Best Gaming PC Under $1000 – Amazing Components For 2023

There comes a certain point in setting a budget for a computer where you realize just how much room you’re giving yourself to truly let loose. It’s true, a high-end gaming PC will cost more than a console, but that cost doesn’t come alone. It brings its friends: power, value, longevity to play high-end games.

A good, powerful, super realistic gaming pc will start setting you back a premium in the $1,000 range and up. However, when you build it well, it’ll play most games the console market couldn’t dream of at ranges of pure graphical prowess and resolution untold.

And it’ll do it for years to come, unburdened by an alternating release cycle, delays between console updates, or a more limited schedule for actual games you want to play. It’s true, and it’s not for everybody. But you’re here for a reason; let’s make sure you get your money’s worth.

As before, I’ll lay out all of the individual parts in the PC below, so feel free to skip ahead if you’re ready for the list. But, for anyone new, I’m also making a small summary of the core seven components every basic gaming PC needs right here at the top. So cover it if you want a handle on the parts before going in.

What to Consider When Building the Best Gaming PC Under 1000

1. Processor 

The central brain of the best gaming PCs. The Central Processor is like air traffic control keeping everything working in the right order. It is measured in gigahertz as a unit of speed across multiple cores of power.

2. Graphics Card 

Has similar functions to the CPU but is solely used for showing the visuals on your monitor. In a gamer’s setup, this will usually be the most expensive part–and for a good reason, it is vital to a good gaming experience. 

3. Gaming Memory 

Sticks of temporary storage the gaming computer uses to work nimbly. Data is stored here in the RAM sticks while moving around your processor. Think of these like ‘pockets’ in your pants; they can’t hold as much as a backpack, but you also don’t need to carry a huge backpack around everywhere you go to carry some loose change.

4. The Motherboard 

It is where all of the previous components will exist, where they need to attach to become a working computer. It’s also where everything attaches; housing this and everything on it is why we need a case to protect it.

5. Storage Suite 

It will be working as a hard drive, with more or less storage space and slower or faster spin-up times, to move things there. If you’re willing to drop more money, you can get an SSD, which doesn’t spin, and while it does work a lot faster, that does come at an extreme cost increase per terabyte of space.

6. Power Supply 

In my opinion, the most important part of the entire build. The PSU moves power to all the components inside your build, and without it, there is no PC. Unfortunately, a budget prebuilt gaming PC sometimes can’t afford to use these units; I would seriously recommend that your build has one cheap power supply unit that can cause loading issues, shutdowns, and in extreme cases, it can combust your PC into flames.

7. The Case 

If your PC were a turtle, then this would be its shell. Typically the last component you choose when building a PC and sometimes the hardest to choose it makes or breaks the beauty of your Gaming PC. 

Which is the Best Gaming PC Under $1000?

Building The Best Gaming PC Under $1000 

1. Crucial BX500 1TB

We’re finally going to get some high speed in our gaming pc build at this budget. Adding an SSD (Or Solid-State-Drive) will dramatically decrease our boot-up times and loading times for certain applications and games. The only drawback of SSD’s is their low capacity and high price. Don’t worry, though. We’ve found the right balance between the two. However, we’re going to quickly talk about some more traditional storage first.

Because of the limited size of more affordable SSD’s, we’re going to need an auxiliary hard drive. (Also known as an HDD or “Spinning Disk” Hard Drive.) These “spinning disk” drives have the advantage of being a tried-and-true technology, and their age means savings for us. Hard drive prices continue to fall, and I can’t think of a better example for this phenomenon than the Crucial BX500 1TB. 

This deal just keeps getting better and better. It’s a compact hard drive with a 2.5″ form factor for a compact price.

Now onto the fun part, the SSD. Due to their high price-per-gig, high-capacity SSDs, some might believe not to be a great idea for any good gaming pc built at this range. But with the current change in times and availability of more quality branded ones in the market, I will use a smaller, more affordable, 1TB SATA III SSD from Crucial.

