For gamers who prefer a ready-to-play solution, pre-built gaming PCs offer a compelling alternative to building your own rig. While you miss the satisfaction of a DIY build, you gain valuable time—time better spent gaming! The days of subpar pre-built systems are long gone. Today's options deliver lasting performance, often at a competitive price, especially considering the rising cost of high-end graphics cards and processors. Brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP offer excellent choices, many easily upgradeable for future enhancements. A prime example is the spacious HP Omen 45L.

In short, these are the best gaming PCs:

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
See it at Lenovo

HP Omen 45L
See it at HP

iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

Alienware Aurora R16
See it at Dell

Asus ROG NUC
See it at Amazon

Choosing a pre-built gaming PC involves more than selecting a console. Consider your gaming preferences and desired performance level. Budget-friendly options won't max out Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K, but they'll still handle many games effectively. Matching processor, storage, memory, and cooling is crucial for a smooth experience. Fortunately, many manufacturers handle this optimization, preventing bottlenecks.

Note that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, launched at CES 2025, and the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT (March 2025 release) will soon influence pre-built options. Expect many PCs on this list to feature these GPUs or be updated shortly.

Whether you need a budget-friendly system for indie games, a space-saving mini-PC, or a top-tier rig for 4K gaming, this list caters to diverse needs. Click here for UK options.

*Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru*

*For additional savings, explore current gaming PC deals.*

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Photos

(7 Images)

1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i

Best Gaming PC

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i boasts powerful hardware and easy upgradability. See it at Lenovo

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out due to its use of standard components, simplifying upgrades and repairs. While some cost-cutting is evident in the base configuration, the ease of upgrading makes this a strong entry point for those interested in PC customization.

2. HP Omen 45L

Best Current-Gen PC

The HP Omen 45L excels with its powerful components and exceptional cooling system. See it at HP

The HP Omen 45L's standout feature is its case, designed for easy upgrades and customization. While the entry-level configuration is solid, its upgradability makes it a long-term investment.

3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop

Best Budget Gaming PC

The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh offers excellent 1080p gaming performance at a budget-friendly price. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

This PC provides a strong balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for 1080p gaming. The inclusion of peripherals adds further value.

4. Alienware Aurora R16

Best High-End Gaming PC

The Alienware Aurora R16 delivers top-tier performance for demanding 4K gaming. See it at Dell

This high-end system is built for maximum performance, offering exceptional power for 4K gaming and demanding applications.

5. Asus ROG NUC

Best Mini Gaming PC

The Asus ROG NUC is a surprisingly powerful mini-PC, ideal for space-conscious gamers. See it at Amazon

Despite its small size, the Asus ROG NUC delivers impressive 1080p performance, making it a great choice for a home theater PC or a space-saving gaming solution.

For UK buyers, many of these options are available through retailers like Newegg, offering competitive shipping costs.

MSI MEG Trident X2
See 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 (e.g., RTX 3060 Ti for 1080p). A quad-core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor is sufficient for most modern games. Consider upgrading RAM and storage yourself for potential cost savings. Barebones systems offer a middle ground, while boutique builders provide maximum customization.

Services like NZXT BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify component selection by focusing on game compatibility and budget. Pre-built PCs often include convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software.

Gaming PC FAQ

Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop: Desktops generally offer better performance, upgradability, and longevity.

Upgrading Pre-built PCs: Most modern pre-built PCs utilize standard components, making upgrades relatively easy. Look for tool-less designs for even simpler maintenance.

Gaming PC vs. Console: PCs offer a wider game library, superior upgradability, better performance, and greater peripheral options, although consoles are simpler to use and less expensive initially.

Gaming PCs Under $1000: Possible, but expect limitations in performance, especially at higher resolutions and settings.

Building Your Own PC: Offers complete customization but requires technical knowledge and time. It can be more cost-effective, but pre-built options offer warranty and professional assembly.