Choosing a gaming PC under $1000 is a challenging task because there are so many different factors to consider. However, it's essential to choose wisely in order to get the best performance for your money and play the most demanding games and ensure an excellent gaming performance.
What you should know about Gaming PCs to choose the best
There are two main types of gaming PCs:
- Pre-built
- Custom-built.
Pre-built gaming PCs are easier to set up and usually come with a warranty, but they are more expensive. Custom-built gaming PCs are cheaper and allow you to choose your components, but they require more knowledge to set up.
What to look at while choosing the best gaming PC under $1000?
The most important factor to consider when choosing a gaming PC is the components. Some of the most important components for a gaming PC are the following:
- CPU
The best CPUs for gaming PCs include the Intel Core i5-9600K and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600X. The best GPUs for gaming PCs include the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 and the AMD Radeon RX 5700. The best RAM for gaming PCs is DDR4-2666MHz. The best storage for gaming PCs is an SSD.
- GPU
The GPU is also important for a gamer and tech enthusiast. The best GPUs for gaming PCs include the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 and the AMD Radeon RX 5700. These GPUs have 6GB of VRAM each and can handle popular games at high settings.
- RAM
RAM is also important for gaming. The best RAM for gaming PCs is DDR4-2666MHz. This type of RAM helps to reduce loading times and allows games to run more smoothly.
- Storage
Storage is another important factor to consider when choosing a gaming PC. The best storage for gaming PCs is an SSD. An SSD helps to reduce loading times and allows games to run more smoothly.
What Is the Best Pre-built Gaming PC Under 1000?
After some consideration, testing, and studying reviews, we came up with a list of the best pre-built gaming PC under $1000. The results are based on the abovementioned criteria.
Let's take a look at the best options in the market, their brands, and the components you should look at when choosing a budget pre-built gaming PC.
Best by Characteristics: CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme
One of the best pre-built gaming PC under $1000 is the CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme. It has an Intel Core i5 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GPU, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 500GB SSD.
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i5-11400F 2.6GHz processor,
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB Video Card
- 8GB of DDR4 RAM.
- 500GB SSD helps reduce loading times and allows games to run more smoothly, even for demanding games.
- Tempered Glass Side Case Panel
Cons:
- You might want to increase storage to use the full potential of this PC.
- Intel Core i5 seems somewhat obsolete for the rest of the components.
If you are looking for a more budget but the very similar option, check on this model by the same brand.
Top AMD Pick: Skytech Archangel II
The best pre-built gaming PC under $1000 for AMD is the Skytech Archangel II. It has an AMD Ryzen 7 2700X processor, an AMD Radeon RX 5700 8GB GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 240GB SSD.
Pros:
- A powerful AMD Ryzen 7 2700X processor
- AMD Radeon RX 5700 8GB GPU
- 8GB of DDR4 RAM
- It also comes with a 500GB SSD
- This budget pre-built gaming PC also comes with a Gaming Keyboard, and Mouse included.
Cons:
- There is a vacant 2.5-bay slot in the front of the PC case. You'll most likely want to increase storage space.
- The troubleshooting and maintenance guide is inadequate.
If you need some more for a slightly higher price, you should take a look at the newer version of this PC.
What Is the Best Custom Built Gaming PC Under $1000?
A custom build PC allows you to choose your components, but they require more knowledge to set up. The first step is to select the compatible parts you want for your PC. Assembling a good computer is an algorithm to follow strictly.
Steps to Assemble A Custom Built Gaming PC
Here are the steps to assemble this kind of computer:
- The motherboard goes in the lower half of the case and should have screw holes that line up with those on the case.
- Next, install the CPU into the motherboard. Make sure that the CPU is installed in the correct orientation and that the arrow on the label points towards the motherboard's I/O shield. Then, install the CPU cooler onto the CPU.
- The next step is to install the RAM into the motherboard. RAM comes in different shapes and sizes, so make sure you match the RAM modules with the slots on the motherboard. Install one module at a time and make sure that each module is properly seated before moving on to the next one.
- Now it's time to install the storage devices into your PC. SATA drives connect to SATA ports on the motherboard, while PCIe drives connect to PCIe slots on the motherboard. Make sure each drive is properly seated before moving on to the next.
- Next, it's time to install the GPU. The GPU should be installed in the PCI-E x16 slot closest to the CPU. Make sure it is seated adequately before moving on to the next step.
- Finally, connect all your components cables and plug in your power supply unit (PSU). Once everything is plugged in, turn on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Custom Build Champion: CUK Mantis Custom Gamer PC
The CUK Mantis Custom Gamer PC is a great custom build gaming PC for under $1000. It has an AMD Ryzen 7 2700X processor, a Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB HDD.