The Crucial BX500 1TB is an affordable package at around 100 bucks, but don’t let its affordability fool you. This SSD is packing sequential read and write speeds of 540MB/s and 500MB/s, respectively, which places it firmly in the competition among rival manufacturers like Corsair.

Adding this SSD will take our operating system boot times from minutes to seconds. Just remember, if possible, to set up your documents, pictures, movies, and music folders, so they are routed to your secondary drive.

2. NZXT H510

One of my favorite recent discoveries, the NZXT H510 – Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case is a gorgeous case first and foremost; it comes in black and white for varying styles, with tempered glass options. Designed for gaming from the ground up. It has great clearance, great design, room for all your parts and components, and enough for cable management. It provides easy access and has an excellent open design that does a good job of protecting your PC components while maximizing air intake. Keeping the case maintained and dust-free is a dream, and the inside does its best to keep your setup cool with proper airflow and two Aer F120mm fans pre-installed with PSU intakes and removable filters. There’s no case I’d recommend higher.

3. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Though Intel core offers more expensive chips for straightforward gaming, it’s hard to stack up against AMD’s more versatile offerings. While the prices fluctuate between specific items or tiers, one thing you’ll notice is that Intel Core series CPUs tend to excel a bit more at pure gaming. At the same time, AMD’s Ryzen chips are built with better threading and superior multi-core performance, making them better at utility apps such as editing software or general multitasking. In the last couple of generations, the gap has closed somewhat. As a result, the gaming performance hit with the new Ryzen 5s will be barely noticeable. There are a few FPS here and there at worst, but it’s worth it for the price point comparison as the overall system improvements. It is the best in its price point.

The 5600X is a six-core CPU running at a stock 4.6GHz, with built-in maximum overclocking capability and an overall strong, smooth performance. It runs at 95 watts, a bit less than similar Intel core CPUs, but the temps get a bit hotter. It comes with a cooler, which works fine. However, if you plan on stressing the card or running it in intel turbo boost technology, you may want to upgrade the cooler down the road. 

4. GIGABYTE B450 AORUS M

With the B450 AORUS M, we get an excellent gaming performance at roughly a solid 100$ affordable price point, which isn’t bad overall. I’ve also extolled on how solid it is for our purposes, running at a relatively low voltage and with such easy overclocking. But, it does come at a different cost–that of a technological upgrade. Since you will be adding the 5600X as one of the newest chips, the B450 requires you to ensure that your BIOS is updated, especially when installing Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. 

5. ZOTAC Gaming Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super

I’m a fan of ZOTAC Gaming GeForce graphics cards, and you wouldn’t be wrong. I tried them out in some of my builds, and I haven’t looked back since; it’s true, from time to time, there’s deals or sales or specific graphics card from competitors that’ll make me dip and try them out. Pretty much all of the leading manufacturers are worth your time and money. But ZOTAC stands out for several reasons: excellent prices, powerful and reliable graphics card, and a great warranty system. ZOTAC Gaming Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an excellent deal in the 6GB upgrade version, having double the video memory for use and a suite of enhanced upgrades from the old standard version. A GTX will get the job done easily and fit a strong Gaming PC into a tight budget.

Another option is to downgrade here, pick something even cheaper for the time, and save up for a big graphics card. Of course, it’s not optimal if you’re just ready to go right now, but a cheap investment to start with means you can wait for prices to go down, or you can wait for a big sale closer to the holiday season and get a card on the cheap. 

6. EVGA BQ 80+ Bronze 500W Semi Modular

Of course, another EVGA pick. No one’s surprised. With the overall wattage from the assembled parts and the 5600x overall TDP, we’re able to slip this amazing PSU, at the benefit of saving a bit of money and upgrading to an 80+ Bronze certification at the same time, once again helping system efficiency and letting you keep heat levels down. As before, this power supply is semi-modular, allowing you to use or take away cables as needed and making future expansion easy. Also included is EVGA’s three-year warranty for power supplies, so in the worst-case scenario, you get it taken care of.

Aside from standard temperature testing and EVGA’s rigorous testing standards, all six of the standard PSU safety models are included. While half of these are extremely niche and only useful in outside cases, having over-power protection and overdraw protection helps, and it’s nice having the whole suite. Overall, a solid buy.

7. TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta

TEAMGROUP T-Force Series is relatively cheap for 3600MHz, with solid gaming performance, good timings, and of course, a smooth and attractive look. I also chose this memory for its low voltage load(1.35V), helping to mitigate the heat produced by the Ryzen CPU and allowing us to make even more use of said Ryzen’s lower wattage to save on a strong PSU. But, of course, the memory doesn’t tout it, either. Still, the T-Force is also a relatively low profile for memory sticks, allowing us to fit everything on a wide array of motherboards. More importantly, this custom PC allows you to swap in a larger third-party CPU cooler if you wish, with no size or fit problems. They also are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing with the DDR4 full-color lighting effects. It will be an eye-popper in your Phanteks case.

As always, I’ve picked two 8GB capacity sticks to fit into the build. It is the PC level where it starts being beneficial to cram in 16GB of RAM or more, but this is also a cost-effective custom PC, first and foremost. RAM happens to be not only extensively cheap to buy later on–at least, in comparison to the hefty cost of the other major components–it’s also one of the easiest upgrades you’ll ever add on to any PC, requiring simply opening the case up and sticking it into the right slot. As such, picking a second one up later is recommended.

What is a Great Way To Build a Gaming PC Under $1000?

Think a $1000 budget won’t get you a great gaming PC that’s prebuilt and delivered to your door? Reconsider your position! The best gaming PCs under $1000 include AMD and Intel core processors, AMD Radeon and NVIDIA GeForce graphics options, and many great features.

The performance gap between AMD and Intel core CPUs has narrowed to the point where it may now be a matter of pricing, or even personal taste, as to which processor is preferable. Either way, you won’t lose any gaming performance or value.

While NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards dominate the market, AMD Radeon graphics cards provide excellent value. The models range from the RX 560 4GB, entry-level gaming PC, to the powerful RX 6900 XT 16GB for higher-priced gaming PCs. They are ideal for high-end games. 

Look for AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 series CPUs, Intel Core i5 or i3 series CPUs, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 and 1650 series graphics cards. The AMD Radeon RX 560, RX 570, and RX 580 graphics cards suit the best gaming PC under $1000. The Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs are great alternatives to get you into your favorite games for a fraction of the price you might expect.

Choose a motherboard with high performance, value, and durability. Upgrade options improve future-proofing and performance. In addition, they allow access to various other upgrades, such as faster RAM and the ability to add faster NVMe M.2 solid-state drives.

Some lower-cost systems come with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, but 16GB is recommended for most recent games. However, it helps future-proof your system, so it comes standard on higher-cost systems. In addition, most AMD Ryzen CPUs gain 5-10% more performance from 3200MHz RAM, and higher-tier Intel core processors will benefit.

The current chipset settings demand a minimum B450 (AMD) or Z490 (Intel) motherboard to achieve that frequency so that a motherboard change is required in some cases. Finally, finish with your preferred storage, power supply, and any more accessories, and the best gaming PC under $1000 is complete!

Advantages of Building Gaming PCs

1. Cheaper in the Long Run

Building a custom PC is always more expensive than purchasing a prebuilt gaming PC at first. Individually purchased components are frequently of higher quality than bulk-ordered components used in prebuilt computers.

It results in higher overall build quality and a longer lifespan for the computer. In the long term, building a PC will save you money because you will not need to replace or repair components as frequently as you would with the best-prebuilt gaming PC.

2. Easier to Fix

Since you are more familiar with each part, it is easier to determine when a component fails within a PC you created. In addition, individual computer components frequently come with extra spare parts that aren’t included with prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000. These extra parts can help you avoid expensive repair expenses or unwanted tech support visits.

3. The Overall Quality is Better

Build the best gaming PC under $1000 if you want to achieve peak gaming performance. When you build a computer, you have complete control over the components that go into it. When you have complete control over the internal components of your computer, the final product can have a higher overall build quality. Unfortunately, prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000 frequently concentrate on just a CPU or GPU and load the remainder of the system with less desirable components.

