Expert Consulted: Adrian Gardiner. Years of experience buying both computers and computer parts for my own new customer builds has given me a keen eye for spotting great deals when shopping. In this article, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and tips with you to find the best gaming PC under 1000 USD.
Ideally, to get the best value for your gaming computer, I’d always recommend building it for yourself as you’ll save money on the cost of the parts when buying them for yourself, avoiding the markup on a store-bought gaming computer.
However, most people simply don’t have the time or the inclination to build their own computer, which I completely understand.
With this in mind, based on my own personal PC building experience, I’ve scoured the web for you to find the best gaming PC under 1000 USD and have listed 5 excellent options to choose from.
At the time of writing, all of these gaming computers were under $1000.00. However, prices do change all the time.
The ‘Check Latest Price‘ link underneath each option will allow you to check the price.
Related Article: how to afford a gaming PC
This post contains affiliate links; click here to read our affiliate policy.
Best Gaming PC Under 1000 USD – 5 Systems Reviewed
The following sections cover my best gaming PC under $1000, reviewing 5 very competitive computers, focusing on the best possible performance and value.
All computers reviewed and recommended below come from well-known, reputable brand names in the industry, include built-in Wi-Fi and come supplied with a USB-wired mouse and keyboard.
No. 1 – Skytech Nebula Gaming PC Desktop – TOP PICK
Experience the Skytech Nebula Gaming PC, a great value gaming system with all the right parts housed in a great-looking package.
With a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, it delivers unparalleled gaming performance.
Featuring RGB cooling fans, efficient cooling, 1 TB of rapid NVMe storage, and seamless connectivity, this reliable and expertly built machine is a gamer’s dream.
The full specification is as follows:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 12400F 2.5 GHz – Max 4.4 GHz Boost (unlocked)
- CPU Cooling: Air Cooled
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz
- Hard Drive: 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Graphics: GeForce RTX 3050 8 GB DDR6
- WiFi: WiFi 802.11 ac included
- Case: Skytech Nebula Black Edition
- PSU: 600w Gold
- Mouse & Keyboard: Included (wired)
- OS: Windows 11 Home.
PROs
Spacious and fast 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD storage.
Excellent nVidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics.
RGB Cooling Fans.
Excellent front panel connectivity.
Great upgrade potential.
Tempered Glass Side Panel.
CONs
None.
NOTE: A display monitor is not included.
No. 2 – Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA93 Desktop – Intel Core i7 CPU Included
Introducing the Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA93 Desktop: a sophisticated powerhouse for the modern gamer.
This very sleek machine is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB DDR4 memory, and storage comprising of two drives, 512 GB NVMe M.2, and 1 TB of conventional HDD storage.
Graphics are powered by the well-regarded NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super graphics card, ensuring great visuals, while USB-C and HDMI connectivity offer seamless peripheral integration.
The full specification is as follows:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700F 12-Core Processor (Up to 4.9 GHz)
- CPU Cooling: Air Cooled
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz
- Hard Drive 1: 512 GB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Hard Drive 2: 1 TB HDD
- Optical Drive: DVD-RW Drive
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER with 6 GB DDR6
- WiFi: WiFi 6 802.11 ax included
- Mouse & Keyboard: Included (wired)
- OS: Windows 11 Pro.
Pros
Fast Intel Core i7-12700F processor
An additional 1 TB hard drive is nice to have
Attractive and well-designed case.
Cons
None
NOTE: A display monitor is not included.
No. 3 – HP 2022 Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01 – Great All Rounder
Introducing the HP 2022 Desktop Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01, a sophisticated fusion of cutting-edge performance and sleek design.
This sleek-looking system provides a robust Intel Core i5 processor, immersive nVidia RTX 3060 graphics, and lightning-fast NVMe 1 TB SSD storage, which will all help to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
The customizable LED accent lighting and striking chassis exude style, while an efficient air cooling system helps to keep things cool while gaming.
The full specification is as follows:
- CPU: 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10400F (up to 4.3 GHz max boost clock)
- CPU Cooling: Air cooled
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4-2666
- Hard Drive: 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Graphics: GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB DDR6
- WiFi: WiFi 5 included
- Mouse & Keyboard: Included (wired)
- OS: Windows 11 Home.
PROs
Spacious and fast 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD storage
Excellent nVidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics
Great connectivity on the front panel with 5 USB ports (including 1 x USB Type-C)
CONs
Power Supply (PSU) at 180w is on the small side for a PC with this specification.
Limited future upgrade options (RAM & Graphics card mostly – possibly CPU)
NOTE: A display monitor is not included.
No. 4 – CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
Discover the excellent CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, a fusion of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design.
This nicely specced machine includes an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and a generous 500 GB of fast NVMe SSD storage.
This build includes plenty of space and possibilities for future upgrades to keep you gaming as long as possible.
The full specification is as follows:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5GHz
- CPU Cooling: Air Cooled
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Motherboard: Intel B660 Chipset
- Hard Drive: 500 GB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
- WiFi: WiFi 802.11 ac included
- Mouse & Keyboard: Included (wired)
- OS: Windows 11 Home.
PROs
Excellent nVidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics.
Custom RGB Case Lighting.
