In the world of gaming, the quest for the ultimate gaming experience often leads enthusiasts to build their own custom gaming rigs, carefully selecting every component to achieve the perfect balance of power, performance, and aesthetics. However, there's an alternative that's gaining momentum in recent years and is capturing the attention of both seasoned gamers and newcomers to the gaming world - prebuilt gaming PCs.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of considering prebuilt gaming PCs, particularly when budget constraints are a concern. We'll delve into the realm of affordability and value for money, focusing on the best prebuilt gaming PC options available for under $800. While building a custom PC has its allure, the convenience, affordability, and performance of prebuilt gaming PCs may surprise you and ultimately change your perspective on gaming setups.
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As an expert in repairing and selling gaming computers, I will introduce to you 6 best gaming PCs under $800 that I have built for my customers.
I recently had the opportunity to evaluate the Skytech Gaming Archangel Gaming PC Desktop, and I was quite impressed with its overall performance and features.
The combination of an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU is a winning one. It handled all the games I tested with ease, providing smooth gameplay at ultra settings and 1080p Full HD resolution. Titles like Call of Duty Warzone, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto V ran flawlessly with frame rates consistently exceeding 60 FPS. This PC's gaming performance is indeed impressive.
The inclusion of a 500GB NVME SSD is a significant advantage. It not only ensures rapid load times but also improves overall system responsiveness. Compared to traditional HDDs, the difference is quite noticeable.
While the 8GB of DDR4 RAM is sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks, power users or those running memory-intensive applications might consider upgrading to 16GB for smoother multitasking.
The system offers a variety of USB ports, including the newer 3.2 Gen1 ports, as well as multiple video output options. The inclusion of 802.11 AC Wi-Fi ensures convenient wireless internet access.
The free gaming keyboard and mouse are a nice touch, making this package a complete gaming setup right out of the box.
The four RGB RING fans and the stylish Skytech Archangel Gaming Case with tempered glass not only provide efficient cooling but also enhance the PC's aesthetics.
The 1-year warranty on parts and labor, along with lifetime free technical support, is reassuring and adds to the overall value of this gaming PC.
Advantages
Powerful Performance
Included Accessories
Assembled in the USA with Warranty
Disadvantages
Limited RAM: Comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM, which might be considered on the lower side for some demanding applications and games.
I recently had the opportunity to test and evaluate the Periphio Phantom Gaming Computer, and I must say, it offers an impressive mix of performance and value. Here's a breakdown of my thoughts:
The Intel Core i7 Quad-Core processor, running at 3.3GHz, delivers solid performance for gaming and multitasking. Paired with 16GB of new Periphio DDR3 RAM, this PC can handle demanding applications and provide a smooth gaming experience. The GTX 1660 Ti graphics card is a notable highlight, offering great visuals and gameplay.
The combination of a 500GB SSD and a 1TB HDD strikes a good balance. The SSD ensures fast load times and responsiveness for the OS and frequently used applications, while the HDD provides ample storage for games and files. It's a sensible configuration for most users.
The inclusion of genuine Windows 10 Home 64-bit is a plus, as it's a familiar and reliable choice for gamers. It simplifies the setup process and ensures compatibility with a wide range of games and software.
The PC offers a decent selection of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and a variety of USB ports for peripherals. The inclusion of an RJ-45 Ethernet port and AC650 dual-band Wi-Fi ensures reliable network connectivity.
The standout feature of the Periphio Phantom Gaming Computer is the balance it strikes between cost and performance. The use of a repurposed motherboard helps keep the price down, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who don't want to compromise on performance.
The Periphio Phantom Gaming Computer offers a compelling package for gamers looking to maximize their spending power. It's a cost-effective solution that doesn't skimp on performance, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable gaming PC on a budget.
While this computer may not have the latest and greatest components, it provides a well-rounded gaming experience without breaking the bank. It's a great option for gamers and multitaskers looking for excellent value in a pre-built system.
Advantages
Cost-Effective Performance
Powerful Graphics
Configured for Performance
Disadvantages
DDR3 RAM: The use of DDR3 RAM might be considered a drawback, as newer systems often utilize DDR4 for better performance.
The iBUYPOWER SlateMR 2150V2 is a gaming desktop that aims to provide a budget-friendly option for gamers and general users. It comes with a set of features and components that make it an interesting choice for those looking for a pre-built gaming PC.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB of VRAM is a mid-range graphics card, suitable for casual and mid-level gaming. It may not handle the latest AAA titles at high settings, but it should suffice for older games and less demanding titles.
The 8GB DDR4 RAM is somewhat limited and may cause performance bottlenecks in more memory-intensive applications or games. Upgrading the RAM to 16GB or higher is recommended for smoother multitasking and gaming performance.
The 500GB NVMe SSD is a good choice for fast data access and boot times. It allows for quick system startup and reduced loading times in games.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi and multiple USB 3.1 ports provides convenience for connecting peripherals and accessing the internet.
