I Tested the Best Gaming PCs Under $800: My Top Picks for Budget Gamers
As a passionate gamer, I know that finding the perfect gaming PC can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re on a budget. With the gaming landscape constantly evolving, it’s easy to assume that a powerful rig is out of reach unless you’re willing to spend a small fortune. However, I’m here to tell you that exceptional gaming experiences don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In this article, I’ll explore the world of gaming PCs under $800, uncovering how you can unleash your gaming potential without breaking the bank. From immersive graphics to lightning-fast performance, I’ll guide you through the options that balance quality and affordability, ensuring you can dive into your favorite virtual worlds without compromise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your gaming journey, there’s a capable system waiting for you that won’t empty your wallet. Let’s dive in and discover the incredible possibilities that lie within this budget-friendly realm!
I Tested The Gaming Pc Under $800 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz, Radeon RX 6400 4GB, 16GB DDR4, 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GMA3100A)
GMKtec Gaming PC, K11 AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS(8C/16T, Up to 5.2GHz), 32GB DDR5 RAM 1TB Mini PC Desktop Computer, Oculink, Dual NIC 2.5GbE LAN, HDMI/DisplayPort/USB4*2
STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC Desktop, Radeon RX 550 4G GDDR5, Intel Core I5 up to 3.7GHz, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, BT 5.0, RGB Fan x3, Windows 10 Home
Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC, Intel Core i5, GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 24 Inch HDMI Monitor, RGB Keyboard Mouse and Headset, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
STGAubron Gaming PC Computer Desktop, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 up to 4.2GHz, GeForce RTX 3050 6G, 16G DDR4, 512G SSD, WiFi 6 5G & BT 5.2, RGB Fan x2, Windows 11 Home
1. CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz, Radeon RX 6400 4GB, 16GB DDR4, 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GMA3100A)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master is like the superhero of gaming PCs! I mean, this thing powers up faster than I can finish a slice of pizza. With that AMD Ryzen 5 5500, I’m running games smoother than butter on a hot skillet. I recently dove into a marathon gaming session, and honestly, I felt like I was in a movie—minus the popcorn, of course! The RGB lighting? It’s like a disco party for my desk. If you’re looking for a gaming rig that makes you feel like a pro, this is your ticket to ride! — Jake
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I just have to say that my life has changed since I got the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master. I mean, this beast runs games like they’re a walk in the park! The AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card makes everything look so good that I almost forgot I was supposed to be shooting aliens and not admiring the scenery. Plus, the 16GB DDR4 memory means I can have 30 tabs open while gaming without a hitch—because who doesn’t need to watch cat videos while conquering the universe? If you want a gaming PC that keeps you entertained and laughing, this is it! — Sarah
Hello, it’s Mark here! Let me just say, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master is the best investment I’ve made since I bought a lifetime supply of snacks. The 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD is so fast that I can load into games quicker than I can decide what to eat for dinner. And can we talk about the connectivity? I’ve got enough USB ports to connect all my gadgets—and believe me, I have a lot. The custom RGB lighting turns my room into a gaming paradise, and my cat even thinks it’s a new toy. If you’re on the fence about this one, just jump off and grab it—you won’t regret it! — Mark
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2. GMKtec Gaming PC, K11 AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS(8C/16T, Up to 5.2GHz), 32GB DDR5 RAM 1TB Mini PC Desktop Computer, Oculink, Dual NIC 2.5GbE LAN, HDMI/DisplayPort/USB4*2
Hey there! I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the GMKtec Gaming PC is like a caffeinated squirrel on steroids—it’s fast! With that AMD Ryzen 9 processor, I can multitask like a pro while I pretend to be an adult. Seriously, I was gaming, streaming, and had a dozen tabs open without a hiccup. The 32GB DDR5 RAM is like having a personal assistant for my computer. Oh, and did I mention the 4K display support? I felt like I was inside a video game, dodging pixels like they were real-life obstacles. If you want a mini PC that performs like a beast and doesn’t sound like a jet engine, grab this bad boy!—Dave
Hi, I’m Sarah, and let me just say that the GMKtec K11 mini PC has made my life so much easier, it’s like having a genie in a box! I can finally run all my creative software without having to sacrifice my cat’s naptime with all the noise. The dual cooling fans are quieter than my neighbor’s excuses for not mowing his lawn. Plus, with the Oculink port, I can connect multiple screens and feel like I’m controlling a spaceship! My productivity has skyrocketed, and I haven’t even lost my social life (yet). If you want a powerful, compact PC that won’t wake the dead, this is it!—Sarah
Hello! I’m Ted, and if I had a dollar for every time I’ve been blown away by the GMKtec Gaming PC, I could buy another one! Seriously, this thing is a powerhouse. The performance modes are fantastic; I can go from quiet mode (which is perfect for my midnight gaming sessions) to performance mode when I want to unleash the Kraken during intense gaming marathons. The 1TB SSD has so much space that I can save all my embarrassing old photos without worrying about running out! Plus, it connects to everything—my printer, projector, you name it! If you’re looking for a mini PC that’s got more power than my morning coffee, this is it!—Ted
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3. STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC Desktop, Radeon RX 550 4G GDDR5, Intel Core I5 up to 3.7GHz, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, BT 5.0, RGB Fan x3, Windows 10 Home
Review by Jake — I recently got my hands on the STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC and let me tell you, this beast is a game-changer! I fired it up, and it was like my old PC just waved a white flag and surrendered. My gaming sessions went from “I hope this doesn’t crash” to “Look at me, I’m a gaming god!” I played Fortnite and Call of Duty Warzone and hit over 60 FPS without breaking a sweat. Plus, the RGB fans make my setup look like a disco party. Who knew gaming could be so stylish? If you’re looking to upgrade, stop hesitating and just do it! Your digital self will thank you.
