Building a PC – your customized machine adapted to unique gameplay needs – can be super satisfying. No wonder many gamers assemble their desktops by hand, picking components, choosing connections, the whole haul.
However – and this is a mammoth deviation – not everyone wants to spend days doing the grunt work. Prebuilt machines are ready to use right from the box and save you the bother of being involved at every stage.
With $800, you can find many prebuilt machines after your own heart, thereby circumventing the frequently voiced concern of custom machines being more economical.
Numerous factors are at play when you figure out the appropriate gaming PC, from its performance and graphics support to the availability of ports and promptness of customer service.
Fortunately for gamers, many top PC makers have focused on the affordable desktop segment, producing stellar prebuilt PCs for mass audiences.
Still, finding the perfect desktop is not as straightforward as walking into a shop. Prior research is paramount, as is preferring high-quality components.
Concerns like a malfunctioning SSD or a poorly made cooler are easy to miss until they blow up into a catastrophe. That’s where a curated list of trustworthy picks comes in handy!
5 Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $800 in 2024
Picking a prebuilt gaming machine is a difficult decision with rich dividends: immersive gaming and soulful multimedia.
From iBUYPOWER to MSI, here are the best prebuilt gaming desktops under $800 for your entertainment den. They make excellent entry-level desktops and set the foundation for upscaling.
Many A/V professionals rely on these machines for streaming, video editing, etc.
1. Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC
Pros
- High-quality components
- Reliable performance
- Includes multiple connections
- Dependable customer service
Cons
- The fans can generate excessive noise
- The RGB settings can be clunkier than some competitors
Attractive to behold and built to last, the Skytech Gaming Nebula desktop is well-suited to satisfying gameplay and creative tasks like running multimedia apps.
This PC uses a snappy Intel Core i5-13400F processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics. So, you can delight in ray tracing and better imagery than the GPUs of the GTX series.
The available memory and storage are 16GB and 1TB. It is a good combination for gripping titles like Valorant and Resident Evil.
Skytech provides a one-year warranty and tech support – a blessing for anxious buyers making a first-time investment. The system does not have any bloatware, which improves speeds.
The connections are aplenty: 802.11 AC Wi-Fi, USB ports, HDMI, etc. You also get HD audio, a gaming keyboard, and a mouse. This sustainable desktop uses four RGB fans for maximum heat dissipation.
2. iBUYPOWER Trace 7 Mesh Gaming PC
Pros
- High-end specs for good gaming performance
- Aesthetically catchy, with tempered glass panels
- Productive and efficient operating system
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the customer service and warranty
- The fans can feel noisy for those used to liquid cooling
The iBUYPOWER Trace 7 Mesh desktop costs less than $800, but the specs are top-notch. Sample this: an AMD Ryzen 7 5700 processor for efficient gameplay, RTX 3050 graphics for realistic imagery with ray tracing, and 16GB RAM.
The storage space is 1TB – a fast SSD to improve load times. Moreover, since this PC uses Windows 11 Advanced, you can enjoy a fluid user experience and a flourishing online community to address any queries.
The PC looks grand with tempered glass paneling and RGB lighting. Several connections, from 802.11 AC Wi-Fi to six USB 3.0 ports, improve your accessibility. It also dissipates heat effectively with powerful fans, keeping the temperature ideal for disturbance-free use.
3. STGAubron Gaming PC Under $800
Pros
- Excellent specs for the price
- The PC offers a Sound Bar for audiophiles
- Includes multiple add-ons, like a mousepad and a mic
Cons
- The quality of the components can be inconsistent
- It does not offer Windows 11
This STGAubron PC has some of the highest specs for the price. Inside are an Intel Core i7 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, and 32GB RAM.
It is a fantastic assortment on a budget, letting you play resource-intensive games like Hogwarts Legacy at over 60 FPS. STGAubron relies on six RGB fans for cooling.
The connections cover Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB ports, etc. Additionally, you get an RGB Keyboard, a gaming mouse, a mic, and a mouse pad. There is even a Sound Bar for immersive audio. That’s more cost savings right there!
A downer is the lack of Windows 11; some users report that upgrading from Windows 10 is a problem.
4. Thermaltake LCGS Quartz i350 R4
Pros
- Top-rung heat dissipation and thermal efficiency
- Visually striking design
- Uncluttered cable management
Cons
- The availability of Bluetooth is uncertain
- Pro gamers might desire a better GPU for the price
Look no further than the Thermaltake LCGS Quartz i350 R4 if you desire a budget-friendly gaming desktop with unmatched heat management. It has three front and one rear fan for accelerated airflow.
A mesh front panel further promotes cooler temperatures. It is not called ‘Snow Edition’ casing for nothing!
The specifications of this PC are impressive. An Intel Core i5-12400F CPU works with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics and 16GB RAM. A 1TB SSD offers high-speed storage space for gaming files.
Many connections are included for your convenience. For example, an HDMI or three display ports allow you to connect an external display. The manufacturer ensures a neat, minimalistic look with a power cover and tempered glass panels.
5. MSI Aegis SE Gaming Desktop
Pros
- Dependable, versatile performance
- Customization- and upgrade-friendly
- Cheaper than others on this list
Cons
- Low inbuilt storage space
- Upgrading can be expensive due to the proprietary nature of the components
MSI gaming pcs use quality components and have a reputation for durability. The MSI Aegis SE has an Intel Core i5-12400F CPU and uses Geforce RTX 3050 graphics – a well-rounded, balaned configuration for gamers, multimedia students, or day-to-day business users. It has 16GB RAM but low storage at 500GB.
Luckily, it is a highly upgradable PC since MSI takes pride in keeping things DIY-friendly. It is a refreshing feature in a prebuilt machine, allowing gamers to experience some of the thrill of custom PCs without the hassle.
The installed operating system is Windows 11 Home – a productive, easy-to-use OS. But business users can easily upgrade to a Pro version. It comes with helpful security additions like BitLocker device encryption.
What to look for – Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $800
The market has become much more customer-friendly compared to the 1970s, when gaming PCs first became popular. For instance, the Apple II would cost around $6,000 today.
In 2024, gamers can find many appealing prebuilt PCs in the $700 to $800 budget. The processor and the graphics are the prime criteria for high-speed gaming at modest (or high) settings.
This price bucket will allow efficient CPUs like an Intel Core i5 or i7 or an AMD equivalent. RTX graphics are also accessible, sweeping you off your feet with standout features like the DLSS architecture for improved frame rates.
A minimum RAM of 16GB is best, although some choices offer more. Likewise, look for ample storage space: 1TB is preferable if your PC is not easy to upgrade.
This configuration will make most AAA games manageable, from Apex Legends to World of Warcraft.
Another salient department is cooling, usually managed by air coolers and fans. The noise level of the fans can be an irritant for some gamers, so please apply caution.
Conclusion
Gone are the days when you could not envision a gaming desktop worth its salt for less than $1,000.
Buying a PC from established brands like MSI and Skytech is a common choice for safety, customer service, and quality. Brands like STGAubron strive to maximize value for your money by bundling provisions like a Sound Bar.
Some prebuilt desktops, like the Thermaltake LCGS Quartz, emphasize specialized areas like heat dissipation and sustainability.
The long and short of it: Don’t let money deter you from considering a prebuilt gaming PC.
It has become much more affordable in 2024. And for $800, you can even enjoy plenty of oomph, including RGB lighting and eye-catching design.