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As someone who reviews PCs for a living, I know how challenging it can be to find a budget-friendly gaming rig that doesn’t compromise on quality.
After countless hours of testing and researching the market, I’ve narrowed down the 3 best gaming PC under $800 that truly deliver on performance, reliability, and value.
In this guide, I’ve carefully selected options that strike the perfect balance between power and affordability—so you can jump into your favorite games without overspending.
Let’s get started.
3 Best Gaming PCs Under $800 in 2025 (Round-Up)
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the 3 best gaming PCs under $800 currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ‘read review’ in the respective row.
1. CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Best Gaming PC Under $800 Overall |  | 9.9/10 | |
2. SkyTech Nebula Best Gaming PC Under $800 Runner-Up |  | 9.7/10 | |
3. Thermaltake LCGS Quartz R66 Honorable Mention |  | 9.6/10 |
1. CyberPowerPC Gamer Master
Best Gaming PC Under $800 Overall
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6400 | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 500 GB SSD | Fans: 3x 120mm RGB Fans | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent value for a complete gaming PC under $800
- Powerful six-core AMD Ryzen 5 CPU suitable for multitasking and gaming
- Smooth 1080p gaming experience on popular titles without major compromises
- Fast NVMe SSD ensures quick boot times and game loading
- Clean, attractive design with tempered glass and customizable RGB lighting
- Good airflow and thermal management for stable performance during long sessions
- Comes with essential peripherals, so you’re ready to game right away
REASONS TO AVOID
- Graphics card limits performance at higher resolutions and ultra settings
- Storage capacity may require early upgrades for larger game libraries
Our Rating: 9.9/10
If you’re hunting for a reliable gaming PC that packs a punch without draining your wallet, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master stands out as a top contender in 2025’s budget segment. Manufactured by CyberPowerPC, a well-known name in the custom and prebuilt gaming rigs arena, this system delivers solid specs and great value for gamers who want dependable performance on a tight budget.
Gaming Performance: Power for Popular Titles
Under the hood, the Gamer Master features the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 six-core processor running at 3.6GHz, paired with the Radeon RX 6400 4GB dedicated graphics card. This combo is well-balanced for 1080p gaming, and you can expect smooth frame rates in most AAA and esports titles on medium to high settings. Games like Fortnite, Valorant, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends run comfortably above 60 FPS, while less demanding titles like Minecraft and League of Legends can be maxed out easily.
The 16GB of DDR4 RAM ensures seamless multitasking and quick loading times, while the 500GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD gives you rapid boot speeds and enough space for your key games and software. Although 500GB might feel a bit tight if you have a large library, the SSD’s speed significantly improves overall system responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives.
Cooling and Build Quality: Solid and Stylish
The Gamer Master’s build quality is impressive for its price range. It sports a tempered glass side panel that lets you peek inside at the clean, well-organized interior. The custom RGB lighting adds a touch of gamer flair without being over the top. Cooling is handled efficiently with adequate airflow through strategically placed intake and exhaust fans, which keeps temperatures under control even during extended gaming sessions. The AMD B550 chipset motherboard supports future upgrades, which is a nice bonus if you want to extend the system’s lifespan down the line.
Included Peripherals: Ready to Play Out of the Box
Another plus for buyers is the inclusion of a keyboard and mouse—standard wired peripherals that work well enough to get you started immediately. While not premium-grade, they save you extra spending right off the bat, making this a convenient package for first-time builders or gamers upgrading from consoles.
Drawbacks: Some Room for Improvement
No PC is perfect, and the Gamer Master has a few caveats to consider. The Radeon RX 6400, while decent for 1080p, isn’t suited for 1440p or high-refresh-rate gaming in more demanding titles. Also, the 500GB SSD might require you to manage storage carefully or invest in additional drives sooner rather than later. Lastly, WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 are slightly dated wireless standards, but they remain functional for most users.
