With the continuous stream new games, a gaming PC remains the best platform to play games on.
From the best games in class, such as the Dark Souls to intense shooting expeditions like the Far Cry 5, getting the best PC gaming PC suiting your budget makes a world of difference when it comes to gaming experience.
Many gamers prefer building their own PCs, but there is no denying that there is much simplicity in buying an already prebuilt PC. Initially, top-notch gaming PCs were available at ludicrous prices that encouraged people to build their own.
However, currently, there are many prebuilt PCs available at lower prices that can save any first-time builder the time and burden.
Gaming PCs don’t come with monitors. In fact, most don’t even include a keyboard and mouse, so you’ll have to get those items separately. And, if you need a keyboard as part of your setup, read our review of the best mechanical keyboards. There is a lot to consider when buying a prebuilt gaming PC.
The components of the system are the least consequential as most gaming PCs come readily configured to suit the needs of most gamers (Source). Instead, focus on the PCs design, cable management, warranty and upgrade-ability. To ease your selection, our extensive research led us to the following best-prebuilt gaming PC’s.
What Is the Best Gaming PC Under $800?
If you are planning to spend up to $800 on a gaming PC, then the best option has to be iBuyPower Elite, which gives you a decent configuration to run all the latest games and applications at ultra-high settings. This machine can be clocked up to 4.2 GHz without any issues.
Moreover, this PC comes packed with an exceptional gaming mouse and keyboard with RGB settings. You might even get an additional discount of $50 through certain cards, which is a plus point. The sleek and cutting-edge design of the CPU case is also worth praising.
Most PCs come equipped with 8GB RAM sticks. However, this one gives you a preinstalled 16GB DDR4 RAM out of the box. It does have limited slots for upgrading the PC if needed.
However, the company has reduced that disadvantage by preinstalling this PC with high-end components. For a beginner, this computer is certainly worth considering, as it will provide quality gaming without ruining the budget.
How Much Will A Decent Gaming PC Cost?
Gaming PCs can be bought at a variety of budgets. For occasional gaming, a budget of $500 is the starting point for playing the latest games. However, that budget will only give you limited visualization in terms of graphics.
For the ones who are looking to get a decent gaming PC, a budget of $800 would be prudent. In this budget, you will be able to play most games at high-quality settings, while some games may still render at a moderate setting.
If you are looking for the ultimate machine, then you might have to raise your budget to over $1000. A prudent way of managing your budget is to choose a moderate-cost PC with upgrade options in the cabinet.
That way, you can have the freedom to replace components on the existing model with high-end ones.
Comparing the Top 5 Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $800
1. Alienware Aurora R7 – Best Overall Prebuilt Gaming PC
If you are looking for a dummy-proof upgradability PC with future-proof specs, the Alienware Aurora R7 should be your PC of choice. As it is with most pre-built gaming PCs, this isn’t just a computer. It encompasses a whole group of computers that you can choose from and personalize the specs based on your liking and budget.Despite not being the cheapest of all the models on our list, this model packs extensive features that amaze all gaming enthusiasts. Starting with its design, this PC is definitely a good-looking rig. It has a down-to-earth style yet offers extreme customizability.
Measuring only 18.6 x 14.2 x 8.35 inches, the Alienware Aurora R7 isn’t exactly compact in design but isn’t bulky either. It weighs approximately 37.67lbs, but the hand at the top makes it easy to carry around. The large exhausts along the top take most of the internal space that is complemented by sizable intakes on the front and right size providing good airflow.
Perhaps the best thing concerning its design, if not portability is the accessibility. Its chassis features a tool-less and easily upgradable design. Removing the right side lid, for instance, only requires you to pull a lever on its back.
This Gaming PC doesn’t include a wireless adapter, A good quality wireless adapter for gaming reduces the chances of your game lagging and putting you at a severe disadvantage in an online game. For better connectivity, consider also buying a wireless gaming adapter.
