If building your own gaming PC feels daunting or isn't a priority, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs can be a wise choice. While you won't experience the satisfaction of assembling your machine from scratch, you'll save significant time on research, component waiting, assembly, and troubleshooting. This extra time can be better spent diving into the best PC games.
Gone are the days of half-baked pre-built systems. Today's pre-builts cut fewer corners, offering robust gaming PCs that can handle intense action. With the rising costs of the latest greatest graphics cards and processors, 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, like our top pick, the spacious HP Omen 45L.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs
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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'll need to consider the types of games you want to play and your preferred settings. The best budget gaming PCs won't run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Ensuring all components work well together is crucial to avoid bottlenecks, but many manufacturers have streamlined this process for you.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have recently launched following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't reviewed any pre-builts with these new GPUs yet, you can expect updates or new versions of these PCs to include them soon. 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 system for limited space, or a top-tier rig for 4K gaming, our list covers all your needs. One of the five pre-built gaming PCs we've selected will be perfect for you – 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
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
Best Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
6The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i comes packed with powerful hardware and is designed for easy upgrades. 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 basic memory and motherboard
Pre-built gaming PCs have moved beyond proprietary hardware issues, and the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i exemplifies this shift. In the past, buying from Lenovo or Dell meant powerful hardware but limited upgrade options due to bespoke components. My review of the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i revealed it to be a straightforward gaming PC, using industry-standard hardware that's easy to fix or upgrade. While it may skimp a bit on memory and motherboard, these are easily replaceable with better options as needed.
This makes the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i not just a great gaming machine but an ideal entry point for customizing your own system. Upgrading a few components is much less intimidating than building from scratch. With its competitive price, this high-end tower stands out as a cost-effective choice compared to similar systems from HP or Alienware. If you're looking for a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is the pre-built to get right now.
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, supported 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 pre-built gaming PCs
CONS
- Very heavy; team lifting recommended
Previously, gaming PCs were often hampered by proprietary cases that restricted upgrades. HP has significantly improved its Omen gaming PCs, making them more user-friendly. The HP Omen 45L is not just my favorite gaming PC, but it's also versatile enough for custom builds within its chassis. It's spacious, accommodating upgrades like water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090 without issues.
This makes the HP Omen 45L a great choice, even in its entry-level configuration with a 512GB SSD and RTX 4060 Ti. Upgrading to a larger SSD and more powerful GPU later is straightforward. Despite its premium starting price of $2060, discounts are common, and the investment is justified by its superior case. The HP Omen 45L's chassis rivals my Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, which I've been upgrading for over five years. This is a testament to its durability and upgrade potential.
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8Affordable yet capable of handling 1080p gaming with its latest processors 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 suitable for 4K gaming
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop disproves the notion that budget PCs must compromise on performance. Featuring a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, it delivers speedy performance for both everyday tasks and gaming. Paired with the best budget GPU, the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti, this system can handle 1080p gaming at high frame rates and even 1440p for non-ray-traced games 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 fast app launches and saves. While it may not match premium systems in power, its mesh design and ARGB fans provide excellent airflow and cooling. Upgrading is relatively easy, which is beneficial with upcoming hardware like Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series and Intel's 15th gen Arrow Lake processors. For under $1,500, this PC offers great value, especially with the included gaming keyboard and mouse.
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
Alienware Aurora R16
Best High-End Gaming PC
### Alienware Aurora R16
5Max out your gaming experience with its powerful processors, impressive cooling, and 32GB RAM for 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 larger budget, the Alienware Aurora R16 offers top-tier hardware in a more mainstream design, though still featuring ample RGB lighting. Its case is optimized for airflow with powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler, ensuring quiet operation. The Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and Nvidia RTX 4080 Super graphics card deliver exceptional performance, whether for 4K gaming or video encoding. With 32GB of DDR5 memory at 5,600 MHz and 2TB of high-speed NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD storage, this rig excels at multitasking and fast game loads.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2Compact yet powerful with a mobile-class RTX 4070, the Asus ROG NUC is perfect for 1080p gaming. 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
Choosing a mini gaming PC like the Asus ROG NUC involves trade-offs, but its compact size and performance are impressive. With a mobile-class RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, it handles most games at 1080p effectively. Its size makes it ideal for a home theater PC, capable of storing your media library and playing games on a 4K TV with adjusted settings. While gaming laptops might offer similar performance, the Asus ROG NUC's compact design sets it apart.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
-----------------------------------------Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save time and effort worldwide, including in the UK. Many options on our list are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. For instance, Newegg ships several excellent pre-builds from the US to the UK at affordable rates.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
-------------------------Pre-built PCs are the easiest and often the most cost-effective way to start gaming. They save you the time and effort of selecting and assembling components. However, ensure you're spending where it matters most. Prioritize the graphics card based on your gaming display. 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 SSDs can be expensive, so consider buying these separately if you're comfortable with upgrades. Barebones systems offer another option, providing major components but lacking storage, memory, and an OS.
For those who want more control over their build, boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, and PC Specialist allow you to customize your system. NZXT's BLD service and iBuyPower's Easy Builder service simplify the process by letting you choose games and budget, then offering tailored configurations.
Pre-built PCs often include useful features like overclocking support and system monitoring software. Overclocking tools like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision X can be easily installed if not included.
Gaming PC FAQ
-------------Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless portability is a priority, a gaming PC generally outperforms gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and tend to last longer. For more, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
When buying a pre-built desktop, consider upgrade ease. Most manufacturers now avoid proprietary parts, using standard Mini ITX or Micro ATX motherboards. The best gaming PCs allow easy swaps of CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage with minimal tools. Some even offer tool-less upgradability for added convenience.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are user-friendly and more affordable, gaming PCs offer a larger library, better upgradeability, and superior performance. For more, see our guide on gaming PC vs. console.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, you can find a solid gaming PC under $1,000, though with less powerful hardware. These budget-friendly options can still run many games at 1080p or even 1440p, but might struggle with graphically intensive games at high settings.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own gaming PC allows for customization and potential cost savings. However, it requires knowledge and research. If you're new to PC building, it might be easier and more reassuring to buy a pre-built system. After securing a great gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate PC battle station.
