Key Points
Some of the top picks for best gaming desktops under $800 this year include the Skytech Chronos (Ryzen 5/GTX 1660 Super), CLX Set (Ryzen 5/RTX 2060), Skytech Blaze II (Ryzen 5/GTX 1660 Ti), and CyberPowerPC Xtreme (i5/GTX 1660 Super).
When choosing a prebuilt gaming PC for under $800, key factors to consider are the CPU, GPU, RAM amount, storage type, power supply quality, cooling system, warranty, and upgradability. Focusing on these components will ensure the system can smoothly run modern games at 1080p resolution while also providing room to add upgraded parts down the line.
Getting the right balance of performance and future-proofing is essential for a gaming desktop in this price tier. While you make some sacrifices versus more premium machines, $800 can still deliver an immersive, high-fidelity experience with the right configuration.
Let‘s dive into the top contenders for best prebuilt gaming PC under $800 for 2024:
#1 Pick: Skytech Chronos Gaming PC
The Skytech Chronos nails the sweet spot for price and performance, making it my top recommendation among sub-$800 prebuilt gaming desktops.
Inside you get a capable Ryzen 5 3600 6-core processor, NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super graphics card with 6GB of VRAM, 16GB of fast DDR4-3200MHz RAM, and a 500GB SSD. This hardware combination breezes through 1080p gaming and gives you room to multitask and live stream.
The Chronos also sports customizable RGB case lighting to match your style. It comes Windows 10 pre-installed, has plenty of USB ports, and offers great airflow with included cooling fans.
Downsides are limited upgrade room and potential stability issues noted with the cheaper A320 chipset motherboard. But for $750 and a 1-year warranty, the Skytech Chronos brings excellent value.
Runner Up: CLX Set Gaming PC
If you can stretch your budget slightly over $800, the $850 CLX Set rewards you with an even faster NVIDIA RTX 2060 6GB graphics card. This GPU easily achieves 60+ fps across popular titles at max settings.
The Set also houses a very capable Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage combo. So you get speed and ample capacity for games, video files, and more. I appreciate the clean, professional-looking case and hardened glass side panel too.
Just note this CLX system only includes a 550W power supply. So upgrading to a more powerful GPU would also require a beefier 750W+ PSU. But overall an awesome package.
Best Under $700: Skytech Blaze II
The Skytech Blaze II demonstrates you can still build a solid 1080p gaming rig for under $700. It packs an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti 6GB graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB NVMe SSD, and 80 Plus Gold power supply.
While not quite as fast as the Skytech Chronos or CLX Set, the Blaze II retains reliable 60 fps+ gaming prowess. I particularly like the RGB case fans and rainbow LED backlit keyboard/mouse adding flair.
Just expect to lower graphic settings in more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Overall though, amazing performance for just $680.
Best Value: CyberPowerPC Xtreme Gaming PC
Sneaking in under budget at $760, the CyberPowerPC Xtreme offers fantastic bang for your buck. The Intel Core i5-10400F and GTX 1660 Super 6GB graphics adapt well to 1080p gaming needs.
Supporting the capable CPU/GPU pairing, you get 16GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 64GB), 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD, and 600W PSU. This combination of fast boot drive and mass storage hard drive space works great.
The tempered glass case side-panel gives the Xtreme a premium look too. Reliable performance, quality construction, and 2-year warranty make this CyberPower rig an outstanding value buy. Just expect to dial back settings in very graphics-heavy titles.
Most Upgradable: Skytech Shadow 3.0 Gaming Computer
Serious about future-proofing your system? Then check out the Skytech Shadow 3.0. This gaming PC comes well-equipped with a Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, GTX 1660 Super GPU, 500GB NVMe SSD, 16GB RAM, 80 Plus Gold 550W PSU, and beautiful RGB case lighting.
But what sets the Skytech Shadow 3.0 apart is exceptional upgradability. It has a high-end B550 motherboard and spacious, airflow-optimized case design ready for beefier parts. You could drop in a used RTX 3070 later for huge performance gains.
Just expect to pay extra for a Windows OS license. Overall though, a fantastic springboard for 4K gaming down the road.
Best Small Form Factor: Skytech Chronos Mini
If low footprint matters most for your gaming setup, I highly recommend the Skytech Chronos Mini. This compact prebuilt PC squeezes excellent 1080p gaming power into a Micro ATX case just 15-inches tall.
Inside you get a speedy AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, GTX 1660 Super graphics, 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM, and 500GB NVMe SSD. Performance holds up nicely against full-size ATX gaming towers.
The Chronos Mini also flaunts vibrant RGB case lighting and stays cool under load. My only knocks are limited internal expansion room and no Windows OS license included. But for $750 in a tiny, LAN party-ready package, an awesome pick.
Best High Refresh Rate: CLX Ra Gaming Desktop
Serious esports and competitive gamers need a high refresh rate monitor to keep up with fast-paced action. I recommend pairing the 144Hz-ready CLX Ra with a monitor like the AOC C24G1A.