Tempered glass side panel.
CONs
It could do with a better CPU cooler.
500 GB SSD Drive on the small side for gaming.
NOTE: A display monitor is not included.
No. 5 – Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UR13 Gaming Desktop
Unleash your gaming prowess with the Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UR13 Gaming Desktop, an excellent combination of cutting-edge performance and nice aesthetics.
Dominate the battlefield, powered by a 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU.
512 GB of super-fast NVMe SSD storage completes the main specification, all housed within a cool and slick-looking case.
The full specification is as follows:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F 6-Core Processor (Up to 4.4 GHz)
- CPU Cooling: Air Cooled
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 3200 MHz
- Hard Drive: 512 GB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Hard Drive 2: 1 TB HDD
- Graphics: GeForce RTX 3050 8 GB DDR6
- WiFi: WiFi 802.11 ax included
- Mouse & Keyboard: Included (wired)
- OS: Windows 11 Home.
Pros
Excellent RTX 3050 graphics card
An additional 1 TB hard drive is nice to have
Attractive well designed case.
Cons
None.
NOTE: A display monitor is not included.
Before You Buy
Before going ahead and making a purchase, I’ve first gone into a few things you need to consider prior to making a decision on what to buy.
Budget
The mention of $1000 in the title of my article mostly covers this subject, but you’ll still need to allow for a monitor to go with your new prebuilt gaming PC.
I would recommend a 24″ monitor and would suggest a budget of around $140.00.
I’ll be covering the subject of gaming computer monitors in a future review.
Specification
Listed below are the 4 most important components you need to be aware of when choosing your new prebuilt gaming PC.
To get the best performance from your system and the longest life, always go for the very best specification you can afford within your budget whenever possible.
- Processor (CPU) – I recommend, at a minimum, that you select either an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Either of these will give you great gaming performance.
- Memory (RAM) – 8 GB (absolute minimum) of either DDR4 or, preferably, DDR5 RAM. The more, the better, and for gaming, a minimum of 16 GB is fast becoming the standard.
- Storage – I recommend you go for at least 1 TB of M.2 NVMe SSD storage – again, the more, the better, as computer games are taking up more and more space as they continually grow in install size
- Graphics Card (GPU) – the nVidia RTX 3050 is an excellent starting point. This card will give you all the power you need to play pretty much all current games at near to maximum settings. For many games, it will actually provide more than you need.
A system including the above parts will give you the best possible start to your gaming adventure and form the basis for the gaming PC systems reviewed.
Options
Getting hold of your nice, new, shiny gaming computer is one thing, but you may need other bits and bobs too. Here are a few extras you might need.
Display Monitor
To make sure I could provide you with the best power for your $1000, the systems recommended only include the PC tower.
Unless you already have one, you’re going to need a display monitor.
Budget for around $140.00 for a 24″ monitor (most computer monitors start at 24″).
Webcam
You may also need a webcam, especially if you’re used to being in constant contact either with family members, work colleagues, or gaming contacts via Zoom, Skype or Teams, etc.
Webcams are relatively inexpensive these days, and some reputable, well-known brands include:
- Logitech
- Microsoft
- Dell
- Razer
- Insta360
- Anker.
When selecting your webcam, look for:
- Full HD 1080p video quality or better
- Built-in stereo or array microphone for better audio capture
- Good tripod mounting that you can easily position on your desk or clamp to your monitor
- Wide field of view.
Nice to have:
- A privacy shutter is a good idea, providing peace of mind when you’re not using your webcam
- A good cable length helps tremendously – look for 1.5m minimum, but 2 m would be better
- Built-in autofocus lens helps keep everything in focus.
Headphones
Most avid gamers these days will usually need a set of headphones whilst gaming, especially if playing with friends online.
Recommendations for headphones, in no particular order, would include the following models:
Wired
- Razer Blackshark V2
- HyperX Cloud Stinger II
- Razer Kraken X
- Logitech G Pro X.
Wireless
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
- Razer Kaira Pro
- Sony Inzone H9 Gaming Headset
- Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless
- Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
- Razer Barracuda X Wireless.
All of these models include a built-in microphone. Budget for $100 to $150 for a good quality wired headset and lower to mid-range wireless headsets.
Software
In addition to your computer games, which I’m sure will be top of your list, you may also need productivity software like Microsoft Office or maybe Security software for a bit of extra online protection.
Check to see if your chosen gaming computer seller is offering you any special deals on software.
Reputable Computer Builder Brands
When trying to decide who to buy your gaming computer from it can be daunting with so many different companies all vying for your attention.
Here are some of the most well-known computer system builder companies that I’m aware of.
- Skytech Gaming
- MainGear
- BLD by NZXT
- Digital Storm
- Xidax
- Singularity Computers
- Origin PC
- iBuypowerPC
- CyberpowerPC
- Alienware (part of Dell)
- HP
- Acer
- ASUS
- Lenovo.
Conclusion
The cost of a new prebuilt Gaming PC doesn’t need to break the bank, as there are some amazing deals available if you look around.
All of our prebuilt gaming computer options are excellent, but the Skytech Nebula Gaming PC stands out as having the best all-round specification for the price and looks great, too.