If building your own gaming rig feels like too much effort or simply isn't on your priority list, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs is a smart choice. While you might miss the thrill of assembling your PC from scratch, the time saved on 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. Today's pre-built PCs are robust, capable of handling intense gaming sessions with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. These systems can be more cost-effective, especially with the rising prices of top-tier components. Brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP offer reliable options that are also easy to upgrade down the line, such as our favorite, 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 picking up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Consider the types of games you play and your preferred settings, as best budget gaming PCs won't run Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Ensuring compatibility among processors, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware is crucial to avoid bottlenecks. Fortunately, many manufacturers simplify this process for you.
Keep in mind that Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have launched following their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't reviewed prebuilts with these GPUs yet, expect updated versions of the PCs listed here to include these new graphics cards soon. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly PC for indie games, a compact option for small spaces, or a high-end rig for 4K gaming, our selection of five pre-built gaming PCs caters to all needs. Click here to explore these options 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 powerful hardware and 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 price - Easy to upgradeCons
- Ships with basic memory and motherboardPre-built gaming PCs used to be plagued by proprietary hardware, limiting upgrades. However, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i breaks this mold with its standard, industry-compatible components. My review of the Legion Tower 7i highlighted its straightforward mid-tower case, which simplifies maintenance and upgrades. While it may come with basic memory and motherboard, these can be easily replaced with better components as needed.
This PC not only excels in gaming performance but also serves as an excellent starting point for customizing your system. Upgrading individual parts is far less daunting than building from scratch, making the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i an ideal entry-level pre-built PC. Its competitive price point also makes it an attractive option compared to similarly specced systems from HP or Alienware.
2. HP Omen 45L
--------------Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11Effortlessly handle any task and game with an Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, and 16GB RAM, all kept cool 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
- Excellent cooling system - One of the best cases in pre-built gaming PCsCons
- Very heavy; team lifting recommendedPre-built gaming PCs often came with proprietary cases, making upgrades challenging. However, HP has transformed its Omen line, and the HP Omen 45L is a testament to this change. Its spacious design supports custom water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090, making it an excellent choice for upgradability.
Even the entry-level model, equipped with a 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti, is easy to upgrade. Starting at $2060 before discounts, the Omen 45L offers robust performance with an Intel Core i7-14700K, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. For those looking for a premium gaming experience and a case that lasts, the HP Omen 45L is worth the investment.
3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
----------------------------------------Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8A cost-effective gaming PC with processors ready for 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 keyboardCons
- Not suitable for 4K gamingThe iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that budget-friendly doesn't mean underpowered. With a 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Ti, it handles 1080p gaming with ease. It's also suitable for 1440p gaming without ray tracing, making it versatile for various gaming needs.
For those interested in game streaming, the 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking. The 1TB SSD provides fast load times, and the roomy case with mesh panels and ARGB fans ensures efficient cooling. While not as powerful as premium options, its upgradability and included peripherals make it a great value under $1,500.
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
5Experience top-tier performance with powerful processors, efficient cooling, and 32GB RAM, perfect for 4K gaming. 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
- Highly powerful processors - Excellent for multitaskingCons
- More mainstream designFor those with a substantial budget, the Alienware Aurora R16 offers cutting-edge hardware. Its boxy design and RGB lighting maintain Alienware's flair, while optimal airflow and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler ensure quiet, efficient performance. The Intel Core i9-14900KF and RTX 4080 Super provide ample power for 4K gaming and video encoding, supported by 32GB of DDR5 memory and 2TB of high-speed SSD storage.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
---------------Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2Compact yet powerful, the Asus ROG NUC features 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
- Compact size like a cable box - Solid 1080p gaming performanceCons
- Uses mobile-class hardwareChoosing a mini gaming PC involves compromise, but the Asus ROG NUC stands out. Its small size, similar to a cable box, is powered by a mobile-class RTX 4070 and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. This setup delivers impressive 1080p gaming performance, making it ideal for a home theater PC that doubles as a gaming machine.
While it may struggle at higher resolutions, its compact design and ability to handle most games at max settings at 1080p make it a versatile choice. It's a perfect companion for a 4K TV, offering instant access to media and gaming capabilities, though performance may be similar to some gaming laptops.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
-----------------------------------------Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, and this applies globally. Many options on our list are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers shipping from the US, with low costs for both shipping and the PCs themselves.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
-------------------------Pre-built PCs are a reliable and cost-effective way to enter the gaming world. When purchasing, you get not only the hardware but also the time saved from assembling and troubleshooting. Prioritize your graphics card based on your display's resolution; an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti suffices for 1080p gaming.
For most modern games, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 with at least four cores is sufficient. Consider starting with minimal storage and RAM, as these can be upgraded later at a lower cost. If you prefer more control over your build, boutique PC builders like Origin or Maingear allow you to customize your system.
For a simpler approach, NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder services let you select games and desired performance levels, providing tailored configurations within your budget. Pre-built PCs often come with overclocking and system monitoring software, enhancing your gaming experience.
Gaming PC FAQ
-------------Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need a portable solution, a gaming PC generally outperforms gaming laptops. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and last longer before becoming outdated. For more details, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Upgradability is crucial when buying a pre-built desktop. Most manufacturers now use standard components, making it easier to swap out CPUs, GPUs, RAM, and storage. Tool-less designs and thumbscrews further simplify the process.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles are user-friendly and more affordable, gaming PCs offer a broader game library, better peripherals, and superior upgradeability and performance. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on 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 with less powerful hardware. These budget-friendly options can still handle many games at 1080p or even 1440p, though they may struggle with graphically intensive games at high settings.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own PC offers customization and potential cost savings, but requires knowledge and research. If you're not set on specific components, a pre-built PC offers convenience and professional assembly. For more on building vs. buying, consider your needs and comfort level with PC assembly.
After securing your gaming PC, enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate battle station.