Disadvantages of Building Gaming PCs

1. More Expensive Upfront

Upfront costs are higher. Purchasing different parts adds costs such as shipping and restricted quantities, which raises prices. When you purchase the best-prebuilt gaming PC, none of this is an issue because all of the components are included in the original price of the PC.

2. User Error

While constructing a computer can be satisfying, it can also be difficult if you have never done so before. Even the tiniest human error might result in a damaged pin or a snapped connection, causing pricey components to be ruined. Unfortunately, even the most seasoned PC builders are prone to user error from time to time. The good news is that several step-by-step tutorials are available to guide you through the procedure.

3. Compatibility of Parts

When building a computer, it’s critical to ensure that all of the components you buy are compatible. Everything from the case to the fans has certain requirements that other components must meet for the final product to function properly. For example, you might purchase a GPU that doesn’t fit in your case or, even worse, a motherboard that doesn’t support your CPU or RAM. So make sure to double-check compatibility when buying parts.

What are the Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $1000?

The Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $1000

1. iBUYPOWER Starter PC Computer Desktop Trace4MR 225i

The IBUYPOWER Element tiny 9300 is an excellent choice if you want a low-cost gaming PC with a small footprint. The IBUYPOWER Element small 9300, weighing just over 25 pounds, stands out right away because of its RGB-lit appearance.

It’s housed in a black steel frame tower and boasts 3 panels of tempered glass flanked by three RGB-lit fans, which lend a unique aesthetic element to the design. Furthermore, the RGB lighting features 16 color selections controlled by a remote. In general, this machine is designed to be the smallest gaming desktop you’ll find on the market while still providing excellent gaming performance.

It has a tool-free construction, so all you have to do to upgrade the components is unscrew one of the tinted panes. The IBUYPOWER Element small 9300 has 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and an audio jack for communication.

It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and a pair of display ports, suitable for multi-monitor gaming. A keyboard and mouse are part of this set.

The IBUYPOWER Element mini 9300 does not disappoint when it comes to smooth performance. It carries an AMD Radeon RX 500 dedicated graphics card and operates on the AMD Ryzen 33100 processor. Add 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 240GB solid-state drive for storage, which you can always extend using the M.2 socket.

2. Acer Aspire TC-885-UA91 Desktop 9th Gen Intel Core i3-9100

The Acer Aspire TC is the best PC featuring a fast 9th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, some expansion options, and Wi-Fi. WI-FI is becoming more prevalent in the best gaming PCs under $1000. It has everything you need in a general-purpose computer.

The new Aspire has a design comparable to that of the best gaming PCs under $1000. A V-shaped orange LED surrounds the power button on the upper front, and the enclosure is black-painted steel and plastic. An Aspire logo appears on the lower flank, while the other half contains a tray-loading DVD drive and easy-access I/O connections.

You receive a few upgrade slots, but the system is still completely functional and usable right out of the box. With an Intel Core i3-9100 processor and an Intel UHD Graphics 630 card integrated, performance is a hallmark of this laptop. In addition, it comes with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it a solid daily-use gaming PC from Acer. This laptop is sufficient for daily productivity, and you may enhance your experience by pairing it with a 21.5-inch ultra-thin monitor.

3. SkyTech Blaze II Gaming Computer PC Desktop

Another feasible option for decent gaming performance without paying a premium is the SkyTech Blaze II gaming PC. The 8 GB DDR4 RAM, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB are among the system’s components.

This gaming PC also comes with a 500 GB SSD for all of your storage needs, as well as fast transfer rates. Unfortunately, because the AMD A320M is used in this PC, overclocking is impossible. Looking at the rear, you’ll notice that it has a USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI port, DisplayPort, ethernet ports and audio interfaces are all available.

4. HP Pavilion Gaming PC

You can save money and get the best-prebuilt gaming PC that can handle whatever you throw at it on a 1080P monitor. The HP Pavilion gaming PC is the best option for you. An AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor, an NVIDIA GTX 1650 super graphics card, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a micro-ATX casing are included in this HP Pavilion.

