Finding the right gaming PC under $1000 can bring a gamer from mere button-mashing to a sublime gaming experience with endless possibilities. As gaming evolves, the hardware that powers these virtual worlds needs to keep up. This Game Rant guide focuses on the best gaming PCs under $1000, shedding light on machines that deliver both performance and value. Whether a seasoned eSports competitor or someone stepping into the realm of high-quality gaming, this guide offers options tailored to different needs and budgets.

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For a more in-depth look into the components that power these systems, the Guide to the Best Budget Gaming GPUs offers valuable insights worth exploring.

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  MSI Codex R Gaming Desktop

  Best Overall Gaming PC Under $1000

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  Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC

  Best Value Gaming PC Under $1000

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  Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-650-UB91

  Best Multi-Purpose Gaming PC Under $1000

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  MXZ Gaming Desktop Computer

  Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

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   Acemagic Mini PC AM08PRO

  Best Compact Gaming PC Under $1000

• See More

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Things To Consider When Buying a $1000 Gaming PC

• Performance: Seek systems with a strong balance of CPU and GPU power to ensure smooth gameplay across a variety of titles. A powerful processor coupled with a current-generation graphics card is generally a good rule of thumb.
• Storage: Consider systems with both SSD and HDD options. An SSD ensures faster boot times and quicker game loading, while an HDD provides ample, cheaper storage for larger game libraries.
• Upgradeability: Opt for systems that allow room for upgrades. Whether it’s adding more RAM or upgrading the graphics card, expandability extends the system’s longevity, offering better value in the long run.

Don’t forget an extremely important part of the gaming PC set-up: the desk! Game Rant offers top-tier guidance when choosing the best gaming desk.

Game Rant’s Picks For The Best Gaming PCs Under $1000

MSI Codex R Gaming Desktop

Best Overall Gaming PC Under $1000

MSI Codex R Gaming Desktop brings the latest PC hardware for under a thousand dollars. The Core i5 13400F powers the build for impressive productivity and enhanced gaming performance. The RTX 4060, on the other hand, ensures consistent performance at 1080p resolution. The storage and RAM are also top-notch compared to other $1000 builds, making it a good future-proof system for years to come.

Processor Type Intel Core i5 13400F

Memory 322GB DDR5

Storage 2TB NVMe SSD

Included Accessories Keyboard and mouse

VR Compatible? Yes

Brand MSI

GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060

Pros

• RTX 4060 for 1080p ultra settings
• Excellent 650W 80+ Gold-rated PSU
• 32GB RAM and 2TB storage which is higher than most $1000 builds
• MSI RGB gaming keyboard and mouse combo

Cons

• Can exceed $1000 mark on some retail stores

This MSI-branded gaming build comes under $1000 while offering features that are mostly absent in other alternatives. Whether users look at its specifications or the path to upgradeability, it exceeds every expectation and delivers more than that. The PC is powered using a premium 650W Gold-Rated power supply that can provide up to 90% power efficiency on typical loads and generates less heat. It should be adequate even when upgrading to a higher-end GPU unless users are looking to get something like a 4090.

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The Core i5 13400F is what users get to complete their CPU-intensive operations and an RTX 4060 from the latest ADA family not only excels in Ray Tracing compared to its predecessor but is also compatible with DLSS 3 Frame Generation. A custom air cooler is installed on the CPU for faster heat dissipation and all of this hardware is hosted inside the excellent mid-tower that comes with pre-installed RGB fans and a full-length PSU shroud to hide the PSU, storage drives, and cable clutter. Moreover, a dedicated MSI gaming keyboard and mouse are bundled with the PC, featuring RGB backlighting.

Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC

Best Value Gaming PC Under $1000

Skytech Gaming Nebula is powered by one of the latest Raptor Lake CPUs that features 10 cores and 16 threads to stay ahead in gaming and productivity. Using the latest and one of the best budget GPUs, i.e., the RTX 4060, this is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to have satisfactory gaming and productivity potential.

Brand Skytech

Processor Type Intel Core i5 13400F

Memory 16GB DDR4

Storage 1TB NVMe SSD

VR Compatible? Yes

GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060

Pros

• RTX 4060 for 60 fps gaming
• 600W Gold power supply for better efficiency and upgrades
• Pre-installed RGB fans for high airflow

Cons

• No accessories included
• DDR4 platform somewhat limits performance

For a price range of $800-$900, there is a fantastic gaming build that is ready to take on the MSI Codex R with similar specifications. There are some minor changes to the specs, but the core configuration remains the same. Featuring the Core i5 13400F and RTX 4060, it will be as good as the MSI Codex R for a lower price. However, users will get half the VRAM and storage capacity, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for many. Users who are more into gaming can opt for the Skytech Gaming Nebula PC as it helps save some cash, but on the other hand, users who want higher productivity can opt for the MSI one.

