If the idea of building your own gaming rig seems daunting or simply not a priority, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a smart move. While you might miss out on the thrill of assembling your PC from scratch, the time you save by avoiding extensive research, waiting for components, and troubleshooting potential issues can be better spent diving into the best PC games.
Gone are the days of subpar pre-built systems. Today's pre-built gaming PCs are designed to last and are equipped with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. With prices on high-end components soaring, choosing a pre-built system from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP can actually save you money. Moreover, these systems are often designed with future upgrades in mind, making it easy to enhance your setup later. Our top pick, the spacious HP Omen 45L, is a perfect example of this.
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 is more complex than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you enjoy and your desired play settings, as best budget gaming PCs might not handle Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Ensuring that the processor, storage, memory, cooling, and other components work harmoniously is crucial. Fortunately, many manufacturers have streamlined this process, reducing the risk of system bottlenecks.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't reviewed pre-built systems with these new Nvidia graphics cards yet, you can expect that most PCs on this list will soon offer versions equipped with these GPUs or will be updated with the latest hardware. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is slated for release in March 2025.
Whether you're seeking an affordable setup for indie games, a compact option for small spaces, or a high-end rig for 4K gaming, we've got you covered. One of the five pre-built gaming PCs we've selected will perfectly match your needs – 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.
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Photos
7 Images
1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
Best Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion Tower 7i
6The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is packed with powerful hardware and is designed for easy upgrades, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want performance and flexibility.
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 basic memory and motherboard
Pre-built gaming PCs used to be notorious for proprietary hardware, limiting future upgrades. The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i marks a departure from this trend, using industry-standard components that are easy to replace or upgrade. While it may ship with modest memory and a basic motherboard, these can be easily swapped out for better components when you're ready.
This approach not only delivers a powerful gaming experience but also serves as a gateway to personalizing your PC. Upgrading one or two components is far less intimidating than building a PC from scratch, making the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i an ideal starting point for gamers looking to customize their setup over time.
With numerous pre-built gaming PCs on the market, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out for its competitive pricing. It offers high-end performance at a cost significantly lower than similar systems from HP or Alienware. For those seeking a robust gaming experience without the frills, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is an excellent choice.
HP Omen 45L
Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11Experience seamless performance in every task and game with an Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, and 16GB RAM, all kept cool 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
- One of the best cases in a pre-built gaming PC
Cons
- Very heavy, team lifting recommended
Historically, gaming PCs were often plagued by proprietary cases that made upgrades challenging. HP has transformed its approach with the Omen series, and the HP Omen 45L is my top pick. Its spacious design not only accommodates current hardware but also future upgrades, including custom water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090.
Even the entry-level model of the HP Omen 45L, which comes with a 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti, is user-friendly for upgrades. This makes it an excellent investment, as you can easily enhance storage and graphics capabilities later. While the starting price of $2,060 may seem steep, frequent discounts make it more affordable. For comparison, a similar HP Victus build with a less impressive chassis and a non-Ti RTX 4060 is available for $1,369.
The premium price of the HP Omen 45L is justified by its exceptional case, which supports long-term use and upgrades. For gamers looking for a PC that can evolve with them, the HP Omen 45L is a worthwhile investment.
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8An affordable gaming PC equipped with processors for 1080p gaming and high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, perfect for those starting their gaming journey.
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
- Ready to run games in 1080p at high frame rates
- Includes mouse and keyboard
Cons
- Not suitable for 4K gaming
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that affordable gaming PCs can still pack a punch. With a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and the best budget GPU, Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Ti, this system can handle 1080p gaming at high frame rates and even some 1440p gaming for non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
For those interested in streaming, the system's current-gen processors and 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM ensure smooth multitasking. The included 1TB SSD provides fast app launches and game saves, enhancing the overall experience. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the system can get warm, but the mesh design and ARGB fans help maintain airflow.
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers easy upgrade options, making it future-proof with the upcoming Nvidia RTX 5000 series and 15th gen Intel Arrow Lake processors. Priced under $1,500, it also includes a gaming keyboard and mouse, making it a great value for beginners.
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
5A powerhouse gaming rig featuring robust processors, impressive cooling, and 32GB RAM, designed to deliver 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
- Wildly powerful processors
- Multitasking maven
Cons
- More mainstream design
The Alienware Aurora R16 is a top choice for those with a larger budget seeking the latest in gaming technology. With a more mainstream design than its predecessor, the R16 still boasts ample RGB lighting and is optimized for airflow with powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler.
Powered by an Intel Core i9-14900KF and the RTX 4080 Super, this system is built to handle demanding PC games at 4K resolutions and beyond. Its 32GB of DDR5 RAM at 5,600 MHz supports multitasking, while the 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD ensures rapid game loading.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2The Asus ROG NUC offers compact size with impressive performance, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 and solid 1080p gaming capabilities.
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 like the Asus ROG NUC involves some compromises due to its compact size. However, it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, providing enough power for most games at 1080p. While it may struggle at higher resolutions with demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong, its performance at 1080p is impressive for its size.
The Asus ROG NUC is an excellent choice for a home theater PC that can also handle PC gaming. Its compact size and versatility make it ideal for those with limited space or looking for a secondary gaming setup. Just remember that similar performance can often be achieved with a gaming laptop.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
-----------------------------------------Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, regardless of where you are. Many of the options listed here are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers several excellent pre-built systems with affordable shipping rates from the US to the UK.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
-------------------------Pre-built systems are a convenient and cost-effective way to get into gaming. When buying a pre-built PC, you're not just purchasing the hardware but also saving time on research, assembly, and troubleshooting. To ensure you get the most out of your investment, prioritize the graphics card based on your gaming display. An Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient for 1080p gaming, while an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should comfortably run most modern games at any resolution.
Memory and storage can be significant costs, so consider starting with minimal configurations if you're comfortable upgrading later. For more control over your build, boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, and DigitalStorm allow you to select specific components, ensuring a tailored system. NZXT's BLD service and iBuyPower's Easy Builder service simplify this process by recommending configurations based on the games you play and your budget.
Pre-built PCs often come with additional features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, which can enhance your gaming experience. When considering upgrades, look for systems with tool-less designs and standard components for easy modifications.
Gaming PC FAQ
-------------Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need portability, a gaming PC generally offers better performance and upgradeability than even the best gaming laptops. Desktops last longer before becoming obsolete and are more cost-effective to upgrade. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
When buying a pre-built desktop, consider how easy it will be to upgrade in the future. Most manufacturers now use standard-sized components, allowing you to easily replace the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage with just a few tools. Systems with tool-less designs make upgrades even simpler, requiring no screws to swap out major components.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are user-friendly and often more affordable, gaming PCs offer a vast library of games, superior performance, and extensive upgradeability. For a comprehensive comparison, see our guide on gaming PC vs. console. Gaming PCs also support a wide range of peripherals, from racing wheels to controllers, making them a versatile choice for gamers.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, it's possible to find a great gaming PC for under $1,000, though you may need to compromise on performance. Budget-friendly desktops can handle many games at 1080p or even 1440p at respectable frame rates, though they may struggle with more demanding titles at higher settings.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own gaming PC allows you to customize it to your exact specifications, potentially saving money by selecting components on sale. However, it requires knowledge and research, which can be a barrier for beginners. If you're not set on specific components and value convenience, a pre-built PC offers a hassle-free solution with professional assembly and warranty protection.
Once you've secured your ideal gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate PC battle station.
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