If building your own gaming rig feels like too much work or isn't a priority for you right now, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a smart move. While you might miss out on the satisfaction of assembling your PC from scratch, the time saved on research, 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 options cut fewer corners, ensuring you get a durable, high-performing gaming PC ready to handle all your gaming needs. With the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors becoming increasingly expensive, choosing a pre-built from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP might even save you money. Plus, many of these systems are designed for easy upgrades down the line, 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 is more complex than picking up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. It involves understanding the types of games you enjoy and your preferred playing style, as the best budget gaming PCs might not support games like Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Selecting the right processors, storage, memory, cooling, and other components is crucial to avoid system bottlenecks. Fortunately, many manufacturers handle much of this guesswork for you.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have launched following their announcement at CES 2025. While I haven't reviewed prebuilts with these new GPUs yet, expect nearly every PC on this list to offer versions with these cards or to be updated soon with the latest hardware. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're after an affordable setup for indie games, a compact option for a small space, or a high-end rig for 4K gaming, we have options to suit your needs. One of our five selected pre-built gaming PCs will match your requirements perfectly – and you can find them in the UK by clicking here.
*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. It's a testament to how far pre-built systems have come, offering industry-standard components that make upgrading straightforward. While it ships with basic memory and a motherboard, these can be easily swapped out for better components as your budget allows. This PC not only delivers solid gaming performance but also serves as a great starting point for customizing your own system.
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 upgradeCons
- Ships with very basic memory and motherboard2. HP Omen 45L
--------------Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11The HP Omen 45L stands out for its robust cooling system and spacious case, which makes it one of the best options for future upgrades. Its premium price is justified by its performance and upgradeability, making it a top choice for gamers looking for a long-term investment.
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 PCCons
- It is VERY heavy. Team lifting definitely recommended.3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
----------------------------------------Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. It's perfect for 1080p gaming and even supports some 1440p titles, making it an excellent entry-level choice. The inclusion of a keyboard and mouse adds value for new gamers.
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 keyboardCons
- Not good for 4K gamingThe 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
5The Alienware Aurora R16 is designed for those with a larger budget, offering powerful hardware and excellent cooling. It's perfect for high-end 4K gaming and multitasking, making it a top choice for demanding users.
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 mavenCons
- More mainstream designAsus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
---------------Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2The Asus ROG NUC is a compact powerhouse, perfect for those who need a mini gaming PC. It's equipped with mobile-class hardware that delivers solid 1080p gaming performance, making it ideal for small spaces or as a home theater PC.
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 performanceCons
- Uses mobile-class hardwareWhere to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
-----------------------------------------Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save you time and hassle, and this holds true worldwide. Many of our recommended options are available for purchase and can be shipped to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers several excellent pre-built options with affordable shipping costs 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 PCs are an excellent way to enter the gaming world and can be cost-effective. When you buy a pre-built system, you're not just getting the hardware but also saving time on research and assembly. However, it's important to ensure you're spending your money wisely. Prioritize the graphics card based on your display's resolution. For 1080p gaming, an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is often sufficient.
For most modern games, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should be adequate. Be mindful of system memory and storage, as these can be significant expenses. If you're comfortable upgrading later, opt for the smallest capacities to start with, as purchasing these components separately can be more cost-effective.
Consider barebones systems if you want major hardware installed but can handle adding memory, storage, and an operating system yourself. For more control over your build, boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, and PC Specialist offer custom services. NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder services simplify the process by letting you choose games and budget, then providing tailored configurations.
Pre-built PCs often come with convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making it easier to manage and enhance your system's performance.
Gaming PC FAQ
-------------Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you're looking for a portable solution, a gaming PC generally offers better performance and easier, more affordable upgrades compared to even the best gaming laptops. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
When choosing a pre-built desktop, consider how easy it is to upgrade in the future. Most manufacturers now use standard components, making it straightforward to swap out CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage. Systems with tool-less upgradability are even more convenient, requiring no screws for major component replacements.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are easier to use and more affordable, a gaming PC offers a larger gaming library, better upgradeability, and superior performance. With a wide range of peripherals and the ability to enjoy higher visuals and performance, a gaming PC is the clear winner for those looking for a versatile gaming experience.
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'll need to manage your expectations. These systems may have less powerful hardware, limiting gaming performance to 1080p or 1440p at respectable frame rates. They might struggle with graphically intensive games at top settings, but the cost savings can be worth it.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own gaming PC allows for customization to your exact specifications, potentially saving money by choosing components during sales. However, it requires some knowledge or willingness to learn, as there's a learning curve involved. If you're not particular about specific components and prefer the convenience and warranty of a pre-built system, a pre-built PC might be the better choice.
After securing your ideal gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate gaming experience.