If building your own PC feels like too much of a hassle or isn't a priority right now, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a fantastic alternative. Sure, you might miss out on the pride of assembling your machine from scratch, but think about all the time you'll save. No more endless research, waiting for parts, or troubleshooting when things go wrong. Instead, you can dive straight into playing the best PC games available.
Gone are the days of subpar pre-built systems. Today's offerings are robust, with fewer compromises, ensuring a long-lasting gaming experience that can handle all the action you throw at it. With the latest greatest graphics cards and processors becoming increasingly expensive, choosing a pre-built system from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP might even save you money. Plus, many of these systems are designed with upgradability in mind, 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
Purchasing a gaming PC is more complex than buying a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you'll play and your preferred gaming setup. While best budget gaming PCs might not run Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings, they can still deliver a solid gaming experience. Manufacturers often handle the tricky parts of system compatibility, ensuring you don't bottleneck your setup.
It's worth noting that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have recently been launched, following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't reviewed any prebuilts with these new GPUs yet, you can expect that most PCs on our list will soon offer versions with these graphics cards or be updated with the latest hardware. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're looking for an affordable option for indie games, a compact PC for your studio apartment, or a top-tier rig for 4K gaming, we've got you covered. One of the five pre-built gaming PCs we've selected will perfectly match your needs – 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 extremely powerful hardware, and is easy to open up and 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
Prebuilt gaming PCs used to be plagued by proprietary hardware, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i marks a significant improvement. Previously, systems from Lenovo or Dell were powerful but limited by custom motherboards or power supplies, making upgrades difficult. However, the Legion Tower 7i uses standard industry hardware, making it simple to maintain or upgrade. Although it comes with basic memory and motherboard, you can easily swap these out for better components when you're ready.
This PC isn't just about playing games well; it's also an excellent starting point for those interested in customizing their setup. While building a PC from scratch can be daunting, upgrading a prebuilt system is far more manageable. The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out due to its competitive pricing, offering high-end performance at a lower cost than similar systems from HP or Alienware. If you're seeking a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is the best prebuilt option currently available.
2. HP Omen 45L
Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11Breeze through every task and game thanks to an Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, and 16GB RAM that a robust cooling system helps keep frosty.
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:
- It is VERY heavy. Team lifting definitely recommended.
For a long time, gaming PCs were hindered by proprietary cases that required specialized components, making upgrades nearly impossible. HP, once a major offender, has transformed its Omen gaming PCs, and the HP Omen 45L stands out as my favorite. Its spacious design supports custom water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090, making it an excellent choice even for the entry-level model.
This premium gaming PC starts at $2060 before discounts (which are always available). The base configuration includes an Intel Core i7-14700K, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. While this setup is capable of running most AAA games smoothly, you can get a similar HP Victus build for $1369, albeit with a less impressive chassis and a non-Ti RTX 4060.
The HP Omen 45L's high price is justified by its exceptional case, which is built to last and support multiple upgrades over the years. My personal PC case, a Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, has been upgraded for over five years, and the HP Omen 45L's chassis is one of the few that made me consider switching.
3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8Affordable gaming PC offering processors ready to handle some 1080p gaming and high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM.
See it at Amazon
See 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 proves that not all gaming PCs need to be expensive or underpowered. Equipped with a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, this PC offers robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Paired with the best budget GPU, Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Ti, it can handle 1080p gaming at high frame rates and even 1440p for non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
This desktop is also suitable for those interested in game streaming, thanks to its current-gen processors and 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM. A 1TB SSD ensures fast app launches and saves. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the PC can get hot, but the case's design with mesh panels and ARGB fans helps maintain airflow. iBuyPower makes upgrading easy, which is great as newer hardware like Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series and 15th gen Intel Arrow Lake processors are on the horizon.
For under $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers incredible value, especially with the included gaming keyboard and mouse. These may not be top-tier peripherals, but they're perfect for gamers just starting out.
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
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
- 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 healthy budget seeking the latest and greatest, the Alienware Aurora R16 is a top choice. It features a more mainstream design than its predecessor but retains ample RGB lighting. The case is designed for optimal airflow, equipped with powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler, ensuring quiet operation despite its high-performance components.
Powered by an Intel Core i9-14900KF and an RTX 4080 Super, this PC can handle any game at high framerates in 4K and perform tasks like video encoding swiftly. With 32GB of DDR5 memory running at 5,600 MHz and 2TB of high-speed NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD storage, it's a multitasking powerhouse that offers lightning-fast game loads.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2The Asus ROG NUC is about as mini as a mini gaming PC can get. Plus its surprisingly strapped 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:
- The same size as a cable box
- Solid 1080p gaming performance
Cons:
- Uses mobile-class hardware
Shopping for a mini gaming PC involves compromise. The Asus ROG NUC, while extremely compact, uses mobile-class hardware like the RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, typically found in Ultrabooks. Despite this, it performs admirably at 1080p, running most games at max settings with 60 fps.
This makes it an ideal home theater PC that can also handle gaming. If you're willing to tweak game settings, it's a great companion for a 4K TV, allowing instant access to your media library while offering gaming capabilities. However, similar performance might be achievable with a gaming laptop.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Purchasing a prebuilt gaming PC saves time and hassle, regardless of where you are. Many of our recommended options are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. Newegg, for example, 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
Prebuilt systems are a straightforward way to enter the world of gaming and often provide cost-effective hardware. When buying a prebuilt, you're not just getting the components but also saving the time needed to research and assemble a system yourself.
When investing in a gaming PC, prioritize the graphics card to match your gaming monitor or TV. An Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient for 1080p gaming. For most modern games, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should suffice.
System memory and storage can be significant costs. If you're comfortable upgrading later, opt for the smallest capacities possible, as purchasing these components separately can be more cost-effective. Consider a barebones system if you're looking to save even more, as these come with major hardware installed but often lack storage, memory, and an operating system.
For greater control over your build, boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, and PC Specialist offer customized services. NZXT's BLD service and iBuyPower's Easy Builder allow you to select games and receive configurations tailored to your needs.
Many prebuilt PCs come with features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, which can enhance your gaming experience.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need portability, a gaming PC generally outperforms gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and last longer before becoming obsolete. For more insights, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
When buying a prebuilt desktop, consider how easy it is to upgrade. Most manufacturers now use standard-sized components, making it simple to swap out the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. Systems with tool-less upgradability are even more convenient, allowing quick component changes without tools.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While gaming PCs and consoles share similarities, PCs offer more advantages in terms of game library, peripherals, upgradeability, and performance. Consoles are easier to use and generally cheaper, but PCs provide a broader gaming experience and the ability to upgrade components easily.
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. These budget-friendly systems may have less powerful hardware but can still run many games at 1080p or even 1440p with respectable frame rates. They may struggle with graphically intensive games at high settings, but the savings could be worth it.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own gaming PC offers customization and potential cost savings, but it requires knowledge and research. If you're new to PC building, it can be challenging, but following a detailed guide or video can help. If you're not particular about specifications, a prebuilt PC might be a more convenient and reassuring option.
After securing your ideal gaming PC, enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate PC battle station.
