If building your own gaming rig feels daunting or isn't a priority, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs can be a game-changer. While you might miss out on the thrill of assembling your PC from scratch, the time saved from research, waiting for components, and troubleshooting can be better spent diving into the best PC games.

Gone are the days of substandard pre-built systems. Today's models are equipped with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors, often at a more affordable price point than buying parts individually. Brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP offer systems that are not only powerful but also upgradeable, such as 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 is more nuanced than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Consider the types of games you want to play and your preferred settings. Budget gaming PCs might not handle high-end games like Cyberpunk 2077 at max settings, but manufacturers often ensure components work well together to avoid bottlenecks.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched following their announcement at CES 2025. While we haven't reviewed pre-built systems with these GPUs yet, expect upgrades in existing models or new versions soon. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.

Whether you're after affordability for indie games, a compact design for small spaces, or a powerhouse for 4K gaming, our list covers all bases. One of our five selected pre-built gaming PCs will meet your needs – and for UK readers, 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 easy to upgrade. 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 used to be limited by proprietary hardware, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i breaks this mold. It's a standard mid-tower case with industry-standard components, making upgrades and repairs straightforward. Although it comes with basic memory and motherboard, these can be easily swapped out for better options, offering a great entry point into PC customization.

2. HP Omen 45L

Best Current-Gen PC

### HP Omen 45L

11Experience seamless performance 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

HP's Omen 45L has revolutionized pre-built gaming PCs with its spacious, upgrade-friendly design. It's not just a gaming PC; it's a platform for future upgrades, capable of supporting custom water cooling and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090. Even the entry-level model, with its 512GB SSD and RTX 4060 Ti, is a great starting point for upgrades.

3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop

Best Budget Gaming PC

### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop

8A cost-effective option for 1080p gaming with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 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:

• 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 is a budget-friendly choice that doesn't skimp on performance. With a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 and Nvidia's RTX 4060 Ti, it's well-equipped for 1080p gaming and even some 1440p titles. It's also suitable for streaming, thanks to its high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM. The included keyboard and mouse add value for new gamers.

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

5A powerhouse for 4K gaming with an Intel Core i9-14900KF, RTX 4080 Super, and 32GB RAM. 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 high budget and a desire for top-tier performance, the Alienware Aurora R16 is a standout. It features an Intel Core i9-14900KF and RTX 4080 Super, making it perfect for 4K gaming and multitasking. Its robust cooling system ensures it runs smoothly even under heavy loads.

Asus ROG NUC – Photos

7 Images

5. Asus ROG NUC

Best Mini Gaming PC

### Asus ROG NUC

2Compact yet powerful, the Asus ROG NUC packs a mobile-class RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9. 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

The Asus ROG NUC offers a compact solution for gamers needing a small footprint without sacrificing performance. It's perfect for 1080p gaming and can serve as an excellent home theater PC, doubling as a media center when not in use for gaming.

Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK

Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save time and effort, regardless of your location. Many of the options listed are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. Newegg, for example, offers several excellent pre-built options with low shipping costs.

### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2

0See it at Newegg

How to Choose a Gaming PC

Pre-built systems are a reliable and often cost-effective entry into gaming. They save you the hassle of selecting and assembling components yourself. When choosing, prioritize your graphics card based on your gaming display, and opt for a processor that meets your gaming needs.

Memory and storage can be significant expenses, so consider starting with minimal configurations if you're comfortable upgrading later. Barebones systems offer a cost-effective alternative, coming with major components but lacking storage, RAM, and an OS.

For more control over your build, consider boutique PC builders like Origin or Maingear, where you can customize your PC. Alternatively, services like NZXT's BLD or iBuyPower's Easy Builder let you select games and budget, then suggest configurations tailored to your needs.

Pre-built PCs often come with useful features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making maintenance and performance optimization easier.

Gaming PC FAQ

Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?

Unless you need portability, a gaming PC typically outperforms gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and last longer before becoming obsolete. For more details, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.

Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?

Most modern pre-built PCs use standard components, making upgrades straightforward. Look for systems with tool-less upgradability and standard motherboard sizes like Mini ITX or Micro ATX for easy swaps of CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage.

Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?

While consoles are easier to use and more affordable, gaming PCs offer a vast library of games, better performance, and extensive upgrade options. For more on this, see our guide on gaming PC vs. console.

Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?

Yes, you can find a capable gaming PC under $1,000. These systems may have less powerful hardware but can still run many games at 1080p or even 1440p with respectable frame rates.

Should you build your own gaming PC?

Building your own PC offers customization and potential cost savings but requires knowledge and time. If you're not set on specific components, a pre-built PC might be more convenient, offering professional assembly and warranty coverage.

After securing your gaming PC, enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate battle station.