The Tempered Glass RGB Gaming Case and 16 Color RGB Lighting Case add a visually appealing and customizable design, making it attractive for gamers who want a unique look.
The 1-year Parts and Labor warranty with Free Lifetime US Tech Support is reassuring for potential buyers. It offers peace of mind and assistance in case of any issues.
Advantages
Solid Gaming Performance
Wireless Connectivity
Included Accessories
Disadvantages
Mid-Range Graphics
The NSX GAMING Desktop PC with the Ryzen 5 5500 processor appears to be a promising gaming desktop with several noteworthy features.
The use of the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor is a significant highlight, indicating that this PC is capable of delivering an impressive VR experience. For gamers who are interested in virtual reality, having a powerful CPU is crucial, and this processor is likely to meet those demands.
The PC is advertised as being capable of running a wide variety of popular games, from first-person shooters like Call of Duty Warzone to open-world titles like Grand Theft Auto V and multiplayer online games such as Valorant and League of Legends. This is a positive sign for gamers seeking versatility in their gaming machine.
The inclusion of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card is a strong selling point. It provides the necessary graphics performance for running modern games, and the mention of RTX architecture suggests it can handle ray tracing for improved visual quality.
Windows 11 offers a modern and user-friendly interface, and features like snap layouts and widgets can enhance the overall user experience.
The availability of HDMI and Display Port, along with additional USB ports, provides the flexibility needed for connecting various peripherals, monitors, and accessories.
Product includes keyboard and mouse, you do not need to purchase additional accessories.
Advantages
VR-Ready: AMD's VR Ready Premium processors ensure a seamless virtual reality gaming experience for users.
Wide Game Compatibility
Versatile Connectivity
Disadvantages
Limited Storage
The MXZ Gaming PC, featuring an Intel Core i5-12400F processor and an Nvidia RTX 2060 Super, offers an enticing blend of performance and value for gamers and content creators.
The 12th Gen Core i5-12400F is a commendable choice, with 6 cores and 12 threads, providing ample processing power for a wide range of applications. Combined with the RTX 2060 Super, which boasts 8GB of VRAM, the system can handle popular games and demanding tasks with ease. It's well-equipped for titles like Grand Theft Auto V, Apex Legends, and more.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 500GB NVME M.2 SSD, the MXZ Gaming PC strikes a good balance between smooth multitasking and speedy data access. The RAM capacity should suffice for most gaming scenarios, while the SSD ensures rapid loading times.
The H610M S2 motherboard is suitable for this configuration, and the 550W 80+ power supply is sufficient to power the components effectively.
The system offers a healthy array of USB ports for peripherals and a network Ethernet port for online gaming. The 7.1 channel audio support enhances the overall gaming experience, providing immersive sound.
The inclusion of a PCI-E WiFi card is a thoughtful addition for those who require wireless connectivity. The transparent side panel and the presence of six RGB fans not only improve airflow but also contribute to an attractive, customizable lighting setup.
Advantages
High-Quality Graphics
Fast and Responsive Storage
Enhanced Cooling and Aesthetics
Disadvantages
Power Supply Wattage: The 550W power supply might be cutting it close for some users, especially if they plan to upgrade or overclock components in the future.
The combination of an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card is a powerhouse. Whether you're into gaming, content creation, or demanding tasks like video editing, this PC has the horsepower to handle it. I found it to be well-optimized for high frame rates in games, even on high or ultra settings.
With 32GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, multitasking is a breeze. I could run multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown. The 1TB NVMe SSD not only offers blazing fast boot times but also ensures that your applications and games load swiftly. Plus, the option to expand storage is a nice touch.
The built-in RGB lighting system adds a stylish and customizable touch to your setup. With a button on the case for control, you can match the lighting to your preference or gaming ambiance. It's a nice feature that makes the PC stand out.
One notable aspect is that every ViprTech PC is hand-built in the USA and rigorously stress-tested before shipping. This speaks to the quality and reliability of the system. The inclusion of a free 1-year warranty provides peace of mind for any potential issues that might arise.
Advantages
Eye-Catching RGB Lighting
Powerful Performance
Ample Memory and Storage
Disadvantages
Dependence on RGB Control Button: The RGB lighting control being reliant on a button on the case may limit customization options compared to software-based controls.
To choose the right graphics card for a gaming PC under $800, consider mid-range options like AMD Radeon RX 6600 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660.
Recommended CPUs for a gaming PC under $800 are AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processors.
The ideal amount of RAM for gaming on a budget PC is 16GB; it offers a good balance between cost and performance.
Yes, in budget gaming PCs, ensure good airflow by selecting cases with proper ventilation and consider additional case fans.
When comparing prebuilt gaming PCs under $800, look at the graphics card, CPU, RAM, storage, and user reviews to find the best value for your budget.