4 Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $500 in 2024

Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or performance. In 2024, there are several excellent prebuilt gaming PCs available for under $500 that can deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience. This guide will explore the top options on the market, helping you find the perfect budget-friendly gaming rig to suit your needs.

Top Picks for Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $500

1. HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop PC

The HP Victus 15L stands out as one of the best overall gaming PCs under $500. Here are its key specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6400
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB HDD
• OS: Windows 11 Home

Pros:

• Powerful 6-core/12-thread APU
• Dedicated GPU for better gaming performance
• Compact system design

Cons:

• Limited upgradeability
• Basic aesthetics

The HP Victus 15L offers a great balance of performance and value. Its Ryzen 5 5600G processor and dedicated Radeon RX 6400 graphics card can handle most modern games at 1080p with medium settings. The 1TB hard drive provides ample storage for your game library, though you may want to consider adding an SSD in the future for faster load times.

For optimal cooling performance, consider upgrading your case fans. Check out our guide on the best 140mm case fans to keep your system running cool and quiet.

2. ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC

For those seeking a compact gaming solution, the ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC is an excellent choice:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
• GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8 (integrated)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

Pros:

• Powerful Ryzen 7 processor
• Compact and portable design
• Fast NVMe SSD storage

Cons:

• Limited upgradeability due to small form factor
• Integrated graphics may struggle with demanding games

This mini PC packs a punch with its Ryzen 7 5800U processor and 16GB of RAM. While the integrated Vega 8 graphics aren’t ideal for high-end gaming, they can handle esports titles and indie games with ease. The compact design makes it perfect for small spaces or as a portable gaming solution.

If you’re looking for a similarly compact option but with a larger budget, consider exploring our recommendations for gaming laptops under $600.

3. MXZ Gaming PC Desktop Computer

The MXZ Gaming PC offers a more traditional desktop experience:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 4100
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 580
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD
• OS: Windows 11 Pro

Pros:

• Dedicated RX 580 GPU for solid 1080p gaming
• Spacious chassis with pre-installed fans
• Uses the AM4 platform for future upgrades

Cons:

• Entry-level Ryzen 3 CPU
• Limited storage capacity

This PC stands out with its dedicated Radeon RX 580 graphics card, which can handle most modern games at 1080p with medium to high settings. The AM4 platform also allows for future CPU upgrades, making this a good choice for those who plan to enhance their system over time.

To further improve your gaming experience, consider investing in a quality gaming DAC for superior audio performance.

4. IPASON Gaming PC 2024

IPASON offers a well-rounded gaming PC for budget-conscious buyers:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
• GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 7 (integrated)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• OS: Windows 11 Home

Pros:

• Capable Ryzen 7 5700G processor
• Large 1TB SSD for storage
• Includes keyboard and mouse

Cons:

• Relies on integrated graphics
• Limited expansion options

The IPASON Gaming PC 2024 provides a solid foundation for 1080p gaming, particularly for esports titles and less demanding games. The Ryzen 7 5700G’s integrated Vega 7 graphics can handle many popular games, and the large SSD ensures quick load times and ample storage for your game library.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for a budget gaming PC, keep these key factors in mind:

1. CPU: Look for at least a quad-core processor from AMD or Intel. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and Intel Core i5 10400F are excellent options in this price range.
2. GPU: While integrated graphics can handle some games, a dedicated GPU like the AMD Radeon RX 6400 or NVIDIA GTX 1650 will provide a much better gaming experience.
3. RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, with 16GB being ideal for smoother multitasking and future-proofing.
4. Storage: An SSD is crucial for fast boot times and quick game loads. Look for at least a 256GB SSD, with additional HDD storage if possible.
5. Upgradability: Choose a system with standard components and an upgradeable platform to extend its lifespan.

Performance Expectations

At the $500 price point, you can expect to play most modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to low settings. Esports titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Valorant should run smoothly at 60+ FPS. More demanding AAA games may require lower settings to maintain playable framerates.

Here’s a general idea of what to expect in terms of performance:

• Esports titles: 60-144 FPS at medium to high settings
• AAA games: 30-60 FPS at low to medium settings
• Indie games: 60+ FPS at high settings

Remember that performance can vary depending on the specific game and system configuration.

Where to Buy

You can find these budget gaming PCs at various retailers:

1. Amazon
2. Best Buy
3. Walmart
4. Newegg
5. Micro Center

Always compare prices across multiple retailers and watch for sales or special promotions to get the best deal.

Tips for Optimizing Your Budget Gaming PC

To get the most out of your new budget gaming PC:

1. Adjust in-game settings: Lower graphics settings like shadows and anti-aliasing to boost FPS.
2. Keep drivers updated: Regularly update your GPU drivers for optimal performance and compatibility.
3. Upgrade over time: Start with a good base system and upgrade components like the GPU or RAM as your budget allows.
4. Use performance monitoring software: Tools like MSI Afterburner can help you track FPS and identify performance bottlenecks.
5. Consider overclocking: Carefully overclocking your CPU or GPU can provide a free performance boost, but research the risks first.

For those who need to capture gameplay or create tutorials, knowing how to screenshot on HP devices can be incredibly useful.

FAQs

1. Can I upgrade these prebuilt PCs in the future? Most of these systems allow for some upgrades, particularly RAM and storage. However, compact designs may limit GPU upgrades.
2. Are these PCs suitable for streaming? While they can handle basic streaming, you may experience performance issues with more demanding games. A higher-end PC is recommended for serious streamers.
3. How long will a $500 gaming PC last? With proper care and occasional upgrades, these PCs can provide a good gaming experience for 2-3 years, depending on your performance expectations and the games you play.
4. Can these PCs run VR games? Most $500 gaming PCs will struggle with VR gaming. For a smooth VR experience, you’ll generally need a more powerful system.
5. Do these PCs come with warranties? Yes, most prebuilt PCs come with at least a one-year warranty. Check the specific warranty details for each model before purchasing.

Conclusion

Building a gaming PC on a $500 budget requires some compromises, but it’s entirely possible to get a system that can handle most modern games at 1080p. By focusing on key components like the CPU and GPU, and choosing a system with upgrade potential, you can enjoy PC gaming without breaking the bank. Remember to consider your specific gaming needs and future upgrade plans when making your decision.

For those who need a more versatile system, consider checking out our guide on the best laptops with DVD players, which can be great for both gaming and multimedia use.

Lastly, if you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to invest in a silent gaming mouse to complement your new gaming PC setup.