by Aria Apr 09,2025
If building your own gaming rig feels like too much work or isn't a priority 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 from researching components, waiting for them to arrive, and troubleshooting any issues can be better spent diving into the best PC games.
Gone are the days of half-baked pre-built systems. Today's pre-built gaming PCs are designed with longevity in mind, featuring the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. With prices for top-tier components soaring, 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, including our top pick, the spacious HP Omen 45L.
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. You need to consider the types of games you want to play and your preferred settings, as best budget gaming PCs might not handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Ensuring that all components work harmoniously is crucial, but many manufacturers now handle this aspect, reducing the risk of bottlenecks.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched following their announcement at CES 2025. While I haven't reviewed any pre-built systems with these new GPUs yet, expect most PCs 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 option for indie games, a compact setup for a small space, 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 meet your needs perfectly – 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.*
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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**
**Pros**
**Cons**
Pre-built gaming PCs used to be plagued by proprietary hardware, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i demonstrates that those days are behind us. In the past, buying a gaming PC from Lenovo or Dell meant getting a powerful system at the time, but with limited upgrade options due to custom components. However, my review of the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i revealed a refreshing change. It's a standard mid-tower case with industry-standard hardware, making it easy to repair or upgrade when new components are released. While it does have some typical pre-built drawbacks, like basic memory and motherboard, these can be easily swapped out for better options as needed.
This makes the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i not just a great gaming PC, but also an excellent entry point for those looking to customize their system. Upgrading one or two parts is far less daunting than building an entire system from scratch. With its competitive pricing, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out as a cost-effective choice for a high-end gaming experience.
### HP Omen 45L
11Breeze through 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**
**Pros**
**Cons**
Historically, the best gaming PCs were often trapped in proprietary cases that were difficult to upgrade. HP, once a major offender in this area, has transformed its Omen gaming PCs. The HP Omen 45L is not only my favorite gaming PC but also a chassis I've used to build a custom PC. Its spacious design supports upgrades, including custom water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090, without any space constraints.
Even the entry-level model, with a 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti, is worth considering due to its upgrade-friendly design. Upgrading to a larger SSD and a more powerful graphics card later is straightforward. Starting at $2060, the HP Omen 45L offers a premium experience, but discounts are common. While a comparable HP Victus build is cheaper, it lacks the superior chassis of the Omen 45L.
The high price is justified by the quality of the case, which you'll likely use for years, much like my Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, which I've been upgrading for over five years. The HP Omen 45L's chassis is one of the few that has tempted me to switch, highlighting its exceptional design.
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8Affordable gaming PC with processors ready to handle 1080p gaming and high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
**Product Specifications**
**Pros**
**Cons**
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that budget gaming PCs can be both affordable and powerful. Equipped with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, it delivers speedy performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Paired with the best budget GPU, Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Ti, it can handle games at 1080p with high frame rates and even manage 1440p for non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
It's also suitable for game streaming, thanks to its current-gen processors and 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM. A 1TB SSD ensures quick app launches and saves. While not as powerful as premium options, the case's design with mesh panels and ARGB fans helps maintain cool temperatures. Upgrading is straightforward, making it future-proof with upcoming hardware like Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series and 15th gen Intel Arrow Lake processors.
For under $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers great value, especially with the included gaming keyboard and mouse, perfect for those starting their gaming journey.
### Alienware Aurora R16
5Take this gaming rig to the limit with its powerful processors, impressive cooling, and 32GB RAM, ready to hit high frame rates in 4K. See it at Dell
**Product Specifications**
**Pros**
**Cons**
For those with a substantial budget seeking the latest and greatest, the Alienware Aurora R16 is a powerhouse. Moving away from the futuristic design of the Aurora R15, the R16 adopts a more mainstream look but retains ample RGB lighting. Its case is optimized for airflow, equipped with powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler, ensuring quiet operation despite its beefy components.
Powered by an Intel Core i9-14900KF and RTX 4080 Super, this rig is ready for any PC game, whether you're aiming for high frame rates at 4K or quick video encoding. With 32GB of DDR5 memory at 5,600 MHz, it excels at multitasking, and its 2TB of high-speed NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD storage ensures lightning-fast game loads.
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### Asus ROG NUC
2The Asus ROG NUC is as mini as a gaming PC can get, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070. See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
**Pros**
**Cons**
Choosing a mini gaming PC often involves compromise, as smaller sizes typically mean reduced performance. The Asus ROG NUC, however, manages to pack a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor into a chassis the size of a cable box. While it may struggle at higher resolutions, especially with demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong, it excels at 1080p, running most games at max settings with 60 fps.
This makes the Asus ROG NUC an excellent choice for a home theater PC that can also handle PC gaming. With some tweaking of graphics settings, it can serve as a great companion for a 4K TV, offering instant access to your media library and gaming capabilities. Keep in mind, though, that similar performance can often be achieved with a gaming laptop.
Opting for a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, regardless of your location. Many of the options listed here are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers several excellent pre-built options with low shipping costs from the US to the UK.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
Pre-built systems are a reliable and often cost-effective way to enter the gaming world. When buying a pre-built PC, you're not just getting the hardware but also saving time on research, component selection, and assembly.
When choosing a gaming PC, prioritize the graphics card based on your gaming monitor or TV. For 1080p gaming, an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient. For most modern games, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should suffice.
Memory and storage can be significant expenses. If you're comfortable upgrading later, opt for the smallest capacities initially, as buying these components separately can be more cost-effective. Consider a barebones system if you want to save money, as these come with major hardware installed but lack storage, memory, and an operating system.
For more control over your build, consider boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, or PC Specialist. These companies allow you to select specific components, ensuring professional assembly and cable management.
If the process seems overwhelming, NZXT's BLD service lets you choose games you play, and it suggests configurations to match your needs. Similarly, iBuyPower's Easy Builder service helps you select games and resolutions, then offers tailored configurations within your budget.
Pre-built PCs often come with convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making driver updates and performance boosts easier.
Unless you need a portable solution, a gaming PC generally outperforms even the best gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and tend to last longer before becoming obsolete. For more details, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
When buying a pre-built desktop, consider how easy it will be to upgrade later. Most manufacturers now use standard-sized components, making it simple to swap out CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage with just a few tools or a screwdriver. Systems with tool-less upgradability are even more convenient, using thumbscrews and tool-less SSD and hard drive caddies.
While gaming PCs and consoles share many similarities, PCs have the edge in terms of game library, peripherals, upgradeability, and performance. Consoles are easier to use and generally cheaper, but PCs offer a broader range of games, better visuals, and the ability to upgrade components easily. For more on this, see our guide on gaming PC vs. console.
Yes, it's possible to find a great gaming PC for under $1,000, though you'll need to manage your expectations. Budget-friendly desktops may have less powerful hardware, limiting gaming performance. However, they can still run many games at 1080p or even 1440p with respectable frame rates, making them a worthwhile investment for the savings.
Building your own gaming PC offers customization and potential cost savings. You can select components tailored to your needs and take advantage of 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 a hassle-free experience, a pre-built PC might be the better choice, offering professional assembly and warranty protection.
Once you've secured your gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate battle station.
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