The time is right to splurge on a gaming desktop if you have long waited for your dream entertainment machine.
The year 2023 witnessed a downturn in gaming PC . It has been linked to various reasons, but the foremost is the aftermath of the pandemic.
With more professionals working remotely, finding competitively priced components became challenging. However, recent data by IDC and Gartner predict substantial growth in 2024[1].
Many affordable options have sprung up, offering multimedia lovers competent performance, immersive graphics, and effective heat management. Several products can adapt to the requirements of creative professionals like artists, illustrators, and graphics designers.
When selecting a prebuilt gaming desktop, you will encounter several loaded decisions. An Intel or an AMD processor? More inbuilt storage or focus on upscaling? Windows 10 or 11? There is no one correct answer, as preferences vary by gaming patterns and usage.
For example, if you also intend to run business tasks on your PC, a Windows 11 operating system might be more productivity-friendly. Ultimately, all that matters is your prebuilt PC fulfills its core purpose: saving you the trouble of manual assembly and holding its head up on the battlefield.
Let us leverage the situation by exploring the best gaming desktops that cost less than $700, leaving you a neat sum for a king-size display or two.
5 Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $700 in 2024
From STGAubron to Lenovo, popular tech manufacturers have focused their energy on the budget gaming PC segment. Video games are becoming more popular as people strive to immerse themselves in alternate realities.
PC companies are following suit, living up to the occasion with high-quality desktops that don’t cost a mini fortune.
1. STGAubron Gaming PC under $700
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Has an RTX graphics card
- Includes add-ons like an RGB Sound Bar and a Bluetooth headphone
- Effective heat dissipation
Cons
- Some customers find the components have inconsistent performance
- Does not have as high implicit brand trust as alternatives
The STGAubron gaming desktop costs around $649. It exudes immense power for the price, courtesy of an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super graphics, 32GB RAM, and 1TB of storage (SSD).
The RTX Series improves upon the GTX series by miles, enhancing the hardware and opening up features like ray tracing.
This PC hosts connectivity provisions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB ports, and HDMI. But wait, there’s more: you also get freebies like a Bluetooth headphone, an RGB mouse pad, and a Sound Bar for improved acoustics.
It is a sustainably designed machine with six RGB fans for heat dissipation. Even so, the company provides trustable customer support and a one-year warranty on parts and labor to resolve potential problems.
2. Lenovo IdeaCentre Gaming 5i
Pros
- Good performance with scope for upgradability
- Impressive cooling
- Established and trusted manufacturer
- Includes a free Xbox GamePass
Cons
- Costlier than its competitors
- The included RAM is low for the cost
Are you open to expanding your budget (just a little) to accommodate a top-notch Lenovo gaming PC? The Lenovo IdeaCentre Gaming 5i runs on an Intel Core i5-12400 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics.
You can comfortably enjoy gaming and other multimedia activities in their original glory.
Plus, it includes a 3-Month Xbox GamePass. It brings addictive games like ARK: Survival Ascended and Resident Evil 3 to your entertainment den.
Note that the inbuilt memory and storage are only average at 8GB and 512GB, but upgradability is straightforward.
Lenovo has worked hard on the cooling frontier, using a 65W cooler for lower temperatures and higher airflow. The design also aligns with the cool theme, using teal accents and a minimalistic vibe that will match modern aesthetics.
3. iBUYPOWER TraceMesh
Pros
- Affordable gaming and multimedia performance
- Includes multiple connectivity options
- Visually appealing design with tempered glass
Cons
- The fans can create a lot of noise
- Some customers find the customer service lacking in promptness and resolution provided
Another fine pick in this category is the iBUYPOWER TraceMesh gaming desktop, resplendent in tempered glass paneling and RGB lighting.
It uses an AMD Ryzen 5 4500 processor with GTX 1650 graphics, incurring cost advantages without affecting performance.
This PC also boasts higher specs for the budget: 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Gamers can access several connections, from 802.11 AC Wi-Fi to six USB ports.
iBUYPOWER uses air cooling to ward off heat. It keeps the system components at an optimal temperature in the heat of a game or a video editing application. You will also find the overall load times swift due to the absence of bloatware.
4. MSI Aegis SE
Pros
- Superior performance for various A/V needs
- Dependable and long-lasting components
- Customizable and upgradable PC
Cons
- The storage space is low
- Proprietary components, while high-quality, are also expensive
Many gamers side with a good old, trustable MSI gaming machine, especially now that the manufacturer has expanded its cost-effective product lines. The MSI Aegis SE PC has an Intel Core i5-12400F at the helm.
A Geforce RTX 3050 graphics card realizes absorbing imagery with ray tracing, wherein lighting in games imitates the real world. The other specifications are 16GB RAM and a 500GB SSD.
Smooth upgradability is a prime advantage of this PC, letting you customize as you please. MSI prioritizes a DIY-friendly build, pleasing gamers who wanted a custom-built machine but settled for a prebuilt one for speed and convenience.
It is a Windows 11 Home computer, which reaps dividends in speed and efficiency. It also has enhanced graphics and a dedicated community to find immediate assistance.
5. ASUS 2022 ROG
Pros
- Long-term, reliable gaming performance
- Includes an additional USB card
- Compact design suitable for cramped spaces
Cons
- It can underperform compared to some other desktops on this list
- Does not offer RTX graphics
Can you go wrong with an ASUS gaming desktop that is also cheap? The ASUS 2022 ROG lives up to the illustrious legacy of the brand, performing well for heavy-duty titles and multimedia apps.
An Intel Core i5-11400F CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics, and 16GB RAM make up its ammunition. The GPU runs most games well, but you may miss ray tracing if you have gotten used to the glamor of an RTX graphics card.
This PC has low available storage at 512GB (SSD). However, things look up with an included Snowbell USB Card. It works like a regular USB flash drive, expanding your storage space for gaming files, high-res videos, etc. You also get many ports and connections, spanning HDMI, display ports, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 6.
What to look for – Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $700
This price range houses desktops powered by an Intel Core i5/i7 processor or an AMD Ryzen match. While NVIDIA GTX graphics are standard, some brands push the envelope by offering an RTX GPU instead.
So, you can cherish the delights of ray tracing and accelerated performance in a $600 to $700 budget. Onboard RAM and storage of at least 16GB and 512GB are ideal, but upgradability is an option if you want to start with less.
Gamers should explore the effectiveness of heat dissipation to keep the performance sustainable.
Air cooling can be effective, particularly if the chassis supports increased airflow. But noise can be a concern, so it is recommended to check the fans don’t spoil your gaming experience.
It is a good idea to verify the availability of ports and connections, from USB and Bluetooth to Wi-Fi, HDMI, and display ports. Cable management, overall build, and accessibility of I/O panels can set the better PCs apart from others.
Conclusion
Prebuilt gaming systems do not have the flexibility of custom ones and are (usually) costlier. But contemporary businesses have understood this concern.
Brands like ASUS have stepped up, launching offerings that fit tight budgets, offering satisfying performance and customization options.
Picking a gaming desktop like the Lenovo IdeaCentre or the MSI Aegis is a safe, reliable purchase decision. Many gaming enthusiasts also choose products from STGAubron or iBUYPOWER.
Your choice will depend on personal preferences and recommendations received from pals. The latter, combined with company reviews and feedback on customer assistance, can be a fabulous way to settle this high-stakes decision.
[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/01-10-2024-gartner-says-worldwide-pc-shipments-increased-zero-point-three-percent-in-fourth-quarter-of-2023-but-declined-fourteen-point-eight-percent-for-the-year