Put it like this
My first build, I had nothing. With getting keyboard, mouse and other peripherals, I spent about $750 and that was for probably what's considered a mid range build. I.e. can play most games in medium settings, 60fps, at 1080 resolution, but I ended up using 720p most of the time.
My current machine, I spent close to that again, but I have way better parts that will last me longer so that I can play triple A titles in full 1080p on Max settings. Some games I'm even able to go ultra.