Summary: Why the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Is the Best Buy Under $800
Overall, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master strikes an excellent balance of price, performance, and build quality. Its Ryzen 5 5500 CPU combined with the Radeon RX 6400 GPU handles today’s popular games at 1080p with confidence, while 16GB RAM and a fast NVMe SSD ensure smooth day-to-day usage. The solid cooling system and stylish case with RGB lighting enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
If you’re a budget-conscious gamer looking for a prebuilt PC that punches above its weight, this is a smart buy in 2025. It’s a plug-and-play solution that gets you into your favorite games quickly without complicated setup or additional purchases. For reliable gaming performance under $800, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master is my top recommendation—go ahead and level up your gaming experience today.
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2. SkyTech Nebula
Best Gaming PC Under $800 Runner-Up
CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F | Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 3050 | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 1 TB SSD | Fans: 4x 120mm RGB Fans | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
REASONS TO BUY
- Strong performance and future-ready Intel Core i5-13400F processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU delivers smooth 1080p gaming at ultra settings
- Generous 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures seamless multitasking and fast loading
- Spacious 1TB NVMe SSD provides plenty of room and quick data access
- Efficient cooling with four RGB fans and a mesh front panel for excellent airflow
- Clean internal layout makes future upgrades more approachable
- Includes functional gaming keyboard and mouse for immediate use
REASONS TO AVOID
- Graphics card not ideal for 1440p or ultra-high refresh rate gaming
- Limited RAM expansion due to only two memory slots available
Our Rating: 9.7/10
If you’re after a gaming PC that balances modern power and affordability, the Skytech Nebula is a strong contender worth considering in 2025. Skytech Gaming, a respected brand known for assembling solid prebuilt rigs, delivers a machine that stands out especially for gamers wanting smooth 1080p performance paired with a future-ready processor.
Gaming Performance: Powerhouse for 1080p and More
At the heart of the Nebula is the Intel Core i5-13400F, a 12-core (6 performance + 4 efficiency cores) CPU that clocks from 2.5GHz up to a 4.6GHz boost. This processor is a major step up in responsiveness and multitasking compared to older generations, ensuring you’ll get excellent performance in both gaming and streaming. Complementing the CPU is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM — a budget-friendly GPU capable of running most modern titles at 1080p with ultra settings and stable 60+ FPS.
You can comfortably play competitive shooters like Valorant and Call of Duty: Warzone, as well as popular open-world games like GTA V, Elden Ring, and Apex Legends without constantly tweaking graphics settings. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz guarantees smooth multitasking and fast game loading times. Storage-wise, the 1TB NVMe SSD offers plenty of space for a growing library and much faster data access than traditional drives — perfect for quick boots and minimal load screens.
Cooling and Build Quality: Efficient and Stylish
Skytech’s build quality shines with the Nebula’s sleek black chassis featuring a front mesh panel that boosts airflow. Inside, you’ll find four RGB fans that maintain excellent cooling performance, keeping your components cool during long gaming sessions while adding a bit of customizable flair. This airflow-focused design helps prevent thermal throttling, ensuring consistent frame rates and hardware longevity.
The internal layout is clean and user-friendly, making future upgrades less intimidating for beginners. The PC is assembled in the USA with a focus on quality control, which gives peace of mind for reliability.
Included Peripherals: Ready to Game Out of the Box
The Nebula package includes a free gaming keyboard and mouse — functional peripherals that let you start gaming right away without extra investment. They are simple but effective, a nice bonus for newcomers who don’t want to hunt for accessories separately.
Drawbacks: A Few Considerations
While the RTX 3050 is solid for 1080p, it isn’t designed for 1440p gaming or ultra-high refresh rates in demanding titles. The included Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is good but not the latest standard, and the system comes with only two RAM slots, which may limit future memory expansion. Some users have also mentioned minor bloatware, but nothing that significantly impacts performance.
Summary: Why Skytech Nebula Is a Great Second Choice Under $800
In summary, the Skytech Nebula delivers exceptional gaming performance for its price point in 2025. Its Intel Core i5-13400F and RTX 3050 GPU combo is perfect for 1080p gaming at ultra settings, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking to enjoy the latest titles without compromise. Add to that a roomy 1TB NVMe SSD, efficient cooling with four RGB fans, and included peripherals — and you get a package that’s truly ready to go.
