Deciding on the best prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollar is an important decision. It can mean the difference between having a machine that can handle the latest games and one that can simply handle everything from the last generation. The good news is that there are a number of options available for those on a budget. The key is to know what specs and features you should look for to ensure you have the best gaming experience possible.
In terms of power, the minimum requirements for running modern games are an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of dedicated video memory. It’s worth noting that most modern games require a more powerful graphics card so if gaming is important to you, opt for a graphics card with at least 6GB of dedicated video memory. To ensure you don’t bottleneck your gaming performance, pair it with an SSD or HDD that can handle the workload.
Storage is also important, as you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of a gaming session with your PC running out of space. Look for a PC with at least a 256GB SSD, or even better, a 512GB SSD. This will ensure you have plenty of space for your games, as well as enough room to store your documents and other data.
Cooling is a key aspect of any gaming PC, as running games for extended periods of time can overheat a computer. Look for a PC with good cooling fans, as this will ensure your PC stays at an optimal temperature, allowing it to run games without any slowdown. If possible, buy a model with liquid cooling, as this will provide better cooling performance and allow you to overclock your processor without any issues.
Connectivity is also an important consideration when buying a prebuilt gaming PC. Most modern PCs will have at least one USB 3.0 port, but if you plan on connecting a lot of peripherals to your PC, look for a model with at least two USB 3.0 ports, as well as an HDMI port. This will ensure compatibility with all your peripherals, as well as providing plenty of expansion options.
Finally, when choosing the best prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollar, make sure to research the company and brand you are buying from. Do they have good reviews and customer service? Are they reliable? Do they offer warranties? Answering these questions will ensure that you buy the best prebuilt gaming PC for your needs.
Chassis
The chassis of a prebuilt gaming PC is the main source of protection for all the hardware contained inside. It is also the part of the PC which will be most visible and the one that will define its overall looks. As such, when referring to the best prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollars, it is important to make sure it has a good quality chassis with good airflow and sturdy construction.
Most of the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with either a full-sized ATX tower or a microATX tower. Depending on your needs, either of these options will work, and they both offer excellent airflow and direct HDD access. Some PCs may also offer additional cooling options, such as a rear-exhaust fan or front intake fan.
It is also worth considering the noise levels of the prebuilt gaming PC. Make sure the PC you choose has good noise dampening technology and quiet fans to ensure it runs quietly, so it doesn’t distract you during your gaming sessions.
Finally, make sure the case you choose has a good cable management system. Being able to tidy up your cables will not only make the look of the PC cleaner, but it will also help with airflow, as having messy cables can restrict the airflow around the components.
Monitors
When it comes to the best prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollars, having a good quality monitor can greatly improve your gaming experience. A monitor with a high refresh rate is essential for smooth gameplay, as it eliminates screen tearing. Look for a monitor with at least a 120Hz or higher refresh rate, and preferably with a 1ms or lower response time.
If visuals are important to you, then look for a monitor with a good resolution, such as a 1440p or 4K. If you are on a budget, then a 1080p monitor is more than adequate, as most games can still run at a similar level on 1080p. Aside from resolution, look for a monitor with good viewing angles and good color accuracy.
If your budget allows, consider going for a more immersive experience with a curved monitor. Curved monitors offer a more natural field of view and a more immersive viewing experience. It is also worth considering an ultrawide monitor, as these offer wider viewing angles, allowing you to see more at once in games.
Upgrades
The beauty of prebuilt gaming PCs is that they provide an easy entry into the world of PC gaming. Most prebuilt PCs will not be able to run the latest games on maximum settings, but they are easily upgradable, allowing you to easily boost performance if your budget allows.
The most cost effective upgrade to consider is RAM. Adding additional RAM can improve performance significantly, as having more RAM allows the processor to cache more data and reduce loading times. A good starting point for RAM for most games is 16GB, so if your prebuilt gaming PC has only 8GB RAM, it is worth investing in more.
If you want even more performance, then it is worth considering adding a dedicated graphics card. As with RAM, the type of graphics card you choose will be determined by your budget and the type of games you plan on playing. In general, a good starting point for most games is a GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580, as these cards provide decent performance for most games.
Finally, as long as your computer has an open PCIe slot, you can also upgrade your storage options. Adding an additional SSD or an M.2 drive can improve loading times dramatically, as these types of storage are much faster than traditional spinning disks.
Peripherals
If you want to get the most out of your prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollars, it is important to invest in good quality peripherals. When it comes to input devices, look for a gaming mouse with a good sensor, a comfortable shape, and adjustable weights. Additionally, go for a keyboard that is comfortable and offers good tactile feedback, as well as good build quality.
For headsets, look for an option with a good soundstage and decent sound quality, as this will help you have a better gaming experience. For wireless gaming headsets, also make sure that the device has low latency, as this will help reduce any audio lag and make the gaming experience smoother.
Finally, for gamepad controllers, it is worth investing in one that is officially licensed by your gaming platform of choice. This will ensure full compatibility with all games and make the gaming experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Operating System
When it comes to selecting the best prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollars, it is also important to select a good operating system. Windows 10 is the most popular gaming OS, as it is the latest version of the Windows OS and offers a good set of features and apps.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, then Linux is a great choice. While Linux has its own set of benefits, such as being free, it can be daunting to move over to if you are not familiar with it. However, there are a number of tutorials and guides available, which makes the transition a lot easier.
Finally, for those who are more experienced in PC gaming, SteamOS is a great option. This Linux-based operating system is specifically designed for gaming, allowing gamers to easily install, manage and play their games without having to switch between different operating systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best prebuilt gaming PC under 500 dollars can be a daunting task for many people. It is important to consider your budget, preferences and the type of games you plan on playing in order to make the right decision. Make sure to research the specs, features, and overall brand of the prebuilt gaming PC you are looking at in order to ensure that you are buying the PC that is right for your needs.
