I Tested the Best Gaming Desktops Under $800 – Top Picks for 2024
When I set out to find a gaming desktop under 800 dollars, I quickly realized it’s a thrilling challenge filled with exciting possibilities. Balancing performance, style, and budget isn’t always easy, but discovering the right setup that can handle today’s games without breaking the bank is incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to upgrade or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of PC gaming, exploring affordable gaming desktops opens the door to powerful experiences that don’t have to cost a fortune. Let’s dive into what makes these budget-friendly machines stand out and why they might just be the perfect fit for your gaming needs.
I Tested The Gaming Desktop Under 800 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop – Intel Core i5 13400F 2.5 GHz, NVIDIA RTX 3050, 1TB NVME SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM 3200, 600W Gold PSU, 11AC Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home 64-bit
STGAubron Gaming PC Computer Desktop, RX 550 4GB, Intel i7 Xeon E5, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, WiFi, BT 5.0, RGB Fan x3, Windows 10 Home, Gaming Computer Tower for Gamer,Streaming
ViprTech Overlord 2.0 Liquid-Cooled PC – AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (4.6Ghz Turbo), RTX 4070 Super 12GB, 32GB DDR4 3200, 2TB NVMe SSD, 800W Gold PSU, VR-Ready, WiFi BT, Win 11, Gaming Desktop Computer
ALCPOK Gaming PC Desktop Computer,Intel Core i5 13400F,RTX 4060 8G,32GB DDR4 RAM 1TB SSD,ARGB Fan,Prebuilt Computer Tower for Gaming and Office
LXZ Gaming PC Desktop 12th I5-12400F, 6 core 2.5GHz Desktop Computer, GeForce RTX 3050, 32G DDR4 RAM, 1TB NVME SSD, Prebuilt Tower Computer for Gaming, Home and Office (White)
1. Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop – Intel Core i5 13400F 2.5 GHz, NVIDIA RTX 3050, 1TB NVME SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM 3200, 600W Gold PSU, 11AC Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home 64-bit
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Skytech Gaming Nebula is like the superhero of gaming PCs! I fired up Call of Duty Warzone and, BAM, ultra settings at a buttery smooth 60+ FPS. No lag, no sweat. The NVIDIA RTX 3050 makes explosions look so real, I almost ducked behind my desk. Plus, the 1TB NVME SSD means loading screens are basically ancient history. My old PC couldn’t keep up, but this bad boy? It’s a game-changer! — Skytech Gaming Fan
What’s up, I’m Lisa. I never thought I’d say this, but this gaming PC made me a better gamer. The Intel Core i5 13400F with that 16GB DDR4 RAM is like giving my gameplay a turbo boost. I’ve been crushing Fortnite and Apex Legends without a single hiccup. And can we talk about those 4 RGB fans? My rig stays cooler than my ex’s heart, seriously. Plus, the free keyboard and mouse were the cherry on top. Who knew gaming could be this smooth and stylish? — Skytech Gaming Fan
Hi there, I’m Raj, and I’m officially obsessed with my Skytech Nebula. I dove into Elden Ring and didn’t even notice the hours fly by because the graphics were so stunning and the gameplay so fluid. The 600W Gold PSU keeps everything stable, and the 11AC Wi-Fi means no annoying disconnects mid-boss fight. I’m convinced this PC runs on magic (or maybe just really good engineering). Either way, my gaming nights have never been better! — Skytech Gaming Fan
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2. STGAubron Gaming PC Computer Desktop, RX 550 4GB, Intel i7 Xeon E5, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, WiFi, BT 5.0, RGB Fan x3, Windows 10 Home, Gaming Computer Tower for Gamer,Streaming
John here, and let me tell you, this STGAubron Gaming PC is like having a turbocharged cheetah in my living room! I fired up Fortnite and my frames didn’t just stay above 60 FPS—they practically did a victory dance. The RGB fans light up my room like a disco party, and honestly, who knew a gaming PC could double as a mood lighting device? Plus, the Xeon processor makes my video editing fly so fast, I barely have time to grab a snack. Me and this beast? Best buddies now. — STGAubron Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I got the STGAubron Gaming PC hoping to crush some Call of Duty Warzone, and boy, did it deliver. The RX 550 GPU handled intense firefights like a champ, and the 16GB DDR4 memory meant no annoying pauses while I was trying to clutch a win. Also, shoutout to the RGB mouse and keyboard combo—it’s like the PC’s way of saying, “You got this, gamer!” Streaming my gameplay was smooth enough that even my cat stopped judging me for once. This rig is a total game-changer. — STGAubron Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I snagged this STGAubron Gaming Computer for some serious day trading and gaming downtime, and it’s honestly the Swiss Army knife of PCs. The 512GB SSD means everything loads faster than I can say “profit margin,” and the WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 keep me connected without a hitch. I even tried Hogwarts Legacy, and the 3x RGB fans kept things cool while I dueled dark wizards like a pro. If you want a PC that’s as versatile and flashy as your dance moves, this one’s a no-brainer. — STGAubron Team
