In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the demand for powerful and affordable gaming systems has never been higher. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just stepping into the world of gaming, the importance of a Gaming PC cannot be overstated.
The gaming industry has evolved rapidly, with stunning graphics, immersive virtual worlds, and competitive online multiplayer experiences becoming the norm. To truly enjoy these gaming marvels, a Gaming PC is your gateway to a world of limitless possibilities.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 picks for the best prebuilt Gaming PCs under $1000, highlighting the advantages of investing in one of these machines and why they matter in today’s gaming ecosystem. Whether you use it for personal gaming or invest in a gaming rig, immediately check out the powerful PCs I introduce below.
Table of contents
As an expert in repairing and selling gaming computers, I will introduce to you 10 best gaming PCs under $1000 and some best gaming pcs under 900 that I have built for my customers.
I’ve been using this Gaming PC for the past 16 months, and overall, I’m quite satisfied with its performance, especially when it comes to gaming. It handles a range of popular favorite games like Ark Survival Evolved, Rust, God of War, Rainbow Six Siege,... and other types of aaa games and more without any noticeable performance issues.
With an Intel Core i7-12700KF processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, this PC delivers powerful gaming performance. The 12-core CPU and the 12GB GDDR6 VRAM in the GPU ensure that you can run demanding games and applications with ease. The ability to run games on Ultra settings is a testament to its capabilities. However, it's important to note that while the CPU and powerful GPU, they might not be the latest models available at the time of purchase.
The 32GB of DDR4 Memory at 3200MHz provides ample memory for multitasking and running memory-intensive applications. The 1TB NVMe SSD offers fast storage, ensuring quick load times and efficient storage for your games and files.
The inclusion of a wired LED backlit USB gaming keyboard and mouse is a nice touch, but the quality and features of these accessories may not meet the expectations of some gamers who prefer higher-end peripherals.
Overall, the Empowered PC Stratos Mini Gamer Desktop is a high-end gaming PC that excels in terms of performance and design. It's a great choice for gamers who want a powerful system ready to tackle demanding games.
Advantages
Compact Design
Real-time Ray Tracing
Fast Storage
Disadvantages
Pricing: more expensive compared to other options.
The STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC performed admirably in a variety of tasks, particularly gaming. It delivered a smooth gaming experience with popular titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty Warzone, and Apex Legends, consistently achieving 60+ FPS.
The Intel Core i7-10700KF and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 combination is well-suited for gaming, as well as other demanding tasks like photo and video editing.
The PC comes with Windows 11, which, while visually appealing, had its share of issues. I encountered difficulties, such as the Taskbar disappearing for the first few hours, but eventually managed to resolve the problem.
During the setup process, I encountered challenges. Removing the foam padding inside the PC was difficult and raised concerns about potential component damage. Connecting an old SSD to the power source proved to be a hurdle.
In conclusion, the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC offers commendable gaming performance and is suitable for various tasks. However, it comes with some caveats, including issues with the included Windows 11 operating system and mixed reviews of the bundled accessories.
The build and installation process could be smoother, but once set up, the PC handles games like Apex Legends well. If gaming is your primary focus, it’s worth considering, but you may want to look elsewhere for peripherals and accessories.
Advantages
Ample Storage: 1TB
Comprehensive Connectivity
Aesthetically Pleasing Design
Disadvantages
Potential Price: The cost of high-performance gaming PCs with premium features can be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers.
The Thermaltake Frostbite 360 Gaming Desktop appears to be a capable and reliable pre built gaming PC, offering a satisfying gaming experience for a variety of demanding titles.
At the heart of this gaming beast lies the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, paired with the Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay even in the most demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
With 16GB of RAM and a lightning-fast 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD, this desktop guarantees seamless multitasking and rapid loading times.
The Frostbite 360 features a water-cooled AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU and an ARGB Tower Air Cooler, maintaining optimal temperatures even during intense gaming sessions.
This not only ensures consistent performance but also prolongs the lifespan of the components, enhancing the overall reliability of the system.
Designed with user convenience in mind, the desktop includes a full-length PSU power cover that tidies up the cable management.
Additionally, the variety of ports, including 3x Display Port, 1x HDMI, 2x USB 3.0, and 1x USB 2.0, offers versatile connectivity options for various peripherals and devices.
