OEM vs System Integrator
OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer that manufacture their versions of PC parts, which are often not universally compatible.System Integrators (SIs) like Skytech take standard PC parts and assemble them into a PC.
SIs use parts that are universally compatible, making it easier to upgrade their PCs in the future.If you’re not planning to tinker with your PC, you can buy from either an OEM or SI.If you plan to tinker with your PC, it’s recommended that you buy from an SI.
Prebuilt Gaming PC vs Custom Built PC
A prebuilt gaming PC is created by an SI using a standard build depending on the parts they have.A custom-built PC is created by an SI where you get to select every single component from a list of components that are available to the system integrator.
Custom-built PCs tend to charge quite a bit more for that level of customization.Prebuilt gaming PCs offer significantly better price to performance at every budget level.
Graphics Card
The GPU is the most important component of a gaming PC, and you need to get the right one to play at the resolution that you want.For 4K gaming, recommended GPUs are Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 or better.For 1440p gaming, recommended GPUs are Nvidia RTX 3060, AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, or the Intel A770 or A750.
For 1080p gaming, recommended GPUs are NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super or the non-super GTech 1660 Super or TI RTX 2060, or an RX 600 series GPU or higher from AMD.Avoid GPUs like GT710, GT730, GT 1030, GTX 1630, RX 550, 560, 6400, and 6500 XT and Intel A380, as they offer terrible performance.
CPU
Modern CPUs are so fast that as long as you get a modern one, it doesn’t matter in terms of FPS, except when paired with ultra-high-end GPUs.For mid-range gaming, a modern six-core or greater CPU is fine.
For budget 1080p gaming, modern 4-core CPUs are okay.The highest performance CPUs are the Ryzen 7000 CPUs like 7600 or upcoming Ryzen 7800 X 3D and 13 generation Intel CPUs with a K in their name like the I5 13600k or I9 3900k.
CPU Recommendation
- Ryzen 5000 CPUs like the Ryzen 5600 are recommended for the best prebuilt gaming PCs.
- Non-K Intel 12th and 13th generation CPUs like the I5 12400 or I5 13400 are also good for budget gaming PCs.
- Older CPUs like the Ryzen 3600 or Intel 11th and 10th Generation CPUs like the I5 11400 or I5 10400 are still good options for budget gaming PCs.
- If you plan on doing core-heavy production work like video editing, animation, or other professional-level work, it’s recommended to get an 8 core CPU or higher.
Cooling and Case Airflow
Good cooling and case airflow are essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain optimal performance in prebuilt gaming PCs.For four and six core Ryzen CPUs and Intel CPUs without a K in their name, low-profile downdraft-style coolers are generally fine.For eight core and bigger CPUs or Intel CPUs with a K in their name, at minimum, a budget tower air cooler or 120 millimeter all-in-one liquid cooler is recommended.
For CPUs with 10 or more cores, at least a 240 millimeter AIO liquid cooler or a big air cooler is recommended.In terms of case airflow, it’s important to have at least two to three intake fans and one exhaust fan. Mesh front panels or glass with significant air gaps are also recommended.
RAM Recommendation
For just gaming, 16 gigabytes of memory using dual channel (two sticks of RAM, not just one) is recommended.For basic gameplay streaming, video editing work rendering, or other production tasks, 16 gigabytes should be fine but 32 gigabytes is recommended for professional-level creative production like video effects.Ultra budget systems in the 700 or less category may come with just 8 gigabytes of RAM in an OEM prebuilt.
DDR5 versus DDR4 RAM is not a concern for most prebuilt gaming PCs, as the SI or OEM will put in the correct type.For DDR4, at least 3000 speed memory is recommended, with 3200 speed being preferred. Higher speed kits up to 3600 can be found in higher-end systems.DDR5 memory speeds start at 4800, but 5200 or 5600 speed is more common. The fastest kit you’ll find is around 6000 speed.
Best 4K Gaming PCs
For high FPS 4K gaming and content creation, the RTX 4090 and a CPU like the I9 13900K or Ryzen 7000 series CPU are recommended.The ABS Stratos with an RTX 4080, Ryzen 7 700x, 32 gigabytes of DDR5, and a two terabyte NVMe is a good option with a price point of $2699.
Skytech and Prebuilt Gaming PCs
Skytech is a brand known for its capability of putting together prebuilt gaming PCs.This brand, along with others, has the trust of the creator when it comes to assembling and taking care of anything that might go wrong during the shipping process.This recommendation is for anyone looking to get into 4K gaming but can’t afford the expensive $4000 ones.
Skytech Chrono setup is the one that the creator likes, with a great mesh in the front and an all-in-one liquid cooler.It comes with an i7 12700f CPU, 16GB DDR4 RAM running at 3200 speed, and a good PSU.It also has a one-terabyte nvme for $2299, making it a good option for high FPS 4K gaming.
