Modern games have become more demanding than ever, challenging even the most powerful PCs out there.
We understand that building a gaming PC can be a headache for some people, especially if you’re on a budget. This is the main reason why most people simply prefer to get a pre-built PC.
However, the challenge is always remaining within budget. To make things easier for you, we’ve reviewed 5 of the best gaming PCs under $1000 that you can find on the market today.
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop – Best Overall
- CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC – Best VR-Ready
- Skytech Archangel Gaming PC – Best Value
- Skytech Shiva Gaming PC – Premium Pick
- Alarco Gaming PC – Best Budget
- iBUYPOWER Gaming PC – Best Versatile
Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $1,000: (Comparison Chart)
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop |
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Best VR-Ready  | CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme |
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Best Value  | Skytech Archangel |
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Premium Pick  | Skytech Shiva Gaming PC |
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Best Budget  | Alarco Gaming PC |
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Best Versatile  | iBUYPOWER Gaming PC |
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Best Gaming PC Under $1000
Now, let’s get a close-up view of these gaming PCs and see what each of them has to offer and why they made it to this list in the first place.
1#. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop – Best Overall
This is the current price of these HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop available at Amazon .
The HP Pavilion is built to last with its juicy internals and a rock hard case. From design to functionality, it certainly impresses!
For starters, it features a sturdy, brushed metal case with a black finish and some green elements. We just love this bold design and how durable it feels.
The HP Pavilion boasts a quad-core Intel Core i5-9400F that’s clocked at 2.9GHz with Turbo Boost overclocking up to 4.10 GHz, delivering reliable performance for all games and other intensive tasks.
Moreover, the Pavilion is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card with 6GBs of GDDR6 memory, providing you with rich details and more immersion.
As for storage handling, this PC comes with a dual-storage setup, which consists of a 256GB SSD and a large 1TB HDD, giving you fast performance without sacrificing storage capacity.
Connectivity-wise, the HP Pavilion has a good number of ports at the front and back sides of the case. On the front, there are 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports and a headphone jack, in addition to a USB Type-C port, which is great for charging devices and streaming 4K videos. On the back, we’ve got 4 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.1 Gen-1 ports, a DVI-D port, and a DisplayPort.
Additionally, the Pavilion features a memory card reader and DVD RW tray. There’s also a built-in Wi-Fi antenna.
What We Like:
- Appealing design
- High-performance processor
- 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD combo
- Many ports
- USB Type-C port
- Built-in Wi-Fi receiver
Keep in mind:
- Clumsy keyboard and mouse
Bottom Line
The HP Pavilion has what it takes to virtually run any modern game flawlessly. It also has a vast number of ports for all purposes.
Click here to buy these HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop available at Amazon .
2#. CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC – Best VR-Ready
This is the current price of these CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC available at Amazon .
The CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme has many tricks up its sleeve. When it comes to a VR-ready budget PC, you shouldn’t look further than this one!
To begin with, it features a 9th-generation Intel Core i5-9400F processor that’s clocked at 2.9GHz, giving you the processing power you need to run most games at max settings. It also has 8 gigabytes of RAM for efficient multitasking.
The CYBERPOWERPC Xtreme relies on an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 card for handling graphics, with a whopping 6GBs of dedicated memory for gaming at 4K resolution.
Moreover, the card is DirectX 12 optimized, ensuring a smooth gaming experience without sacrificing on visuals. The PC is also VR-ready for complete immersion in the game. You can use it in combination with HTC VIVE and Oculus Rift for an unmatched VR gaming experience.
Furthermore, this PC utilizes a dual storage system that consists of a 240GB SSD and a 1TB HDD, giving you a decent balance between speed and storage capacity.
With the CYBERPOWERPC Xtreme, you don’t need to worry about connecting it to the internet with an ethernet cable because it has a built-in 802.11 AC dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity.
Who doesn’t love extras? With this PC, you get a free ergonomic gaming keyboard with 8 multimedia keys, along with a 7 RGB LED backlight gaming mouse that’ll give you the upper hand in first-person shooter games. Not to mention, the clear side panel gives you the pleasure of seeing the inside of your PC and the cool RGB lighting.
