Prebuilt gaming PCs are becoming more common in the PC gaming community. Previously, there was a misconception that going after a prebuilt gaming desktop would cost you double that of a custom gaming PC. However, things have changed a lot in the past few years with the arrival of cheaper prebuilt gaming rigs. Now, if you hold a budget of $500, you can easily buy a prebuilt gaming PC that is capable of playing games at 720p or even 1080p resolution. So, in this guide, we will review some of the best cheap prebuilt gaming PCs under the $500 budget.
Now you cannot expect a $500 gaming desktop to play games at 4K resolution. But at least this low-budget prebuilt gaming rig would let you play some famous AAA titles on low to medium settings. However, these wallet-friendly gaming PCs would let you play games at 1080p without any hassle.
We’ve tested all of these entry-level gaming rigs by ourselves to make sure they offer the best value to you.
Our Best Cheap Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $500
Searching for the best gaming PC under $500? Well here are some of our top considerations:
iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC – The Overall Best Prebuilt Gaming PC under $500
Key Specifications:
CPU: Ryzen 3 3100 3.6GHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 1GB
Ram: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 480GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10
If you are tight on budget and looking for a gaming PC with decent performance and slick aesthetics, iBUYPOWER Pro is the right choice. This gaming rig comes with a clean and decent-looking PC case with two RGB case fans at the front and one at the back.
This prebuilt gaming machine is packed with a Ryzen 3 3100 CPU and 8GB of DDR4 ram. Now, this gaming rig is good enough to meet the basic requirements of modern PC games.
Also, you are welcomed by GeForce GT 710 1GB, an entry-level GPU from Nvidia. Well, this GPU isn’t one of the best out there, but for a cheaper under $500 prebuilt gaming rig, it isn’t a bad choice as well. But you cannot expect this machine to scale resolution over 720p in games like GTA V or Fortnite.
The iBUYPOWER Pro lets you install your favorite game on a 480GB SSD. Again, if you want more space, you can upgrade to a higher capacity later on. This low-budget gaming PC comes with preinstalled Windows 10 operating system and onboard Wi-Fi.
At the back panel, you get access to 4 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 connectors for faster data transfer. On top of all, you get 1 year of warranty from iBUYPOWER if anything goes wrong with this gaming machine.
Reasons to Buy:
iBUYPOWER Pro although comes with an entry-level CPU & GPU, it’s upgradable. If you want to play games at 720p resolution, this gaming PC can easily let you through it. Moreover, the RGB case fans give your gaming machine a stunning and professional look. If you are after the cheapest prebuilt gaming PC, this might be the best option for you.
iBUYPOWER Pro Trace 4 MR 180A – Low Budget Prebuilt Gaming PC for New Comers
Key Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz
GPU: AMD RX 560 2GB
Ram: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 240GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10
Another prebuilt gaming PC from iBUYPOWER PRO but with more powerful specs and features. This gaming PC lies on the sweet spot between price and performance. It packs one extra RGB case fan at the front as compared to the previous iBUYPOWER PRO model on our list. Also, this gaming machine is graced by a full ATX PC case whereas the previous one had a mid-tower wider PC case.
Powered by AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU clocked at 3.6 GHz, this is one of the most affordable yet powerful gaming PC from iBUYPOWER Pro. No doubt, the Ryzen 5 3600 is a powerful six-core processor that is known for delivering high fps performance in gaming.
And if we combine the Ryzen 5 3600 with a mid-range GPU like RX 560, we can at least play games at 1080p resolution without any problem. Equipped with 8GB of DDR4 ram, this next-gen prebuilt gaming is ideal for running the demanding AAA titles at medium-high settings.
In terms of connectivity, it has 4 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 at the back panel for faster data transfer. Moreover, it comes with preinstalled Windows 10 and has onboard Wi-Fi to stay connected to your home network.
