Finding a capable streaming PC without overspending can feel like a challenge. You need a machine that balances a strong CPU for encoding with a decent GPU for gaming, all while staying within a sensible budget. The good news is that the pre-built market is filled with excellent options that deliver this exact combination, making high-quality streaming more accessible than ever.
We’ve compiled a list of the top systems that provide the performance you need for a smooth broadcast. From powerful rigs that can handle the latest games at high settings to more budget-conscious builds perfect for getting started, there’s a streaming PC here for every creator. These selections prioritize the key components that matter most for a seamless streaming experience.
Our Top Picks for Budget Streaming PCs
- Skytech Gaming Shiva Gaming PC Desktop – INTEL Core i5 11400F, RTX 3060
- SkyTech Shadow 3.0 Gaming Computer PC Desktop – Ryzen 5 3600, RTX 3060
- Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini Gaming PC Desktop – Intel Core-i5 10400F, GTX 1660 Ti
- Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop – Ryzen 5 3600, GTX 1660 Super
- Skytech Gaming Shadow Gaming PC Desktop – INTEL Core i5 10400F, RTX 3050
- CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, Intel Core i5-11400F, RTX 2060
- iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Computer Desktop Trace 4 9310 (AMD Ryzen 5 3600)
- HP Pavilion Gaming PC, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, Intel Core i5-11400F
- HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, AMD RX6400
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i Desktop (Intel Core i5-13400, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
Skytech Gaming Shiva Gaming PC Desktop
The Skytech Shiva is a formidable choice for streamers looking for excellent performance. Its combination of an Intel Core i5-11400F processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card provides a solid foundation for both gaming and encoding your stream. With 16GB of fast DDR4 RAM and a spacious 1TB NVMe SSD, you have plenty of memory for multitasking and ultra-fast load times for your games and streaming software.
This system comes ready to use out of the box with Windows 11 and includes a free gaming keyboard and mouse. The 650W Gold-rated power supply ensures efficient and stable operation, while the AC Wi-Fi keeps you connected without the need for an ethernet cable. For a balanced streaming build that handles modern games with ease, the Shiva is a compelling option.
SkyTech Shadow 3.0 Gaming Computer PC Desktop
Built around the reliable AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, the SkyTech Shadow 3.0 offers strong multi-threaded performance that is beneficial for handling streaming encoding and game processes simultaneously. Paired with an RTX 3060 graphics card, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p and 1440p, ensuring your stream looks great. The included 1TB SSD provides ample storage for a sizable game library.
This PC features a clean design with RGB fans and comes with a 600W Gold PSU for dependable power delivery. It ships with Windows 11 and includes all the necessary connectivity options, including AC Wi-Fi. It’s a well-rounded system that balances CPU and GPU power effectively for content creation.
Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini Gaming PC Desktop
For those entering the streaming world, the Skytech Chronos Mini presents a great starting point. The Intel Core i5-10400F CPU and GTX 1660 Ti GPU work together to handle popular games at 1080p while providing enough overhead for streaming software. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is a significant benefit, allowing you to run OBS or Streamlabs alongside your game and other applications without slowdowns.
Its compact form factor is ideal for smaller desks, and it still packs a 500GB SSD for fast boot and load times. Coming with Windows 11 and AC Wi-Fi, this PC offers a complete, no-fuss package for new streamers who need reliable performance without a high cost.
Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop
The Skytech Archangel is another excellent AMD-based option, featuring the Ryzen 5 3600 CPU and a GTX 1660 Super graphics card. This combination is tried and tested for 1080p gaming and streaming, providing a smooth and responsive experience for both you and your viewers. The six-core processor is particularly well-suited for the multi-tasking demands of a live stream.
With 16GB of RAM and a 500GB SSD, you have a responsive system that can quickly access your games and assets. The inclusion of RGB fans adds a custom look, and the system is backed by a quality power supply. It’s a solid, value-oriented build for consistent streaming performance.
Skytech Gaming Shadow Gaming PC Desktop
This Skytech Shadow model makes a compelling case with its modern RTX 3050 graphics card and a large 1TB NVMe SSD. The Intel Core i5-10400F processor provides ample power for game and stream encoding tasks. The RTX 3050 supports NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder, which is a major advantage for streamers as it offloads the encoding process from the CPU, resulting in better in-game performance.
While it comes with 8GB of RAM, this is an easy and affordable component to upgrade later. The 600W Gold PSU provides a stable foundation for future upgrades. For a system focused on efficient streaming with modern features, this PC is a strong contender.
CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
CYBERPOWERPC is a trusted name in pre-built systems, and this Gamer Xtreme model delivers good value. The Intel Core i5-11400F and RTX 2060 pairing is capable of handling most modern games at high settings while streaming. The RTX 2060 also includes the efficient NVENC encoder for high-quality stream output without taxing the CPU.
The system includes a 500GB NVMe SSD for fast storage, and it’s Wi-Fi ready for easy connectivity. The main consideration here is the 8GB of RAM, which is adequate to start but is a recommended upgrade for more demanding multitasking scenarios common in streaming.
iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Computer Desktop Trace 4 9310
As a budget-friendly entry point, the iBUYPOWER Trace 4 offers the capable AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor paired with a Radeon RX 5500 XT GPU. The six-core Ryzen CPU is the standout here, providing the necessary horsepower for streaming encoding. This setup is ideal for streaming less graphically intensive games or for using a faster streaming preset.
It comes with 8GB of RAM and a 240GB SSD, which are the minimum specs we recommend for streaming. Users should plan on expanding both storage and memory in the near future for a better experience. For the price, it provides a strong CPU foundation that can be built upon with future upgrades.
