Skip the hassle of building your own rig, and instead opt for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs. Sure, you won’t get the satisfaction of building your PC from the ground up. But all that time you saved by not needing to research, wait for components to arrive, build your machine, and inevitably problem-solve when something goes awry can be spent playing the best PC games.
The half-baked pre-built systems of yesteryear are no more, cutting far fewer corners for a long-lasting gaming PC that can take on all the action. With the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors becoming pricier than ever, you may even save money by opting for something from Alienware, MSI, or HP. Plus, most options are easy enough to open up to upgrade components down the road, including our favorite gaming PC, the roomy HP OMEN 45L.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs
- HP Omen 45L – Best overall
- iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop – Best budget
- Alienware Aurora R16 – Best high-end
- MSI MPG Trident AS – Best mini
- MSI Vision Elite RS 14NUI9-679US – Best current-gen
Buying a gaming PC is a bit more involved than a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. So, you’ll need to determine the types of games you want to play and how you want to play them, as the best budget gaming PCs won’t be running Cyberpunk 2077 at the highest settings. Finding the proper processors, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware and ensuring all the components work well together can make or break the rig. Luckily, many manufacturers take care of some guesswork, so you don’t bottleneck the system.
Whether you're looking for something more affordable for the best indie games, want a compact option to save space in your studio apartment, or are after a top-tier rig to tackle the action in 4K, we’ve got you covered. One of the five pre-built gaming PCs we’ve selected will align perfectly with your needs – and click here to find them in the UK.
Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals happening right now.
1. HP Omen 45L
Best Gaming PC
For the longest time, the best gaming PCs were cursed with weird proprietary cases that required bespoke motherboards and power supplies that were nearly impossible to replace. HP used to be one of the biggest offenders here, but recently, its Omen gaming PCs have drastically changed how it makes its gaming towers. The HP Omen 45L isn't just my favorite gaming PC, but I've even built a complete custom PC in its case myself, and that's not something I'd even attempt in most prebuilt gaming PC chassis. It's a spacious gaming rig with a ton of space for upgrades, even able to support custom water cooling loops and giant graphics cards like the RTX 4090 without even beginning to worry about it bumping into anything important.
This makes the HP Omen 45L a gaming PC that I'd even recommend buying the entry-level model of, even if it comes with a paltry 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti. This is one of the easiest prebuilts to tinker with, and upgrading to a bigger SSD and a more beefy graphics card later down the line when you can afford it is going to be a breeze.
That being said, this is a premium gaming PC with a premium price, starting at $2060 before discounts (there are always discounts, don't worry). That price nets you an Intel Core i7-14700K, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. That config isn't bad, easily able to power through pretty much any AAA PC game without breaking a sweat, but you can get a comparable HP Victus build for $1369, albeit with a much worse chassis and being limited to the non-Ti RTX 4060.
It's a high sticker price, but it's absolutely worth it if you want a PC case that isn't complete trash. You'll be using the same case for years, building up war stories from upgrading your rig like any PC gamer that's built their own PC. My own PC case is a Cooler Master HAF 500P Mesh, and I've been maintaining and upgrading that PC for more than five years now. The HP Omen 45L Chassis is one of the only times I've thought about swapping PC cases, and that should tell you something.
2. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
Best Budget Gaming PC
Not all gaming PCs are either prohibitively expensive or lack power with dated hardware, and the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is proof. With it comes the latest 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor for speedy performance in everyday tasks and games. When paired with the best budget GPU, Nvidia’s RTX 4060 Ti, this rig has enough processing headroom to sail through games in 1080p at high frame rates. Looking to play in 1440p? It shouldn’t have a problem cruising through non-ray-traced titles like Total War: Warhammer 3.
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is even a viable option for those ready to dip their toes in game streaming, as its current-gen processors partner perfectly with the 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM. So, running Twitch along with a game shouldn’t slow things down too much. Storage isn’t forgotten either. A 1TB SSD is baked in for speedy app launches and saves.
Even if this gaming PC isn’t as powerful as some premium options, it still gets hot. Luckily, the case is roomy with mesh at the front and top panels for proper airflow and ventilation. Three ARGB fans at the front and one at the back aid in keeping things frosty. However, if more cooling is necessary, iBuyPower makes things relatively easy to upgrade. With Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series and 15th gen Intel Arrow Lake processors dropping sometime in the not-too-distant future, it’s nice to have the option to update hardware rather than starting from scratch. Just be sure the B760 D5 motherboard and 600-watt PSU can handle those newer components.
Given all that's on offer for less than $1,500, the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop is a great value. What helps elevate this budget gaming PC even further is the inclusion of a gaming keyboard and mouse with some flashy RGB lighting. These aren’t the best peripherals out there, but perfect for those just beginning their gaming journey.