Reasons to Buy:
This is the best bang for your buck gaming PC that packs a powerful gaming CPU and a mid-range GPU. It comes with enough cooling fans at the front and back for efficient heat dissipation. It’s one of the best-prebuilt gaming rigs under $500 that can be upgraded easily with more powerful hardware later on. This PC easily handles Fortnite, CS-GO, and PUBG on high settings.
CUK ASRock DeskMini X300W – Best Prebuilt Mini Gaming PC Under $500 for Beginners
Key Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
GPU: Radeon RX Vega 8
Ram: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Operating System: Not Installed
CUK ASRock DeskMini X300W is one of the best prebuilt mini gaming PC in the market right now. And if we look down at the features of this low-budget gaming desktop, it’s mind-blowing. Equipped with Ryzen 3 3200G CPU, Radeon RX Vega 8 GPU, and top of all, the 512GB NVMe SSD, this gaming machine offers the best value for the money you pay for it.
This gaming rig packs double the amount of ram as compared to previous gaming PCs on our list. ASRock DeskMini is equipped with 16GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 3200MHz. Now, this is one of those ram modules that you would find in high-end prebuilt gaming PCs.
The only doubt we had when picking this gaming rig was about the Radeon RX Vega 8 onboard chip. But keeping in mind a powerful CPU and ram, we think this wallet-friendly gaming PC can handle games at 720p without any problem.
The only downside that we’ve noticed so far is the limited expansion. The CUK ASRock DeskMini is built on a mini-ITX motherboard and PC case. So there is almost no space for adding bulky peripherals to this PC. If you want to install a gaming GPU, you have to consider the one that has compact dimensions.
It’s a small form factor prebuilt gaming rig so there aren’t many connectivity options at the back panel as well. But it has a Type-C USB 3.1 Gen1 connection for faster data transfer.
Reasons to Buy
If you are tight on budget and space, this mini gaming PC would be an ideal fit for both scenarios. It has a faster ram and graphics card to handle entry-level games without any hassle.
MXZ Desktop – Best Value Prebuilt Gaming PC
Key Specifications:
CPU: Athlon 3000G 3.5GHz
GPU: Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
Ram: 8GB DDR4
Storage: NVME M2 500GB SSD,
Operating System: Win 10 Pro 64-bit
The MZX Desktop stands out as the best prebuilt gaming pc for beginners in the market right now. With Athlon 3000G CPU and onboard graphics card, you cannot expect this gaming PC to let you play games at higher settings. But if you upgrade the CPU later on, there isn’t much work you need to do in order to play your favorite demanding AAA titles on this low-budget gaming PC.
Apart from a low-end CPU, this cost-effective prebuilt gaming PC packs all the necessary specs for being a real performer in entry-level gaming. It comes with 8GB of DDR4 ram clocked at 2666 MHz and a 500GB NVMe SSD for faster computing. You can install any low-budget gaming GPU on this PC to enhance the overall performance.
In terms of connectivity, this gaming has a lot to offer. At the back panel, you will find 5 x USB 3.1 Gen1 & 4 x USB 2.0 ports for data transfer. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi and preinstalled Windows 10 operating system.
Reasons to Buy
Worth upgrading later on to a mid-range gaming AMD CPU and GPU. Also, it has enough connectivity ports to attach multiple gaming peripherals at the same time. On top of all, it has a spacious PC case to add bulky gaming peripherals like power supply units, CPU coolers, and GPUs.
Periphio Blue Gaming PC – Best Under $500 Gaming Desktop With Intel Core i5 Processor
Key Specifications:
CPU: Intel Quad Core i5 3.4GHz
GPU: Nvidia GT1030
Ram: 16GB DDR3 RAM
Storage: 120GB SSD + 1TB 7200 RPM HDD
Operating System: Windows 10
When it comes to prebuilt gaming PCs on budget, you will find most desktops equipped with AMD CPUs. And it is a fact that Intel CPUs are expensive as compared to the ones from AMD. But this prebuilt gaming PC sits well under the $500 budget range and has a Quad-Core Core i5 processor clocked at 3.4 GHz.