As for this PC, it is pretty much capable of maxing out most games at 1080p resolution, and with the DLSS 3.0 Frame Generation support, it will be easier to hit the 60 fps mark in many games even after turning on Ray Tracing. The mid-tower used is a spacious one that comes with 4x 120mm RGB fans for high airflow from the fully ventilated panel. The components are powered by a 600W Gold rated power supply which should be plenty to swap the RTX 4060 with a mid-range GPU in the future.

Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-650-UB91

Best Multi-Purpose Gaming PC Under $1000

Acer Predator Orion 3000 makes gaming and work possible on a budget. With its impressive specifications, it is ready to take on any CPU-intensive application, thanks to the Core i5 13400F, which paves the path to higher productivity without breaking the bank. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB fast Gen 4 SSD turbocharges its operation and the keyboard-mouse combo will let users get into their work or game immediately.

Brand Acer

Processor Type Intel Core i5 13400F

Memory 16GB DDR5

Storage 1TB Gen 4 SSD

Included Accessories Keyboard and mouse

VR Compatible? Yes

GPU Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050

Pros

• Great for productivity on a budget
• 16GB DDR5 RAM for slightly better performance
• Intel WiFi 63 for wireless connectivity
• Keyboard and mouse combo is pre-included

Cons

• Case is a Micro-ATX chassis. Not very upgradeable
• Not powerful enough for intensive gaming

Generally, most pre-built systems that feature the latest processors are costlier, which may limit upgradeability. The Acer Predator Orion 3000 defies that norm and brings the Core i5 13400F processor for $700. This processor has now become the most popular mid-range chip in pre-built systems, particularly budget gaming PCs. Not only is it excellent at crunching numbers, but it also doesn’t require any aftermarket CPU cooler. For gaming, users can leverage the power of RTX 3050 which is sufficient to play games on high settings and also supports Ray Tracing.

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The Orion 3000 provides users with a compact yet beautiful chassis that features an RGB fan on the front panel and a Predator logo on top. There is also a full-side tempered glass panel to take a glance at the hardware. The only problem with this chassis is that it is not as sturdy as some of the best mid-towers on the market. It’s also micro-ATX in form factor that won’t allow installation of an ATX motherboard. But that’s expected as it is much cheaper than PCs with similar specifications. Moreover, it also comes with a keyboard-mouse combo, 1TB PCI-E Gen 4 SSD, and 16GB DDR5 memory, which indicates it uses the latest platform.

MXZ Gaming Desktop Computer

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

The MXZ Gaming Desktop Computer is a beautifully crafted budget gaming build that offers several pre-installed RGB fans for ample cooling and a spacious mid-tower for easy upgrades. Powered by the Ryzen 5 5500 and GTX 1660 Super GPU, it provides a sweet spot gaming experience without breaking the bank. 

Brand MXZ

CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5500

Graphics Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super

Memory 16GB DDR4

Storage 500GB NVMe SSD

Operating System Windows 11 Pro

Case Mid-tower

PSU 450W

Pros

• Decent CPU-GPU combo for playing games at 1080p resolution
• 16GB of system RAM
• Spacious mid-tower with 6x RGB fans pre-installed

Cons

• Comes with 450W PSU which isn’t enough for higher upgrades
• Lackluster motherboard

MXZ offers a lot of pre-built systems for under $1000 and after going through several of them, Game Rant found this model that offers satisfactory hardware for gaming at 1080p. While many PCs compromise on either the CPU or the GPU, the MXZ computer brings one of the best budget AM4 CPUs to gamers’ rescue and a highly capable budget GPU, the GTX 1660 Super as well. This system can provide consistent performance across different titles on high settings and won’t have any bottlenecking issues.

Even though the Turing-based GTX 1660S doesn’t have the Ray Tracing capability, it does bring 6GB GDDR6 VRAM for taking care of intensive graphics properties. All the hardware is hosted inside a generous mid-tower that has a full-length PSU shroud with a 450W PSU installed inside and can take care of the cable clutter. There is plenty of room to install large-sized components in this case, but it is recommended to check for the total power consumption before users attempt to do such as 450W may limit the upgradeability.

Nonetheless, the PC build not only has appreciable specifications but also looks gorgeous with the help of those RGB fans installed at the front, rear, and top of the case.

 Acemagic Mini PC AM08PRO

Best Compact Gaming PC Under $1000

Acemagic Mini PC AM08PRO is a compact gaming build with a uniquely designed chassis for taking less space on the desk. Despite that, it still boasts impressive specifications that are hard to find. With the Ryzen 9 6900HX, productivity is no longer a hefty chore. On top of that, 32GB of system RAM and integrated Radeon 680M graphics make sure users can play their favorite games.

