 5060 → 4K-ready with DLSS 4
• Year 5: Swap CPU and add more RAM → Full refresh without replacing everything

Consoles follow a “replace every 6–7 years” model. PCs follow a “evolve continuously” model. Over a decade, the total spend on consoles (PS5 → PS6) could exceed $1,000, while a single PC chassis might host multiple upgrades at lower cumulative cost.

Real-World Example: Alex’s Budget Build vs. Console Dilemma

Alex, a college student in 2024, had $750 to spend on gaming. He wanted to play Elden Ring, Fortnite, and upcoming indie titles. His options:

• Option A: Buy a PS5 ($499) and use his TV. Remaining $251 for games.
• Option B: Build a PC with a used RTX 3060 ($230), Ryzen 5 5600 ($100), 16GB RAM ($40), 500GB NVMe SSD ($30), B550 motherboard ($80), 550W PSU ($50), and case ($60). Total: $640. Remaining $110 for monitor or games.

Alex chose Option B. He bought a refurbished 24\" 1080p 144Hz monitor for $120 (slightly over budget), totaling $760. Now, he plays all PS5-supported games at equal or better quality, enjoys modding in Elden Ring, streams to Twitch with NVENC encoding, and uses the PC for schoolwork. Two years later, he plans to upgrade only the GPU—keeping everything else.

Had he chosen the PS5, he’d face a full $600 replacement in 2028. Instead, his PC will evolve.

When the PS5 Still Wins: Simplicity and Exclusives

It’s not all one-sided. The PS5 offers plug-and-play simplicity. No drivers, no updates, no troubleshooting. For casual gamers or families, that ease of use is invaluable. Additionally, Sony’s exclusive titles—God of War: Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part I, Spider-Man 2—remain compelling reasons to own a console.

PCs can’t natively run these games, and emulation is legally murky and technically challenging. If your primary goal is playing Sony exclusives, the PS5 remains the only legitimate option.

Furthermore, subscription services like PlayStation Plus offer strong value for multiplayer access and monthly free games—often at a lower price than Xbox Game Pass or standalone Steam purchases.

Checklist: Is a 3060 PC Right for You in 2024?

Use this checklist to decide:

1. ✅ Do you already have or can afford a monitor? (Essential for PC)
2. ✅ Are you interested in mods, streaming, or multitasking?
3. ✅ Do you plan to keep your system for 4+ years?
4. ✅ Are you comfortable with basic tech setup or willing to learn?
5. ✅ Is playing Sony exclusives a top priority?

If you answered “yes” to the first four and “no” to the last, the RTX 3060 PC build likely offers better long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an RTX 3060 run games as well as a PS5?

Yes—and often better. At 1080p and 1440p, the RTX 3060 delivers higher average frame rates in most cross-platform titles, especially with DLSS enabled. It also supports advanced ray tracing features not fully utilized on the PS5.

Is it worth building a PC around an older GPU like the 3060?

In 2024, yes—especially if buying used. The 3060 remains capable of smooth 1080p gaming and can handle 1440p in many titles. Its support for DLSS andResizable BAR gives it staying power beyond its age.

Will PC gaming ever be cheaper upfront than consoles?

Rarely at launch, but total cost over time favors PC. While consoles win on day-one price, the ability to upgrade individual parts means you’re not replacing the entire system every generation. Over 6–8 years, a well-maintained PC often becomes the more economical choice.

Final Verdict: PC Gaming Is Catching Up—And Sometimes Winning

In 2024, the dream of affordable, high-performance PC gaming is closer than ever. Thanks to falling GPU prices, robust second-hand markets, and technologies like DLSS, a system built around the RTX 3060 can rival—and in some ways surpass—the PS5 in both performance and long-term value.

While the PS5 still wins on simplicity, exclusives, and initial cost, the PC path offers flexibility, upgradability, and multifunctionality that consoles simply can’t match. For anyone willing to invest a little extra time and a few hundred dollars upfront, the ROI over five years is increasingly favorable.

The era where “consoles are always cheaper” is fading. In specific scenarios—like budget-conscious builds leveraging today’s GPU surplus—PC gaming isn’t just competitive. It’s becoming the smarter financial move.

🚀 Ready to build your own future-proof rig? Start researching local deals on used RTX 3060s and compatible parts—you might be surprised how close $700 can get you to a full 1440p gaming PC in 2024.