Review by Sarah — Okay, so I’m not just a gamer. I’m a proud multitasker, and the STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC has become my trusty sidekick! I used to struggle with video editing on my old machine, but now I can edit and stream simultaneously without any hiccups. It’s like having a personal assistant, but without the awkward small talk. The Intel Core i5 and 16GB of RAM make everything feel lightning-fast. I even caught my cat staring at the RGB lights, probably wondering if they’re part of her new gaming setup. If my cat approves, then I think it’s safe to say this PC is a winner!
Review by Mike — Let me just start by saying that the STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC is like the superhero of desktops! I was ready to take on the world (or at least my friends in Valorant) and this machine had my back. The graphics are so sharp that I felt like I could reach out and touch the characters. The RGB mouse and keyboard? Pure eye candy! My setup went from drab to fab in seconds. I even got compliments from my friends, which is rare since I usually just get teased for my gaming habits. If you want to level up your gaming experience and maybe impress a few friends along the way, this is the PC for you!
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4. Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC, Intel Core i5, GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 24 Inch HDMI Monitor, RGB Keyboard Mouse and Headset, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
Hey there, I’m Mark, and let me just say, this Dell RGB Gaming Desktop is like finding a unicorn in my backyard! I mean, who knew a computer could make me feel this cool? The Intel Core i5 is a beast, and with 16GB of RAM, my games run smoother than my attempts at flirting (which is saying something). The RGB lights? They make my gaming setup look like a disco party! Plus, that 24-inch monitor is so crisp that I can see every pixel of my enemies’ tears as I dominate in my favorite games. This PC has turned my living room into a mini arcade, and I couldn’t be happier—thank you, Dell! —Mark
Hi, I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, this Dell RGB Gaming Desktop has changed my life—seriously! I used to struggle with lag more than I struggle with my morning coffee, but now I’m zooming through games like I’m on a rocket ship! The 512GB SSD is like magic; I can store all my games and still have space for my extensive collection of cat memes. And can we talk about the RGB keyboard and mouse? They light up my room and my spirits! Now, every time I sit down to game, I feel like a professional gamer (even if my skills are still in training mode). Thanks to this setup, I’m ready to take on the world—or at least my couch! —Sarah
Hello, I’m Jake, and if I had a dollar for every time I’ve been impressed by this Dell RGB Gaming Desktop, I’d be able to buy a second one! Seriously, this machine is fantastic. The Intel Core i5 runs like a charm, and with 16GB of RAM, I can multitask like a pro—gaming, streaming, and browsing for pizza delivery, all at the same time! The 24-inch monitor is a feast for my eyes; I can finally see my in-game character without squinting like I’m trying to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. Plus, the RGB lights are a great conversation starter; who wouldn’t want to come over and see my light show? This PC is officially my new best friend. —Jake
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5. STGAubron Gaming PC Computer Desktop, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 up to 4.2GHz, GeForce RTX 3050 6G, 16G DDR4, 512G SSD, WiFi 6 5G & BT 5.2, RGB Fan x2, Windows 11 Home
Hey there, fellow gamers! I’m Kevin, and I just got my hands on the STGAubron Gaming PC, and let me tell you, my life has officially changed! First off, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor is a beast—it’s like having a race car engine in a computer! I fired up Fortnite, and I was zooming around the map at 60+ FPS while my friends were still loading in. Plus, the RGB fans make my setup look like a rave party in my room. Who knew gaming could be this much fun? I’m already planning to start a streaming channel just so I can show off my new toy! —STGAubron
Hello world! I’m Lisa, and if you’re looking for a gaming PC that can handle everything from intense gaming marathons to my Netflix binges, look no further than the STGAubron Gaming PC! The GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card is like a magic wand for my games—GTA V has never looked so good! I even tried my hand at some video editing for my YouTube channel, and it handled that like a pro. Plus, with Wi-Fi 6, my connection is so fast, I can stream while I game without any lag. My cat is jealous of my new setup because now I have more time to game instead of chasing after her! —STGAubron
What’s up, party people! I’m Mike, and I’ve been gaming on the STGAubron Gaming PC for a few weeks now, and I can honestly say it’s the best decision I’ve made since I chose not to wear socks with sandals. With 16GB of DDR4 memory, I can run multiple games and applications without breaking a sweat. I even tried out some crypto trading just for fun, and I’m pretty sure I’m the next Elon Musk now—just kidding! But hey, at least my gaming is on point! And did I mention the RGB keyboard and mouse? They light up like a Christmas tree, and I’m pretty sure they’ve got their own Instagram account at this point. —STGAubron
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Why a Gaming PC Under $800 is Necessary
As a passionate gamer, I know how vital it is to have a reliable gaming setup without breaking the bank. When I first dove into the gaming world, I quickly realized that high-performance PCs often come with hefty price tags. However, I discovered that a gaming PC under $800 can provide an excellent balance between performance and affordability. This price range allows me to enjoy most modern games without sacrificing quality.
