Entering the world of PC gaming can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the overwhelming number of pre-built systems available. You want a machine that delivers a smooth, enjoyable experience without requiring a degree in computer science to set up. The good news is that the market for starter gaming PCs is more robust than ever, offering incredible performance at accessible price points.
Whether your priority is hitting high frame rates in competitive shooters or enjoying the latest story-driven titles with beautiful graphics, there is a perfect system waiting for you. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present a curated selection of the best ready-to-game desktops across different performance tiers, helping you make a confident first step into the PC gaming arena.
Our Top Picks for Starter Gaming PCs
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500
- Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop – Intel Core i5 13400F
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 7 8700F
- MSI Codex R2 Gaming Desktop PC -Intel Core i7-13700F
- SkyTech Blaze 3.0 Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop – Intel Core i5-13400F
- Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gaming Desktop – Intel Core i5-13400F
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC – Intel Core i5-14600KF
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500
This CyberPowerPC Gamer Master is an excellent entry point for those new to PC gaming. It’s built around the capable AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor, which provides strong six-core performance for gaming and everyday tasks. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, the system is responsive and boots up quickly, getting you into your games without long loading times.
The AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card handles modern games at 1080p resolution with medium settings, making it a solid choice for popular esports titles and less demanding games. It comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed and includes a keyboard and mouse, so you have everything you need to start playing right out of the box.
Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop – Intel Core i5 13400F
The Skytech Gaming Nebula represents a significant step up in gaming performance, primarily due to its inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. This GPU, combined with the powerful Intel Core i5 13400F processor, creates a system that can easily manage high frame rates in 1080p gaming and even venture into 1440p territory.
You also benefit from a generous 1TB NVMe SSD, offering ample and incredibly fast storage for a large library of games. The 600W Gold-rated power supply ensures efficient and stable operation. Like other starter-friendly options, it comes with a keyboard and mouse, making your setup process straightforward and simple.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 7 8700F
For gamers seeking high-end performance from the start, this CyberPowerPC Gamer Master configuration is a compelling choice. It features the modern AMD Ryzen 7 8700F processor and is paired with the formidable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, a graphics card that delivers exceptional 1080p and 1440p gaming experiences with ray tracing enabled.
The system embraces next-generation hardware with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a spacious 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. This combination ensures that your games and applications load almost instantly and run smoothly, even when multitasking. It’s a powerful foundation that will remain relevant for years to come.
MSI Codex R2 Gaming Desktop PC -Intel Core i7-13700F
The MSI Codex R2 is a powerhouse designed for gamers who also need serious multitasking capabilities. Its heart is the Intel Core i7-13700F processor, a CPU with 16 cores that handles gaming, streaming, and other intensive applications with ease. This is complemented by a substantial 32GB of DDR5 RAM, ensuring buttery-smooth performance no matter the workload.
Standout feature is the inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB of next-generation GDDR7 memory. This GPU provides a significant boost for gaming at high resolutions and detail settings. With a 1TB PCIe SSD and a reliable 650W 80+ Gold power supply, this MSI system is a complete, high-performance package.
SkyTech Blaze 3.0 Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
SkyTech’s Blaze 3.0 pairs the proven AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor with the excellent NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card. This combination is a sweet spot for gamers, offering high frame rates in virtually any modern title at 1080p resolution. The Ryzen 5 5600X is known for its strong single-core performance, which is ideal for gaming.
You can expect a seamless out-of-the-box experience with this system. It typically includes sufficient RAM and SSD storage to get you started, and SkyTech’s reputation for building clean, well-configured systems means you can focus on gaming rather than troubleshooting. It’s a reliable and powerful option for any starter.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop – Intel Core i5-13400F
For those who prefer the reliability and customer support of a major brand, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is a fantastic choice. It’s powered by the capable Intel Core i5-13400F CPU and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. This setup provides a very competent 1080p gaming experience for a wide range of titles.
The Pavilion line is known for its understated design that fits well in any room, whether it’s a dedicated gaming space or a living room. HP’s build quality and software support add an extra layer of confidence for first-time PC buyers, making this a low-hassle and trustworthy entry into gaming.
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gaming Desktop – Intel Core i5-13400F
Lenovo’s Legion series is highly regarded for its focus on performance and cooling, and the Tower 5i brings that pedigree to the starter PC market. With an Intel Core i5-13400F and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, this machine offers a great balance of CPU and GPU power. The RTX 3060 is a robust card that handles 1080p gaming with high settings and is also capable at 1440p.
Lenovo often includes thoughtful design touches like tool-less access for easy upgrades and a robust cooling system to maintain performance during long gaming sessions. This makes the Legion Tower 5i not just a great starting point, but also a platform you can easily improve over time.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC – Intel Core i5-14600KF
This Gamer Xtreme VR model from CyberPowerPC is built with performance in mind, featuring a newer generation Intel Core i5-14600KF processor. This CPU offers excellent gaming performance and is paired with the very capable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060. The “VR Ready” designation means it has the power to handle virtual reality headsets, in addition to traditional monitor gaming.
