Best Gaming PC Under $800: Prebuilt Options

by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you on the hunt for a fantastic gaming PC without breaking the bank? Well, you've come to the right place. Finding the best gaming PC under $800 can seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it's totally achievable! We're talking about systems that can handle the latest games at respectable settings, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience without emptying your wallet. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of prebuilt gaming PCs, specifically focusing on those available for under $800. We'll explore what to look for, what to expect, and which prebuilt options offer the best bang for your buck. Get ready to level up your gaming setup without the financial stress!

Building a gaming PC from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires a significant time investment and a good understanding of PC components. If you're not quite ready to dive into the world of PC building, a prebuilt gaming PC is a great alternative. Prebuilts come ready to go, often with the operating system pre-installed and all the necessary drivers ready to roll. This means you can unbox your new gaming PC, plug it in, and start playing your favorite games in no time. Plus, prebuilt PCs often come with warranties, offering peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. The key to finding a great prebuilt gaming PC under $800 is to know what to prioritize. This budget bracket means you'll need to make some compromises, so understanding where to allocate your resources is crucial. We'll break down the essential components and what to look for in the following sections.

What to Look for in a Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $800

When searching for the best gaming PC under $800, the components inside are super important. Understanding what to prioritize is key to getting the most performance for your money. Let's break down the essential components and what to look for in each:

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU, or the brains of your computer, is responsible for processing all the instructions and tasks. For gaming, you'll want a CPU with a decent number of cores and threads to handle the demands of modern games. In this price range, you'll likely find CPUs from AMD or Intel. AMD's Ryzen series often offers excellent value, while Intel's Core i3 or i5 processors can also provide solid performance. Look for CPUs with at least six cores and twelve threads to ensure smooth gameplay, especially in more demanding titles. The clock speed of the CPU also matters, so aim for a base clock speed of around 3.5 GHz or higher, and a boost clock speed of at least 4.0 GHz. Make sure the CPU is compatible with the motherboard included in the prebuilt system.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

The GPU, or graphics card, is arguably the most important component for gaming. It's responsible for rendering the visuals you see on your screen. The GPU is in charge of taking the 3D models and textures from the game and turning them into the images on your monitor. For a gaming PC under $800, you'll be looking at entry-level or mid-range graphics cards. Keep an eye out for GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, the AMD Radeon RX 6600, or the RX 6600 XT. These cards provide a good balance of performance and price, allowing you to play most games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates. The amount of VRAM (Video RAM) on the graphics card is also crucial, so aim for at least 8GB to handle modern game textures and assets. The higher the VRAM, the better the performance. It's also important to make sure the GPU is compatible with the power supply unit (PSU) included in the prebuilt system. You don’t want to overload the power supply.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is your computer's short-term memory, where it stores data that the CPU needs to access quickly. For gaming, you'll want at least 16GB of RAM. This is generally the sweet spot for modern gaming, providing enough capacity to handle the demands of most games without causing performance bottlenecks. Look for RAM with a speed of at least 3200MHz. Faster RAM can improve performance, but in this budget range, the difference might be marginal. Make sure the RAM is installed in dual-channel configuration for optimal performance. The dual-channel setup allows the memory controller to access two memory modules simultaneously, doubling the memory bandwidth and improving performance.

Storage

Storage is where your operating system, games, and other files are stored. It is really important. For gaming, an SSD (Solid State Drive) is a must-have. SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, resulting in quicker load times for games and a more responsive overall experience. Aim for at least a 512GB or 1TB SSD. This will provide enough space for your operating system, frequently played games, and other essential software. If the prebuilt includes a smaller SSD, consider adding a secondary hard drive for additional storage. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) offer more storage space for less money, but they are significantly slower than SSDs. So, keep that in mind when choosing between the options.

Power Supply

The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for providing power to all the components in your gaming PC. It's essential to choose a PSU that has enough wattage to handle all the components, especially the CPU and GPU. For a gaming PC under $800, a PSU with at least 500W to 600W is usually sufficient. Make sure the PSU is 80+ certified, which means it has been tested to meet efficiency standards. This helps to ensure that your PC is getting clean and stable power. You may want to consider buying a prebuilt with a higher wattage PSU if you plan to upgrade your components in the future. Upgrading can provide more power and allow you to support the new features.

Other Considerations

Besides the core components, here are a few other things to keep in mind:

  • Motherboard: Ensure the motherboard supports the CPU and has enough slots for RAM and other components. It’s also important that the motherboard offers enough connectivity options, like USB ports, for your peripherals.
  • Case: The case should have good airflow to keep your components cool. Make sure the case has enough space for all the components and offers easy access for upgrades.
  • Cooling: Adequate cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Look for prebuilts with decent CPU coolers and case fans to prevent overheating.
  • Operating System: Most prebuilt PCs come with Windows pre-installed. Make sure the version of Windows is up-to-date and that you have a valid license.

