For gamers who prefer a ready-to-play setup without the DIY hassle, a pre-built gaming PC is the perfect solution. While you miss the satisfaction of a custom build, the time saved on research, component sourcing, assembly, and troubleshooting is invaluable. This extra time can be spent enjoying the best PC games immediately. Gone are the days of subpar pre-built systems; today's options offer durable, high-performance configurations that rival custom builds. With the increasing cost of top-tier graphics cards and processors, pre-built PCs from reputable brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP can even offer cost savings. Many also allow for future component upgrades, such as the versatile HP Omen 45L.
TL;DR – The Best Gaming PCs
Our Top Pick: Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
See it at Lenovo
HP Omen 45L
See it at HP
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy
Alienware Aurora R16
See it at Dell
Asus ROG NUC
See it at Amazon
Choosing a gaming PC involves more than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Consider your gaming preferences and desired performance level, as budget PCs won't run Cyberpunk 2077 at maximum settings. Finding the right balance of processor, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Fortunately, many manufacturers simplify this process, preventing system bottlenecks.
Note that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have launched, and the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is expected in March 2025. While not all pre-built PCs currently feature these, expect updates soon.
Whether you need an affordable PC for indie games, a space-saving option, or a top-tier rig for 4K gaming, one of these five pre-built PCs should meet your 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
1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Best Gaming PC
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i boasts 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.
2. HP Omen 45L – Best Current-Gen PC
The HP Omen 45L excels with its Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, 16GB RAM, and robust cooling 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: Excellent cooling, spacious case.
Cons: Very heavy.
3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop – Best Budget Gaming PC
This affordable PC offers a 14th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti GPU, ideal for 1080p gaming. See it at Amazon See 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 performance, includes keyboard and mouse.
Cons: Not ideal for 4K gaming.
4. Alienware Aurora R16 – Best High-End Gaming PC
This high-end rig features a powerful Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and RTX 4080 Super graphics, perfect for 4K gaming. 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.
5. Asus ROG NUC – Best Mini Gaming PC
The Asus ROG NUC is a 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.
UK Availability: Many options on our list ship to the UK via retailers like Newegg.
MSI MEG Trident X2
See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built PCs offer convenience and often cost-effectiveness. Prioritize the graphics card based on your monitor's resolution (e.g., RTX 3060 Ti for 1080p). An Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with four cores is sufficient for most games. Consider upgrading RAM and storage yourself for potential cost savings. Barebones systems offer a compromise, while boutique builders provide customizability. Services like NZXT BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify component selection based on your games and budget. Pre-built PCs often include convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software.
Gaming PC FAQ
Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop: Desktops generally offer better performance, upgradeability, and longevity.
Upgrading Pre-built PCs: Most modern pre-built PCs use standard components for easy upgrades.
Gaming PC vs. Console: PCs offer a wider game library, greater upgradeability, superior performance, and extensive peripheral options.
Gaming PCs Under $1,000: Possible, but expect limitations in performance.
Building Your Own PC: Offers customization but requires technical knowledge.