If you want a gaming PC that’s future-proofed just enough to handle new releases smoothly while staying within an $800 budget, the Skytech Nebula is a smart, dependable buy. It’s well-built, looks great, and offers enough power to keep you immersed in gaming for years to come. Don’t hesitate to grab one and elevate your gaming experience today.
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3. Thermaltake LCGS Quartz R66
Honorable Mention
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6600 | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 1 TB SSD | Fans: 4x 120mm RGB Fans | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
REASONS TO BUY
- Strong AMD Ryzen 5 5600 processor delivers excellent gaming and multitasking performance
- Powerful AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU handles 1080p ultra settings and light 1440p gaming
- Fast 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3600MHz supports smooth gameplay and streaming
- Generous 1TB NVMe SSD offers quick load times and ample storage
- Attractive design with tempered glass side panel and subtle ARGB lighting
- Efficient cooling via ARGB tower air cooler keeps system quiet and stable
- Clean cable management for a neat, professional-looking interior
- Includes basic keyboard and mouse to get you started without extra purchases
REASONS TO AVOID
- Slightly above the $800 budget threshold
- Included peripherals feel entry-level and may require upgrading later
Our Rating: 9.6/10
Thermaltake, a reputable brand known primarily for high-quality PC cases and cooling solutions, has stepped into the prebuilt gaming PC market with the LCGS Quartz R66. This system offers a compelling balance of powerful hardware and sleek design, making it a worthy pick for gamers on a budget looking for performance and style in 2025.
Gaming Performance: Smooth 1080p and Solid Future-Proofing
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 six-core processor, clocked at 3.5GHz, the LCGS Quartz R66 delivers impressive gaming muscle. The Ryzen 5 5600 remains a favorite among budget gamers for its excellent single-thread and multi-thread performance, helping you breeze through CPU-heavy titles and multitasking demands alike.
On the GPU front, it sports the AMD Radeon RX 6600 with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM—a significant step up from entry-level cards. This GPU lets you run modern AAA games like Elden Ring, Call of Duty Modern Warfare II, and Resident Evil Village smoothly at 1080p ultra settings, maintaining a consistent 60+ FPS frame rate. It’s also capable of dipping into 1440p gaming at medium settings if you want to future-proof your rig.
The system’s 16GB of DDR4 RAM clocked at a fast 3600MHz supports both gaming and streaming without hiccups, while the 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD provides fast load times and ample storage for your games and applications. This storage size is generous for this price range and a welcome inclusion.
Cooling and Build Quality: Clean and Efficient
Thermaltake’s LCGS Quartz R66 stands out visually with a tempered glass side panel that showcases the neat interior and customizable RGB memory modules. The ARGB tower air cooler keeps the Ryzen 5 5600 running cool and quiet, even under sustained loads, which is crucial for maintaining stable performance and longevity.
Cable management is thoughtfully addressed with a full-length PSU power cover that hides cables for a clean, professional look. The B550 chipset motherboard adds future upgrade potential, supporting faster memory and newer AMD processors down the line.
Included Peripherals: Basic but Functional
The PC comes bundled with a keyboard and mouse, allowing you to jump into gaming immediately. While these peripherals are fairly basic and not aimed at enthusiasts, they are functional and help newcomers avoid additional initial purchases.
Drawbacks: A Few Trade-Offs
At a little over $800, this system edges past the strictest budget mark, but its specs justify the extra spend for serious gamers. Some users mention the included keyboard and mouse feel entry-level, so upgrading peripherals down the road might be necessary. The ARGB lighting might be subtle for those wanting a flashier setup, and WiFi connectivity options aren’t highlighted, which could be a downside if you rely on wireless networking.
Summary: Why the Thermaltake LCGS Quartz R66 Is a Solid Third Choice
In conclusion, the Thermaltake LCGS Quartz R66 is a powerful, stylish gaming PC that delivers excellent 1080p performance for its price class. With a Ryzen 5 5600 CPU, Radeon RX 6600 GPU, speedy 16GB 3600MHz RAM, and a roomy 1TB NVMe SSD, it handles modern games smoothly while offering upgrade paths for the future.