Other GPUs to Consider
- The AMD RX 7900 XTX and 700XTX are good alternatives to the Nvidia GPUs.
- The AMD RX 700XTX has a performance between a 4080 and a 4090 and can outcompete the 4090 in some games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.
- This GPU is a better price than Nvidia ones, which tends to rely on their brand recognition more.
RTX 4070 TI and OEM PCs
The RTX 4070 TI is another GPU to consider for high FPS 4K gaming and super high FPS 1440p gaming.For $1999, it is a pretty good setup with a Ryzen 7 700x, RTX 4070 TI, and 16GB DDR5 memory at 5600 Mega transfers, and one terabyte nvme.
If someone wants 60 FPS at 4K, they can check out an OEM PC.The HP Omen is a good option for those who don’t mind buying from an OEM.It is a cheap option at $1229 and comes with RTX 3070, 3080s to 30 90s, and an i7 12700 CPU.
1440p Capable Gaming PCs
- For 1440p capable gaming PCs, the price range is from just about a thousand dollars up to about fourteen hundred dollars.
- The best deals right now are for the RX 6700 XT, RTX 3060 TI, RTX 3060, and RX 6600 XT or the newer 6650xt.
- The Skytech Gaming Archangel is a good setup for this category.
- It has a Ryzen 5 5600x CPU, one terabyte nvme SSD, and 16GB DDR4 3200 great speed memory.
- It also has an RTX 3060 TI with a negative pressure setup that works fine.
- It is listed at $1199, which is a good deal right now.
- There is also a similar setup from Skytech, which comes with a different case and airflow that is a little bit better.
- It is listed at $1299, but one can apply a $100 coupon to make it $1199.
- Another option is to look for an OEM PC, and the HP Omen is a good option for those who want super high FPS at this price range.
- It costs $1229 and comes with an RTX 3070, 3080s to 30 90s, and an i7 12700 CPU.
HP Omen 25L
HP Omen 25L is a good prebuilt gaming PC option.Comes with Ryzen 5700G CPU and RX 6700 XT GPU.Good for 1440p gaming.Redesigned case with good airflow.Comes with 512GB SSD and 1TB hard drive.
iBUYPOWER and CyberPowerPC
iBUYPOWER and CyberPowerPC offer prebuilt gaming PC optionsPriced at $999 and $900 respectively.iBUYPOWER comes with Ryzen 5 5600 CPU and RTX 3060 GPU.
CyberPowerPC comes with Ryzen 5 5600 CPU and RTX 3060 GPUBoth come with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB SSD.Skytech Chronos is another good option priced at $999 with RX 6600 XT GPU and 1TB NVMe SSD
1080p Capable Gaming PCs
- Skytech Nebula comes with RTX 3050 GPU and i3 1200F CPU
- Skytech Nebula with 500GB NVMe SSD and 16GB RAM
- ASUS ROG Strix GL10 case comes with Ryzen 5 3600X and GTX 1660 TI GPU
- HP 15L is another option with i5 12400 CPU and GTX 1660 Super GPU
- HP 15L with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD
General Notes
16GB DDR4 RAM is recommended for gaming PCs.Storage is cheap and easy to upgrade so lower storage capacity is not a deal breaker.Good airflow is important for cooling components in the PC case.AMD GPUs offer better value for money compared to Nvidia GPUs
RAM customization
The PC comes with two sticks of four gigabytes of RAM.It is possible to customize the RAM of this PC.Spending an additional $70 would bring the total cost to around $720, which would allow the addition of 16GB of RAM.The RAM timings are not XMP, so they cannot be easily upgraded with an off-the-shelf RAM kit.A more specialized RAM kit would be required for upgrading.
Performance and value
- The PC is a performative gaming PC, especially considering the price.
- For $720, users are getting a gaming PC with good performance.
A: A prebuilt gaming PC is a computer that is pre-assembled and configured specifically for gaming purposes. It comes with all the necessary components such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, motherboard, and storage, and is ready to use straight out of the box.
A: Buying a prebuilt gaming PC has several advantages. Firstly, it saves time and effort as the PC is already assembled and configured. Secondly, it ensures compatibility between the components, as the manufacturer has already tested and validated the configuration. Finally, it comes with a warranty and technical support, providing peace of mind for the buyer.
A: When looking for a prebuilt gaming PC, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the processor and graphics card are the most important components for gaming performance, so make sure they are powerful enough for your needs. Secondly, consider the amount and type of RAM, as well as the storage capacity and speed. Finally, look at the overall build quality and aesthetics, as well as any additional features such as RGB lighting and cooling systems.
A: Yes, you can upgrade a prebuilt gaming PC, but it may be more difficult and expensive than upgrading a custom-built PC. It is important to check the compatibility of any new components with the existing hardware, and to ensure that the power supply can handle the additional load. It may also void the warranty, so it is important to check with the manufacturer before making any changes.