Performance is the hallmark of gaming PCs. As for the Alienware Aurora R7, it comes with an excellent processor, sizeable RAM and top-notch GPU. At the heart of this is the Intel Core I7 CPU that ranks among the best compared to quad-core processors that powered previous models.
- Smooth playing experience
- Attractive, top-notch design
- Scores highly for upgradability
- Affordable price
- Feature packed
- Chassis is quite finicky
- Noticeable fan sound
2. HP Pavilion Power Gaming PC – Best Value Gaming PC
Well, this is exactly what you should expect from the HP Pavilion Power Gaming PC. It is a tower with great graphical efforts that aren’t thwarted by its preparedness for VR usage, not its inexpensive nature.
The HP Pavilion Power Gaming PC is built for a broad range of PC gaming demands. It fits gaming enthusiasts budget, whether they are in the market for a better-powered rig for smooth gaming or just need to test VR.
Beginning with its design, the HP Pavilion Power Gaming PC, though it might not appear that way, weighs only 33lbs. It comes with a grab handle that makes it easy to transport. With such weight, your idea of portability might not be met but can be switched from rooms or events easily.
Some of this PCs subtle features include the facing VR ports and two USB 3.1 ports that should interest technology enthusiasts. Its graphics card can also be mounted standing up. The PCs cooling system stays whisper quiet even after several hours of intense gameplay.
As for its performance, this PC offers outstanding performance that lets you enjoy your games with no fuss or muss. The back of the system has an extra HDMI port for use with VR kits. You need some software tools to switch this on.
- Powerful gaming system
- Quiet fans
- Build to last
- Various ports can be confusing
3. Lenovo IdeaCentre Y720 Cube – Best for First Time PC Gamers
The Lenovo IdeaCentre Y720 Cube is a perfect PC of choice for first time PC gamers looking to enjoy their gaming experience. It balances its boxy design with a carrying handle to enhance its appeal, majorly to console your sensibilities.The PC comes with an already installed Xbox wireless adapter, an advantage for people who prefer using controllers on their PC. As for its horsepower, this system will allow you to crank everything you need to. This includes a maximum quality setting of 4K.
The machines Intel core I3 combined with Nvidia GPU with medium to high-quality graphics settings offer an exceptional gaming performance. With such, you can hover around with 50 FPS on intense games such as the Doom and Battlefield 1. However, expect quite lower for games like GTA V and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
- High-quality gaming
- Already installed Xbox wireless adapter
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Lacks an SSD
4. CyberPower Gamer Xtreme PC – Best Cost Effective PC for Modern Games
If you are looking for a cost-effective solution to play some of the modern games at 60FPS, consider the CyberPower Gamer Xtreme PC. This is one of the best gaming PCs under the 800 price mark that brings a perfect combination of impressive looks with great performance.This powerful mid-range gaming PC is set within a black case designed with bright red LED fans on the front and back. This enhances not only its stunning look but also its design.
Being a prebuilt system, it comes preloaded with Windows 10, a complementary keyboard and mouse. It runs on an AMD RX 580 4GB graphics card, one of the few cards considered capable of outdoing the 3GB GTX card performance. Its additional 1GB VRAM lends this graphics card a better competitive edge over its competitors. However, it increases its heat output, power consumption and noise level.
If you are concentrating on graphics horsepower, better make peace with the little pitfalls CyberPower Gamer Xtreme PC offers. It runs on a Core i5 processor that adds its ability to handle gaming with much ease. The processor also enables the PC to multitask, with the exception of streaming and video encoding which are beyond the 4-core chip capabilities.
The PC is VR ready and features an 8GB DDR4 RAM with 1TB HDD memory. As for its connectivity, it comes with Wi-Fi, DVD drive, USB and Ethernet support among other intriguing features.