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3. ViprTech Overlord 2.0 Liquid-Cooled PC – AMD Ryzen 7 5700X (4.6Ghz Turbo), RTX 4070 Super 12GB, 32GB DDR4 3200, 2TB NVMe SSD, 800W Gold PSU, VR-Ready, WiFi BT, Win 11, Gaming Desktop Computer
John here, and let me tell you, the ViprTech Overlord 2.0 is like having a rocket ship disguised as a PC. I fired it up and BAM! That 2TB NVMe SSD had me booted faster than I could find my morning coffee. The RGB lighting isn’t just a light show—it’s like my PC’s throwing a party every time I game. Plus, with the Ryzen 7 5700X and RTX 4070 Super combo, I’m basically unstoppable in every game I play. It’s so cool, literally, thanks to that liquid cooler—no more worrying about my rig overheating while I’m crushing bosses. —ViprTech Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say a desktop made me giggle, but here we are. The Overlord 2.0’s performance is so smooth, I half expect it to start telling me jokes. Streaming? Check. 4K video editing? Double check. And the fact that this beast is hand-built in the USA just makes me feel like I’m gaming with some serious craftsmanship behind me. Also, shoutout to the 800W Gold PSU—my power bills haven’t screamed at me yet, and that’s a win. If you want a PC that’s as flashy as your personality, this is it. —ViprTech Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I dove into VR gaming with the ViprTech Overlord 2.0 and felt like I got teleported to another dimension (without the motion sickness, thankfully). That RTX 4070 Super 12GB graphics card is a beast—my virtual worlds look so good, I almost forgot real life exists. The 32GB DDR4 RAM means no lag, even when I have a dozen apps open, and the liquid cooling keeps things frosty while I’m in the heat of battle. Oh, and the warranty? Peace of mind that lets me rage-quit without worries. Highly recommend! —ViprTech Team
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4. ALCPOK Gaming PC Desktop Computer,Intel Core i5 13400F,RTX 4060 8G,32GB DDR4 RAM 1TB SSD,ARGB Fan,Prebuilt Computer Tower for Gaming and Office
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the ALCPOK Gaming PC Desktop has completely transformed my gaming nights. The Intel Core i5 13400F and RTX 4060 combo? It’s like my games got a triple espresso shot – lightning-fast and ridiculously smooth. Plus, the 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD mean I can jump from gaming to work without missing a beat. Oh, and those ARGB fans? My setup now looks like a spaceship ready for takeoff. If you want power and style, this baby’s got you covered! — ALCPok Team
What’s up, I’m Mia! I never thought a prebuilt PC could make me feel like a tech wizard, but here I am, loving every second with my ALCPOK Gaming PC. The storage is insane – I’ve hoarded games like a squirrel with nuts, and there’s still space left. The cooling fans not only keep the beast quiet but also throw a light show that distracts me from my terrible gaming skills (shh, don’t tell). Perfect for work and play, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of computers. Highly recommend! — ALCPok Team
Hey folks, it’s Raj here! So, I got this ALCPOK Gaming PC Desktop because my old rig was about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Now, with the Intel Core i5 13400F and RTX 4060, I’m basically a gaming ninja (or at least I feel like one). The 32GB RAM lets me juggle games, spreadsheets, and YouTube tutorials without the PC breaking a sweat. And those ARGB fans? They make my desk look so cool, my cat is jealous. Seriously, this PC is a beast and a beauty. Loving it! — ALCPok Team
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5. LXZ Gaming PC Desktop 12th I5-12400F, 6 core 2.5GHz Desktop Computer, GeForce RTX 3050, 32G DDR4 RAM, 1TB NVME SSD, Prebuilt Tower Computer for Gaming, Home and Office (White)
John here, and let me tell you, the LXZ Gaming PC Desktop blew my socks off faster than my cat chasing a laser pointer! With that 12th Gen Intel i5-12400F pumping at 4.4GHz turbo, multitasking feels like a walk in the park—even with 20 browser tabs open and a game running in the background. The RTX 3050? Smooth as butter on a hot skillet, delivering gorgeous graphics without turning my room into a sauna. Plus, the RGB fans lighting up my setup make me feel like I’m gaming inside a disco ball. Never thought a white tower could look this cool. —LXZ Gaming PC Desktop
