If building your own gaming PC sounds like too much effort or isn't your top priority, consider opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs on the market. While you might miss out on the satisfaction of assembling your machine from scratch, you'll save valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching components, waiting for them to arrive, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. This time can be better spent diving into the best PC games available.
Gone are the days of half-baked pre-built systems. Today's pre-built PCs are designed with longevity in mind, featuring the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. As these high-end components continue to increase in price, opting for a pre-built from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP might even save you money. What's more, many of these systems are easy to upgrade, allowing you to enhance your PC's performance down the line. Our top recommendation for a versatile and upgrade-friendly PC is the spacious HP Omen 45L.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs
Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion 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 consideration than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you'll play and your desired gameplay experience. For example, best budget gaming PCs won't run Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. It's crucial to ensure all components work harmoniously to avoid bottlenecks, but many manufacturers have streamlined this process for you.
Keep in mind that Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have recently been released following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't yet reviewed pre-built PCs with these new GPUs, you can expect updated versions of the PCs listed here to incorporate these cutting-edge graphics cards soon. Additionally, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're after an affordable setup for indie games, a compact system for limited space, or a high-end rig for 4K gaming, our selection of five pre-built gaming PCs will meet your needs. For those in the UK, click here to explore these options.
*Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru*
*Looking for additional savings? Check out the* *best gaming PC deals* *happening right now.*
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Photos
7 Images
1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
Best Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion Tower 7i
6
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i comes equipped with highly powerful hardware and is designed for easy upgrades. Its straightforward mid-tower case uses industry-standard components, making it simple to maintain and enhance as needed. While it ships with basic memory and motherboard, these can be easily swapped out for better components when you're ready to upgrade.
This PC not only excels in gaming performance but also serves as an excellent starting point for those looking to customize their system further. Upgrading individual parts is far less daunting than building a PC from the ground up, making the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i a great entry-level choice. At a competitive price point, it offers a solid gaming experience without the frills of more expensive models.
2. HP Omen 45L
Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11
The HP Omen 45L, powered by an Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, delivers exceptional performance across all tasks and games. Its robust cooling system keeps everything running smoothly, even under heavy loads. While the system is on the heavier side, its spacious design makes it one of the best cases for a pre-built gaming PC.
The Omen 45L stands out due to its ease of upgradeability. Even the entry-level model, with its 512GB SSD and RTX 4060 Ti, is an excellent starting point for those planning to upgrade later. This premium gaming PC starts at a higher price but offers discounts and a superior chassis that you can rely on for years to come.
3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is an affordable option that doesn't compromise on performance. Equipped with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti, it's well-suited for 1080p gaming at high frame rates. It also supports 1440p gaming for non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
With 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, this PC is ready for multitasking and even light game streaming. Its 1TB SSD ensures quick app launches and saves. The mesh design and ARGB fans provide effective cooling, and the system is easy to upgrade for future hardware releases. At under $1,500, it's a fantastic value, especially with the included gaming keyboard and mouse.
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
4. Alienware Aurora R16
Best High-End Gaming PC
### Alienware Aurora R16
5
The Alienware Aurora R16 is a powerhouse for those with a substantial budget. With an Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and Nvidia RTX 4080 Super graphics, it's equipped to handle demanding games at 4K resolutions and high frame rates. The system's 32GB of DDR5 memory at 5,600 MHz makes it a multitasking marvel, while its 2TB NVMe SSD ensures lightning-fast load times.
Designed for optimal airflow and fitted with a 240mm liquid CPU cooler, the Aurora R16 runs quietly and efficiently. Its boxy design might be less futuristic than its predecessor, but it's still packed with RGB lighting and delivers top-notch performance.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2
The Asus ROG NUC is a compact gaming PC that doesn't skimp on performance. Equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, it's capable of delivering solid 1080p gaming performance. While it may struggle at higher resolutions, it's an excellent choice for a home theater PC that doubles as a gaming rig.
Its small size, comparable to a cable box, makes it versatile for various setups. It's perfect for those looking to game on a 4K TV while also having a media library at their fingertips. However, keep in mind that similar performance can often be achieved with a gaming laptop.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Opting for a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, regardless of your location. Many of the options listed are available for purchase and shipment to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers several excellent pre-builds that can be shipped from the US to the UK at a reasonable cost.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built PCs offer a straightforward entry into gaming and can be cost-effective. When buying a system, you're not only purchasing the hardware but also saving time on sourcing components and assembling them. Prioritize the graphics card based on your display, as an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient for 1080p gaming.
An Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should suffice for most modern games. Be mindful of memory and storage costs, as these can be upgraded later if needed. Consider a barebones system if you're comfortable adding RAM and storage yourself.
For those who want more control over their build, boutique PC builders like Origin and Maingear offer customization services. Services like NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder allow you to select games and desired resolutions, providing tailored configurations within your budget.
Pre-built PCs often come with useful features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making maintenance and performance optimization easier.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need a portable gaming solution, a gaming PC is generally superior to a gaming laptop. Desktops are easier and less expensive to upgrade and tend to have a longer lifespan. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Modern pre-built PCs are designed with upgradability in mind, using standard-sized components that are easy to swap out. Many feature tool-less designs, making upgrades even simpler. Look for systems that allow easy access to the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage for the best upgrade experience.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are easier to use and more affordable, gaming PCs offer a larger game library, better peripherals, and superior upgradeability and performance. For more details, explore our comparison of gaming PCs vs. consoles.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, it's possible to find a capable gaming PC for under $1,000. These budget-friendly options may not handle the most demanding games at high settings, but they can run many popular titles at 1080p or even 1440p with respectable frame rates.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own PC allows for complete customization and can be cost-effective if you take advantage of sales. However, it requires knowledge and can be time-consuming. If you're not particular about specifics, a pre-built PC offers convenience and professional assembly with a warranty.
Once you've secured your gaming PC, enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for an ultimate battle station.