3. Alienware Aurora R16
Best High-End Gaming PC
For those seeking the latest and greatest who also happen to have a healthy budget, this model of the Alienware Aurora R16 is packing some serious hardware. Rather than the futuristic look of the Aurora R15, Alienware steps slightly back to the mainstream with the boxy R16, though you still get plenty of RGB lighting. This case is designed for optimal airflow and fitted with powerful fans and a 240mm liquid CPU cooler while running whisper-quiet. And robust cooling is a must, given the beefy components inside this rig.
Running the show is an Intel Core i9-14900KF processor paired with RTX 4080 Super graphics – part of Nvidia’s mid-series refresh. Those processors provide plenty of muscle to handle whatever kind of PC games thrown their way. Whether you’re targeting high framerates at 4K or encoding videos in mere minutes, this rig is ready. It doesn’t stop there, as the Alienware Aurora R16 is fitted with 32GB of DDR5 memory running at 5,600 MHz, so it’s a multitasking maven. Plus, the wild 2TB of high-speed NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD storarge makes for lightning-fast game loads.
4. MSI MPG Trident AS
Best Mini Gaming PC
If you want to get gaming but are short on space, grabbing one of the best mini PCs for gaming, the MSI MPG Trident AS, is the way to go. Measuring just 5.40 x 15.61 x 16.16 inches and weighing under 13 pounds, this compact PC fits on almost any gaming desk. But just because it’s compact doesn’t mean it’s lacking power. So, it’s ready to take on all the best game deals you scored with its 14th-gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with RTX 4060 Ti graphics. That’s plenty of oomph to take on games at moderate settings. Add in the 16GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD, and you’re all but guaranteed to have games run smoothly and load quickly.
This mini PC packs some powerful hardware in a smaller-than-usual form factor, making cooling a top priority. MSI has special tech that utilizes independent air chambers to dissipate heat to different components, though things may get noisy. Beyond the compact size, the case looks sleek with some touches of RGB lighting, including an RGB fan, while the I/O is rich with ports to connect all the best gaming accessories. However, it already comes with a mouse and keyboard, adding to its value.
5. MSI Vision Elite RS 14NUI9-679US
Best Current Gen Gaming PC
From the stunning case to the beastly components housed within, the MSI Vision Elite RS 14NUI9-679US is the perfect PC to tackle even the most demanding games in 4K at high frame rates – once you get past the eye-watering price tag. The latest 14th-generation Intel Core i9 processor provides class-leading single-threaded and multi-threaded performance alongside a high boost clock for even better performance. Paired with an RTX 4090 graphics card, it’ll cruise through AAA games at speedy FPS in 4K with ray tracing.
That’s just the start of what’s on offer, as a hefty 64GB of DDR5 memory and a healthy 2TB of SSD storage ensures breezy multitasking and quick loads. Given all that power, a solid cooling system is in place, including a 360mm liquid CPU cooler, to keep things frosty, while a seamless panoramic glass panel shows off the cooler and other components’ flashy RGBs. Clearly, this rig is already future-proof, sporting cutting-edge processors, but we’d be remiss not to mention the Wi-Fi 7 support and impressive I/O adding to its value for years to come.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
Getting your gaming PC prebuilt can save a lot of time and hassle for you, and this is still the case no matter where you are in the world. We've cheated a little bit with this, as plenty of the options on our list are available to purchase and shipped to the UK. Newegg, for example, will ship several brilliant pre-builds, all the way from the US to the UK. Costs for shipping, and the PCs in general, are low, so you shouldn't have any worries going forward.
How to Choose a Gaming PC
Prebuilts are the most surefire way of getting into gaming and arguably the most cost-effective hardware you can buy. When buying a system, you’re not only getting the hardware inside but time savings of having to track down the best processor to best RAM for your system and putting it all together yourself and praying it actually boots up correctly.
That said, just like building your own PC you want to make sure you’re spending your money where it’s needed most. Firstly, you should prioritize getting the graphics card you need for the gaming monitor or the gaming TV you’re gaming on. There’s no need for anything better than an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti if you’re just playing games on a 1080p display.
Likewise, you should only need an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores to play most modern games comfortably at any resolution.
System memory and solid-state drives can be the biggest money sink for any system. Those comfortable with upgrading their system after it arrives should choose a configuration with the smallest storage and RAM capacities possible, as buying these components yourself can often be more cost-effective.
If that last suggestion resonates, perhaps a barebones system is what you seek. Barebones PCs can be much cheaper since they come with all the major hardware – such as the CPU, GPU, and power supply – installed, but they usually lack storage, memory, and an operating system as a trade-off.
