For gamers who prefer a ready-to-play system without the DIY hassle, a pre-built gaming PC is the perfect choice. While you miss the satisfaction of a custom build, you gain valuable time—time better spent gaming! Forget the research, component waits, assembly, and troubleshooting; jump straight into the best PC games. Today's pre-built systems are far superior to their predecessors, offering long-lasting performance. With high-end graphics cards and processors becoming increasingly expensive, pre-built options from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP can even save you money. Many are easily upgradeable, including our favorite, the spacious HP Omen 45L.
TL;DR – Top 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 requires more consideration than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Factor in your gaming preferences and desired performance levels; a best budget gaming PC won't run Cyberpunk 2077 at maximum settings. Balancing processor, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware is crucial to avoid bottlenecks. Fortunately, many manufacturers simplify this process.
Note: The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have launched (announced at CES 2025). While not yet reviewed in pre-built systems, expect most PCs here to offer these GPUs soon, or be updated with this new generation hardware. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is also launching in March 2025.
Whether you need an affordable PC for indie games, a space-saving option, or a top-tier rig for 4K gaming, our five selections cater to diverse needs. Click here for UK options.
*Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru*
*For additional savings, explore the* *best gaming PC deals* *currently available.*
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 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.
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i breaks the mold of proprietary pre-built systems. Its standard mid-tower case houses industry-standard components, simplifying repairs and upgrades. While Lenovo economized on memory and motherboard, the standard component sizes allow for easy future improvements. This makes it not just a great gaming PC, but an accessible entry point to PC customization. Upgrading components is far less daunting than building from scratch. The Tower 7i's competitive price further sets it apart from similarly specced HP or Alienware systems.
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, kept cool by a robust 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; Exceptional case design. CONS: Very heavy.
The HP Omen 45L stands out with its exceptional case design, a departure from HP's previous proprietary designs. Its spacious interior accommodates upgrades, even custom water cooling and high-end graphics cards like the RTX 4090. Even the entry-level model, while featuring a smaller SSD and RTX 4060 Ti, is easily upgradeable. While premium priced (starting around $2060 pre-discount), the superior case justifies the cost. It's a long-term investment, offering years of use and upgrade potential.
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8A budget-friendly option with a 14th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, ideal 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: Excellent 1080p gaming performance; Includes keyboard and mouse. CONS: Not ideal for 4K gaming.
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that powerful gaming doesn't require a hefty price tag. Its 14th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 4060 Ti GPU deliver smooth 1080p gaming, even handling 1440p for non-ray-traced titles. 32GB of DDR5 RAM makes it suitable for game streaming. The roomy case with mesh panels ensures adequate cooling, and the included keyboard and mouse add value. While not as powerful as premium options, its upgradeability makes it a future-proof investment.
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
5High-end performance with powerful processors, impressive cooling, and 32GB RAM for high frame rates at 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; 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 handle demanding 4K gaming and video encoding effortlessly. 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking. The robust cooling system keeps the powerful components running efficiently and quietly.
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.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 exemplifies the compromises of mini PCs. Its small size necessitates the use of mobile-class components, but the RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor still deliver impressive 1080p gaming. This makes it ideal as a home theater PC capable of gaming, offering a compact solution for media consumption and gaming.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Numerous options on this list are available in the UK, often shipped from retailers like Newegg. Shipping costs are reasonable.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See 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 (an RTX 3060 Ti suffices for 1080p). An Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores handles most modern games. Consider upgrading RAM and storage yourself for potential cost savings. Barebones systems offer further cost savings, but lack storage, memory, and an OS. Boutique builders like Origin, Maingear, etc., provide custom configurations. NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder services simplify component selection based on your gaming preferences.
Pre-built PCs often include overclocking support and system monitoring software.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Gaming PCs generally outperform laptops, offering easier and cheaper upgrades and longer lifespans.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Modern pre-built PCs usually use standard components, simplifying upgrades. Look for tool-less designs for easier access.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
Gaming PCs offer a wider game library, greater upgradeability, better performance, and superior peripheral options, though consoles are simpler to use and less expensive initially.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, but expect limitations in performance, particularly at higher settings and resolutions.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own offers customization and potential cost savings, but requires technical knowledge and time. Pre-built systems offer convenience and warranty assurance.