If you want a gaming rig that looks as good as it performs and don’t mind spending just a bit over $800, this PC is a smart buy. It’s ideal for gamers who value both aesthetics and solid hardware in a budget-friendly package. Ready to dive into your favorite games with confidence? The Thermaltake LCGS Quartz R66 is waiting for you.
What to Look for in a Budget Gaming PC Under $800
Shopping for a gaming PC under $800 can be tricky — you want the best performance without overspending or sacrificing essential features. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and features you should focus on, with explanations to help you make an informed choice.
1. Processor (CPU)
Purpose: The CPU handles all the instructions and calculations your games and applications need. A strong CPU improves game physics, AI, and overall system responsiveness.
What to Look For:
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Aim for at least a 6-core processor like AMD Ryzen 5 5500/5600 or Intel Core i5 12th/13th Gen (e.g., i5-13400F).
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Higher clock speeds (3.5GHz+ base, 4.5GHz+ boost) help with smoother gameplay and multitasking (streaming, browsing).
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Modern CPU architectures offer better efficiency and future-proofing.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
Purpose: The GPU renders images and visuals in games. A more powerful GPU means better frame rates and higher graphics settings.
What to Look For:
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Look for dedicated GPUs such as NVIDIA RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6400/6600. Integrated graphics won’t cut it for most modern games.
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4GB VRAM is the minimum; 6GB to 8GB VRAM is preferred for higher settings and future-proofing.
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Ensure it supports 1080p gaming comfortably, ideally at 60+ FPS on medium to high settings.
3. Memory (RAM)
Purpose: RAM allows your system to run multiple applications smoothly and helps with faster data access during gameplay.
What to Look For:
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16GB DDR4 RAM is the sweet spot for gaming and multitasking in 2025.
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Higher RAM speed (e.g., 3200MHz or 3600MHz) slightly improves performance.
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Dual-channel setups are preferred as they offer better bandwidth.
4. Storage
Purpose: Storage holds your games, OS, and files. Faster storage improves boot times and game load times.
What to Look For:
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A 500GB to 1TB NVMe SSD is ideal—much faster than traditional HDDs.
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SSDs drastically reduce load times, letting you jump into games faster.
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Consider how many games you play; 1TB is better if you have a large library.
5. Cooling and Build Quality
Purpose: Efficient cooling prevents overheating, maintains performance, and prolongs hardware life. Build quality affects durability and upgradeability.
What to Look For:
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Good airflow with multiple fans or quality air coolers (e.g., ARGB tower coolers).
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Cases with mesh fronts and tempered glass panels are great for airflow and aesthetics.
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Organized cable management means better airflow and easier future upgrades.
6. Connectivity and Ports
Purpose: Ports allow you to connect peripherals like monitors, keyboards, mice, and external drives. Network connectivity ensures smooth online gaming.
What to Look For:
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Multiple USB 3.0/3.1 ports and at least one HDMI and DisplayPort for your monitor(s).
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Wired Gigabit Ethernet for stable online gaming; WiFi 5 or better for wireless convenience.
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Bluetooth 4.2 or higher if you use wireless peripherals.
7. Included Peripherals
Purpose: Bundled keyboards and mice help you get started without extra purchases.
What to Look For:
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Basic but functional keyboard and mouse combos can save money.
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Consider upgrading later if you want specialized gaming peripherals.
Final Thoughts
When buying a gaming PC under $800, prioritize a balanced build with a solid CPU and dedicated GPU capable of 1080p gaming. Fast SSD storage and 16GB RAM ensure smooth gameplay and multitasking. Cooling and build quality impact system stability and future upgrades, so don’t overlook them. Also, check for sufficient ports and included peripherals to start gaming right away.
By focusing on these features, you’ll find a budget-friendly gaming PC that delivers the best bang for your buck in 2025 — ready to handle your favorite games and daily tasks without compromise.
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