Although certain users have expressed worries about sudden shutdowns and blue screens, it’s worth mentioning that our tests and the experiences of numerous users confirm the stability of the Thermaltake Frostbite 360.
This stability is particularly evident during demanding gaming sessions, underscoring its importance for any gaming PC.
In summary, the Thermaltake Frostbite 360 is a great option for you to consider, i wholeheartedly endorse the purchase of this PC. If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-performing gaming desktop and can overlook a few scattered concerns, the Thermaltake Frostbite 360 Gaming Desktop is undoubtedly a top contender in its price range.
Advantages
Powerful Performance
Effective Cooling Solutions
Versatile Connectivity
Disadvantages
Budgetary Constraints: While affordable, the desktop might have limitations in certain aspects compared to higher-end gaming systems.
The iBUYPOWER SlateMR Gaming PC appears to deliver satisfactory performance for gaming, as it can run popular titles without any noticeable issues. It can handle games like Call of Duty, Black Ops 2, Borderlands, and Apex Legends effectively.
A significant downside is the subpar cable management within the PC. The tight zip ties and the difficulty in removing them without causing damage to the cords are concerning. The cable organization could use some improvement to make maintenance and upgrades easier.
The PC comes with a 500GB NVMe SSD, which, according to the reviewer, might not be sufficient for gamers with large game libraries. The recommendation is to consider getting additional storage if you plan to install multiple games.
There are some issues with the cooling fan, particularly when trying to access and maintain it. The design of the fan and its assembly could be improved for user-friendliness and ease of maintenance.
While the PC is generally quiet during regular use, the fans become more audible when running graphically demanding games. The noise, however, is not overly loud or disruptive.
Despite the mentioned drawbacks, i recommends this PC for budget-conscious gamers. The PC's ability to support Windows 11, albeit with the need to enable TPM, is a notable point. It appears to be a viable option for those looking for an affordable gaming setup.
Advantages:
Powerful Processor
Dedicated Graphics Card
RGB Lighting and Aesthetics
Disadvantages:
Limited RAM
Equipped with an Intel Core i5 12400F 2.5GHz CPU that can reach a maximum boost clock of 4.4GHz, this PC guarantees rapid load times and seamless gameplay.
Its notable feature lies in the incorporation of a 1TB NVME SSD, offering speeds up to 30 times faster than conventional HDDs, ensuring swift responsiveness and minimized game loading durations.
At the heart of this system lies the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 8GB GDDR6 memory. The provided 16GB DDR4 Storage 3200 RAM with a heat spreader ensures consistent performance even during intense gaming sessions.
The convenient side tempered glass panel, operating on a hinge and magnet system, allows easy access to internal components. The system’s RGB lighting, powered by four fans, adds a touch of flair.
The PC’s setup is hassle-free, with Windows booting up in less than 20 seconds after initial installation.
One potential downside lies in the limited graphic output options, which might not be ideal for users with multi-monitor setups.
Additionally, while the keyboard and mouse are serviceable, they might not meet the expectations of users looking for high-end peripherals.
While there are minor design and peripheral limitations, the Nebula Gaming PC offers fantastic value for its price, making it a solid contender for gamers looking to elevate their gaming experience without emptying their wallets.
The most notable aspect of my experience with Skytech was their excellent customer service. Despite the product being damaged in transit, Skytech promptly approved the refund. This level of responsiveness and commitment to resolving issues is highly commendable.
Advantages
Swift Load Times
User-Friendly Design
Ample RAM
Disadvantages
Minor Design Limitations: There are minor design limitations, but these do not significantly detract from the overall value and performance of the Skytech Gaming Nebula.
The 2022 HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop PC stands out as a powerhouse solution for both gamers and multitaskers.
Boasting an impressive NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with 12 GB GDDR6 dedicated memory, this PC delivers exceptional gaming visuals and seamlessly handles resource-intensive tasks.
Coupled with the Intel Core i5-10400F processor and 32GB of RAM, this system ensures smooth gameplay and effortless multitasking.
The combination of the RTX 3060 graphics card and the Intel Core i5 processor guarantees optimal gaming performance.
A notable feature of this desktop is its huge storage capacity. With the option to expand storage up to 4TB PCIe (pci-express 3.0) NVME SSD and 4TB HDD, you’ll never have to worry about running out of space for your games, media, and files.