HP’s Pavilion Gaming PC offers everything you’ll need for a more cost-effective gaming experience. The Radeon RX 5500 graphics card easily handles AAA demanding gaming titles at mid-high video settings. The Ryzen 5 3500 with GTX 1650 Super is powerful enough to run anything on a 1080P monitor at higher settings.

The HP Pavilion is built with high-quality components. The combination of AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and the Radeon RX 5500 graphics card results in a pleasing, albeit budget-friendly mix of components. Finally, if you’re searching for the best-prebuilt gaming pc under $1,000 that will give you optimal performance on a 1080P monitor while saving money, the HP Pavilion is a good option.

5. CyberpowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC

CyberpowerPC is a one-stop-shop for high-end processors, motherboards, gaming PCs/laptops, graphics cards, and other computer equipment and peripherals. The AMD Radeon RX 550 graphics card is paired with an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 3.6GHz 4-Core processor. The PC’s 8GB DDR4 RAM storage enables lightning-fast performance during gaming and other work.

A 2 TB hard drive storage capacity is also available, sufficient for storing a large range of games, movies, and other data. The gaming PC has two 2.0 ports and six 3.0 connectors for flexible connectivity. An HDMI, DisplayPort, and ethernet port are also included. These ports allow you to connect a variety of devices simultaneously.

It also includes 802.11 AC Wi-Fi for reliable wireless access. In addition, it features a 7.1 channel audio system for a more enhanced gaming experience. The side case panel and mouse also include a distinctive lighting feature with seven colors to brighten the atmosphere and establish the mood for gaming.

Prebuilt Gaming Pc Peripherals

1. Gaming Mousepad

SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface

Without the presence of high-quality and responsive gaming mousepads, the entire experience would be lacking. Steelseries QcK is my top pick among the large range of items available. The device has a unique 2-zone RGB dynamic illumination system and excellent effects. The ideal match will include Discord notifications, game lighting, and an HD audio-visualizer.

This micro-woven material is also made to provide the best possible control. You can avoid needless movement and receive a stable foundation with a non-slip and durable rubber base. In addition, gamers can accurately track the mouse thanks to the smooth surface and high thread count. Overall, the beautiful, 4mm thick design is ideal for your gaming rig.

2. Gaming Mouse

Glorious Model O Gaming Mouse, Matte White (GO-White)

The Gaming Mouse Glorious Model O will certainly blow your mind with its honeycomb exterior. This one-of-a-kind design provides consumers with ultra-durable and light strength. Because the product includes high-quality 100 % pure Virgin PTFE G-Skates, there will be no restrictions on movement. This feature has rounded corners to make it easier to handle the mouse. All of the edges are 0.81 mm thick, ensuring a long lifespan.

This mouse also has zero acceleration, Pixel tracking, a lift-off distance of less than 0.7mm, and a polling rate of 1000 Hz. In addition, the device has handy Omron switches for the smoothest control and the longest endurance.

Another advantage of this mouse is its wireless feel. The Ascended Cord is a braided cord that is extremely light and flexible. This Classic Matte White shows RGB lighting to your gadgetry regarding aesthetic issues.

3. Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset

The HyperX Cloud Alpha aluminum frame is lightweight and sturdy enough to survive extended periods of use while remaining comfortable. In addition, the expandable headband is used to accommodate larger heads.

The disconnected braided cable also has in-line audio control, so you can quickly adjust the level based on your needs. In addition, a noise-canceling feature is shown on the microphone. You will have a crystal clear voice as a result of this.

Why You Should Purchase a Prebuilt Gaming PC

One of the most major benefits of building your own gaming PC is the chance to hand-pick each component. It gives you the freedom to search around for the best pricing and select the ideal combination of parts to match your budget and performance requirements.

The disadvantage for most new builders is that this entire procedure can take a long time and can be rather stressful if something goes wrong. However, only the individual components are covered by warranties, not the entire system, and this is where the best-prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000 shine. Additionally, a prebuilt gaming PC integrates innovative gaming technologies for the best gaming experience. 

Are Prebuilt Gaming PCs a Smart Investment?