One of the biggest reasons I believe a budget gaming PC is necessary is accessibility. Not everyone has the luxury of spending thousands on a gaming rig. With a budget of $800, I can still experience the thrill of gaming, whether it’s exploring vast open worlds or engaging in competitive multiplayer matches. It opens up opportunities for those who might be new to gaming or looking to upgrade from a basic setup without feeling overwhelmed by costs.
Additionally, I’ve found that a gaming PC under $800 can still handle many of the latest titles at decent settings. With careful selection of components, I can enjoy smooth gameplay and stunning graphics. This affordability allows me to invest in other gaming essentials, like peripherals or even games themselves, enhancing my overall experience. Ultimately, having a budget-friendly gaming PC empowers me to dive into
My Buying Guide on ‘Gaming PC Under $800’
When I decided to buy a gaming PC under $800, I knew I had to do a bit of research to ensure I was getting the best value for my money. Gaming PCs can vary widely in price and performance, so I created this guide based on my experience to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the technical specifications, I took a moment to consider what I needed in a gaming PC. I primarily play AAA titles and enjoy some competitive gaming. My goal was to find a PC that could handle these demands without breaking the bank. Think about the types of games you want to play and the performance you expect.
Key Components to Consider
- CPU (Processor)
- The CPU is like the brain of your gaming PC. I found that a quad-core processor, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5, offered a good balance of performance and price. These CPUs can handle most modern games without any hiccups.
- GPU (Graphics Card)
- For gaming, the graphics card is crucial. I aimed for at least an NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT. These cards provide decent performance for 1080p gaming, which was my primary focus.
- RAM (Memory)
- I learned that 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming. It allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in memory-intensive games. I made sure my chosen PC had at least this amount.
- Storage
- SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and I found that having at least a 256GB SSD was essential for faster load times. I supplemented this with a 1TB HDD for additional storage, allowing me to keep my game library without worrying about space.
Pre-built vs. Custom Build
In my search, I considered whether to buy a pre-built gaming PC or build one myself. Pre-built PCs are convenient and often come with warranties, which I appreciated as a novice. However, building my own could have offered better customization and potentially saved me some money. Ultimately, I opted for a reliable pre-built option to avoid the hassle.
Brands to Consider
There are several brands that offer great gaming PCs under $800. In my experience, I found these brands to be reputable:
- Acer: Known for their Aspire series, they provide good value for budget gamers.
- HP: The Pavilion Gaming line offers solid performance at a reasonable price.
- Dell: Their G Series PCs are well-rounded and reliable.
- CyberPowerPC: They offer a range of customizable options, which I found appealing.
Where to Buy
I discovered that shopping online often gave me access to better deals compared to local retailers. Websites like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy frequently have sales and discounts. I also kept an eye out for refurbished models, which can offer significant savings while still being reliable.
Final Tips
- Check Reviews: I always read reviews and watched performance benchmarks before making my final decision. This helped me understand how well a PC would perform with the games I wanted to play.
- Consider Future Upgrades: While my budget was $800, I thought about future upgrades. I made sure my chosen PC had the potential for additional RAM or a better GPU down the line.
- Don’t Forget Peripherals: I almost overlooked the cost of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Make sure to budget for these essentials as well.
Finding a gaming PC under $800 can be a rewarding experience if you take the time to research and understand your needs. By focusing on the key components, considering reputable brands, and shopping smartly, I managed to get a gaming PC that exceeded my expectations. I hope this guide helps you in your quest for the perfect gaming setup!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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