For gamers who prefer a ready-to-play system without the hassle of building, pre-built gaming PCs offer a compelling alternative. While you miss the satisfaction of a DIY build, the time saved on research, component sourcing, assembly, and troubleshooting translates directly into more gaming time. Gone are the days of compromised pre-built systems; today's options deliver lasting performance and often represent a cost-effective choice, especially considering the rising prices of high-end graphics cards and processors. Brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP offer easily upgradeable systems, exemplified by the spacious HP Omen 45L. Ultimately, a pre-built PC allows you to jump straight into the best PC games.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs
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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 than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Consider your gaming preferences and desired performance level; a best budget gaming PC won't max out Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Matching processor, storage, memory, and cooling is crucial to avoid bottlenecks. Fortunately, many manufacturers simplify this process. Note that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, launched at CES 2025, are rapidly becoming standard in many pre-built PCs, alongside the upcoming AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT (March 2025 release). Whether you need a budget-friendly option for indie games, a space-saving mini-PC, or a top-tier 4K rig, we've curated five excellent choices. Click here for UK options.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru
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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 exceptionally 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 Extremely solid performance for the money Easy to upgrade CONS Ships with very basic memory and motherboard
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i shatters the stereotype of pre-built PCs with proprietary parts. Its standard mid-tower case houses industry-standard components, simplifying repairs and upgrades. While Lenovo economizes on memory and motherboard, the standard sizing allows for straightforward replacements. This makes it not only a great gaming PC but also an accessible entry point to 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, supported by a 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 Great cooling system Excellent case for upgrades CONS Very heavy
The HP Omen 45L stands out with its spacious, upgrade-friendly case, a stark contrast to many pre-built systems. Its compatibility with custom water cooling and high-end graphics cards like the RTX 4090 makes it a long-term investment. Even the entry-level model, while featuring a smaller SSD and less powerful GPU, benefits from the exceptional case design. While pricey, the ease of future upgrades justifies the cost.
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8Excellent value offering 1080p gaming performance with a current-gen Intel Core i7 processor and high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM.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 performance Includes keyboard and mouse CONS Not ideal for 4K gaming
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that high-performance gaming doesn't require a premium price. Its 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 4060 Ti GPU deliver smooth 1080p gaming, even handling some 1440p titles. The included 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD further enhance its value. While not designed for 4K, its upgradeable components ensure future-proofing.
Alienware Aurora R16
Best High-End Gaming PC
### Alienware Aurora R16
5High-end gaming performance with powerful processors, impressive cooling, and 32GB RAM for high frame rates in 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 processor Excellent multitasking capabilities CONS More mainstream design
For those with a generous budget, the Alienware Aurora R16 delivers top-tier performance. Its Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and RTX 4080 Super graphics card provide exceptional power for 4K gaming and demanding tasks. The 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD ensure smooth operation. While its design is less futuristic than previous models, its performance is undeniable.
- 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, ideal for 1080p gaming.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 gaming performance CONS Uses mobile-class hardware
The Asus ROG NUC excels in its compact form factor, offering surprising 1080p gaming performance despite using mobile-class hardware. Its small size makes it perfect for space-constrained setups or as a home theater PC. While not suitable for high-resolution gaming, it delivers a satisfying experience for many titles.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Pre-built PCs offer convenience regardless of location. Many options on this list are available in the UK, with retailers like Newegg offering international shipping at competitive prices.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built PCs offer both convenience and often cost-effectiveness. Prioritize the graphics card based on your monitor's resolution (an RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient for 1080p), and choose a processor like an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 for smooth performance. Consider upgrading RAM and storage yourself for potential cost savings. Barebones systems offer a compromise, while boutique builders provide complete customization. Services like NZXT BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify component selection based on your gaming preferences 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?
Generally, gaming PCs offer superior performance, upgradeability, and longevity compared to even the best gaming laptops, unless portability is a top priority.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Modern pre-built PCs typically utilize standard-sized components, simplifying upgrades. Look for systems with tool-less designs for easier access to internal components.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
Gaming PCs offer a wider game library, greater upgradeability, better performance, and compatibility with various peripherals, outweighing the ease of use offered by consoles.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, budget-friendly options exist, though performance will be more limited, mainly suitable for 1080p gaming.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own PC offers complete customization and potential cost savings, but requires technical knowledge and time. Pre-built options offer convenience and warranty support.
After securing your gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories.