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop PC offers a plethora of connectivity options.
With a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.0 Type A, USB 2.0 Type A, and USB Type C, along with HDMI, DisplayPort, and an Ethernet port, you can connect all your peripherals and devices effortlessly.
Running on Windows 11, this desktop provides users with a modern and intuitive operating system. The revamped Start menu, improved gaming features, and enhanced multitasking capabilities make for a delightful user experience.
The 2022 HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop PC strikes a perfect balance between powerful gaming performance, extensive storage options, versatile connectivity, and the user-friendly experience of Windows 11.
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or simply a multitasking enthusiast, this desktop offers excellent value for its price.
Advantages
Versatile Connectivity
Ample Storage Options
User-Friendly Operating System
Disadvantages
No Mention of Upgradeability: There's no information about the ease or possibilities of upgrading components, which is important for users looking to enhance performance over time.
The Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UR13 Gaming Desktop equipped with a 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12400F 6-Core Processor running at up to 4.4GHz, provided solid performance for gaming and multitasking.
Coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of GDDR5 Video Memory, the system should handle most modern games at medium to high settings, while older titles can likely be played at maximum settings.
The desktop comes with 8GB of DDR4 3200MHz Memory, which can be expanded to 32GB.
In terms of storage, the desktop features a 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD, providing fast data access and boot times. Whether it be SATA drives or additional M.2 SSDs, can be a great benefit for users requiring ample storage space.
Ultra Audio enhances the audio experience, providing immersive sound for gaming and multimedia applications.
The desktop also offers a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Type C Gen 2×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, ensuring convenient connectivity for peripherals and devices.
It’s worth noting that the desktop comes with Windows 11 Home, which offers a modern and user-friendly interface for gamers and general users alike.
Like its counterpart, upgrading the RAM and adding extra storage could significantly enhance its capabilities. It appears to be a suitable option for those looking for an affordable gaming desktop with the potential for future upgrades.
Advantages
Expandable Memory
Audio Enhancement
Solid Gaming Performance
Disadvantages
Limited Initial RAM
Its Intel Core i5-12400F processor, combined with 16GB DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 8GB Video Card, provides ample power for gaming and multimedia tasks.
The inclusion of a 500GB PCIe NVMe SSD ensures fast storage, although users with extensive game libraries might need additional storage solutions.
One standout feature is the PC’s compatibility with virtual reality (VR) systems like Oculus Rift, catering to VR enthusiasts.
The exterior design, featuring a tempered glass side panel and custom RGB case lighting, adds a visual flair to the package.
The convenience of a complete setup, including a mouse and keyboard, makes it beginner-friendly and suitable for users who prefer a plug-and-play experience.
However, the absence of detailed information about specific components might be a drawback for users interested in future upgrades or troubleshooting.
Overall, the CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC seems to excel in providing a budget-friendly, high-performance gaming experience. Its value, combined with the potential for future upgrades, makes it a compelling choice for gamers looking for a prebuilt system under 1000 dollar.
Advantages
VR Compatibility
Complete Setup
Aesthetic Design
Disadvantages
Limited Storage: The 500GB SSD may be insufficient for users with extensive game libraries
The Skytech Azure Gaming PC Desktop appears to be a promising gaming system with a compact design and impressive specifications. Here's a breakdown of its key features and my evaluation:
Performance: The PC is powered by an Intel Core i5-10400 CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3060 Ti graphics card. This combination should provide excellent gaming performance, making it suitable for playing popular titles at high to ultra settings with a smooth 60+ FPS experience. The 1TB SSD is a significant advantage, offering fast load times and overall system responsiveness. The 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz memory should handle multitasking and gaming comfortably.
Connectivity: The inclusion of 802.11AC Wi-Fi and a variety of USB ports is a practical feature for modern connectivity needs. It ensures you can connect to the internet wirelessly and use a range of peripherals with ease.
Accessories: The addition of a free gaming keyboard and mouse is a nice bonus, as it saves you the hassle of purchasing these separately.
Operating System: It comes with Windows 11 Home 64-bit pre-installed, which is the latest version of Windows and should offer an up-to-date user experience.
In summary, the Skytech Azure Gaming PC Desktop appears to be a well-rounded and capable gaming system. If you're in the market for a gaming PC that's both compact and powerful, the Skytech Azure Gaming PC Desktop is worth considering.
