Home News The Best Gaming PC of 2025: Top Prebuilt Desktops

The Best Gaming PC of 2025: Top Prebuilt Desktops

Author : Mila Update : Mar 21,2025

For gamers who prefer a ready-to-play system, pre-built gaming PCs offer a compelling alternative to DIY builds. While you miss the satisfaction of a self-assembled machine, the time saved on research, component sourcing, assembly, and troubleshooting is significant—time better spent gaming! Today's pre-built systems are far superior to their predecessors, offering durable, high-performance configurations capable of handling demanding titles. With the cost of top-tier graphics cards and processors constantly rising, pre-built options from reputable brands like Alienware, MSI, or HP can even offer cost savings. Many also allow for future component upgrades, like the spacious HP Omen 45L, a popular choice among gamers.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming PCs

Choosing a gaming PC involves more than selecting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Consider your gaming preferences and desired performance levels, as budget PCs won't run Cyberpunk 2077 at maximum settings. Balancing processor, storage, memory, cooling, and other hardware is crucial for a well-rounded system. Fortunately, many manufacturers handle this optimization, preventing bottlenecks.

Note that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have launched, following their CES 2025 announcement. While not yet reviewed in pre-built systems, most PCs listed here will soon offer these GPUs, or be updated with next-gen hardware. The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is also expected in March 2025.

Whether you prioritize affordability for indie games, a compact design, or a top-tier 4K rig, one of these five pre-built PCs should meet your needs. Click here for UK options.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru

For additional savings, explore the best gaming PC deals.

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Photos

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1. Lenovo Legion Tower 7i – Best Gaming PC

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: Excellent performance for the price; Easy to upgrade.

Cons: Ships with basic memory and motherboard.

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i boasts powerful hardware and user-friendly upgradability. Unlike older pre-built systems with proprietary components, this PC uses standard parts, simplifying repairs and upgrades. While Lenovo economizes on initial memory and motherboard choices, the standard sizing allows for straightforward replacements with better components as needed. This makes it not only a strong gaming PC but also a great entry point for those interested in PC customization, offering a more approachable upgrade path than building from scratch.

Its competitive pricing compared to similarly specced systems from HP or Alienware further solidifies its value proposition. If a solid gaming experience is your priority, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is a top contender.

2. HP Omen 45L – Best Current-Gen PC

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: Excellent cooling system; One of the best cases for pre-built PCs.

Cons: Very heavy.

The HP Omen 45L stands out with its exceptional case design, a significant departure from previous proprietary designs. Its spacious interior facilitates easy upgrades, accommodating custom water cooling and high-end graphics cards like the RTX 4090. Even the entry-level configuration provides a solid gaming experience, with upgrade potential for future enhancements. While the initial cost is high, starting around $2060 before discounts, the superior chassis justifies the investment for long-term use and customization.

3. iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop – Best Budget Gaming PC

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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 for 1080p gaming at high frame rates; Includes keyboard and mouse.

Cons: Not ideal for 4K gaming.

The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh Gaming Desktop proves that powerful gaming PCs don't need exorbitant price tags. Its 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 4060 Ti GPU deliver smooth 1080p gameplay, even handling 1440p for less demanding titles. The inclusion of 32GB DDR5 RAM makes it suitable for streaming, while the 1TB SSD ensures quick load times. Though it heats up, the mesh case design promotes good airflow. The system's upgradability is a plus, allowing for future hardware improvements. Bundled with a keyboard and mouse, it presents exceptional value under $1,500.

4. Alienware Aurora R16 – Best High-End Gaming PC

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: Extremely powerful processor; Excellent multitasking capabilities.

Cons: More mainstream design.

For high-end gaming needs and generous budgets, the Alienware Aurora R16 delivers exceptional performance. Its Intel Core i9-14900KF processor and RTX 4080 Super graphics card provide ample power for 4K gaming and video editing. The 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD further enhance its capabilities. While its design is less futuristic than previous models, the robust cooling system ensures quiet operation under heavy loads.

5. Asus ROG NUC – Best Mini Gaming PC

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: Compact size; Solid 1080p gaming performance.

Cons: Uses mobile-class hardware.

The Asus ROG NUC exemplifies the trade-offs inherent in mini PCs. Its small form factor necessitates the use of mobile-class components, but it still delivers surprisingly good 1080p gaming performance. Its compact size makes it suitable as a home theater PC capable of both media playback and gaming. While performance limitations at higher resolutions exist, it excels at 1080p and provides a convenient all-in-one solution.

Where to Buy in the UK: Many of the listed PCs are available through retailers like Newegg, offering international shipping options.

Best Mini Gaming PC MSI MEG Trident X2

See it at Newegg

How to Choose a Gaming PC

Pre-built PCs offer a convenient and often cost-effective entry into PC gaming. Prioritize the graphics card based on your monitor's resolution (an RTX 3060 Ti suffices for 1080p). An Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores handles most modern games adequately. Consider upgrading RAM and storage yourself for potential cost savings. Barebones systems offer a compromise, providing major components but requiring the purchase of storage, memory, and an operating system. Boutique builders like Origin, Maingear, and others offer highly customizable options, while services like NZXT BLD and iBuyPower's Easy Builder simplify the selection process based on preferred games and budget.

Gaming PC FAQ

Gaming PC vs. Gaming Laptop: Desktops generally offer better performance, upgradability, and longevity. Refer to our guide for a detailed comparison.

Upgrading Pre-built PCs: Most modern pre-built systems use standard components, simplifying upgrades. Look for tool-less designs for easier access to internal components.

Gaming PC vs. Console: PCs offer a wider game library, superior upgradability, and better performance, but consoles are simpler to use and less expensive initially.

Gaming PCs Under $1,000: Possible, but expect limitations in performance, particularly at higher settings and resolutions.

Building Your Own PC: Offers complete customization but requires technical knowledge and time investment.