How to build a gaming setup from scratch in 2026

Why purchase order matters more than budget

The most common mistake when building a gaming setup is buying in the wrong order. Many start with the PC or console, then the monitor they can afford, and finally, when there's no budget left, they sacrifice the chair — the most important peripheral of all. Four hours in a bad chair affects your back before your 27" monitor does.

The correct order is: chair first, then monitor, then peripherals, and finally extras.

Step 1: Define your platform (PC or console)

Before buying anything, decide whether you're gaming on PC or console, because it conditions everything else.

• ✓**Gaming PC:** Higher initial cost but more flexible. You can upgrade components, game at 144Hz and 1440p from day one and have access to Game Pass PC and Epic.
• ✓**PS5:** PlayStation exclusives, the best single-player library on the market, native 4K and up to 120fps in compatible games. Fixed price.
• ✓**Xbox Series X:** The best value for money with Game Pass. Backward compatibility with over 1,000 games. Ideal if you already use the Microsoft ecosystem.

Step 2: The chair — don't leave it for last

A quality gaming chair costs between €150 and €500. Invest as much as you can here: a bad chair isn't solved by a better monitor.

• ✓**Under €200:** Sihoo M57. Breathable mesh, adjustable lumbar, the only adjustments that matter for under €200.
• ✓**€300-500:** Secretlab Titan Evo. The most ergonomic gaming chair on the market in this range. Magnetic lumbar support, 4D armrests.

Step 3: The monitor — the component you'll notice most

If you're coming from a 60Hz monitor, the jump to 144Hz is the most visible change you can make. No matter how much you spend on the GPU: on a 60Hz monitor you'll never see the difference.

• ✓**Mid budget:** AOC 24G2U — 144Hz IPS at 24", the best value for money.
• ✓**High budget:** ASUS TUF VG27AQ — 1440p 165Hz 27", the real quality jump for serious gaming.

Resolution priority for gaming: **fluidity (Hz) before resolution (pixels)**. A 1080p 165Hz is more satisfying than a 4K 60Hz for most games.

Step 4: Mouse and keyboard — direct contact with the game

For gaming, the mouse is the peripheral that most impacts performance. Good sensor, light weight and a shape comfortable for your hand are the three key factors.

• ✓**Budget:** Logitech G203 (85g, HERO sensor, €30)
• ✓**Pro:** Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (60g, HERO 2 sensor, the lightest on the market)

For the keyboard: linear switches (red) for gaming, no resistance for fast keystrokes. The Keychron K2 Pro with red switch is the most balanced option.

Step 5: Audio — the element almost nobody optimizes

Positional audio is a real advantage in FPS games. Hearing an enemy's footsteps to the left before they appear on screen wins matches. A headset with good high-frequency response and surround sound makes a difference.

• ✓**Best option:** HyperX Cloud Alpha — Dual Chamber technology, the best sound for under €100.

Step 6: Lighting and optional extras

An LED strip behind the monitor (€15) reduces eye fatigue in long sessions. Bias lighting balances brightness between the screen and background, protecting your eyes.

What you don't need: RGB on everything, huge 90cm pads if you don't use them, external sound card (modern headsets don't need one).

The minimum budget for a functional gaming setup

With €500 you have a decent gaming setup: basic chair (€150), 144Hz monitor (€130), gaming mouse (€30), basic mechanical keyboard (€50), headset (€80). Tight but functional.