If building your own gaming rig feels like too much of a hassle or isn't a priority for you, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a fantastic alternative. While you might miss out on the pride of assembling your PC from scratch, you'll save valuable time that you can spend diving into the best PC games. Gone are the days of half-baked pre-built systems; today's offerings are robust, long-lasting, and equipped with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. Choosing a pre-built from brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP might even save you money, and many models are easy to upgrade, 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 AmazonPurchasing a gaming PC involves more thought than simply picking up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you enjoy and how you want to play them. Budget gaming PCs might not handle Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings, but many manufacturers do the heavy lifting for you, ensuring components work harmoniously to avoid bottlenecks.
Keep in mind that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't reviewed any prebuilts with these new Nvidia graphics cards yet, you can expect that most PCs on this list will soon offer versions with these GPUs or be refreshed with the latest hardware. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're after an affordable setup for indie games, a compact option for your studio apartment, or a high-end machine for 4K gaming, we've got you covered. One of our five selected pre-built gaming PCs will perfectly match your needs. Click here to find them in the UK.
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 designed for easy upgrades, making it a top choice for gamers who want performance and flexibility. See it at LenovoProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i9-14900KFGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti – RTX 4080 SuperRAMUp to 32GB DDR5 @ 4,000MHzStorageUp to 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDWeight37.48 lbsSize19.37 x 8.31 x 18.27 inches (H x W x D)PROSExtremely solid performance for the moneyEasy to upgradeCONSShips with very basic memory and motherboardThe Lenovo Legion Tower 7i breaks away from the proprietary hardware issues that plagued pre-built gaming PCs in the past. It features a standard mid-tower case with industry-standard components, allowing for easy fixes and upgrades. Although the memory and motherboard might be basic, you can easily replace them with better options when you're ready.
This PC not only delivers excellent gaming performance but also serves as an accessible entry point into customizing your own system. Upgrading one or two parts is far less intimidating than building an entire PC from scratch, making the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i an excellent choice for those looking to start their journey into PC customization.
HP Omen 45L
Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11The HP Omen 45L combines powerful hardware with a spacious, upgrade-friendly case, making it ideal for gamers who want to future-proof their setup. See it at HPProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i7-14700K – Intel Core i9-14900KGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti – RTX 4090RAM16GB DDR5 – 64GB DDR5Storage512GB – 2TB SSD (System); 1TB – 2TB 7200 rpm hard disk (Secondary)Weight49.82 poundsSize8.03 x 18.5 x 21.85 inches (W x D x H)PROSGreat cooling systemOne of the best cases in a pre-built gaming PCsCONSIt is VERY heavy. Team lifting definitely recommended.The HP Omen 45L stands out with its spacious case, allowing for easy upgrades and even custom water cooling loops. Even the entry-level model is a solid choice, as you can easily upgrade the SSD and graphics card later. Starting at $2060 before discounts, the HP Omen 45L is a premium PC that offers a robust cooling system and one of the best cases for a pre-built gaming PC.
The high initial cost is justified by the longevity and upgradeability of the case. It's a premium investment that will serve you well over the years, much like my own Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh case, which I've been upgrading for over five years.
iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers an affordable entry into PC gaming, with a focus on performance and future upgrades. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i7-14700FGPUNvidia RTX 4060 TiRAM32GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB SSDWeight35 poundsSize19.3" x 8.66" x 18.9"PROSReady to run games in 1080p at high frame ratesIncludes mouse and keyboardCONSNot good for 4K gamingThe iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers, featuring a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia's RTX 4060 Ti. This combination delivers solid performance at 1080p and can handle non-ray-traced games at 1440p. It's also suitable for game streaming, thanks to 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM.
While not as powerful as high-end options, its roomy case and mesh panels ensure good airflow and cooling. Upgrading components is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their setup over time. The inclusion of a gaming keyboard and mouse adds value, making it 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)- $1,527.49Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.994. Alienware Aurora R16
Best High-End Gaming PC
### Alienware Aurora R16
5The Alienware Aurora R16 offers top-tier performance and cooling, making it ideal for gamers who want the best of the best. See it at DellProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i9-14900KFGPUNvidia RTX 4080 SuperRAM32GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage2TB PCIe NVMe SSDWeight33.9 poundsSize16.46" x 7.75" x 18.05"PROSWildly powerful processorsMultitasking mavenCONSMore mainstream designThe Alienware Aurora R16 is perfect for those with a substantial budget looking for the latest hardware. With an Intel Core i9-14900KF and an RTX 4080 Super, this PC can handle high frame rates at 4K and multitask with ease. The case prioritizes airflow and cooling, maintaining quiet operation even under load. With 32GB of DDR5 memory and 2TB of NVMe storage, the Aurora R16 is ready for any gaming or productivity task.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2The Asus ROG NUC is an impressive mini gaming PC, delivering solid performance in a compact package. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPU Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile)RAM 16GB – 32GB DDR5Storage512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDWeight5.73 poundsSize10.62 x 7.09 x 2.36 inches (W x D x H)PROSThe same size as a cable boxSolid 1080p gaming performanceCONSUses mobile-class hardwareThe Asus ROG NUC is a compact gaming solution that compromises on size but not on performance. Equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9, it's capable of running most games at 1080p with ease. Its small size makes it ideal for a home theater setup, doubling as a media center and gaming PC. While it might struggle at higher resolutions, its performance at 1080p is commendable, making it a versatile choice for gamers looking to save space.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Choosing a pre-built gaming PC can save you time and hassle, and this holds true worldwide. Many of the options listed here are available for purchase and can be shipped to the UK. For example, Newegg offers several excellent pre-builds that can be shipped from the US to the UK at reasonable costs.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at NeweggHow to Choose a Gaming PC
Pre-built gaming PCs are a convenient and often cost-effective way to get started with gaming. They come with all the hardware you need and save you the time and effort of sourcing and assembling components yourself. When choosing a pre-built, prioritize the graphics card that suits your display's resolution. For 1080p gaming, an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is more than sufficient.
A mid-range processor like an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 with at least four cores is enough for most modern games. Be mindful of system memory and storage, as these can be upgraded later if you start with smaller capacities.
If you're comfortable with more customization, consider barebones systems, which come with essential hardware but without storage, memory, or an operating system. Boutique builders like Origin, Maingear, and DigitalStorm offer tailored builds, allowing you to choose specific components. Services like NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder let you select games and budget, providing configurations tailored to your needs.
Pre-built PCs often come with convenient features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making them user-friendly and enhancing your gaming experience.
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 value and longevity than even the best gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and tend to last longer before becoming obsolete. For more information, see our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
When buying a pre-built desktop, consider how easy it will be to upgrade later. Most manufacturers now avoid proprietary parts, using standard sizes like Mini ITX or Micro ATX. The best gaming PCs allow easy upgrades of CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage with minimal tools, often featuring tool-less designs for even easier modifications.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While gaming PCs and consoles share similarities, PCs generally offer more advantages. Consoles are easier to use and more affordable, but PCs provide a larger gaming library, better peripherals, and superior upgradeability and performance. For more details, see our comparison of gaming PCs vs. consoles.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, it's possible to find a good gaming PC under $1,000, though you'll need to adjust your expectations. Budget PCs may not handle the most demanding games at high settings, but they can still run many popular titles at 1080p or 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, but it requires knowledge and research. If you're not particular about your build or prefer a hassle-free experience, a pre-built PC offers convenience and professional assembly with a warranty. After securing your gaming PC, don't forget to enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate gaming experience.