Brand Acemagic

Processor Type AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX

Memory 32GB DDR5

Storage 512GB NVMe SSD

VR Compatible? Yes

GPU AMD Radeon 680M

Pros

• High-end mobile Ryzen processor for ultimate productivity
• Compact size for better portability and easy storage
• 3 modes for different usages

Cons

• Not upgradeable
• Not meant for intensive gaming

The way Acemagic constructed a compact build without sacrificing good specifications is the reason why the AM08PRO can be a wonderful option for gamers who want the best for both gaming and work. Despite not featuring any dedicated GPU, it is still capable of playing most games at 1080p resolution. This is due to the powerful Rembrandt mobile APU that boasts the Radeon 680M iGPU, which is equivalent to the GTX 1050 Ti. Moreover, 8 cores/16 threads are available for the users to get the job done quickly regardless of the application being in use.

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The only con is that it can’t be upgraded due to the compact chassis and the use of a mobile CPU, but that’s something users should acknowledge, as this is a mini-gaming PC that is designed to save space on the desk. It will surely be sufficient for quite a while, letting users play all of their favorite games on medium to high settings. Apart from that, the system RAM is more than adequate and the existence of WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 makes it easier to connect wirelessly to the internet and peripherals out of the box.

MXZ Gaming PC with RX 7600

Best Mid-Range Gaming PC Under $1000

This MXZ Gaming PC features a 6 core/12 thread Ryzen 5500 CPU and a Radeon RX 7600 GPU to boost 1080p gaming performance without going too hard on the wallet. The PC build looks fantastic with pre-installed RGB fans and comes with sufficient space for upgrades. The system is powered by a 550W PSU and also comes with WiFi support out of the box.

Brand MXZ

CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5500

Graphics AMD Radeon RX 7600

Memory 16GB DDR4

Storage 1TB NVMe SSD

Operating System Windows 11 Pro

Case Mid-tower

Networking WiFi

Pros

• Comes with the latest RX 7600 GPU for excellent gaming performance
• WiFi ready
• Several pre-installed RGB fans

Cons

• AM4 platform is kinda outdated
• Lackluster motherboard

Coming to the mid-range category, most builds out there can be pretty confusing as the norm of using older-generation components is still rampant among manufacturers. Thankfully, MXZ has an affordable yet marvelous option for AMD lovers. Powered by the Ryzen 5 5500 CPU and 16GB of system RAM, it is on par with most budget gaming builds. However, the real exception here is its GPU, which is the Radeon RX 7600 from the latest RDNA-3 lineup, doing the most intensive work in gaming. It can’t be beaten by the older gen RX 6600 or even the RTX 3060 and, therefore, makes a fantastic option for pre-builts.

Other specs include a fast 1TB NVMe SSD, a 550W 80+ rated power supply, and a mid-tower which is also being used by several other MXZ PC builds. With 550 wattage capacity, users can switch to the AM5 platform anytime and upgrade to an RTX 4070, but it is not advised to go higher than that. Apart from the spacious mid-tower with dedicated cable management, it also provides 6x RGB fans and a WiFi adapter for wireless internet connectivity.

How to Choose an Exceptional Gaming PC Under $1000

Selecting an optimal gaming PC for a budget under $1000 involves understanding both gaming aspirations and hardware necessities. Keep an eye on these critical components:

• CPU and GPU Harmony: In the realm of gaming, a balanced approach between processor and graphics card is crucial. Aim for a machine where neither bottlenecks the other, ensuring fluid gameplay and vivid visuals.
• Storage Solutions: While SSDs offer rapid load times, they often come with limited space. A combo of SSD for system and frequently played games, and HDD for bulk storage, strikes an ideal balance.
• Future-Proofing: Consider a system’s upgradeability. A gaming PC might be on a budget now, but having room for future hardware upgrades can extend its usefulness and make it a smarter long-term investment.

FAQ

Q: Is $1000 enough to build a gaming PC?

Certainly, a $1000 budget is ample for crafting a reliable gaming PC. This range allows for a balanced setup, offering both performance and graphical prowess for a majority of modern games.

Q: Is a $1000 dollar PC good?

Absolutely, a gaming PC in the $1000 ballpark can deliver solid performance and visuals. Such systems often feature mid-range CPUs and GPUs that make them well-suited for most gaming and multitasking needs.

Q: What PC can I get for $1000?

For $1000, expect to find gaming PCs featuring mid-range processors like AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5, coupled with a capable graphics card such as NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 6600. These systems should also include SSD storage for fast load times and at least 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking.