If building your own gaming rig feels like too much work or simply isn't on your priority list, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a fantastic alternative. While you might miss out on the thrill of assembling your PC from scratch, the time saved from 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. Modern pre-builts are crafted with fewer compromises, ensuring a durable and powerful gaming PC ready to handle all the action. 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, most 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### LenovoLegion 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 selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you play and your preferred settings, as best budget gaming PCs won't handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Ensuring the right combination of processors, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware is crucial to avoid bottlenecks. Fortunately, many manufacturers now take care of this guesswork for you.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched after their announcement at CES 2025. While I haven't reviewed any pre-builts with these new Nvidia GPUs yet, expect most PCs on this list to soon offer versions with these GPUs or be refreshed with the latest hardware. Also, look out for the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT launching in March 2025.
Whether you're seeking an affordable option for indie games, a compact setup for limited 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 perfectly meet 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### LenovoLegion 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 demonstrates that those days are behind us. Previously, purchasing a gaming PC from Lenovo or Dell meant getting a powerful tower at the time, but upgrades were limited due to non-standard components. My review of the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i revealed a refreshing change: it's a straightforward mid-tower case with industry-standard hardware, making repairs and upgrades easy. While it does use basic memory and motherboard, these can be easily swapped out for better components when you're ready.
This makes the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i not just a great gaming PC but also an excellent entry point for customizing your own system. While building a PC from scratch can be daunting, upgrading individual parts is much more approachable. The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out for its competitive pricing, offering a high-end experience at a lower cost than similar systems from HP or Alienware. If you're after a solid gaming experience without the flash, this is the pre-built to get right now.
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 pre-built gaming PCs
CONS
- It is VERY heavy. Team lifting definitely recommended.
Historically, the best gaming PCs were hindered by proprietary cases, but HP's Omen line has revolutionized this with the HP Omen 45L. This is not only my favorite gaming PC, but I've even built a custom PC in its case. It's spacious, with ample room for upgrades, including custom water cooling loops and large GPUs like the RTX 4090.
Even the entry-level model, with a 512GB SSD and RTX 4060 Ti, is worth considering due to its ease of upgradeability. Upgrading to a larger SSD and a more powerful GPU later is straightforward. Starting at $2060 before discounts, the base model comes with an Intel Core i7-14700K, 16GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, capable of handling most AAA games. While a comparable HP Victus build is cheaper, it lacks the superior chassis of the Omen 45L.
The premium price is justified by the quality of the case, which you'll use for years, continually upgrading as a true PC gamer would. My own PC case is a Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, and I've been upgrading it for over five years. The HP Omen 45L chassis is one of the few that made me consider switching cases, highlighting its exceptional design.
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 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 good for 4K gaming
Not all gaming PCs need to be expensive or underpowered, and the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves this. It features a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor for strong performance in games and daily tasks. Coupled with the best budget GPU, Nvidia's RTX 4060 Ti, it can handle games at 1080p with high frame rates and even manage some 1440p gaming 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 game saves. Though not as powerful as premium options, its mesh design and ARGB fans provide excellent cooling. The B760 D5 motherboard and 600-watt PSU allow for future upgrades with newer components like the Nvidia RTX 5000 series and 15th-gen Intel processors.
For under $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers great value, especially with the included gaming keyboard and mouse with RGB lighting, perfect for gamers starting their journey.
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 packed with serious hardware. While it opts for a more mainstream, boxy design compared to the futuristic Aurora R15, it retains ample RGB lighting. The case is designed for optimal airflow, featuring powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler, ensuring quiet operation despite its beefy components.
An Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and RTX 4080 Super graphics card provide ample power for high framerates at 4K and fast video encoding. With 32GB of DDR5 memory at 5,600 MHz, multitasking is a breeze. A spacious 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD ensures lightning-fast game loads, making this rig a powerhouse for any gaming task.
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
Choosing a mini gaming PC often involves compromise, but the Asus ROG NUC manages to pack impressive performance into a small form factor. It uses a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, typically found in Ultrabooks, to deliver solid 1080p gaming performance. While it may struggle at higher resolutions in demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong, it excels at 1080p, running games at max settings while maintaining 60 fps.
Its compact size makes it an ideal home theater PC that can also handle PC games. If you're comfortable adjusting game settings, it's perfect for a 4K TV, providing instant access to your media library and gaming on Steam. Keep in mind, though, that a gaming laptop might offer similar performance in many cases.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Getting a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, regardless of where you are. Many options on our list are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. For instance, Newegg ships several excellent pre-built PCs from the US to the UK at low costs, ensuring a seamless purchasing experience.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built PCs are the most straightforward and cost-effective way to get into gaming. When you buy a system, you're not just getting the hardware but also saving time on selecting components and assembling the PC. However, it's crucial to spend your money wisely.
First, prioritize the graphics card based on your gaming display. An Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient for 1080p gaming. For most modern games at any resolution, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores is adequate.
System memory and storage can be significant costs. If you're comfortable upgrading later, opt for the smallest configurations to save money initially. Consider barebones systems if you're looking for even more savings, as they come with major components but lack storage, memory, and an operating system.
For more control over your build, consider boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, and PC Specialist. They offer customizable builds with excellent cable management and ensure everything works out of the box.
If the process feels overwhelming, NZXT's BLD service and iBuyPower's Easy Builder allow you to select games and resolutions, then recommend configurations that meet your needs. These services simplify the process of choosing the right hardware.
Pre-built PCs often come with convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making it easier to optimize performance and manage your system.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need a portable gaming solution, a gaming PC generally offers better performance, upgradeability, and longevity compared to even the best gaming laptops. 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 pre-built desktop, consider its upgradeability. Most manufacturers now use standard components, making it easier to upgrade CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage. Look for systems with tool-less upgradability features like thumbscrews and SSD caddies for easier upgrades.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have similarities with gaming PCs, PCs offer superior gaming libraries, peripherals, upgradeability, and performance. Although consoles are easier to use and more affordable upfront, PCs provide a better overall gaming experience, especially for those interested in high-end gaming and customization.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, it's possible to find a capable gaming PC for under $1,000, though you'll need to manage your expectations. These budget-friendly options may have less powerful hardware, but they can still run many popular games at 1080p or even 1440p with respectable frame rates.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own gaming PC allows for complete customization and can save money if you watch for sales. However, it requires some technical knowledge and research. If you're not particular about specific components and prefer a hassle-free experience, a pre-built PC with professional assembly and warranty coverage might be the better choice.
Once you've secured your perfect gaming PC, enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for an ultimate gaming experience.
