There’s a lot to be said for convenience and time-saving in the busy world we occupy. Prebuilt gaming PCs fit right into this space, offering gamers and multimedia enthusiasts the opportunity to dive right in, without needing to spend time in assembly.
These desktops are complete machines put together by competent manufacturers and usually have stable configurations.
So, while you miss out on the flexibility of choosing your parts, you cut the risk of picking underperforming components or encountering trouble during PC building.
As a rule of thumb, prebuilt gaming PCs are more expensive than custom-made ones. You can choose cheaper processors and memory if you build your machine manually.
However, fortunately for gamers who seek ready-to-dive-in entertainment, prebuilt desktops have also become more inexpensive. You can find a handful of good picks at less than $500.
Occasionally, when individual components get pricier because of shortages, these machines can be more budget-friendly than customized ones.
Picking a prebuilt machine from a trusted brand will avoid post-purchase dissonance.
Many also offer warranty and long-term customer support. All said and done, it boils down to a simple question: what do you value more – the comfort of a prebuilt machine or the delight of making your own from scratch?
Top 3 Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $500 in 2024
Prebuilt gaming desktops under $500 can be a sensible choice for anyone who loves casual entertainment but does not want to spend a bomb.
These PCs also double up as business or school machines, ideal for performing day-to-day tasks sustainably. Some budget-conscious computers up the game through customized lighting and neat cable management.
1. STGAubron Gaming PC
Pros
- Affordable gaming desktop
- Includes RGB fans
- Suited to versatile uses from business to trading
- Offers multiple connectivity options
Cons
- Some users find the performance and sound quality inconsistent
- The included storage is low
The STGAubron gaming desktop is one of the most affordable but trusted purchases in the under-$500 bucket. It runs on an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and Radeon RX 580 graphics.
It has inbuilt SSD storage of 512GB. Although the configuration seems basic, you can run most games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Call of Duty. Besides gameplay, this PC can be a good bet for multimedia projects, business, trading, and studying.
Two RGB fans handle the cooling department, realizing a high wind pressure (2.7mmH20) for maximum airflow. It is not as quiet or effective as liquid cooling, but still a neat deal for the price.
This purchase includes a keyboard and mouse, both designed to facilitate gameplay. It also includes multiple connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI, and display ports.
Even though it is a budget-friendly PC, it includes embellishments like RGB fans and a Sound Bar. STGAubron offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Customers also get continued tech support.
2. Skytech Gaming Mini PC X1 Gaming PC
Pros
- Good value for money
- Supports multiple displays and other peripherals
- Dependable customer support
- Efficient cooling mechanism
Cons
- Low available storage
- The performance and stability can be mixed at higher settings
This AMD Ryzen 5 5600G desktop is another reasonable prebuilt gaming machine for satisfactory entertainment. The Skytech Gaming Mini PC X1 uses Radeon Graphics and has 16GB RAM.
The onboard memory is 500GB (SSD). The simplistic configuration is ample for playing at low to moderate settings or conducting multimedia tasks like streaming.
Moreover, the heat dissipation system (Wraith Stealth cooler) is hard-working, ensuring that the components remain at a comfortable temperature.
For a budget price, this desktop bundles customizable RGB lighting. Plugging in peripherals of your choice is also straightforward, from external displays to gaming controllers.
It can handle three display outputs concurrently, making games more immersive and business tasks more productive. You can rest assured that multimedia experiences will be engaging and visually appealing too!
Skytech offers a one-year warranty on components and labor. The company has developed a reputation for reliable customer assistance – an add-on to its high-quality components that offer implicit trust. You can access tech support for a lifetime, having grievances resolved pronto.
3. NSXGAMING Nova Gaming Desktop
Pros
- Fit for budget-conscious users
- Capable of performing diverse tasks
- Provides abundant connectivity
- Uses Windows 11 Home, a highly productive OS for business and multimedia
Cons
- It lacks a dedicated graphics card
- The performance may not be ample for thrill-seekers
Here is another cheap prebuilt PC whose performance can belie the price. The NSXGAMING Nova houses an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Equipped with six cores and 12 threads, this processor boasts decent speed and frequencies up to 4.4GHz. However, since the desktop uses an APU and does not have discrete graphics, you might find the performance better suited to casual use, studies, and home-office use.
The desktop includes RGB fans to dissipate heat effectively and keep your experience interruption-free.
It uses Windows 11 Home, an operating system well-adapted to modern gaming and audio-visual tasks like video editing. It delivers many advantages, from snap layouts for increased productivity to hassle-free redocking.
The availability of several connections is a highlight of this machine, simplifying things for gamers. You get ten USB ports (2.0 and 3.2), a gaming keyboard, and a user-friendly mouse. To its credit, the PC does a fine job in cable management, not letting your entertainment den look cluttered.
What to look for – Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $500
In this range, you can find systems with an efficient Intel Core i5 or i7 processor or an AMD counterpart.
The typical memory and storage at this price are around 16GB and 512GB (SSD). It is a good idea to look for an upgradable machine you can later scale up with rising needs.
The downer? You may not find a discrete GPU in this price range. Radeon graphics or an integrated arrangement are your best options to derive the maximum value from your desktop.
Besides performance, it is smart to check other crucial aspects like heat management and the availability of USB ports before signing the dotted line. HDMI and display ports are essential to connect large displays for an absorbing gaming experience.
Choose the appropriate casing for your setup and available space: mid-tower/ATX or mini towers/Micro ATX. The aesthetics (including transparent paneling) and front/rear panel connectivity are other crucial design considerations.
Conclusion
A $500 budget might not seem like much at first, considering the steeply-priced premium gaming machines that have taken the world by storm.
However, you can get good value for your investment in prebuilt gaming PCs from established brands like Skytech, STG, and NSX.
With competition encouraging manufacturers to better their value proposition, you can even find luxurious offerings like customizable RGB lighting in cheap gaming PCs.
The recommended modus operandi is to figure out which games you would like to play at what frame rates. It will help you arrive at a ballpark for the configuration that matches your unique requirements.