As for ports, the CYBERPOWER Xtreme is equipped with a DisplayPort, Ethernet, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports.
What We Like:
- Bold case design
- Powerful graphics card with 6GB memory
- Dual storage system (240GB SSD + 1TB HDD)
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Comes with a gaming mouse and keyboard
- Versatile wired connectivity ports
Keep in mind:
- More RAM would’ve made it more competitive
Bottom Line
From the powerful CPU to the excellent graphics card and flexible storage options, the CYBERPOWERPC Xtreme has what it takes to run any modern game for years to come.
Click here to buy these CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC available at Amazon .
3#. Skytech Archangel Gaming PC – Best Value
This is the current price of these Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop available at Amazon .
The Skytech Archangel’s design is what makes it stand out from the crowd. Featuring a stylish, futuristic silver case with a clear side and top panels, looking at the case is simply a pleasure for any PC gaming enthusiast.
Running inside the Skytech Archangel is a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with a clock speed of 3.6GHz that can be overclocked to as high as 4.2GHz, providing the computer with the speed it needs for any application.
Furthermore, the Archangel has equipped with a 500GB SSD that SkyTech claims is up to 30x faster. 500GB of storage space is quite high for an SSD, but we’d have preferred a good old HDD with the setup to have more storage capacity. You can always insert an external hard drive for storing your media and other large files.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB is what the Archangel has for handling graphics. The extra memory allows for 4K gaming and dual-monitor setups. It also got 16GBs of DDR4 RAM, allowing you to play your favorite games without having to close other applications.
Moreover, the Skytech Archangel is backed by AMD’s High-Performance Wraith Cooler to keep your PC cool even when gaming for hours. It also has a triple RGB fan setup for optimum airflow.
When it comes to connectivity, the Skytech Archangel has plenty of ports, including 3 DisplayPorts ports, 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port, and 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. Moreover, this PC has built-in 802.11AC Wi-Fi connectivity.
What We Like:
- Fast processor
- Great graphics performance
- Excellent cooling system
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Has lots of ports
- Beautiful case
- 1-year limited warranty
Keep in mind:
- Limited storage space
- The free mouse and keyboard are below average
Bottom Line
With a reliable cooling system, high-end internals, and a super-fast SSD, the Skytech Archangel is a gamer’s dream come true.
Click here to buy these Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop available at Amazon .
4#. Skytech Shiva Gaming PC – Premium Pick
This is the current price of these Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop available at Amazon .
The Shiva is yet another outstanding gaming PC from Skytech that has a high potential, hence, the choice of premium to describe it.
It features a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 2600 that’s clocked at 3.4GHz with an option to overclock it to up to 3.9GHz. From gaming to media encoding and designing, this processor can handle anything you throw at it.
The design of the Skytech Shiva is minimalistic and sleek, with a transparent side panel that shows off its powerful internals and RGB lighting.
Moreover, it has 16 gigabytes of RAM, making the Shiva an excellent choice for multitaskers. Just like many of Skytech’s recent gaming PCs, the Shiva ditched the conventional HDD for a faster 500GB SSD. While we love the speed of the SSD, a dual storage system would’ve been nice.
The graphics processing is where the Shiva really shines. It has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, which is one of the best graphics cards in its class.
The real-time ray-tracing delivers surreal graphics performance for the ultimate gaming experience. The card also has a dedicated hardware encoder, enabling you to play and stream without sacrificing performance.
Additionally, the Shiva has several ports that let you connect any external device you want, including an HDMI port, 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, and 2 USB 2.0 ports. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi antenna.
What We Like:
- Fast 500GB SSD
- Exceptional graphics performance with the RTX 2060 GPU
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- 16GB RAM
- Comes with a gaming keyboard and mouse
Keep in mind:
- Expensive
- No DisplayPort
- Limited storage space
Bottom Line
The Skytech Shiva delivers the best graphics performance you can get in this category. Yet, that comes at a price!
