The Best Gaming PC of 2025: Top Prebuilt Desktops
Author: Audrey
Apr 06,2025
If you're not keen on building your own gaming rig due to time constraints or lack of interest, opting for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs can be a smart move. While you might miss the satisfaction of assembling a PC from scratch, the time you save on research, waiting for parts, and troubleshooting can be better spent enjoying the best PC games.
Gone are the days of half-baked pre-built systems. Today's pre-built PCs are designed with longevity in mind, equipped with the latest and greatest graphics cards and processors. Brands like Alienware, MSI, and HP offer competitive pricing and future-proofing, allowing for easy component upgrades. A standout example is the spacious HP Omen 45L, which is our top pick for a gaming PC that you can grow with over time.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs
-------------------------------------
Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion Tower 7i
6See it at Lenovo
### HP Omen 45L
11See it at HP
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### Alienware Aurora R16
5See it at Dell
### Asus ROG NUC
2See it at Amazon
Choosing a gaming PC is more complex than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. You need to consider the types of games you play and your preferred settings, as best budget gaming PCs may not handle high-end games like Cyberpunk 2077 at maximum settings. Manufacturers now help simplify this process, ensuring components work well together and avoiding bottlenecks.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been launched after their announcement at CES 2025. Although I haven't reviewed pre-built systems with these new GPUs, they are expected to be integrated into upcoming models or as refresh options for the PCs listed here. Additionally, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March 2025.
Whether you're seeking an affordable option for indie games, a compact PC for small spaces, or a top-tier rig for 4K gaming, we've got you covered. One of the five pre-built gaming PCs we've selected will meet your needs perfectly. Click here to find them in the UK.
*Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru*
*Looking for additional savings? Check out the* *best gaming PC deals* *happening right now.*
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Photos
7 Images
1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
-------------------------Best Gaming PC
Our Top Pick### LenovoLegion Tower 7i
6
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is packed with powerful hardware and designed for easy upgrades. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a high-performance system that can evolve over time.
See it at Lenovo
**Product Specifications**
- **CPU:** Intel Core i9-14900KF - **GPU:** Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti – RTX 4080 Super - **RAM:** Up to 32GB DDR5 @ 4,000MHz - **Storage:** Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD - **Weight:** 37.48 lbs - **Size:** 19.37 x 8.31 x 18.27 inches (H x W x D)**Pros**
- Extremely solid performance for the money - Easy to upgrade**Cons**
- Ships with very basic memory and motherboardPre-built gaming PCs used to suffer from proprietary hardware issues, but the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i marks a significant improvement. It uses standard industry hardware, making it simple to repair or upgrade. Although it may come with basic memory and motherboard, these can be easily replaced with better components when needed, offering a great entry point into customizing your gaming rig.
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i stands out due to its competitive pricing compared to similar systems from HP or Alienware, making it an attractive option for those seeking a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
2. HP Omen 45L
--------------Best Current-Gen PC
### HP Omen 45L
11
Experience smooth gameplay with the HP Omen 45L, powered by an Intel Core i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, and 16GB RAM, all kept cool by a robust cooling system.
See it at HP
**Product Specifications**
- **CPU:** Intel Core i7-14700K – Intel Core i9-14900K - **GPU:** Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti – RTX 4090 - **RAM:** 16GB DDR5 – 64GB DDR5 - **Storage:** 512GB – 2TB SSD (System); 1TB – 2TB 7200 rpm hard disk (Secondary) - **Weight:** 49.82 pounds - **Size:** 8.03 x 18.5 x 21.85 inches (W x D x H)**Pros**
- Great cooling system - One of the best cases in a pre-built gaming PC**Cons**
- Very heavy; team lifting recommendedThe HP Omen 45L has transformed the landscape of pre-built gaming PCs with its spacious and upgrade-friendly design. Its case is roomy enough to accommodate future upgrades, including custom water cooling loops and large graphics cards like the RTX 4090.
Even the entry-level model, equipped with a 512GB SSD and an RTX 4060 Ti, is worth considering due to its ease of upgradeability. However, this premium PC comes at a higher price, starting at $2060, though discounts are often available. For those willing to invest, the HP Omen 45L offers a robust chassis that can serve as a long-term gaming solution.
3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
----------------------------------------Best Budget Gaming PC
### iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop
8
The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop offers an affordable solution for 1080p gaming, powered by an Intel Core i7-14700F processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti GPU, along with high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM.