Top Prebuilt Gaming PC Options Under $800

Alright, let's get down to the good stuff. Finding the best gaming PC under $800 requires a little research. While the specific models and configurations may vary over time due to component availability and price fluctuations, here are some brands and models you should definitely check out. Keep in mind that prices can change, so it's always a good idea to compare different options and check reviews before making a purchase. I will give some examples and try to keep them up to date, but be sure to do your own research as well.

iBuyPower

iBuyPower is a well-known brand in the prebuilt PC market, offering a wide range of configurations to fit various budgets. They often have solid options under $800, frequently featuring AMD Ryzen CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards. Be sure to check their website regularly for their latest deals and configurations. Look for models with at least an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB or 1TB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6600. These specs will offer a solid gaming experience at 1080p.

CyberpowerPC

CyberpowerPC is another popular brand that offers a diverse selection of prebuilt gaming PCs. They are very similar to iBuyPower, and they are usually priced very competitively. Check their website and look for the best deals. CyberpowerPC often has configurations under $800 featuring Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 graphics cards. Pay attention to the cooling solution included, as some models may require upgrading the CPU cooler for optimal performance.

ABS

ABS is a subsidiary of Newegg and offers a good balance of performance and affordability. ABS prebuilts often provide good value for the money, with components that are well-suited for gaming. Keep an eye out for their regularly updated lineup. ABS builds frequently include AMD Ryzen processors, 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics cards. Always check the specific components before making a purchase to ensure they meet your gaming needs.

Other Brands

Don't limit yourself to just these brands. Other companies like HP (with their OMEN series), Dell (with their G-series), and Skytech Gaming also offer prebuilt gaming PCs under $800. Comparing different brands and configurations is key to finding the best deal. Reading reviews from other gamers can help you to get an idea of the quality and performance of each system.

How to Find the Best Deals

Finding the best gaming PC under $800 requires some smart shopping. Here are some tips to help you get the most bang for your buck:

Price Comparison

  • Check Multiple Retailers: Compare prices from different retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and the manufacturers' websites. Prices can vary significantly from one retailer to another. If one retailer has a sale, there is a good chance that the other retailers will have price matches.
  • Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school promotions. These events often offer significant discounts on prebuilt gaming PCs.
  • Use Price Tracking Tools: Use price tracking tools like Camelcamelcamel or Honey to monitor prices and receive notifications when prices drop.

Component Analysis

  • Prioritize the GPU: The GPU is the most important component for gaming. Make sure the prebuilt has a decent graphics card for the price.
  • Balance Components: Ensure all components are balanced. Don't overspend on one component at the expense of others. A balanced system will provide a better overall gaming experience.
  • Read Reviews: Check the reviews of the prebuilt PC and its components. See what other users are saying about the performance, quality, and reliability.

Timing and Research

  • Be Patient: The perfect deal might not appear immediately. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity.
  • Research Components: Familiarize yourself with the latest CPU and GPU models. Understand which components offer the best performance for your budget.
  • Check for Bundles: Some retailers offer bundles that include the gaming PC, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. These bundles can sometimes offer excellent value.

Upgrading Your Prebuilt Gaming PC

One of the great things about prebuilt PCs is that they can often be upgraded over time. While the best gaming PC under $800 might meet your needs now, you might want to upgrade components in the future to improve performance or extend the lifespan of your system. Here are a few common upgrades:

RAM

Adding more RAM is a relatively easy and cost-effective upgrade. If your prebuilt has only 8GB of RAM, upgrading to 16GB or even 32GB can significantly improve performance, especially in more demanding games or when multitasking.

Storage

Upgrading your storage is also straightforward. If your system has a smaller SSD, you can add a larger SSD or a secondary hard drive for more storage space. Installing a larger capacity SSD can help to speed up load times for the game and reduce lag.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is often the most impactful upgrade for gaming performance. As games become more demanding, you may want to upgrade to a more powerful graphics card. Just make sure your power supply can handle the new card and that the card fits in your case.

CPU

Upgrading the CPU can also improve gaming performance, but this is usually a more involved process. You may need to upgrade the motherboard as well to be compatible with the new CPU. If you don't upgrade the motherboard, you may not be able to upgrade your CPU. If the motherboard is the same generation as the CPU, you may need to upgrade to make sure your games run properly.

Conclusion

Finding the best gaming PC under $800 is totally possible, especially with the wide range of prebuilt options available today. By prioritizing the right components, doing your research, and shopping smart, you can find a system that will deliver an excellent gaming experience without draining your bank account. Remember to focus on the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage, and don't be afraid to compare different brands and configurations. Also, consider the option of future upgrades so you can improve your system to match the needs of the games you want to play. So, go out there, explore the options, and find the perfect prebuilt gaming PC that will take your gaming to the next level. Happy gaming, and have fun out there!