We realize that many gamers are interested in Prebuilt Gaming PCs which are both affordable and good.
It took over 5 days for us to test the popular prebuilt gaming PCs currently on the market and choose the top 5 budget prebuilt gaming PCs.
Actually, we know that you still hesitate to believe in our choice. So, let’s continue to follow our article to get more useful information.
3 steps to choose the prebuilt gaming PC
Step 1. Pick what to test
It’s really difficult for us to choose what to test because the prebuilt gaming computers come in a variety of different manufacturers from all over the world.
We make a list that includes most of the recent products by the big manufacturers of gaming computers:
- iBuyPower
- Dell
- Lenovo
- CyberPowerPC
- Acer
- HP
Based on that list, we look for all of the reviews of users who have actually experienced that product from outstanding eCommerce websites:
- Amazon
- NewEgg
- eBay
- From forums, blogs or YouTubers
After choosing and comparing thoroughly, we decided to choose the 5 best PCs to meet the gamers demand about both price and feature. We surely believe in objective reviews of real customers.
Step 2. Consider 5 factors when choosing the prebuilt gaming PC
Processor
As you know, the processor is an important factor that shows your computer will not be outdated in the unstoppable roll of technology and information. Because the processor obligates to match the motherboard so it is very expensive when you have to upgrade both your motherboard and your CPU.
Graphics Card
The graphics card’s hardware directly affects its speed.
So, you should upgrade the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to experience noticeable changes. A 3GB GTX 1060 should be equipped to run 1080p gaming with a 60 FPS average.
RAM
Most of the gaming computers come with 8GB of RAM to manage, access and process data. In our opinion, we can upgrade RAM or not because it’s really unnecessary.
Storage Space
SSD and HDD are two options when considering the prebuilt gaming PC.
In comparison between SSD and HDD, you should pay attention to the fact that SSD is fast but expensive and HDD is slow but cheap.
Also, we recommend using a hybrid storage system – 120GB SSD for system files and 1TB HDD for games and other files.
Chassis/Case
Undeniably, Airflow is an important factor to maintain a suitable degree of heat for your computer. Specially, you are a gamer and you spend too much time with your computer. If your PC is so hot for a long time, you will have to buy a new PC soon. Also, you should choose a gaming PC with enough big memory to upgrade when you need.
Step 3. Test the products by experiencing the games
The method we choose to test the prebuilt gaming PCs is through experiencing the games below and recording specific results:
- PUBG
- GTA V
- Overwatch
- Fortnite
- The Witcher III
- Battlefield 1
- Rocket League
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Afterward, we recognize that the Syber Domono can run games in1080p but we will have to set up a bit at graphics settings.
Also, the Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400G of the iBuyPower Enthusiast Gaming PC, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop Computer and the CLX Set Gaming PC are powerful processors. They are really more dominant than Intel Graphics because they have AMD’s VEGA graphics.
Besides, we did some extensive testing by connecting a GTX 1060 graphics card with some of the options and see if we would gain what kind of performance advancement. The increased performance exceeded our expectations.
Moreover, we also made an upgrade to the RAM in all the builds up to 3.000Mhz and saw that the performance boost of the Ryzen chip was extremely strong.
However, we advise you against upgrading the RAM enough because the Ryzen chips should be used to adapt faster memory.
Disclaimer: We tested the prebuilt gaming desktops which are bought on our own and were not sponsored by any brands. So, this review is absolutely objective.
Top 5 Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $500 In 2019
1. iBuyPower Enthusiast Gaming PC (ARC 032A)
iBuyPower Enthusiast Gaming PC makes us fascinated about not only price but also design and performance.
Tech Specs
CPU: AMD Ryzen 2400G 3.6Ghz
GPU: Vega 11 Graphics
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 120GB SSD
The iBuyPower Enthusiast series is toward the Gamers like you. So, this product design is completely consistent with you. It gives full expression to your personality.
It has an excellent performance with the low price segment. It comes with the best CPU, fantastic graphics and a solid state drive.
This product is equipped with AMD Ryzen 2400G APU which will allow you to run many today’s AAA titles and it absolutely dominates Intel’s 8th generation integrated CPUs. Also, this machine is perfect for intense gaming, entertainment, multitasking at a rapid pace.
It is plenty fast enough to deal with games such as League of Legends, Fortnight and CS: GO because it comes clocked at 3.6Ghz. The potent CPU is onboard graphics solution of AMD – VEGA 11. With technological advancement today, it can be said that onboard graphics is an important part of PCs. And so far, VEGA 11 is the most powerful onboard graphics solution. It can easily handle HD gameplay at 40-60FPS across an abundance of gaming platforms.
This build is equipped with 120GB of SSD which allows you to run with Windows and a few basic game titles. Surely, you will have to get a bigger drive, but you only want to enjoy the super quick load and boost times that come with an SSD.
Specially, you can have a very capable, extremely reasonable gaming rig. And now you only need to get a keyboard and mouse. Therefore, iBuyPower is the best choice we recommend to you about price, design, and performance.
PROS
- Widely considered the best CPU in the price range (Ryzen 2400G)
- First-class graphics geared tends to game
- 120SSD storage for super rapid boot times
- 8GB Ram which is adequate to the CPU
- Be equipped with keyboard and mouse
CONS
- Only 120GB Storage Capacity
- No CD Drives
2. CYBERPOWERPC Syber Domino SDG8 Gaming PC
CYBERPOWERPC Syber Domino Gaming PC is another superb option on our list.