When you pay a fortune to customize or buy a prebuilt PC, you’re getting more than just the components. In addition, you’re paying for warranty service, support, and the assurance that experts assembled your system. These are some of the features to look for while deciding on the best gaming PC under $1000. Other unique selling advantages of a prebuilt PC include design, upgradability, and anything else you wouldn’t be able to accomplish if you built it yourself.

Avoiding Common Errors

When purchasing on a budget, especially when it comes to PC gaming, you should always prioritize substance over flash. Sure, many prebuilt boxes boast stunning designs and more LEDs than you can throw a stick at. However, it’s vital to remember that all of these different design aspects don’t come cheap.

As a result, you’ll want to stay away from things like bespoke case modifications, laser engraving, and “unique anodized materials.” All these extras do is waste money that could be better spent on upgrading the graphics card, RAM, or processor. While the desire to show them off to your buddies at the local LAN party is strong, gaming PCs require a lot of power.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. Which is Better between a Prebuilt Gaming PC or a Gaming Rig?

The design is one of the most important aspects. Unique in-house chassis designs are used in the best-prebuilt gaming PCs under $1000 that you wouldn’t be able to get if you built it yourself. You can rest easy knowing that these systems are developed and built specifically to accommodate your configuration. However, this may make future upgrades more difficult.

2. What is Most Important in a Gaming Computer?

Your graphics card is one of the most crucial aspects. Your graphics card is responsible for everything you see on your monitor. It improves your video and graphics performance. It receives images from your central processing unit (CPU) and processes and renders them before displaying them on your screen.

Another significant aspect is your CPU, which handles a lot of the action while you’re playing a game. It takes commands from your keyboard, loads backdrops, and processes other game events. These will ensure that your games run smoothly and look professional.

3. What Is the Life Expectancy of Gaming PCs?

Gaming PCs under$1000 typically last five years, though this might vary based on the games played, which may be more difficult to run than others, as well as the fundamental components. Competitive gaming typically necessitates a PC with all of the characteristics necessary to handle the game’s intensity, such as cooling tubes, high-end graphics cards, fast processors, and so on. As a result, it lasts longer than a standard PC. These gaming PCs can last for many more years than you might imagine. Gaming PCs can last up to five years on average.

4. What Kind of Storage Should I Choose for My Gaming PC?

Look for computers that have at least 100GB of free storage space. When it comes to storage drives, you can select between a hard drive disk (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD). Solid-state drives can be 20 to 100 times faster than a standard hard disk drive. However, hard disks are usually less expensive and sufficient for most casual gamers. If you must utilize a hard disk, search for 1 or 2TB.

5. Do I Require a lot of RAM for My Gaming PC?

Of course, you’ll require a sufficient amount of RAM, but there is such a thing as having an excessive amount. After all, if you need more memory later, it’s one of the simpler things to increase. However, you may not require more than 16GB of RAM because any additional RAM you purchase may not be utilized. In addition, many popular games consume as little as 8GB or 16GB of memory.

6. Is it Okay if My Gaming Computer Lacks a Cooling System?

When it comes to gaming PCs, cooling is critical, as heat can degrade performance and cause a delay throughout your entire system. If the CPU temperature is excessively high, performance is reduced to safeguard and avoid damage to your processor.

Air and liquid cooling for your CPU can prevent it from overheating. You may not need to worry about this if your games don’t heat your computer. However, you should consider adding a cooling feature or increasing your CPU’s fan if it does heat up.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to get a pretty solid build out there and exactly meet my maximum amount of money spent. I also ended up producing a pretty slick-looking final product, one that shows off how much you spent–especially when you sink time into playing the prettiest and newest games on it.

Lower Your Overall Budget

I’m more graphically obsessed than the average man or woman gamer for my mileage. I spent a long part of my life being behind on gaming tech, with no PC able to run modern games (or sometimes even old games), and I make up for it with power overwhelming. In the end, we make tactical trade-offs, leaving anyone with a potent modern PC for kids who want to game good and do other stuff good, too. And it’s hard to beat that.