The combination of a high-clock-speed CPU and a modern RTX 40-series GPU makes this system exceptionally responsive and smooth. It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants a PC that feels fast and modern in every task, from gaming to content creation, and provides a clear upgrade path from console gaming or an older computer.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Starter Gaming PC in 2025
So, you’re ready to get into PC gaming. That’s awesome. But with so many options for the 8 best starter PCs for gaming in 2025, figuring out where to put your money can feel overwhelming. I remember being in that spot. Let’s break down what really matters so you can make a smart choice without getting lost in the technical details.
First, let’s talk about the brain of the operation: the CPU, or processor. For gaming, you don’t need the absolute most expensive chip. A modern quad-core or six-core processor from AMD’s Ryzen 5 series or Intel’s Core i5 line is the sweet spot. These give you plenty of power for today’s games and will keep you going for years without blowing your budget. Pair that with at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB is the absolute minimum, games are already pushing past that, and having 16GB means you won’t need to upgrade your memory right away.
The most critical component for your gaming experience is the Graphics Card, or GPU. This is what actually renders the worlds you see on screen. For a starter PC, you want to aim for a card that can handle 1080p gaming smoothly. In 2025, look for systems featuring an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or an AMD Radeon RX 7600. These cards offer fantastic performance for their price and will let you play most games on high settings with a great frame rate. Don’t get tricked into a PC with a fancy CPU but a weak, outdated GPU; the GPU is your top priority.
Next up is storage. You absolutely want a Solid State Drive, or SSD. The difference between an SSD and an old-fashioned hard drive is like night and day. Your PC will boot up in seconds, and games will load much, much faster. A 500GB SSD is a good starting point, but if you can find a PC with a 1TB SSD for a little more, I highly recommend it. Modern game file sizes are huge, and that extra space will save you from constantly having to delete games.
Finally, think about the foundation: the case and power supply. A case with good airflow will help keep all your components cool, which is important for long gaming sessions. As for the power supply, you don’t need to know all the specifics, just make sure it’s from a reputable brand and has at least an 80 Plus Bronze rating. This ensures efficiency and reliability. A pre-built PC from a good company will usually include a proper power supply, but it’s something to check. By focusing on these key areas—a solid CPU, a strong GPU, an SSD, and 16GB of RAM—you’ll be well on your way to picking a perfect starter rig from the many options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $600 gaming PC good enough for starting out?
Absolutely. A $600 budget is a solid starting point for PC gaming in 2025. At this price, you can get a system that handles 1080p gaming very well. You’ll be able to play most popular titles, like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant, at high settings with smooth frame rates. You might need to adjust some graphics settings for more demanding AAA games, but the experience will still be great. It’s a fantastic way to enter the world of PC gaming without a huge initial investment.
Should I build my own PC or buy a pre-built one?
This is the classic question. Building your own can save you some money and is a really satisfying project. However, for a first-timer, buying a pre-built system is often the less stressful and more reliable path. Manufacturers get parts in bulk, which can sometimes make their pre-built deals competitive, especially when you factor in the included warranty and technical support. For your first foray into the 8 best starter PCs for gaming in 2025, a pre-built from a reputable brand gives you a plug-and-play solution so you can start gaming right away.
Can these PCs be upgraded later?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of a desktop PC. When you’re choosing your first computer, look for one that uses a standard motherboard form factor (like ATX or micro-ATX) and has a power supply with a little extra headroom. This will make it much easier to drop in a new graphics card a few years from now or add more RAM and storage. A good starter PC is the beginning of a journey, not a final destination.
What kind of monitor will I need?
Since these starter PCs are optimized for 1080p gaming, the perfect partner is a 1080p monitor with a high refresh rate. Look for a 24-inch or 27-inch display with a 144Hz or 165Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate makes everything look incredibly smooth, which is a huge benefit in fast-paced games. You don’t need a 4K monitor for these systems; a good 1080p high-refresh-rate monitor will provide the best experience for your money.
Do I need to buy any extra software?
The PC itself will come with an operating system, almost always Windows. Beyond that, you don’t need to buy anything else to start gaming. Platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store are free to download and use. Many great free-to-play games are available, and you can build a large library over time through sales. Optional subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass for PC offer a huge catalog of games for a monthly fee, which is a great way to try many different titles.
What about peripherals like a keyboard and mouse?
Most pre-built gaming PCs do not include a keyboard, mouse, or headset. You will need to budget for these separately. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are many excellent and affordable gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets on the market that will serve you perfectly well as you get started. Just remember to add them to your overall budget when planning your setup.