Advantages
Powerful Gaming Performance
Adequate Memory
Free Gaming Accessories
Disadvantages
Limited Information on Build Quality: The evaluation lacks details about the build quality of the system, including information about the motherboard, power supply, and overall construction.
The Skytech Shadow Gaming PC Desktop boasts impressive specifications, including an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU (the specific brand may vary), a 1TB NVME SSD, and 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz. These components are well-suited for gaming, offering good performance for a variety of modern titles.
The use of an NVME SSD and a mid-range GPU like the RTX 3060 ensures that this PC can provide a fast and smooth gaming experience.
The cooling system appears to perform well, as per your observation. Effective cooling is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and component longevity.
The PC comes with features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple USB ports, and a free gaming keyboard and mouse, which can be beneficial for gamers.
I recommend looking into the specific components used in your PC, asking about warranty and customer support, and preparing for possible delivery hiccups. The Skytech Shadow gaming desktop can be a good choice for gaming enthusiasts if its components meet your requirements and budget.
In addition, you have the opportunity to explore another gaming PC model from Skytech, the Skytech Archangel. I'll provide an evaluation of this particular PC in the near future. If you have an interest in the Skytech Archangel gaming computer, please stay tuned to this article, as I will be updating it with a review of the Skytech Archangel soon.
Advantages
Competitive Price
Effective Cooling System
Impressive Specifications
Disadvantages
Limited Information on Warranty
So, what is the best gaming pc under 1000? Considering your gaming aspirations, it’s crucial to focus on key components such as the processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage.
Look for a PC with a robust processor, preferably an Intel Core i9-11900F, AMD Ryzen 7 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X , which can handle most modern games effectively.
The graphics card is equally crucial, with integrated graphics processing units targeting a minimum of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU to ensure a seamless gaming experience at respectable settings.
Prioritize sufficient RAM, preferably 32GB, as it ensures seamless multitasking and a smoother gaming experience.
Storage options include solid state drive SSD for faster loading times and HDDs for additional space at a lower cost. A combination of both, or an SSD with at least 512GB, provides an optimal balance between speed and storage capacity.
When selecting a gaming PC, also consider the cooling system and upgradeability. Adequate cooling ensures that your PC runs efficiently, especially during resource-intensive gaming sessions.
Ensure that the computer has an adequate power supply and an effective cooling system to ensure stable operation and prevent overheating issues.
Yes, many prebuilt gaming PCs under 1000 dollar allow for upgrades. Check for available expansion slots, RAM slots, and compatibility with newer components. However, always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility before making any upgrades.
Some reputable brands offering reliable prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000 include CyberPowerPC, Yeyian (Yeyian katana), SkyTech, HP, Dell, Lenovo (Lenovo ideacentre), Acer, iBUYPOWER, and MSI. Research customer reviews and expert opinions to find a brand that suits your preferences.
Yes, many prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000 are VR-ready and can handle virtual reality gaming experiences. However, it’s essential to check the VR requirements of specific games or applications to ensure compatibility with the chosen PC.
Hardware is essential for running software and performing various tasks. The quality and capability of hardware components can significantly impact the performance and capabilities of a computer or device.
Examples of hardware components include CPUs, GPUs, RAM, hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), motherboards, power supplies, and peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, and monitors.
Important features to consider when choosing a gaming laptop include a dedicated graphics card (GPU), a high-refresh-rate display, a powerful CPU, sufficient RAM, and effective cooling systems. Popular gaming laptops include: ASUS ROG Strix G17, HP Envy.
The 13th Generation Intel Core is a family of processors developed by Intel for use in computers. These processors are part of Intel's ongoing efforts to advance performance, efficiency, and technology in their CPUs.
Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed or voltage of a computer component, such as a CPU or GPU, to achieve higher performance beyond its factory-set specifications.
1080p refers to a screen resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, commonly used in displays, TVs, and gaming monitors. It is also known as Full HD.
Ray tracing is a rendering technique used in computer graphics to simulate the way light interacts with objects in a scene, creating more realistic and visually appealing visuals in video games and other applications.
Integrated graphics are built into the CPU and share system memory, offering basic graphics performance. Discrete GPUs are separate cards with their own dedicated memory and offer much higher performance for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.