See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
**Product Specifications**
- **CPU:** Intel Core i7-14700F - **GPU:** Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti - **RAM:** 32GB DDR5 5,600MHz - **Storage:** 1TB SSD - **Weight:** 35 pounds - **Size:** 19.3" x 8.66" x 18.9"**Pros**
- Ready to run games in 1080p at high frame rates - Includes mouse and keyboard**Cons**
- Not suitable for 4K gamingThe iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that budget PCs don't have to compromise on performance. With the latest 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia's RTX 4060 Ti, it can handle 1080p gaming with ease, and even venture into 1440p for non-ray-traced titles.
Its spacious case and efficient cooling system ensure the PC stays cool during intense gaming sessions. Plus, the inclusion of a gaming keyboard and mouse with RGB lighting makes it an excellent choice for new gamers looking to get started without a hefty investment.
The Best Gaming PC Deals
- Lenovo Legion Tower 5 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (Use Code: EXTRAFIVE)- $1,527.49
- Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99
- HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99
- Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99
- Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.99
4. Alienware Aurora R16
-----------------------Best High-End Gaming PC
### Alienware Aurora R16
5
The Alienware Aurora R16 is a powerhouse designed for high-end gaming, featuring an Intel Core i9-14900KF processor, Nvidia RTX 4080 Super GPU, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, all optimized for 4K performance.
See it at Dell
**Product Specifications**
- **CPU:** Intel Core i9-14900KF - **GPU:** Nvidia RTX 4080 Super - **RAM:** 32GB DDR5 5,600MHz - **Storage:** 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD - **Weight:** 33.9 pounds - **Size:** 16.46" x 7.75" x 18.05"**Pros**
- Wildly powerful processors - Multitasking maven**Cons**
- More mainstream designThe Alienware Aurora R16 is perfect for those with a larger budget seeking top-tier performance. Its design focuses on optimal airflow and quiet operation, essential for its high-performance components. With the Intel Core i9-14900KF and RTX 4080 Super, it's ready for 4K gaming and demanding tasks like video encoding.
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
7 Images
5. Asus ROG NUC
---------------Best Mini Gaming PC
### Asus ROG NUC
2
The Asus ROG NUC is a compact powerhouse, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, ideal for 1080p gaming in a small package.
See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
- **CPU:** Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9 - **GPU:** Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile) - **RAM:** 16GB – 32GB DDR5 - **Storage:** 512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD - **Weight:** 5.73 pounds - **Size:** 10.62 x 7.09 x 2.36 inches (W x D x H)**Pros**
- The same size as a cable box - Solid 1080p gaming performance**Cons**
- Uses mobile-class hardwareThe Asus ROG NUC offers a compact solution for gaming, sacrificing some performance for its small size. It's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, making it suitable for 1080p gaming. Its size makes it an excellent choice for a home theater PC that can also handle gaming.
Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK
-----------------------------------------Purchasing a pre-built gaming PC can save time and hassle, and this applies globally. Many of the options listed here are available for purchase and shipping to the UK. For instance, Newegg offers several excellent pre-built options with low shipping costs.
### Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2
0See it at Newegg
How to Choose a Gaming PC
-------------------------Pre-built PCs are a convenient and often cost-effective way to get into gaming. They save you the time and effort of selecting and assembling components. When choosing a system, prioritize the graphics card based on your display's resolution. For 1080p gaming, an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti is sufficient.
For most modern games, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores should suffice. Consider starting with minimal storage and RAM if you plan to upgrade later, as buying these components separately can be more cost-effective.
If you want more control over your build, consider boutique PC builders like Origin, Maingear, or DigitalStorm, which allow you to customize your system. Alternatively, services like NZXT's BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder can help you select a configuration based on the games you play and your budget.
Pre-built PCs often come with useful features like overclocking support and system monitoring software, making them user-friendly and easy to maintain.
Gaming PC FAQ
-------------Should you buy a gaming PC or a gaming laptop?
Unless you need portability, a gaming PC is generally better than a gaming laptop. Desktops are easier and cheaper to upgrade and tend to last longer. For more details, check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops.
Is it easy to upgrade your prebuilt gaming PC?
Modern pre-built PCs are designed with upgradability in mind, using standard components that can be easily swapped out. Look for systems with tool-less designs for even simpler upgrades.
Should you buy a gaming PC or a console?
While consoles are easier to use and more affordable, gaming PCs offer a larger game library, better performance, and greater upgradeability. For more on this, see our comparison of gaming PCs vs. consoles.
Can you find a good gaming PC for under $1,000?
Yes, you can find a good gaming PC for under $1,000, though you'll need to manage your expectations. These systems are suitable for 1080p gaming and can handle many popular titles at respectable frame rates.
Should you build your own gaming PC?
Building your own PC allows for customization and can save money, but it requires knowledge and research. If you're not set on specific components, a pre-built PC offers convenience and professional assembly, often with a warranty.
After securing your gaming PC, enhance your setup with the best gaming accessories for the ultimate battle station.
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