If you're not up for the challenge of building your own gaming rig, opting for a top-notch pre-built gaming PC can be a smart move. While you might miss out on the satisfaction of assembling your system from scratch, the time saved from research, waiting for parts, and troubleshooting can be better spent diving into the best PC games.
Gone are the days of subpar pre-built systems. Today's offerings from brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP are equipped with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. This not only ensures a robust gaming experience but can also save you money compared to building your own, especially with the rising costs of components. Plus, these systems are often designed for easy upgrades, allowing you to enhance your setup over time. A standout example is the spacious HP Omen 45L, which offers ample room for future modifications.
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 picking up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You'll need to assess the games you want to play and your desired settings, as best budget gaming PCs may not handle high-end games like Cyberpunk 2077 at maximum settings. Ensuring the right balance of processors, storage, memory, and cooling is crucial for optimal performance. Fortunately, many manufacturers simplify this process, helping you avoid system bottlenecks.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been recently launched following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't yet reviewed any pre-built systems featuring these new GPUs, expect to see updated models or refreshed versions soon. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're seeking an affordable rig for indie games, a compact setup for smaller spaces, or a high-performance machine for 4K gaming, our curated list has you covered. One of these five pre-built gaming PCs will match your needs perfectly – and click here to find them in the UK.
*Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru*
*Looking for additional savings? Check out the* *best gaming PC deals* *happening right now.*
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Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion Tower 7i
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The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i boasts powerful hardware and is designed for easy upgrades. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a high-performance system that can be tailored to their needs over time.
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
Pre-built gaming PCs have historically struggled with proprietary hardware, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i marks a departure from those limitations. In the past, purchasing a gaming PC from Lenovo or Dell often meant getting a powerful system with limited upgrade options due to non-standard components. However, my review of the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i revealed a system that uses standard hardware in a straightforward mid-tower case, making it easy to repair or upgrade as new technology emerges.
Although the Tower 7i does come with some basic components like memory and motherboard, these can be easily replaced with better options as needed. This feature makes it an excellent entry point into PC customization, as upgrading a few parts is far less daunting than building a PC from scratch.
The market is filled with pre-built gaming PCs that serve as great starting points for building your own rig, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out due to its competitive pricing. It offers high-end performance at a lower cost than similar systems from HP or Alienware, making it the best choice for gamers seeking a powerful yet affordable pre-built system.
### HP Omen 45L
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The HP Omen 45L excels in handling demanding tasks and games, thanks to its Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, 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
- Great cooling system
- One of the best cases in a pre-built gaming PC
Cons
- It is VERY heavy. Team lifting is definitely recommended.
Historically, pre-built gaming PCs often came with proprietary cases that were difficult to modify. HP has transformed its Omen line, with the HP Omen 45L being my top pick for its spacious design and upgrade-friendly architecture. This system is so versatile that I've even built a custom PC within its chassis, a testament to its flexibility and potential for future enhancements.
Even the entry-level model, equipped with a 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti, is a great starting point due to its ease of upgrade. While the starting price of $2060 may seem high, frequent discounts make it more accessible. For comparison, a similarly specced HP Victus is available for $1369, but with a less impressive case and a non-Ti RTX 4060.
Investing in the HP Omen 45L is worthwhile for those who value a durable and upgradeable case. It's a platform for long-term use, allowing you to build and upgrade your system as you go, much like seasoned PC gamers do with their custom builds.
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
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The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers affordable gaming performance, with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti GPU, perfect 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
- Ready to run games in 1080p at high frame rates
- Includes mouse and keyboard
Cons
- Not good for 4K gaming
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that you don't have to break the bank for a powerful gaming setup. With its latest Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti GPU, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p and can handle 1440p for non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
It's also suitable for game streaming, thanks to its high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM and current-gen processor. The included 1TB SSD ensures quick load times, enhancing your gaming experience. Although not as powerful as premium systems, the case's design with mesh panels and ARGB fans ensures effective cooling, with room for future upgrades.
For under $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers great value, especially with the included gaming keyboard and mouse, perfect for beginners starting their gaming journey.
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
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The Alienware Aurora R16 is a high-end gaming PC with powerful components, including an Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and Nvidia RTX 4080 Super GPU, designed for 4K gaming and multitasking.
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
- Wildly powerful processors
- Multitasking maven
Cons
- More mainstream design
For those with a larger budget, the Alienware Aurora R16 is an ideal choice. It features a mainstream design with ample RGB lighting and is optimized for airflow with powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler. The Intel Core i9-14900KF and RTX 4080 Super ensure top-notch performance for 4K gaming and video encoding, while 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB of NVMe SSD storage provide excellent multitasking capabilities and fast load times.
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### Asus ROG NUC
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The Asus ROG NUC is a compact gaming PC that delivers impressive performance for its size, equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor.
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
- The same size as a cable box
- Solid 1080p gaming performance
Cons
- Uses mobile-class hardware
Choosing a mini gaming PC involves compromises, but the Asus ROG NUC strikes a balance with its compact size and powerful mobile-class RTX 4070 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. It's ideal for 1080p gaming, delivering smooth performance at max settings. This makes it a fantastic option for a home theater PC that can also handle PC games, though it may struggle at higher resolutions with demanding titles like Black Myth: Wukong.
The Asus ROG NUC's small size and versatility make it perfect for those with space constraints or looking for a multi-purpose entertainment system.
Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, regardless of your location. Many of the systems on our list are available for purchase and can be shipped to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers shipping from the US to the UK at competitive rates, making it easy to get your hands on a top-tier gaming PC.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
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See it at Newegg
Pre-built systems are a convenient and often cost-effective way to enter the world of PC gaming. When choosing a system, consider the hardware you need for your gaming setup. Prioritize the graphics card based on your monitor's resolution; for 1080p gaming, an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient. For most modern games, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should provide a comfortable gaming experience at any resolution.
Memory and storage can significantly impact your budget. If you're comfortable upgrading later, opt for systems with smaller initial capacities, as you can often save money by purchasing these components separately.
For those looking for more control over their build, consider boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, or PC Specialist. They allow you to select specific components, ensuring a tailored system with professional assembly and cable management.
Services like NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify the process by letting you choose games you play and your desired resolution, then offering configurations that meet your needs.
Pre-built PCs often come with convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making it easier to manage and optimize your system's performance.
Unless you're seeking portability, a gaming PC generally outperforms even the best gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and less expensive to upgrade and typically last longer before becoming obsolete. For more insights, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
When considering a pre-built desktop, think about future upgrades. Most manufacturers now use standard components, making it easier to replace CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage with just a few tools. Some systems even feature tool-less designs, simplifying the upgrade process further.
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are user-friendly and more affordable, gaming PCs offer a larger game library, better upgradeability, and superior performance. For more on this topic, see our guide on gaming PC vs. console.
Yes, it's possible to find a capable gaming PC for under $1,000, though you'll need to manage your expectations. These budget systems can handle many popular games at 1080p or even 1440p, though they may struggle with graphically intensive titles at high settings.
Building your own gaming PC offers customization and potential cost savings, but it requires some knowledge and research. If you're not particular about specific components and prefer a hassle-free experience, a pre-built PC might be the better choice, offering professional assembly and warranty coverage.
After securing your gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate gaming experience.