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Owning a top-notch gaming PC is a big thing, but you don’t have to build your own equipment to get into the bandwagon. If you want to escape the mind-boggling assembling process of the PC hardware, the best prebuilt gaming PCs will do the task without any hassle.
Having a prebuilt gaming PC has its own benefits; you don’t have to spend hours researching about the hardware components and then make efforts to assemble them all together. However, there are just as many things that you need to consider when you decide to choose the best prebuilt gaming PC. After all, gaming should be mesmerizing, and there shouldn’t be anything that could ruin the fun. Low quality and sluggish internals can make it hard for a gaming-geek to win and it is imperative to have powerful PC components such as graphic cards and processors. If you’re ready to get sizzling frame rates at resolutions higher than your gaming consoles, this post is what you need.
Key Components of a Gaming PC
Every gaming enthusiast wants the best specs in their PC from top to bottom, along with a good warranty. The main aim of buying a prebuilt gaming PC is that you don’t have to open up your PC again and fiddle with the internals. However, buying a prebuilt one doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be aware of the key components of a gaming PC.
Understanding each component of your gaming PC will help you in fixing various issues and upgrade them later. No matter which type of PC you buy, it’s quite likely that you face issues like low frame rates or lag at any point. Facing such problems doesn’t mean that you have to buy a new PC, in fact you can fix the issue and have the part replaced. Following are the hardware components that allow you to play your game smoothly on a gaming PC:
CPU:
Most of the actual gameplay is handled by a computer’s CPU. When you’re playing game, the CPU takes instructions from keyboard and mouse, and performs various functions such as loading backgrounds and maps. After calculation and manipulation, the information is passed on to the graphic cards where it is transferred to the display. Some of the best gaming processors include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and Intel Core i7-9700K. Both of these processors give excellent gaming performance at low price.
Graphics card:
For a gaming PC, graphics card is one of the most important components as it is responsible for displaying the game on the screen. The graphics card handles the processing of images that are received from the CPU and then display them. Graphics card for gaming PCs have built-in features that improve the gaming performance. For example, a graphics card for a gaming PC will focus on fine textures, image rotation, and anti-aliasing so that the CPU focuses on other processing activities. For example, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super is an advanced graphics card with more RTX-enabled games and amazing deep learning and ray tracing features.
A prebuilt gaming PC with a GTX 1660 Ti graphics card will be ideal if paired with an i5 processor. However, if you wish to play games at 1440p, then graphics card with higher specifications is needed.
Motherboard:
Motherboard connects all the internal components to each other through an electrical link. The motherboard makes sure that the information is passed smoothly through one component to another. An advanced and high quality motherboard is designed so that it doesn’t limit the speed of information transfer. Features such as overclocking support, M.2 slot, and Aura-RGB lighting are some of those to look for. Serious gamers must consider the performance of a motherboard as it can greatly affect the gaming experience.
Memory:
The RAM is responsible for handling all the short-term information that is used by the CPU on a continuous basis. Random Access Memory allows the CPU to access the information quickly and run various processes simultaneously without slowing down the PC. For a gaming PC, you must have at least 8 GB of DDR4 RAM because anything smaller than that will ruin your gaming experience. If you’re a hardcore gamer, then having 16 GB of DDR4 RAM is good enough to fulfill your gaming needs. It is also important to check the specs of the motherboard so that you can determine the size of RAM that can meet the requirements.
Storage:
The storage is that component where the games are installed. The CPU will need to access the game from the storage and then display it on the monitor. SSD can lower the loading times and many gaming geeks recommend going for an SSD with a hard drive. Using an SSD alone is a good idea if it fulfills your storage needs; this is because it can lower the loading time to half. If a storage drive is slow, it can slow the games too. Some features to look for in storage are good brand and fast R/W speeds.
Power supply:
Though power supply isn’t linked directly to the gaming performance, but inadequate power supply can affect the experience. A reliable power supply can bring your gaming PC to life and enhance the gameplay. A good power supply should be able to power all PCs and come with a long warranty. A power supply with sane output rating and gold standard efficiency is one to look for.
Prebuilt gaming PC vs. DIY
According to some computer experts, building a gaming PC can be very cost-effective as compared to buying a prebuilt one. This is true, but building your own gaming PC is not as easy as it looks. If you aren’t equipped with the skills and expertise in this field, you might end up with a rig that does not meet your requirements. The biggest benefit that a prebuilt gaming PC offers is the convenience. You don’t have to go through the hardware and software testing, go through the manufacturing quality, and do research on the components.
Assembling a gaming PC is not very hard but it is important to have some hardware knowledge as it is all technical. You’ll have to pay attention to the cables and make sure that everything is installed properly. Prebuilt computers save your time and efforts and keep you away from the worries of playing with the cables.
Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $1000 – Our Top Picks
When it comes to gaming PCs under $1000, we have a variety of over-whelming options. We’ve compiled a list of the best gaming PCs that feature high value, good quality parts, and amazing support. Following is our roundup of the best prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000:
1. HP Pavilion 690 Gaming PC
Specifications:
- Processor: 4-core, 8-thread AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Graphics card: AMD Radeon RX 580
- Storage: 120GB SSD and 1TB HDD
Most of the pre-built gaming PCs are equipped with Nvidia graphics card and Intel CPU. However, the HP Pavilion Gaming PC is equipped with a Ryzen CPU and a Radeon GPU. The HP Pavilion Gaming PC has a stylish design and has immense power. The good thing about this gaming PC is that, it is very easy to upgrade and customize even if you aren’t a computer expert.
The gaming PC will allow you to play the latest AAA games at 1080p resolution. It is compact and lightweight and is available with front panel connectors. The gaming PC features a headphone jack and two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports and one USB-C port.
Pros:
- It features one of the best mid-range GPU.
- It has a solid APU.
- It offers immense power for 1080p gaming.
- It has a compact and sleek design.
- It features good front port selection.
Cons:
- Could have a larger SSD.
- The cooling fans are noisy.
Our thoughts
The HP Pavilion is a perfectly balanced gaming PC that can prove to be a good fit if you’re on a tight budget. The Ryzen 2400G is suitable for this build and is sufficient for different types of gaming needs too. The SSD is smaller and can get cramped easily if you want to play the latest AAA games.
2. iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3700x 8-core 3.6GHz
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB dedicated
- Storage: 240GB SSD
The iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC is designed for playing games on high resolutions and high settings. The PC is equipped with latest technologies to improve the gaming performance of the hard-core gamers. The iBUYPOWER gaming PC meets the needs of those gamers who want performance along with a reasonable price tag.
The gaming PC can handle most of the AAA games very well and gives amazing results when paired with the GTX 1660 Ti. You can also view the RGB chassis through the tempered glass side panel. The PC also includes WiFi that helps you set up the system with ease.
Pros:
- It delivers excellent gaming performance.
- It has a beautiful aesthetic case.
- It features a powerful CPU.
- Keyboard and mouse are included.
- Tempered glass side panel and RGB chassis.
Cons:
- SSD is limited.
- Lack of HDD option.
Our thoughts
The iBUYPOWER has a stylish design and it features RGB lighting PC case too that can be controlled through a remote controller. Though there’s no hard drive included, the SSD can store a good number of games easily. The GTX 1660 Ti is a mid-tier one if we talk about the latest graphics cards but still, it is a powerful one and can make gaming on the 1080p resolution very easy with ultra-settings.
3. SkyTech Blaze II Gaming PC
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
- Storage: 500GB SSD
SkyTech Blaze II is another fabulous pre-built gaming PC that is equipped with top-notch technologies to enhance the gameplay. It has a spacious interior that can easily accommodate additional components if needed. If you want to improve your performance on your rig, this is an ideal choice as it is equipped with all the features that a gaming PC should have.
SkyTech has a good reputation especially when it comes to manufacturing affordable and good quality gaming PCs and gadgets. The Blaze II consists of powerful components that make gaming easier and smoother. It has an all-black chassis and there is a mesh that allows you to see the LEDs inside. The front panel has mic and headphone jack on the top and two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port. The gaming PC will allow you to play most of the AAA games but isn’t quite suitable for playing VR games.
Pros:
- It uses the latest-generation GTX GPU.
- The SSD storage is ample.
- It is equipped with hexa-core CPU with 12 threads.
- It has a large interior that enables expansion.
- It runs quietly even when there is load.
- There are lots of ports on front and rear.
Cons:
- Storage could be improved.
- Gaming has been compromised for productivity.
Our thoughts
Sky Blaze II is an all-rounder gaming PC that is equipped with all the necessary features along with an affordable price tag. The bundled fans run quietly and make sure that the processes run smoothly when there is load. The storage is good but some gamers might want to add HDD or a RAM stick because 8 GB can be too little for them.
4. CyberPowerPC GXiVR8500A
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 9400F 2.9GHz
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Graphics card: Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti 6GB
- Storage: 120GB SSD and 1TB HDD
The CyberPowerPC GXiVR8500A is a stylish and powerful prebuilt gaming PC under $1000. The PC features beautiful lighting effects and immense horsepower that make it ideal for the gaming enthusiasts. The combination of CPU and GPU makes powerful gaming at 1440p resolution a breeze.
The biggest attraction that this rig offers is its unique design that features three RGB fans. There is an interior RGB fan too that illuminates the components of the PC. The fans keep the system cool and improve the gaming performance even if you’ve been playing for many hours. The front panel is simple and features a headphone and mic jack along with two USB 3.0 ports.