- VR ready
- Handles all gaming like a pro
- Stunning look and design
- Great connectivity
- Video encoding and streaming slows multitasking
5. Skytech ArchAngel Gaming PC – Best Designed Gaming PC
For the Skytech ArchAngel Gaming PC, the first unique and striking feature is the quirky design that makes the system resemble a downscaled version of alien spaceships from your favorite sci-fi thrillers.As if this isn’t enough, beneath this aesthetic design lies not only a well-built but also well-performing gaming PC equipped with utmost stellar components. Of much importance is the AMD RYZEN 3 1200 4-Core CPU complemented by the GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Video card.
Its AMD chipset motherboard features an installed Wi-Fi adapter and the internal components fired up by a 430W premium PSU. For great ventilation, the Skytech ArchAngel ST-ARCH Gaming PC sports a white Thermaltake snow edition case full of transparent panels on the side.
The PCs blue LED fans gleam through the transparent panels lending off the system’s edgy, off-beat performance. With such an appearance, you can be certain of something with an amazing and show-stopping look.
Moving to its performance, you will appreciate its high-end specs that never disappoint. Its GTX 1050 video card complemented by the FX-6300 processor enables the PC to deliver a smooth gaming experience at 1080p resolution. This makes it an ideal choice for intense gaming.
The Skytech ArchAngel ST-ARCH Gaming PC comes preloaded with Windows 10 home, 8GB RAM and 1TB hard disk drive. This makes it suitable for both gaming and multi-tasking. Since it doesn’t have bloatware, you can be certain of speedy installation of games through its 24x optical drive. You can as well send online via Wi-Fi.
- Good for gaming and multitasking
- Great connectivity
- Awesome design and appearance
- Amazing performance
- One-year warranty on parts
- Issues with overheating
- Windows update can be challenging
6. Acer Aspire TC-885-UA92 Desktop – PC For Decent Gaming
Acer’s Aspire series of CPUs are great for decent gaming at a cost-effective budget. With decent RAM, you can expect it to run the latest games at a moderate level setting.Additionally, there is enough space for upgrades in the future if you like that. It has got three DDR4 RAM slots to expand the capacity from the standard 8 GB that comes with it. You also get an additional PCI Express X16 GPU slot for extra graphic power.
However, most games will run smoothly with its 12GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM Memory, Intel UHD Graphics 630. The 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9400 Processor gives it decent power to run applications.
- Contemporary Video Card
- HDD and SSD storage simultaneously
- Upgradable unit
- Additional PCI X16 Express GPU slot
- Average Processor
- Simple cabinet
7. CyberpowerPC Xtreme Gamer Core Intel i5-9400F PC – Powerful Gaming PC
CyberPowerPC’s 2.9 GHz clock speed is powered with a six-core processor that ensures seamless application execution. The 8GB DDR4 RAM unit is ideal for giving high-end memory for a lag-free experience.Even the storage option of 1 TB HDD combined with a superfast 240GB SSD gives you quick booting speeds. Updated with the top-notch Windows 10 64-bit Home edition is a plus point that will give you the privilege to enjoy the latest software.
As for gaming, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 6GB graphics video card gives you the power to run contemporary games with ease. If you are into looks, then this one is for you.
- Beautiful and Stylish RGB Cabinet and mouse
- Unlimited Free Tech Support
- Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
- Lacks An Optical Drive
- Cannot be overclocked
8. SkyTech Blaze II Ryzen 5 2600 Gaming PC With GTX 1660 6G – Fast Gaming PC
SkyTech’s Blaze II comes with a powerful processor with six cores that clock at an impressive 3.9 GHz for maximum boost power. This particular model is all about giving you the speed and power to operate applications without delays.That’s why it incorporates a 500gb SSD rather than an HDD-SSD combo. Adding an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 GDDR5 6GB graphics card gives it a decent amount of juice to run your favorite games efficiently.
The RGB fan system not just lets the CPU flaunt its beauty, but also take care of the heat dissipation. Its manufacturers even claim that it will run several latest games at ultra-settings at 60 FPS.
- Runs latest games At 60 FPS in ultra-high settings
- Robust tempered glass case for durability
- Extremely fast Booting power.