HP Pavilion Gaming PC
For streamers who prefer a system from a major brand like HP, the Pavilion Gaming PC is a reliable choice. It features an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11400F processor, which is a competent chip for handling streaming tasks. The GTX 1650 graphics card is suitable for 1080p gaming on popular titles, making it a fit for those who stream games that are not extremely demanding.
The compact design is sleek and space-saving, and it includes a 512GB SSD for responsive performance. With 8GB of RAM, it meets the baseline for streaming, and the reputable HP build quality offers peace of mind. It’s a solid, no-nonsense PC for getting your stream started.
HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop PC
The HP Victus 15L brings a more modern processor to the table with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G. This CPU is efficient and offers strong performance for the price. The integrated Radeon graphics and the discrete RX 6400 work together, but the streaming performance will be best suited for less demanding games or using the CPU for encoding.
It includes 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which are standard for this tier. The Victus line is known for its clean, minimalist design and ease of upgradeability. This PC is a good fit for someone who prioritizes a modern CPU platform and plans to upgrade the graphics card later for more streaming power.
Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i Desktop
While not a dedicated gaming machine, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i deserves a mention for streamers focused on non-gaming content or cloud gaming services. Its 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 is a very capable modern processor with integrated graphics that can easily handle encoding for streams like talk shows, art, or music production. The 16GB of RAM is a significant advantage for multitasking with multiple applications and browser tabs open.
The generous 1TB SSD provides ample storage for video files and software. For streamers whose content doesn’t require a powerful discrete GPU, this office-oriented PC offers excellent CPU performance and memory in a professional-looking package.
What to Look For in the Best Budget PCs for Streaming in 2025
Putting together a streaming setup doesn’t have to drain your bank account. I’ve found that the key is knowing where to spend your money for the best performance. When I’m looking at the best budget PCs for streaming in 2025, I focus on a few critical components that make the biggest difference between a choppy broadcast and a smooth, professional-looking stream.
First, the CPU is your workhorse. You need a processor that can handle running your game and encoding the video for your stream simultaneously. For modern systems, I lean towards CPUs with a high core count. An 8-core processor from AMD’s Ryzen 7 series or Intel’s Core i7 line is a fantastic starting point. Many modern chips also have dedicated media engines, like Intel’s Quick Sync or AMD’s similar technology, which take a huge load off the main CPU cores during encoding, making your entire experience much smoother.
Next up is the GPU, or graphics card. While the CPU does a lot of the heavy lifting, a good GPU is non-negotiable for gaming performance. You don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line model, but a card like an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or an AMD Radeon 7600 XT provides excellent 1080p and even 1440p gaming performance. A major advantage of NVIDIA’s cards, from the RTX 30-series and up, is their NVENC encoder. This is a dedicated chip on the GPU that handles video encoding with incredible efficiency and quality, rivaling software encoding but with a much lower performance hit on your game.
Don’t forget about your RAM and storage. For streaming, I consider 16GB of DDR5 RAM the absolute minimum in 2025. It gives your system plenty of room for your game, streaming software, a dozen browser tabs, and Discord. If you can find a system with 32GB, that’s even better and provides more headroom for the future. For storage, a fast NVMe SSD is essential. It drastically reduces game load times and makes your operating system feel snappy. A 1TB SSD is a great target size that gives you room for your OS, key applications, and several large modern games.
Finally, look at the connectivity and cooling. You want a PC with a good power supply from a reputable brand to ensure stability, and a case with decent airflow to keep those components cool during long streaming sessions. Plenty of USB ports for your webcam, microphone, and other peripherals are a must. By balancing these components, you can find a machine that delivers a fantastic streaming experience without requiring a massive investment.
FAQ
Can I really stream successfully with a PC under $1000?
Absolutely. With the advancements in hardware encoding found on modern GPUs, especially NVIDIA’s NVENC, the barrier to entry for quality streaming is lower than ever. A well-configured PC in the $800 to $1000 range can easily handle streaming at 1080p 60fps while playing most games on high settings. The key is choosing a system where the components are balanced for this specific task, prioritizing a solid CPU and a GPU with a dedicated encoder.
Is it better to use the CPU or GPU for streaming?
For budget-conscious streamers, I almost always recommend using the GPU’s hardware encoder (like NVENC on NVIDIA cards or the encoder on modern AMD cards). The reason is simple: it offloads the demanding encoding process from your CPU to a dedicated part of your graphics card. This means your game gets access to the full power of your CPU, resulting in higher in-game frame rates and a much more stable streaming experience compared to taxing the CPU with software encoding.
How much RAM do I actually need for a streaming PC?
In 2025, I consider 16GB of RAM the practical minimum for a new streaming PC. This gives your system enough memory to comfortably run your game, OBS or other streaming software, a web browser with tabs for your stream dashboard, Discord, and other background applications. If your budget allows, moving up to 32GB is a great way to future-proof your setup and ensure you never have to worry about running out of memory, especially with games becoming more demanding.
Do I need a specific motherboard or power supply?
You don’t need a specific model, but you should pay attention to the quality, especially for the power supply (PSU). A cheap, unreliable PSU can cause system instability and even damage your components. Look for pre-built systems that use PSUs from known brands with at least an 80 Plus Bronze rating. For the motherboard, just make sure it has the connectivity you need, like enough USB ports for all your gear and support for modern storage like NVMe SSDs.
What is the most important component for streaming?
It’s a tie between the CPU and the GPU, but they are important for different reasons. Your GPU is primarily responsible for your in-game visual quality and frame rate. However, for the actual stream output, a modern GPU with a dedicated encoder is the most efficient tool. Your CPU needs to be strong enough to manage the game, the streaming software, and all other background tasks without bottlenecking. When selecting from the best budget PCs for streaming in 2025, a balanced combination of a competent 6-core or 8-core CPU and a modern GPU is the winning formula.