Every aspiring streamer asks the same question before hitting go live: how much would a gaming setup cost? The truth is, it depends.
Your budget, your ambitions, and the type of content you want to create all shape the answer. A hobbyist can get started on a modest setup, while professional creators often spend thousands building their dream stations.
Whether you’re gaming casually or aiming to turn content creation into a career, let’s break down every component of a proper setup, from essential gear to nice-to-have extras.
1. The heart of the setup: Gaming PC or Console
The centrepiece of your setup determines how smoothly your games run and how easily you can stream them.
PC Builds
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Entry level (AU$1,200–AU$1,800): Expect a Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processor, RTX 3060 graphics, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. Enough for streaming 1080p.
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Mid-range (AU$2,000–AU$3,500): Ryzen 7 or Intel i7 with an RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, and faster SSD storage. Handles heavier games and video editing.
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High-end (AU$4,000–AU$6,500+): Ryzen 9 or Intel i9 with RTX 4080/4090 graphics, 64GB RAM, and multiple NVMe SSDs. Suitable for 1440p or 4K content.
Console Alternatives
Some creators start with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
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Console price: Around AU$750–AU$900.
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Capture card: AU$250–AU$400, needed to connect to a streaming PC.
A strong PC is the most flexible long-term option, but consoles are affordable for beginners.
2. Monitors: Seeing the action clearly
Most streamers prefer two monitors—one for gameplay and another for stream tools or chat.
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Entry-level (AU$200–AU$400): A simple 1080p, 60Hz display.
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Mid-range (AU$500–AU$900): 1440p or 1080p with 144Hz refresh rate, perfect for competitive games.
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High-end (AU$1,000–AU$2,000+): 4K resolution, HDR, and high refresh rates.
The sweet spot for many creators is AU$600–AU$1,000 for a primary monitor, with a cheaper secondary display.
3. Peripherals: Keyboard, Mouse, and Headset
Your peripherals shape both your comfort and performance.
Keyboards
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AU$80–AU$150: Solid mechanical entry-level boards.
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AU$180–AU$300: Mid-range mechanical boards with customisable RGB lighting.
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AU$350–AU$500+: Premium enthusiast keyboards.
Mice
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AU$50–AU$100: Reliable entry options.
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AU$120–AU$200: Wireless and adjustable DPI.
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AU$250–AU$350+: Lightweight esports-grade models.
Headsets
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AU$80–AU$150: Simple stereo gaming headsets.
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AU$180–AU$300: Surround sound with noise cancellation.
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AU$400–AU$700+: Studio-quality audio with detachable microphones.
Some streamers later swap headsets for studio headphones paired with a dedicated microphone.
4. Microphones and Audio Gear
Poor sound quickly drives audiences away, so good audio is vital.
Microphones
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USB mics (AU$150–AU$250): Blue Yeti or HyperX QuadCast.
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XLR mics (AU$300–AU$600): Require an audio interface but sound cleaner.
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High-end (AU$700–AU$1,500+): Studio-grade picks like the Shure SM7B.
Audio Interfaces and Mixers
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Basic (AU$150–AU$300): Affordable options like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.
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Advanced (AU$500–AU$1,200+): Mixers with multiple inputs for complex setups.
Expect AU$200–AU$1,000 on audio equipment depending on ambitions.
5. Cameras and Lighting
Your audience connects more when they can see you clearly.
Cameras
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AU$120–AU$200: Entry webcams like the Logitech C920.
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AU$250–AU$400: Mid-range webcams capable of 1080p 60fps.
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AU$1,000–AU$3,000+: DSLR or mirrorless cameras with capture cards.
Lighting
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AU$50–AU$150: Basic ring lights.
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AU$200–AU$500: Softbox or LED panel kits.
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AU$700–AU$1,500+: Professional lighting systems.
Good lighting often matters more than the camera itself.
6. Streaming Gear and Accessories
Small tools elevate your production value.
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Capture card: AU$250–AU$400 for consoles or DSLR setups.
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Stream Deck: AU$250–AU$400 for custom hotkeys.
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Green screen: AU$100–AU$300.
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Acoustic panels: AU$100–AU$400 for soundproofing.
Not essentials, but they make streaming smoother and more polished.
7. Furniture and Comfort
You’ll spend countless hours seated, so comfort is non-negotiable.
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Gaming chair: AU$250–AU$700 for ergonomic support.
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Desk: AU$300–AU$900, with sit-stand desks at the higher end.
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Monitor/mic arms: AU$100–AU$300 each.
Fun fact—some streamers even choose Sidiz desk chairs, valued for their comfort during long sessions. Ergonomics often matter more than RGB lights when you’re grinding for hours.
8. Software and Subscriptions
Hardware isn’t enough—you’ll need tools to produce professional content.
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Streaming software: OBS Studio is free, while premium overlays cost AU$20–AU$200.
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Editing software: Adobe Premiere Pro (AU$35/month), Final Cut Pro (AU$500 one-off), or DaVinci Resolve (free/paid).
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Graphics/branding: AU$50–AU$300 for overlays and stream packs.
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Cloud storage: AU$15–AU$30/month.
Subscriptions stack up over time, so budget carefully.
9. Internet Connection
Streaming relies heavily on your internet speed.
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Minimum: 5 Mbps upload for 720p.
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Ideal: 15–20 Mbps upload for 1080p or higher.
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Cost: AU$70–AU$120 per month for stable broadband.
Many creators invest in wired ethernet for reliability.
10. Complete Setup Costs
Here’s what different setups might look like depending on your budget.
Entry Level (AU$2,500–AU$4,000)
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Basic gaming PC or console with capture card
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One or two 1080p monitors
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Affordable keyboard, mouse, and headset
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USB microphone and webcam
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Simple lighting and desk setup
Ideal for hobbyists testing the waters.
Mid-Range (AU$5,000–AU$9,000)
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Strong PC build with RTX 4070-level graphics
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Dual monitors including 144Hz display
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Mid-range peripherals and headset
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XLR microphone with audio interface
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Stream deck and acoustic panels
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Comfortable ergonomic chairs like Sidiz
Balanced for serious streamers aiming to grow.
High-End Professional (AU$12,000–AU$20,000+)
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Top-tier PC build with RTX 4090 graphics
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Dual 4K or 1440p monitors
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Premium peripherals and audio equipment
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DSLR/mirrorless camera setup
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Advanced lighting and soundproofing
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Full suite of streaming tools and luxury furniture
Perfect for full-time creators investing heavily in production quality.
So, how much would a gaming setup cost? Realistically, anywhere from AU$2,500 to over AU$20,000 depending on your ambitions.
Start small, focus on building an audience, and upgrade gradually. Gear matters, but your creativity and personality remain the ultimate difference-makers.
A polished setup—whether powered by high-end PCs or enhanced by ergonomic office desk chairs—can elevate your comfort and performance. Yet, remember: great content always begins with you, not just the equipment.