Pros:
- It has an aesthetic case design.
- It features the latest mid-range GPU.
- There are multiple case fans.
- There is tempered glass on front and sides.
Cons:
- SSD is too small.
Our thoughts
The gaming PC’s selling point is its well-ventilated and stylish design and the powerful GPU. The setup is overall powerful but since there is no HDD, an SSD of 500GB would be better.
5. Centaurus Andromeda A5
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 4.0GHz OC
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3000 MHz
- Graphics card: Nvidia GTX 1660 6GB
- Storage: 240GB SSD and 2TB HDD
The Centaurus Andromeda A5 is a reliable and reasonable gaming PC that is also designed to be thermally efficient. The GPU is built for optimized gaming performance and is factory overclocked. The gaming PC is designed to be pushed beyond its limits because of its thermal design and factory overlocking feature.
The gaming PC will allow you to store any type of game with maximum settings. The PC is perfect for 1080p gaming and has HDMI, DVI, and display port. It offers an amazing combination of reliability and speed. The PC features amazing performance and comes with a 3-year warranty too.
Pros:
- There is a good storage space.
- The system is thermally efficient.
- The processing unit is powerful.
- Factory overclock feature boosts the performance.
Cons:
- Mouse and keyboard isn’t included.
Our thoughts
The Centaurus Andromeda A5 features great productivity because of the high thread count and is perfect for those who want to run some of the latest AAA titles. It is using a dual-channel RAM setup with a 16GB of memory running at 3000MHz. The storage is good and thus can be helpful in storing a hefty number of latest games.
6. Alienware X51 R3
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 6400 2GHz
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Graphics card: Nvidia GTX 745
- Storage: 1TB SATA drive
The Alienware X51 R3 has an excellent sound quality and features good cooling capabilities to improve the gaming performance. If you’re a gaming geek, the gaming PC will allow you to play for hours without letting the device heated up or slow down. The PC allows Windows 10 integration but since it doesn’t have an SSD, it is not very fast.
The gaming PC has a matte black case and has brightly colored lights on sides. The front panel is glossy and has an overall stylish design. There is a fair selection of ports including USB 3.0 ports and 3.5 mm audio in and out ports. The air exhaust is located at the back and the GPU sits at the bottom.
Pros:
- It delivers an excellent 1080p performance.
- It runs quietly and remains cool.
- It has a stylish and sturdy enclosure.
- Speaker quality is amazing.
Cons:
- It isn’t good for 1440p gaming.
- Upgrading RAM and CPU isn’t a breeze.
- Could have more RAM storage.
Our thoughts
The Alienware gaming PCs are one of the top-notch ones and fortunately this model falls in the budget category too. If you game at 1080p, this gaming PC is good for fulfilling your gaming needs. However, if you want better gaming performance, you’ll have to spend a bit more to obtain a larger one.
7. CUK Continuum Gamer PC
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700 3.2GHz
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3000 MHz
- Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
- Storage: 500GB
The CUK Continuum Gamer PC is a budget PC, and you only have to add $150 to your $1000 budget and get this all-rounder rig. We know that you’re here for gaming PCs under $1000 but this one is hard to resist as it features an 8-core processor with 16 threads and overclocking feature too. You will get everything including powerful graphics which will make it easier for you to run the latest titles at 1440p resolution.
It has a beautiful design featuring RGB that adds to the aesthetic value. Though the pre-built gaming PC comes with only 500GB of SSD, you can use 1TB HDD to expand the storage. Apart from this, you can benefit from the ray-tracing technology in some games that are compatible with this card.
Pros:
- It features powerful CPU and GPU.
- Allows you to play games at 1440p resolution.
- You can benefit from the ray-tracing technology too.
- Overclocking feature is there too.
Cons:
- SSD is limited.
Our thoughts
Though the gaming PC breaks the barrier of $1000 budget PCs, it does it fairly because it’s worth it. There is only marginal difference in the budget and the features we get are amazing. The Ryzen processor combines with RTX 2060 6GB to give an amazing gaming performance at 1440p resolution.
Bottom Line
Though you can get more value by building your own gaming PC from scratch, you must check out our list of the best prebuilt gaming PC under $1000. If we talk about the features and price, all the gaming PCs discussed in this post have only slight differences regarding RAM and GPUs. If you’re on a tight budget but want excellent gaming performance, the HP Pavilion Gaming PC is perfect for you. The PC is sleek and stylish and gives good performance at a very reasonable price. This gaming PC is the most cost-efficient one on our list.
The iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC is another best option in this price range and it is an ideal choice for those who want ample storage and fast access to games. SkyBlaze II features better and latest components and a good storage too. The CyberPowerPC has one of the best GPU available which can let you play games at your desired resolution.