Building your own PC might seem daunting, but thankfully, excellent pre-built gaming PCs offer a fantastic alternative. While you miss the DIY satisfaction, you gain valuable time—time better spent gaming! Forget the research, component waits, assembly, and troubleshooting; those hours are now yours to enjoy the latest PC titles.
Gone are the days of subpar pre-built systems. Today's options deliver long-lasting performance, often at a lower cost than sourcing individual components, especially with high-end graphics cards and processors commanding premium prices. Brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP offer easily upgradeable systems, including the spacious HP Omen 45L.
TL;DR – The Best Gaming PCs
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Our Top Pick### Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
6See it at Lenovo
### HP Omen 45L
11See it at HP
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Alienware Aurora R16
5See it at Dell
### Asus ROG NUC
2See it at Amazon
Choosing a gaming PC involves more than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Consider your gaming style and preferences; a budget PC won't max out Cyberpunk 2077. Balancing processor, storage, memory, and cooling is crucial for optimal performance. Fortunately, many manufacturers handle this complexity, preventing bottlenecks.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have launched, and the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is coming in March 2025. While not all pre-built PCs currently feature these, expect updates soon. Whether you need a budget-friendly option for indie games, a space-saving mini-PC, or a top-tier 4K rig, our top five selections cater to diverse needs. Click here for UK options.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru
For additional savings, check out the best gaming PC deals.
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Photos
7 Images
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
Best Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion Tower 7i
6The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i boasts incredibly powerful hardware and easy upgradeability.See it at Lenovo
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i9-14900KF GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti – RTX 4080 Super RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5 @ 4,000MHz Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Weight: 37.48 lbs Size: 19.37 x 8.31 x 18.27 inches (H x W x D)
PROS: Excellent performance for the price; Easy to upgrade. CONS: Ships with basic memory and motherboard.
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out due to its use of standard components, unlike many pre-built systems with proprietary parts. This makes upgrades and repairs straightforward. While Lenovo economizes on memory and the motherboard, the standard sizing allows for easy future upgrades, making it an excellent entry point for PC customization. Its competitive price further solidifies its position as a top choice.
HP Omen 45L
Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11Exceptional performance with an Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, and 16GB RAM, all kept cool by a robust system.See it at HP
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700K – Intel Core i9-14900K GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti – RTX 4090 RAM: 16GB DDR5 – 64GB DDR5 Storage: 512GB – 2TB SSD (System); 1TB – 2TB 7200 rpm hard disk (Secondary) Weight: 49.82 pounds Size: 8.03 x 18.5 x 21.85 inches (W x D x H)
PROS: Great cooling; Excellent case for upgrades. CONS: Very heavy.
The HP Omen 45L’s spacious case is a game-changer, accommodating significant upgrades, including custom water cooling. Even the entry-level model offers solid performance, easily upgradable to higher-end components. While premium-priced, its exceptional case and upgrade potential make it a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8An affordable option with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, delivering excellent 1080p gaming performance.See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700F GPU: Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti RAM: 32GB DDR5 5,600MHz Storage: 1TB SSD Weight: 35 pounds Size: 19.3" x 8.66" x 18.9"
PROS: Excellent 1080p gaming; Includes keyboard and mouse. CONS: Not ideal for 4K gaming.
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop punches above its weight, providing impressive 1080p gaming at a budget-friendly price. The inclusion of a keyboard and mouse sweetens the deal. While not 4K-ready, its upgradeable components ensure future-proofing.
The Best Gaming PC Deals
Lenovo Legion Tower 5 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (Use Code: EXTRAFIVE)- $1,527.49 Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99 HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99 Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99 Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.99
Alienware Aurora R16
Best High-End Gaming PC
### Alienware Aurora R16
5High-end performance with powerful processors, impressive cooling, and 32GB RAM for high frame rates at 4K.See it at Dell
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i9-14900KF GPU: Nvidia RTX 4080 Super RAM: 32GB DDR5 5,600MHz Storage: 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD Weight: 33.9 pounds Size: 16.46" x 7.75" x 18.05"
PROS: Extremely powerful; Excellent multitasking. CONS: More mainstream design.
The Alienware Aurora R16 delivers top-tier performance with its powerful components and robust cooling. It excels at 4K gaming and demanding tasks, making it a worthwhile investment for high-end users.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2A surprisingly powerful mini-PC with a mobile-class RTX 4070.See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9 GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile) RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5 Storage: 512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Weight: 5.73 pounds Size: 10.62 x 7.09 x 2.36 inches (W x D x H)
PROS: Compact size; Solid 1080p performance. CONS: Uses mobile-class hardware.
The Asus ROG NUC prioritizes size, delivering surprisingly good 1080p gaming performance in a remarkably small form factor. Ideal as a compact home theater PC or for less demanding titles.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Many of the PCs listed are available in the UK via retailers like Newegg, offering competitive shipping costs.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built PCs offer convenience and cost-effectiveness. Prioritize the graphics card based on your monitor's resolution (an RTX 3060 Ti suffices for 1080p). An Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores handles most modern games. Consider upgrading RAM and storage yourself for potential cost savings. Barebones systems offer a compromise, while boutique builders provide ultimate customization. Services like NZXT BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify the process by focusing on game compatibility and budget.
Pre-built PCs often include convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Gaming PCs generally offer better upgradeability, longevity, and performance compared to laptops, unless portability is paramount.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Modern pre-built PCs largely avoid proprietary parts, making upgrades easier. Look for systems with tool-less designs for simplified component swaps.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
Gaming PCs offer a wider game library, greater upgradeability, superior performance, and extensive peripheral options, although consoles are simpler to use and often cheaper initially.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, but expect limitations in performance, particularly with graphically demanding games at high settings.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own PC offers customization and potential cost savings, but requires technical knowledge and time. Pre-built options offer convenience and warranty support.
After acquiring your gaming PC, don't forget essential gaming accessories for the ultimate setup!