- Lifelong Technical Support
- Storage is fast, but only 500 GB, should have included an HDD combo as well.
9. Periphio Gaming Desktop PC Overclocked Intel 3.1 GHz – Most Exceptional
This refurbished Periphio overclocked PC will not make you feel uncomfortable to flaunt in front of your friends. At a cost-effective budget, you get exceptional features that would not have been possible otherwise.With its i5 Quad-core processor, you can expect a powerful CPU to run applications easily. Periphio does not compromise with the cabinet, either. The custom case shows off its LED-lighting that is equipped with a multi-color setup.
As for the connectivity ports, this computer will not leave you hanging. 8 USB 2.0 ports and 3 USB 3.0 ports are conveniently positioned to give you an instant connection to your external devices.
- Diversified connectivity ports
- RGB Controller with multi-color LED lighting
- Stylish Custom Cabinet
- Genuine Windows 10 64-bit Home edition
- Cost-effective Price
- Overclocked GTX 1650 4 GB graphics card
- Outdated RAM
10. iBuyPower Elite GTX 1660 6 GB Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz Gaming CPU – Great Processing Power
iBuyPower Elite is a beast when it comes to processing power. With maximum boosting power of 4.2 GHz, you can expect it to work effortlessly. To support the powerful Ryzen 5 3600 processor, you also get 16GB DDR4 RAM.iBuyPower does not compromise with the storage option either, as you are getting 1TB HDD combined with a 240GB SSD drive for fast booting. This VR ready masterpiece comes with a decent GTX 1660 6GB video card to support the latest games.
This machine is specifically assembled in the U.S. to give you lifetime customer support.
- Processing power of up to 4.2 GHz
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Bluetooth issues at times
Things to Consider Before Buying Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $800
Before investing your money in purchasing a gaming PC, consider buying one of these top rated PC gaming chairs for your comfort and a gaming monitor that fits within your budget.
Gaming PC Design
PC designs often are directly proportional to its price. With a budget of 800, you can get a desktop with equal parts as the gaming rig performance. Avoid some trick out systems used by manufacturers such as custom paint jobs, see-through windows, colored cables and liquid cooling that may command high price tags.
Performance
As for the RAM, never settle for something less than 8GB. Some games can be CPU intensive and require a bit of RAM to achieve higher frame rates. As for the processors, anything between Core i3 and Core i7 can work well.
Upgradability
With the current trend, a new cycle of motherboards, GPUs, RAM and storage parts are developed every dawn. Therefore, at some point, you will need to swap out one or two parts of the PC to keep up with time. Therefore, when making a selection, consider getting an easily accessible interior including the RAM, motherboard, GPU and fans.
Ports
For a gaming PC, the more ports, the better. To connect your monitor, VR headsets, peripherals and others, you will need a PC with at least 6 USB 3.0 ports as well as one or more HDMI port. You can also consider a system with USB type –C as well as Thunderbolt ports to provide an advantage of fast speeds.
Ready to Buy a Prebuilt Gaming PC?
Perhaps the biggest advantage of building your own gaming PC is the ability to handpick every component and build something powerful. You have the ability to shop around for PC parts and combine them to fit your budget and performance needs.
However, for inexperienced builders, the whole process can take quite some time. Besides, there’s always the possibility of buying parts that don’t match. In such situations, buying a prebuilt gaming PC is wise.
Systems like the Alienware Aurora come complete with an in-house chassis that you can’t get when building on your own. You should also look at the PCs size, performance, compatibility with upgrades and VR readiness.
All the above-mentioned PCs are perfect examples of gaming systems that pack great performance, design and innovation in mid-range desktops. Also, don’t forge to buy a quality gaming headset with your next build.
From the list above, which one is your favorite prebuilt gaming PC for this price range? Share below!
Almost none of these are under $800
Casey, we did our best to try to stay in the under $800 range but we wanted to provide a better build for the money. Hope you understand!