A new console is now available on the market with the arrival of the PlayStation 5 Pro. Being a mid generation refresh, some gamers may be wondering if the most powerful console available is a good alternative to a gaming PC. Like any decision, weigh out the pros and cons. At CyberPowerPC, though we are gaming PC manufacturer and pc gamers through and through, we understand that you should make an informed decision on where you want to play your games. Let’s explore how the PS5 Pro stacks up against a gaming PC from us. We’ll highlight key differences and provide insights into why you should consider a gaming PC over a PS5 Pro.
1. Performance and Graphics
PlayStation 5 Pro: The PS5 Pro represents a decent upgrade from the standard PlayStation 5 in both graphics and performance. Built with an upgraded GPU, the PS5 Pro aims to put out higher detailed games at higher framerates. But, the CPU is only a slightly faster version of the same AMD Zen 2 6 core 12 thread CPU that powers the original PS5.
While Zen 2 architecture certainly still provides solid gaming performance, it is easily outperformed by the newer silicon available from AMD, such as the latest Ryzen 9000 series processors using Zen 5 architecture.
Meanwhile the 16.7 TFLOP AMD RDNA based graphics card in the PS5 Pro is about equivalent to around an RTX 4060 or RX 7700.
So while the GPU performance is quite impressive for the price of the console, many games are still held back by an aging CPU.
Also for games to even take advantage of that more powerful hardware they need various patches or updates. On a PC, you simply need to adjust the games graphical settings to get your desired performance. Or utilize upscaling technology like DLSS or FSR to boost your framerates.
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC: Gaming PCs from CyberPowerPC, offer unmatched power and customization options. With high-end components like the latest Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 9000 processors and NVIDIA’s RTX 40 Series GPUs, gaming PCs can handle demanding games at ultra-high settings, easily achieving 1440p or higher resolutions at stable framerates. The ability to upgrade individual components over time also allows your CyberPowerPC system to maintain top performance for years, making them a versatile machine for both gaming and work.
In general, PC hardware is more powerful than what is on offer with the PS5 Pro. While it is true that the base cost of a gaming PC that surpasses the PS5 Pros performance is greater, once you factor in many additional costs the gap is not as wide as it may seem initially.
For example, the PS5 Pro does not include a disc drive like the regular model of the PS5. The add on drive is available for 79.99. So if you want to play your physical games, the cost of the console now goes up to $779.98. Add in a year of PS+ that you need to play your games online or use cloud saves – you are looking at between 914.97 to 939.97 depending on which tier subscription you get. Add in an extra controller for 74.99, and the total cost of your PS5 Pro is now 1014.96. As you can see, those additional costs can quickly add up.
Meanwhile our Prebuilt Gaming PC GM 99630 comes in at $1049. It features a much better CPU with and AMD Ryzen 7 8700F, a GeForce RTX 4060 TI (rough equivalent to PS5 Pro GPU), 16GB of DDR5-6000 memory (faster than the PS5 Pro), a 2TB SSD, and no subscription to play your games online.
Verdict: While the PS5 Pro brings a notable boost to console gaming, gaming PCs remain unrivaled in performance and graphical capability, especially for users who want the freedom to play at higher resolutions, boost performance with upscaling, or tweak graphical settings to reach their desired performance.
2. Customization and Flexibility
PlayStation 5 Pro: A console like the PS5 Pro offers simplicity and plug-and-play convenience. It’s designed for gaming out of the box, and it will have its fair share of system updates, but options for hardware customization are nonexistent. The only upgrades available are external storage and, to a limited extent, personalized accessories. While this is perfect for gamers who want a hassle-free experience, it doesn’t appeal to those who prefer more control over their hardware.
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC: With CyberPowerPC gaming PCs, customization is part of the experience. From choosing the exact CPU, GPU, and RAM to selecting custom RGB lighting, cases, cooling options, and customizing in game graphical settings, players can tailor their PCs to their precise specifications. Plus, gaming PCs are flexible in ways that go beyond gaming, supporting productivity tasks, professional-grade video editing, graphic design, and VR.
Verdict: CyberPowerPC gaming PCs offer unbeatable customization and flexibility for gamers who value personalizing and upgrading their setup.