Click here to buy these Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop available at Amazon .
5#. Alarco Gaming PC – Best Budget
This is the current price of these Alarco Gaming PC available at Amazon .
Up next on our list is the Alarco Gaming PC. This desktop is made for those who want a capable gaming PC without breaking the bank whatsoever.
It features an Intel Core i5-2400 processor that’s clocked at 3.10GHz, providing you with a stellar, multi-core performance. It also has 8GB RAM, allowing you to multitask efficiently.
Moreover, the Alarco Gaming PC is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU with 1GB of dedicated memory. This graphics card is considered ancient by today’s standards, but you can run most games on low-medium settings.
Furthermore, it has 3 RGB fans to ensure good airflow. You can also control the fans’ colors using the provided remote to give your case an overhaul. The tempered glass side panel gives you a view of your PC from the inside, which is something that most gamers love.
The PC has a 1TB HDD, but it doesn’t come with an SSD, which is a bit disappointing. As for ports, the Alarco has 3 USB 3.0 ports and 4 USB 2.0 ports, in addition to a VGA port, a DVI port, and an HDMI.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Fast processor
- Remote-controlled fan colors
- Large storage capacity
Keep in mind:
- Below-average graphics performance
- No SSD
Bottom Line
While the Alarco Gaming PC isn’t exactly made to run games at high settings, it’s definitely a worthy pick considering how affordable it is.
Click here to buy these Alarco Gaming PC available at Amazon.
6#. iBUYPOWER Gaming PC – Best Versatile
This is the current price of these iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Computer Desktop available at Amazon.
This beast simply blows everything else out of the water with its impressive performance, and it makes this PC great for more than just gaming.
The iBUYPOWER is the only PC on our list that features an octa-core Intel Core i7-9700F 3.0Ghz processor, with the possibility to overclock it using Turbo Boost to up to 4.7GHz.
Furthermore, it handles graphics using an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB graphics card. This GPU provides you with what you need to run most games at high-ultra settings at 1080p or 4K resolutions, with some very promising benchmark charts for the most popular games.
Whether you want to play games, create videos, or stream content, you can do it all together thanks to the 16 gigabytes of RAM that make multitasking a breeze. Additionally, the iBUYPOWER Gaming PC is VR-ready for those who want to try out something new.
Furthermore, it utilizes a dual storage system that includes a 240GB SSD coupled with a 1TB HDD for efficient storage handling.
As far as connectivity is concerned, the iBUYPOWER has multiple ports, including 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, and 1x DVI. It also has several USB ports. Additionally, there’s a built-in Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to use an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet. Moreover, the PC comes with a LED-backlit gaming keyboard and a gaming mouse.
The case looks pretty nice, with 3 RGB fans running at the front and a tempered glass side panel to show off your setup.
What We Like:
- High-end Core i7 processor
- 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Great graphics card
- Multi-monitor support
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- VR-ready
- Free gaming keyboard and mouse
Keep in mind:
- No controls for RGB lighting
- A bit expensive for the specs
Bottom Line
With the powerful octa-core i7 processor and NVIDIA graphics, the iBUYPOWER is the desktop PC that serious gamers should get.
Click here to buy these iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Computer Desktop available at Amazon .
7 Things To Consider Before Buying Best Budget Gaming PC
Before settling on a sub-$1000 gaming PC, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure it has everything you need.
1. Processing Power
The CPU is the brain of your gaming PC. You can’t run high-end games if your computer takes forever to process information.
Three main factors influence the performance of a computer processor: the number of cores, clock speed, and cache size. The higher these numbers are, the more capable the CPU.
You should expect to at least get one of the latest Core-i5 processors by Intel or a Ryzen 5 from AMD at this price range. We don’t encourage getting a gaming PC with a Core-i3 since many games recommend a Core-i5 processor in their system requirements.
2. Graphics Performance
Modern games are graphic-intensive, which means that you can’t merely use a low-end graphics card and expect miracles. Integrated graphics are also a big no.