TECH SPECS
CPU: i3-8100 3.6GHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB HDD
Like the iBuyPower Enthusiast, it easily handles AAA gaming titles with solid FPS.
All the best gaming rigs have a good balance between GPU performance and CPU power. By joining an i3-8100 with a GTX 1060 3GB, the Syber Domino surely ticks those boxes.
The i3-8100 is a leading quad-core CPU which is from Intel’s 8th generation core processors. It has a great 3.6Ghz factory clock speed along with the newest Coffee Lake Technology. Also, CYBERPOWERPC Syber Domino Gaming PC has a very high single core and quad-core performance benchmarks.
Nvidia’s GTX 1060 3GB is considered to be good and affordable. It has a dominant performance power to run most of today’s games at medium settings. It will make you really impressed when it is paired with the I3-8100.
This build is equipped with 1TB of HDD which is enough space to accommodate your OS, games, programs, …However, it does not has SSD which you can use to load quickly.
PROS
- An excellent CPU for gaming
- Great graphics of GTX 1060
- Superb aesthetic case with viewing Window
- 8GB Ram which is adequate to the CPU
- Be equipped with keyboard and mouse
CONS
- No SSD
- No CD Drives
3. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop Computer
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop Computer is the third choice on our list. It still is considered to be a great performing gaming build if you only want to experience less demanding games such as CS: GO or Fortnight.
TECH SPECS
CPU: Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5Ghz
GPU: Radeon RX 550
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB HDD
The Ryzen 3 2200G is the entry-level APU which is currently offered by AMD. It has VEGA 8 integrated graphics. Especially, Ryzen’s APU chips will be improved when you pair it with faster RAM. You should pair it with solid 2,666+ RAM and you will recognize the considerable performance improvement. This method is really useful for the gamers who have a low budget.
This build has 1TB of 7200RPM HDD storage space which allows you to install all your games, OS and programs. It is not equipped with SSD so boost times will be a little slower than our best AMD choice.
The large storage of this build is an outstanding advantage you can consider choosing it.
PROS
- Great CPU tailored for gaming
- Solid GPU from AMD
- 8GB of 2,666Mhz RAM
- Sleek and stylish case
CONS
- No SSD
- No keyboard and mouse
- Performance will struggle if you try to play high demanding games
4. CLX Set Gaming PC
CLX Set Gaming PC is the cheapest machine on our list but its performance is incredible.
TECH SPECS
CPU: Ryzen 3 2200G 3.50Ghz
GPU: AMD RX 560x2GB
RAM: 8Gb DDR4
Storage: 120Gb SSD
The machine catches our eyes with the superb case, tempered glass for the front and illuminated RGB fans for the front and rear.
Its design is really stylish and sleek. Its striking hardware is a Ryzen 3 2200G, AMD’s entry-level APU, which comes clocked at 3.5Ghz and be strong enough to operate your low-mid demanding game titles such as Fornite, CG: GO and LOL.
The machine has been paired with an RX 560 2 GB model which improves the performance significantly. Its loading time will be super rapid with 120GB SSD unlike the HDD’s of other machines.
A weak point of this machine is the 2400Ghz RAM. As you know, Ryzen chips thrive because of fast RAM (2600+). So, if you want to maximize its potential performance, you should boost the RAM in the customization tool.
It is a superb machine both price and performance.
PROS
- Great CPU tailored for gaming
- Solid GPU pairing for an amazing gaming experience
- Be equipped with solid state drive for fast loading times
CONS
- RAM is only 2400Mhz, not optimal for Ryzen
- Only 120Gb
5. CUK AsRock DeskMini
This final machine on our list is a mini desktop gaming rig but it packs a serious punch.
TECH SPECS
CPU: Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5Ghz
GPU: Vega 8 Integrated Graphics
RAM: 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM
Storage: 256GB NVME SSD
It is equipped with the classic Ryzen 3 2200G chips which are currently in three of our best of $500 the pre-built list.
It is the most powerful and efficient APU at its price range. It allows you to run AAA game titles smoothly at lower settings.
However, it does not have a standalone GPU so it has to use AMD’s VEGA 8 graphics. Actually, we see that this is a pretty good graphics substitute. It runs Fornite, CS: GO and LOL very well if you adjust the setting just right.
The 8GB of 2666Mhz RAM along with the 2200G provides a powerful performance boost in spite of its cheap price.
Besides this mini machine has 256GB of SSD and this is the largest SSD solution of all the prebuilt gaming PC on our list. We all know the SSD has many benefits – super rapid boot and load time. However, we recommend that you should use an external HDD to make many best experiences.
PROS
- Mini form factor for minimal footprint
- Solid CPU tailored towards gaming
- Really efficient onboard graphics geared for the gamer
- 256Gb solid state drive
CONS
- Limited Room for expansion and upgrade
- No standalone GPU
Conclusion
Our list shows the best cheap prebuilt gaming PCs under $500 for the gamers. We hope this review is useful for you when considering to choose the wonderful prebuilt gaming PC by yourself.
Don’t be hesitant to leave your comment below, we are looking forward to receiving your idea!
Last updated on Jun 12, 2019, by Cade Metz