I've only used inexpensive laptops for school and have never owned or built a desktop, so I'm starting from zero knowledge about PC parts. I'd like a reasonably fast gaming computer with 1–2TB of storage. I'm interested in games such as Fortnite, Valorant, Counter-Strike, and GTA, along with other similar titles. I'd prefer a straightforward recommendation for a prebuilt system rather than spending hours watching promotional videos, but I'm open to building one if it offers much better value. My tentative budget is around $800, although I'm not sure what is realistic at that price.
5 Answers
Building the computer yourself usually gives better value and teaches you how to upgrade it later, but it isn’t required. If you don’t want to learn the parts and assemble everything, a prebuilt is perfectly fine. Just avoid flashy systems that spend the budget on lighting while using a weak graphics card or an unknown power supply.
For Fortnite, Valorant, and Counter-Strike, an $800 prebuilt with a modern six-core CPU, 16GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card, and a 1TB NVMe SSD should be enough for good performance. GTA and newer demanding games may require reduced settings. Make sure the listing includes the exact graphics card, power supply, and RAM configuration rather than just saying “gaming PC.”
Prices for graphics cards, memory, and storage can change a lot, so there isn’t one permanent best parts list. You might find a used or discounted system around $500–$800, while a newer machine with stronger performance could cost closer to $1,000 or more. Compare several complete systems and check independent reviews before buying.
A local computer retailer may have reasonably priced prebuilts near your budget, and buying from a reputable seller gives you warranty support. At this price, prioritize the graphics card first, then make sure the system has at least 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Avoid machines with only integrated graphics if gaming is the main goal.
The biggest missing details are your budget and the games you want to play. A $300 system and a $2,000 system can both be called gaming PCs, but they target completely different performance levels. Around $800 is possible, especially for esports games, but you’ll need to accept some compromises and compare prices carefully.
I’m mainly looking at those competitive games, but I’d also like the option to play newer open-world games later. I’m realizing that $800 may be more limited than I expected.