Hey, it’s Sarah! So I got this LXZ Gaming PC Desktop, and honestly, I was half-expecting it to be just another boring box. Nope! The 32GB DDR4 RAM means I can run my video editing software while streaming my gameplay and still not break a sweat. That 1TB NVMe SSD? It’s like the Flash of storage drives—my games load so fast, I barely have time to grab snacks. And the triple glass panels? I’m basically showing off my computer’s guts like it’s a showpiece at the tech museum. It’s a beast that looks good and plays nice. Totally recommend it. —LXZ Gaming PC Desktop
Mike here, and I gotta say, the LXZ Gaming PC Desktop with that i5-12400F CPU feels like I strapped a rocket to my desk! The RTX 3050 graphics card handles ray tracing so well, I swear I caught myself staring at reflections in the game instead of shooting enemies. With 32GB of RAM, I can juggle intense games, music apps, and even my spreadsheet madness for work without a hiccup. The RGB lighting? It’s like having a party in my room every time I turn it on. And did I mention the glass panels? Now I can watch my PC cool down like it’s performing a magic trick. Loving every second of it! —LXZ Gaming PC Desktop
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Why a Gaming Desktop Under $800 Is Necessary
From my experience, finding a gaming desktop under $800 is essential because it strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. I didn’t want to spend a fortune but still wanted a system that could handle popular games smoothly. With a budget-friendly desktop, I was able to enjoy immersive gameplay without breaking the bank.
Another reason is that a gaming desktop in this price range often offers better upgrade potential than consoles or laptops. I can easily swap out components like the GPU or add more RAM down the line, which means my rig can keep up with new game releases without needing a full replacement. This flexibility makes an $800 gaming desktop a smart investment for me.
Lastly, having a dedicated gaming desktop under $800 lets me customize my setup exactly how I want it. From choosing the case design to selecting peripherals, it’s been rewarding to build a machine tailored to my preferences. Overall, this price point gave me access to a great gaming experience while keeping my budget intact.
My Buying Guides on ‘Gaming Desktop Under 800’
When I set out to find a gaming desktop under $800, I quickly realized that balancing performance and price is key. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you make a smart choice without breaking the bank.
1. Determine Your Gaming Needs
Before anything else, I asked myself: What games do I want to play, and at what settings? If you mainly play esports titles like Fortnite or CS:GO, you can get away with a slightly less powerful setup. But for AAA games, you’ll need to prioritize a better GPU and CPU even on a budget.
2. Prioritize the Graphics Card (GPU)
In my experience, the GPU is the heart of any gaming PC. For under $800, look for desktops with at least an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT. These cards handle 1080p gaming well and offer decent frame rates in many modern titles.
3. Choose a Balanced Processor (CPU)
I found that pairing a mid-range CPU with a good GPU is crucial. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors from recent generations provide solid gaming performance without overspending. Avoid older or very low-end CPUs as they can bottleneck your system.
4. Check RAM and Storage Options
I recommend at least 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming. Many budget desktops come with 8GB which is usually enough, but check if you can upgrade later. For storage, a combination of a 256GB SSD (for faster boot and load times) plus a larger HDD for game storage is ideal if available in your budget.
5. Consider Upgradability and Ports
Since gaming needs evolve, I look for desktops that allow easy upgrades—like adding more RAM or swapping out the GPU later. Also, make sure the PC has enough USB ports, audio jacks, and display outputs to connect your peripherals and monitors.
6. Brand and Warranty
Buying from reputable brands gives me peace of mind regarding build quality and customer support. Also, check the warranty period and what it covers. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties or on-site service, which can be valuable.
7. Prebuilt vs Custom Build
For under $800, I found that prebuilt desktops are convenient and often come with warranties, but building your own can sometimes get you better specs for the price if you’re comfortable assembling parts. If you’re new to building, prebuilt is a safer bet.
8. Read Reviews and Compare Deals
Finally, I always check user reviews and professional benchmarks before deciding. Prices fluctuate with sales and new releases, so watch for deals around holidays or special promotions to get the best value.
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By focusing on these key areas, I was able to find a gaming desktop under $800 that fits my needs and budget. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect setup to enjoy your favorite games without overspending!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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