3. Game Library and Exclusives
PlayStation 5 Pro: Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem has long been known for its exclusive games. Iconic franchises like The Last of Us, God of War, and Uncharted have traditionally been exclusive to the console. However, recent trends show that many PlayStation titles are increasingly being released on PC as well. With heavy hitter games like God of War: Ragnarok ,Final Fantasy XVI, The Last of US Part 1, and the Horizon Franchise having made their way to PC, and with more continually on the way, exclusives are no longer locked to being playable solely on Sony hardware. While the PS5 Pro still might have some exclusive and timed-exclusive titles, it’s clear Sony’s approach to exclusives is changing to give more PC gamers access to PlayStation-only games.
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC: CyberPowerPC gaming PCs not only have access to vast libraries on platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG but are also beginning to benefit from the expansion of PlayStation titles to PC. As Sony continues to release exclusive games on PC, the gap between console exclusivity and PC availability is slowly becoming a thing of the past. You can enjoy these titles with enhanced graphics, mod support, and even higher framerates, adding a new layer of customization and control to these popular games. Additionally, PC gamers can mod their games, making them a hub for creative and customizable gameplay experiences.
Verdict: While the PS5 Pro has the advantage of getting Sony exclusives first, the trend of bringing these games to PC gives CyberPowerPC gaming PCs a competitive edge in game variety, performance enhancements, and modding capabilities.
4. Price and Longevity
PlayStation 5 Pro: The PS5 Pro is significantly more expensive than the base PS5, but it still offers a relatively affordable way to enjoy high-end gaming, especially for players who don’t want to spend too much on hardware. Since it’s a console, its longevity will be tied to Sony’s next release cycle, generally about 5-7 years, which at this point the current console generation is already approaching 5 years. Unfortunately, once a new console generation is out, older models eventually receive limited support.
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC: Gaming PCs often come with a higher initial investment but are built for longevity and upgradability. Instead of replacing the entire system, you can update key parts like the GPU or CPU over time, allowing for performance improvements that consoles can’t match. While a gaming PC may cost more up front, its lifespan can extend well beyond a typical console’s if it’s well-maintained and upgraded.
Verdict: The PS5 Pro may be the more affordable short-term option, but a CyberPowerPC gaming PC is likely a better investment for long-term and perhaps even short term if you factor in the additional costs that come with console gaming – such as a disc drive, extra controllers, and online subscriptions needed to play multiplayer games.
5. Online Experience and Community
PlayStation 5 Pro: PlayStation has a robust online service with PlayStation Plus, allowing for multiplayer gaming, free monthly games, and cloud saves. However, it requires a paid subscription, and players are limited to Sony’s network for social interactions and online digital game purchases.
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC: PC gaming offers flexibility in online gaming with various platforms (Steam, Epic Games, GoG, Battlenet, and more) that support social gaming and communication. Online gaming on PC is free, with subscriptions really only existing for paid games like MMORPGs. With a gaming PC you are not paying an extra fee to enjoy online multiplayer or access cloud saves. Furthermore games are trending towards console agnostic multiplayer models, meaning you don’t need to have the same device to hop in to multiplayer games with your pals.
Verdict: PC gaming’s free multiplayer model and cross-platform communication tools like Discord make CyberPowerPC a stronger choice for social gamers.
Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision between a PlayStation 5 Pro and a CyberPowerPC gaming PC depends on where you place value as a gamer. If you’re looking for an easy, cost-effective way to dive into high-quality gaming and love PlayStation exclusives, the PS5 Pro is a great option. We have to admit that it does provide a great price to performance that at this time is hard to match exactly with a PC of a similar cost. However, if you want flexibility, superior performance, and the ability to upgrade over time, a CyberPowerPC gaming PC provides an unparalleled gaming experience. Plus, when you factor in additional costs, of equal or greater performance can match a PS5 Pro in terms of cost.
In the end, both systems have their strengths, but a CyberPowerPC gaming PC offers more versatility and performance for the dedicated gamer looking to go beyond the limits of console gaming. If you have been looking to make the switch to PC gaming, there is no better time than now with our Black Friday deals.