Intel CPUs are best known for their single-core performance in the market. And if you need higher fps in gaming, you have to opt for an Intel CPU in your gaming rig. The Periphio Blue Gaming PC packs the most powerful Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 3.4 GHz paired with 16GB of DDR3 ram for ideal performance in AAA titles.
If we talk about the dedicated Nvidia GT 1030 GPU that comes with this low-cost gaming PC, then most of you wouldn’t find it as an ideal fit. But keeping in mind the other powerful specs like the CPU and ram, we are sure that this entry-level will easily let you play games at 1080p without any problem. And if you need more powerful graphical performance, you can swap GT 1030 with any good-gaming GPU from Nvidia or AMD.
Reasons to Buy
A reasonably priced prebuilt gaming PC. With Intel CPU, this gaming PC can deliver exceptional performance in gaming at medium to high settings. This machine is built in a spacious PC case with colorful RGB lighting and a tempered glass panel on one side. It’s worth buying if you want to upgrade this PC with more powerful components in the future.
Games You Can Easily Run on These Cheap Prebuilt Gaming PCs
You can easily run the following games on these low-budget PCs:
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – 1920×1080 High Settings
Fortnite – 1920×1080 High Settings
GTA V – 1920×1080 High Settings
The Witcher 3 – 720p Medium Settings
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – 1920×1080 High
Can You Upgrade a Cheap Prebuilt Gaming PC?
Well, you can upgrade a ready-made gaming PC to some extent. If you are going for a prebuilt PC built on an ATX motherboard, you can easily upgrade the ram, GPU, and storage. However, if you are planning to buy a mini or SFF gaming PC, then the chances of an upgrade are narrow.
Adding more peripherals to your prebuilt gaming machine entirely depends upon your motherboard. And if your motherboard has enough headroom to install bulky and powerful components, you can easily go for an upgrade.
In the case of prebuilt gaming PCs under $500, there are chances to upgrade your current peripherals but are limited. For example, if you go for a gaming PC with an ATX PC case and motherboard, you can add more ram or GPU to enhance its performance. But at the same time, if that ATX motherboard is an older one, you cannot install the latest-gen hardware on that motherboard.
After all, it is room for an upgrade that makes a prebuilt PC future-proof in gaming as compared to a regular PC.
Picking the Affordable Prebuilt Gaming PC
For inexperienced PC gamers, there are a lot of benefits of buying a prebuilt PC. First of all, when you are buying a prebuilt desktop, you are paying for more than just PC parts. A prebuilt desktop comes with a warranty and service that keep you on the safe side. Moreover, the parts are put together by professionals who know what parts are compatible with each other to deliver the best in gaming.
The next thing we highly focus on is the design and upgradability of a prebuilt system. Demand for powerful hardware keeps showing up in the PC gaming industry, so you have to be careful in choosing a pre-made gaming desktop.
While choosing the budget prebuilt gaming PCs from trusted manufacturers, our top focus was on customer value, reliability, performance, and headroom for upgradability.
Recommendation
Finally, these were some of the best gaming desktop pc under 500 on our list. And if we have to choose from any of these low-budget gaming machines, then it would definitely be the Periphio Blue gaming desktop. And the reason behind this performance of Intel CPUs in high FPS gaming. Moreover, this gaming rig has enough ram and room to make your PC future-proof.
We always recommend new PC gamers build their own PC for the first time. Building your own gaming computer from scratch is fun and it lets you save a lot of money as compared to a prebuilt PC.
However, a Prebuilt gaming desktop is assembled by experts in the industry, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing research to get one. Going after a cheap prebuilt gaming PC deal can save you a lot of time and effort. Budget gaming PCs between $500 to $800 are ideal for playing games at 1080p settings. If you push your budget a little more, you can get a powerful prebuilt gaming PC to play AAA demanding titles.