Moreover, the more dedicated memory a graphics card has, the higher the resolution it can handle. So, if you want to play games at 4K resolution, get a card with a minimum of 6GB of memory.
3. Storage Handling
There are two technologies used in PCs for storage handling: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
SSDs are much faster than HDDs, making them a favorable option for those who value speed. They’re also more compact, allowing the manufacturer to make smaller-sized PC cases or use the extra space for something else. On the other hand, HDDs are cheaper and have large capacities than SSDs.
4. Cooling System
Getting a gaming PC with insanely great specs is nothing if the cooling system is incapable. Lab results have shown that improper cooling can significantly affect gaming performance, resulting in lower frames and more stuttering. Make sure the PC has a sufficient number of fans. Liquid cooling would be excellent too.
5. RAM
RAM or Random Access Memory is what your PC uses to help you run applications in the background without losing your progress and affecting performance.
Obviously, the more RAM your gaming PC has, the smoother your games will run, especially if other applications are running in the background like an antivirus or a web browser.
6. Connectivity
A gaming PC must have a good number of ports, especially if you need to connect it to more than one display. Make sure that the PC has HDMI connectivity. A DisplayPort would be nice to have too.
It’s also worth noting that many gaming PCs have built-in Wi-Fi antennas that make it easier for you to connect your PC to the internet. It’s a small but essential detail.
7. Accessories
If you really don’t want to spend more than $1000, make sure you get a PC that comes with a free gaming keyboard and mouse. This will save you the hassle of having to buy them separately.
Some may argue that the gaming keyboards and mouses that come with pre-built gaming setups aren’t usually the best you can get, which can be true. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth it to spend more on premium accessories or not.
Handy Hints: if you are interested to read more guides visit our other articles about Can My Computer Run 4K?
Frequently Asked Questions:
1#. Should I Build a Gaming PC or Buy a Prebuilt One?
Many gamers like to build their own gaming rig because this method gives them more value for their money. Not to mention, it provides you with the freedom to customize your gaming PC just the way you want it. Some people actually love building their own gaming PCs because it’s so much fun.
However, building a gaming PC requires experience, and it can be quite time-consuming. That’s where pre-built gaming PCs have the upper edge. It’s much more convenient to buy a gaming PC that’s ready to use out of the box than having to buy each component separately and then assembling all the components together.
2#. Are Gaming PCs Better Than Consoles?
The debate about consoles and gaming PCs has been going on for decades. Both gaming systems have their own pros and cons.
For example, consoles offer the convenience of optimization. Companies optimize games to run smoothly on consoles, which means you don’t have to think about whether your console can run this particular game or not. Moreover, some games are exclusive to specific consoles and may never see the light of day on PCs.
On the other hand, PC gamers often need to check the system requirements of a game before buying it to make sure that their computer can at least run it on low-medium settings. However, you can build a PC that’s more powerful than any console and have unmatched graphics performance.
Moreover, some games like first-person shooters are much better with a mouse and keyboard than with a controller, which is why online gaming servers separate PC players from console players in multiplayer.
3#. What to Expect From a Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $1000
At the $1000 or less price range, you can get a competent pre-built gaming PC that can run most (if not all) games at high or ultra settings.
There are more premium gaming PCs out there, but these can be safely considered a bit of overkill. Similar to consoles, these premium gaming PCs are designed to be future-proof and last for 5-10 years.
Your sub-$1000 gaming PC can also last that long, but you’ll likely have a hard time playing most games without significantly tweaking the game’s graphics settings in the future.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still unsure which gaming PC you should get, we can give you a few hints to help you make the ultimate decision. It all depends on what games you want to run and the available budget.
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is a pretty good all-rounder. With high-end internals, a cool design, and a reasonable price, this is undoubtedly one of the best gaming PCs under $1000.
If you want a gaming PC that will pass the test of time, go for the Skytech Shiva. It has unmatched graphics performance thanks to the NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU.
Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget, consider getting the Alarco Gaming PC. It has a powerful processor and a decent GPU that can at least guarantee that you can run most modern games, even if not at max settings.
