If building your own gaming rig feels like too much work or isn't a priority, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a smart choice. Sure, you miss out on the thrill of assembling your PC from scratch, but the time saved from researching, waiting for components, and troubleshooting can be better spent diving into the best PC games.
Gone are the days of half-baked pre-built systems. Today's offerings are robust, built to last, and equipped with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. With prices on top-tier components soaring, choosing a system from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP can actually save you money. Plus, these PCs are designed for easy upgrades, including our top pick, the spacious HP Omen 45L.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs
Our Top Pick### Lenovo Legion 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 thought than picking up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you'll play and your preferred resolution, as best budget gaming PCs might not handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 at max settings. Ensuring the right mix of processors, storage, memory, cooling, and other components is crucial to avoid bottlenecks, but many manufacturers do the legwork for you.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched, announced at CES 2025. While I haven't reviewed any pre-built systems with these new GPUs, expect most PCs on this list to soon offer versions with these new cards or be refreshed with the latest hardware. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly option for indie games, a compact PC for small spaces, or a powerhouse for 4K gaming, we've got you covered. One of our five selected pre-built gaming PCs will meet your needs – and for those in the UK, click here to find them.
*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### Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
6The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is packed with powerful hardware and is user-friendly for upgrades. 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 motherboardPre-built gaming PCs used to be plagued by proprietary hardware, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i marks a departure from those days. Historically, systems from Lenovo or Dell were powerful but limited in upgradability due to bespoke components. However, the Tower 7i features industry-standard hardware in a straightforward mid-tower case, making it easy to repair or upgrade. While it may skimp on memory and motherboard, these components can be easily swapped out for better ones as needed.
This PC not only excels in gameplay but also serves as an excellent entry point for customizing your own system. Upgrading individual parts is far less daunting than building an entire system from scratch. The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out with its competitive pricing, offering a high-end experience at a lower cost than similar systems from HP or Alienware, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
2. HP Omen 45L
Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11Enjoy seamless performance across all tasks and games 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 pre-built gaming PCs**Cons**
- It is VERY heavy. Team lifting is recommended.The best gaming PCs used to suffer from proprietary cases, but the HP Omen 45L breaks from that tradition. Its spacious design supports easy upgrades, including custom water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090. Even the entry-level model, with a 512GB SSD and RTX 4060 Ti, is a great choice for those planning future upgrades.
Starting at $2,060 (with regular discounts), the HP Omen 45L offers an Intel Core i7-14700K, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. This configuration can handle any AAA PC game with ease. While a comparable HP Victus model is cheaper, it comes with a less impressive chassis and a non-Ti RTX 4060.
The HP Omen 45L's premium case is worth the investment, promising longevity and ease of upgrades, much like my own Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, which I've upgraded over five years.
3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8Experience affordable gaming with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, ready for 1080p gaming. 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 good for 4K gamingThe iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that affordable doesn't mean underpowered. With a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia's RTX 4060 Ti, this PC is ready for 1080p gaming at high frame rates and can handle 1440p for non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
Its current-gen processors and 32GB of DDR5 RAM make it suitable for game streaming, and the included 1TB SSD ensures quick app launches and saves. While not as powerful as premium options, the case's mesh design and ARGB fans keep it cool. Upgradability is a breeze, making it a future-proof choice, especially with the upcoming Nvidia RTX 5000 series and 15th gen Intel processors.
For under $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers great value, enhanced by the inclusion of a gaming keyboard and mouse with RGB lighting—perfect for gaming newcomers.
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
5Push the limits with this powerhouse featuring an Intel Core i9-14900KF, Nvidia RTX 4080 Super, and 32GB RAM, 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**
- Wildly powerful processors - Multitasking maven**Cons**
- More mainstream designFor those with a healthy budget, the Alienware Aurora R16 is a top choice. Its boxy design may be more mainstream than the R15, but it's packed with RGB lighting and designed for optimal airflow, featuring powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler.
Equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900KF and Nvidia's RTX 4080 Super, this PC can handle 4K gaming and video encoding with ease. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM at 5,600 MHz and 2TB of high-speed NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD storage ensure smooth multitasking and lightning-fast game loads.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2The Asus ROG NUC packs a punch in a tiny package, featuring 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**
- The same size as a cable box - Solid 1080p gaming performance**Cons**
- Uses mobile-class hardwareMini gaming PCs require compromise, but the Asus ROG NUC, equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9, delivers impressive 1080p gaming performance. Its compact size, akin to a cable box, makes it perfect for any space, and it's an excellent choice for a home theater PC that can also play PC games.
While it may struggle at higher resolutions with demanding games, tweaking settings can make it suitable for 4K gaming on a TV. Keep in mind, though, that similar performance can often be achieved with gaming laptops.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Buying a pre-built gaming PC saves time and hassle worldwide. Many options on our list are available for purchase and shipment to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers several excellent pre-builds from the US at competitive prices, including shipping.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built PCs are the most straightforward and cost-effective way to start gaming. They save you the time and effort of selecting and assembling components. When buying, prioritize the graphics card that matches your gaming monitor or TV. An Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient for 1080p gaming, while an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores can handle most modern games.
Memory and storage can be significant expenses, so consider buying these components separately if you're comfortable with upgrades. Barebones systems are another option, coming with major hardware installed but lacking storage, memory, and an operating system.
For more control over your build, consider boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, and PC Specialist. These companies allow you to select specific components and ensure professional assembly and cable management.
Services like NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify the process further. You choose the games you play, and the service suggests configurations tailored to your needs, based on your budget and preferred resolution.
Many pre-built PCs come with overclocking support and system monitoring software, making performance tuning and maintenance easier. These features can be particularly useful for those new to PC gaming.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need a portable solution, a gaming PC is generally better than even the best gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and tend to last longer. For more details, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Most pre-built PCs now use standard components, making upgrades straightforward. Look for systems that allow easy access to the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage, often requiring just a screwdriver. Tool-less designs and thumbscrews further simplify the process.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are easier to use and often cheaper, gaming PCs offer a superior gaming library, extensive peripherals, and better upgradeability and performance. For more on gaming PCs vs. consoles, see our detailed comparison.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, it's possible to find a solid gaming PC for under $1,000, though performance may be limited to 1080p or 1440p gaming. These budget options are great for many games but may struggle with graphically intensive titles at high settings.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own PC allows for full customization and can be cost-effective, but it requires knowledge and research. If you're not particular about specific components and prefer the assurance of a professionally built system, a pre-built PC might be the better choice. For those who build, the process can be rewarding and educational.
After securing your gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate PC battle station.