Lastly, if you want more control over what exactly is going into your build, go with a boutique PC builder. Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, PC Specialist, and many more companies offer excellent PC building services that let you pick exactly which components go into your gaming PC. From there, they build your system with the sort of cable management some can only dream of while ensuring it all works properly out of the box.
In case this all sounds a little overwhelming to you, NZXT has its own PC building service called BLD. Instead of picking every part that will go into your PC, you chose the games you’ll actually play and the service gives you several configuration options that will be able to run the games for a smooth experience.
Similarly, iBuyPower offers an Easy Builder service that operates in very much the same fashion. Users can select games that they play from a small pool that includes Fortnite, GTA V, Apex Legends, WoW, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Battlefield V. From there, users can select whether they play at a 1080p or 1440p resolution, as well as their budget and the system, will spit back a few configurations to choose from.
Beyond choosing the components you need, prebuilt PC's come with several features and pieces of software you might find convenient. Many gaming PCs in this category come with some sort of overclocking support and even a one-click button to boost your system's performance. Of course, it's easy enough to download a piece of overclocking software like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision X. Additionally, your machine may come with system monitoring software that makes downloading and updating drivers a breeze.
Gaming PC FAQ
Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you’re looking for an all-in-one, portable package, a gaming PC is usually better than even the best gaming laptops. With a desktop, it’s much easier and less expensive to upgrade parts, and they tend to last longer before going obsolete. For more on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops, check out our guide.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Another important thing you'll want to keep in mind when buying a prebuilt desktop is how easy is it to upgrade down the line.
Most PC manufacturers have figured out users absolutely hate proprietary parts. While you might still find no-name motherboards installed into the hearth of your PC, they should all at least fall in line with the standard size and layout of Mini ITX or Micro ATX motherboards. The best gaming PCs should allow you to easily swap out the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage on your system with just a few simple tools or just a screwdriver.
Better yet, systems that tout tool-less upgradability don't require you to undo screws or anything to replace any of the major components. One of the things you'll likely find on most modern chassis are thumbscrews, which can be removed after a few quick twists with your fingers rather than a screwdriver. Additionally, tool-less SSD and hard drive caddies make expanding and replacing your storage just a little bit easier.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
When comparing a gaming PC vs. console, there appear to be more similarities than differences these days, but one still comes out on top – the gaming PC.
Not every aspect of a gaming PC beats consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Consoles are much easier to use. You’ll also find that even the most expensive consoles are cheap compared to a quality gaming PC with a good graphics card, although there are good budget GPUs. There are some great handheld gaming PCs and mini PCs that are more affordable, but they’re better for indie games or older cross-platform console titles.
Where a gaming PC pulls ahead is in its gaming library, peripherals, upgradeability, and overall performance. There’s no denying that there are a massive amount of PC games, and of course, a gaming PC has cross-platform compatibility with popular console titles. Beyond the best gaming keyboards and gaming mice, you’ll find a wealth of other peripherals, from racing wheels to controllers, all of which work seamlessly with a PC. You can also enjoy better visuals and a higher performance ceiling, and it’s easy to upgrade components. That makes a well-equipped PC the clear winner.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to find a great gaming PC for under 1,000; you just need to manage your expectations. Less powerful hardware will usually come in these budget-friendly desktops, meaning gaming performance is more limited. Even still, you should have no problem running many of your favorite games in 1080p or sometimes even 1440p at respectable frame rates. Sure, your PC may struggle during more graphically intensive games running at their top settings, but the savings you enjoy might be worth the trade-off.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own gaming PC has many benefits. First and foremost, you get to customize your PC to your own specifications, including only the components you want and need. Rather than purchasing a pre-built desktop that may not be tailored to your requirements, you can select all of the individual parts that make up a gaming PC.
However, you will need some knowledge of how to build PCs, or at least be able to closely follow an in-depth YouTube video. This is where things get a little tricky. If you’ve never built a custom gaming PC before, you will need to do some research before getting stuck in. From understanding how each component interacts with each other, to how to hold a stick of RAM or a CPU so you don’t damage it, there’s quite a large learning curve.
If you do decide to build your own gaming PC, you will likely find that you can save some money compared to buying a pre-built machine. Choosing your own parts means you can keep an eye on sales and offers to get the best deal possible.
But, building a gaming PC isn’t for everyone. If you aren’t rigid on the specifics and don’t have a particular build in mind, it can be less troublesome to allow someone else to do it for you. You also get the added reassurance that the PC will be professionally built, and there’s no chance your warranty can be void.
After you've scored an awesome gaming PC, be sure to grab the best gaming accessories for the ultimate PC battle station.
Jacqueline Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN. When she's not helping her friends and family buy computers, you can usually find her tinkering with her own PC.
Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.
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