This CLX gaming rig won‘t break fps records, but reliably achieves 100+ fps in titles like Fortnite, CSGO, and Valorant. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti 6GB graphics make a great match. 16GB of RAM provides overhead for gaming while live streaming too.
The Ra also comes equipped with a 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD, tempered glass side panel, RGB case lighting, and 550W 80 Plus Gold PSU. Fine details like the all-black color scheme and cable management earn points as well. Expect to lower settings for triple digit fps in more graphics-intensive games however.
Best Budget: Skytech Shadow 3.0Ryzen 5/ GTX 1650 Super Edition
If every dollar counts, the Skytech Shadow 3.0 Ryzen 5/GTX 1650 Super config gets you gaming for just $640. I wouldn‘t expect max settings 60 fps here. But this capable budget build handles esports titles admirably at a locked 60 fps+, while allowing 30-45 fps in graphics-heavy games at medium settings.
Considering the price, Skytech stuffs in impressive quality components like a speedy NVMe SSD, 80 Plus Gold PSU for efficiency, B550 motherboard good for future upgrading, and ARGB case lighting. Just note there‘s no Windows license included.
What to Consider in a Gaming PC Under $800
When selecting a prebuilt gaming PC priced under $800, keep these key factors in mind:
GPU (Graphics Card)
The dedicated graphics card plays the biggest role in gaming performance. Look for an NVIDIA GTX 1660, 1660 Super, or 1660 Ti in this budget range. These deliver reliable 60+ fps 1080p gameplay in most popular titles. AMD options like an RX 580 or 5500 XT also work well. Just don‘t expect max settings or future proofing at this price.
CPU (Processor)
Focus on 6-core CPUs like the Intel Core i5-10400F or one of AMD‘s Ryzen 5 processors. The Ryzen 5 3600 represents an excellent value now and offers nice multi-tasking power. More budget-friendly 4 core options still get the job done too but avoid older platforms.
RAM
I recommend 16GB or higher RAM for ideal gaming and multitasking capability . 8GB suffices for gaming alone, but it‘s best to give yourself overhead especially when live streaming. Faster DDR4-3200MHz RAM helps Ryzen performance too.
Storage
An SSD or faster NVMe solid state boot drive is essential for quick game/app loading. Target at least 240GB capacity. Then supplement with a 1TB or 2TB HDD for more game storage. A sole 500GB+ NVMe SSD works too if large AAA titles aren‘t a priority.
Power Supply
Avoid generic power supplies lacking efficiency and durability standards. Instead look for 80 Plus Bronze or ideally 80 Plus Gold units from reputable brands like EVGA, Corsair, and Thermaltake. This safeguards your investment and leaves room for future GPU upgrades.
Case & Cooling
Make sure any prebuilt gaming desktop comes with quality case fans and avoids small, cramped cases lacking airflow. This prevents thermal throttling. Extra case cooling capabilities never hurt and help sustain peak gaming performance.
Warranty
Ideally get at least 1 year of warranty coverage from the system builder. This protects against early hardware failure. Boutique builders tend to offer superior support versus big box OEMs.
What It‘s Like Using a ~$800 Prebuilt Gaming PC
Gaming on a well-spec‘d prebuilt desktop in the $700 to $800 range feels extremely solid at 1080p resolution. You can expect fluid 60+ fps gameplay in most popular titles with settings tweaked to favor performance over visuals.
Titles like Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, GTA V, Elden Ring, and Forza Horizon run and look great. More visually demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla require some graphic setting drops but remain highly playable. This versatility satisfies both competitive and immersive gaming cravings extremely well.
Just don‘t expect the highest texture qualities or ray tracing and you‘re set. A system like the Skytech Chronos or CyberPowerPC Xtreme also multitasks smoothly. So browsing, streaming video, video editing, and broadcasting your gaming session all hold up nicely.
When it comes time for upgrades, look for extra RAM capacity, additional SSD storage, or a newer RTX GPU. Getting full utility from a capable $800 foundation gaming PC today gives you flexibility down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used graphics card worth it over a new lower-end GPU?
If found at a reasonable price, an older used graphics card like a GTX 1070 or 1080 can deliver better performance than a budget new GTX 1650. Just be aware of risks buying used hardware with no warranty backing.
How much RAM for gaming in 2024?
I recommend 16GB system RAM in 2024 for ideal gaming and live streaming capability. 8GB remains adequate strictly for gaming, but upgrading to 16GB down the line is highly advisable to offset background system processes taxing resources.
Can you game well on WiFi?
Serious esports and competitive multiplayer gamers need the lower latency of an Ethernet connection. But for most story-driven or casual online gaming, WiFi holds up very well. Just make sure your router placement enables adequately strong signal to your gaming station.
Do liquid-cooled PCs perform better?
Not necessarily. A well-designed air cooling system often proves just as effective and more reliable than liquid cooling. Only consider liquid cooling if your use case demands overclocking horsepower. For stock settings on a non premium PC, air cooling shines.