Pros:
- It has a very powerful AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G Eight Core Processor
- 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive + 2TB 7200rpm Hard Disk Drive
- 32GB DDR4 2933MHz RAM is more than enough for most gamers.
- It also comes with a 2TB HDD, which is plenty of storage space.
- 3-Year Warranty.
Cons:
- The CPU cooler is weaker than in other pre-built gaming PCs; this might be an issue when playing demanding games.
- The warranty is limited compared to most other gaming pcs.
Overall, the CUK Mantis Custom Gamer PC is an excellent custom-built gaming PC for under $1000. It has a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G Eight-Core Processor, 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive, 2TB HDD, and 32GB DDR4 RAM.
What Is the Best Gaming PC Bundle with Monitor Under $1000?
A gaming PC bundle is a great way to get all the components you need for a powerful gaming PC without having to do all the research and legwork yourself. A good gaming PC bundle will include a high-quality monitor, powerful graphics card, fast processor, and plenty of RAM.
There are many different bundles to choose from, so it can be hard to decide which one is the best for you.
Editor's Choice: Skytech Shadow 24"
If you're looking for a pre-built gaming PC with a monitor which is around $1000, the best option for you is the Skytech Shadow. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 2700 8-core CPU, a GTX 1060 3GB GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 240GB SSD.
Pros:
- RTX 3050 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
- The GTX 1600 3GB GPU is also very powerful and will be able to run most games at high or even ultra settings.
- 8G DDR4 3200 Gaming Memory is more than enough for gaming and general use.
- 1TB NVME SSD is a great size for a boot drive.
- PC bundle with a LED monitor, gaming keyboard and mouse.
Cons:
- INTEL Core i5 10400F 2.9GHz is not the best choice for this hardware.
- The case is somewhat smaller than normal.
To be brief, the Skytech Shadow is a great gaming PC bundle with a monitor for under $1000. It has a very powerful CPU and GPU, plenty of RAM, and a large SSD. The only downside is that the case is somewhat small and the Intel Core i5 10400F CPU is not the best choice for this hardware.
If you want to add a monitor to this PC, check on this affordable bundle.
Hottest Laptop Pick: Acer Nitro 5
Are you in the market for a new gaming laptop but don't want to break the bank? If so, you're in luck, because there are some great gaming laptops available for under $1000.
Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best gaming laptops under $1000 with exceptional PC features. It has an Intel Core Intel Core i5-9300H processor, a GTX 1650 4GB GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
Pros:
- The GTX 1050 Ti 4GB is a very powerful graphics card and will be able to handle most games at high or even ultra settings.
- 8GB of RAM is more than enough for gaming and general use.
- The 256GB SSD is a great size for a boot drive.
- The laptop also comes with a one-year warranty.
Cons:
- The screen is only 15.6 inches.
- The fans can do a better job of cooling the laptop.
Acer Nitro 5 is a great gaming laptop for under $1000. It has a powerful CPU and GPU, plenty of RAM, and a large SSD. The only downside is that the screen is only 15.6 inches and the fans could be better at cooling the laptop.
User's Favourite For 16GB RAM: HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
The best gaming PC with 16GB RAM is the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop. It has an Intel Core i5-9400F processor, a GTX 1660 6GB GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB HDD.
Pros:
- The GTX 1660 6GB is a very powerful graphics card and will allow playing games at high or even ultra settings.
- The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is more than enough for gaming and general use.
- The 1TB HDD is a great size for storage.
- The HP Pavilion gaming computer also comes with a three-year warranty.
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable dual-purpose keys on the gaming keyboard.
- The screen brightness could be better.
In conclusion, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop has a powerful graphics card, CPU and GPU, plenty of RAM, and a large HDD.
Best Gaming Computer Under 1000$: Our Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best gaming computer for under 1000$, you have a few different options. You can either buy a pre-built gaming computer, build your own gaming PC, or buy a gaming laptop to cover your gaming needs.
You should take into account the processing capacity and graphics card of the gaming computer, as well as the size of the hard drive and the amount of RAM.
If you're looking for the best pre-built gaming PC bundle with monitor under 1000$, the best option is the Skytech Shadow. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 2700 8-core processor, a GTX 1060 3GB GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 240GB SSD.
Our expert's choice for a custom-built computer is CUK Mantis Custom Gamer PC. With 32GB 2933MHz DDR4 RAM, it's a very good option.
If you're looking for a top gaming laptop for a decent value, the one to look at is the Acer Nitro 5. It has an Intel Core i5-9300H processor, a GTX 1650 4GB GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
If you're looking to build your own gaming computer for under 1000$, based on performance the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is a great choice. It has an Intel Core i5-9400F processor, a GTX 1660 6GB GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB HDD.
No matter which option you choose, you're sure to find a great gaming PC for less than 1000$ that will suit your needs.
