So, you’re ready to get into PC gaming but don’t want the hassle of building it yourself. Figuring out where to buy pre built gaming pc systems is the perfect first step. This guide will walk you through all your best options, from big retailers to specialized builders, so you can find the perfect rig without any stress.
Choosing a pre-built saves you time and guarantees everything works right out of the box. You get a warranty, professional assembly, and often, solid support if something goes wrong. Let’s break down where you should look and what you should consider to make a smart purchase.
Where to Buy Pre Built Gaming PC
Your options range from massive online marketplaces to companies that focus only on gaming computers. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of price, customization, and quality. We’ll cover the major categories so you know exactly what to expect from each type of seller.
Major Online Retailers
These are the giants where you can find almost anything. They offer convenience and frequent sales.
* Amazon: A massive selection from hundreds of brands and third-party sellers. You can read tons of user reviews, compare prices easily, and benefit from fast shipping (especially with Prime). Just be sure to buy from reputable sellers and check that the warranty is valid.
* Best Buy: A great blend of online and in-store shopping. You can often find exclusive models here. The best part is you can sometimes see and even test certain models in person before buying, and you can pick up your order the same day.
* Newegg: Historically a favorite for PC components, Newegg has a huge catalog of pre-built systems from trusted brands. Their filters are excellent for narrowing down by specs, price, and brand. Watch for their combo deals that sometimes include peripherals.
Dedicated Gaming PC Brands
These companies build only computers, often with more care and better component choices than generic brands.
* Origin PC: Known for high-end, fully customizable systems. They use premium parts and offer exceptional build quality and customer service. You’re paying a premium, but for a top-tier, hand-built machine.
* Maingear: Another leader in custom, high-performance PCs. They are renowned for their clean cable management and build expertise. They offer everything from powerful desktops to sleek laptops, with a strong focus on the enthusiast market.
* CyberPowerPC & iBuyPower: These are two of the most popular options for getting a lot of performance for your money. They offer extensive customization tools on their websites, allowing you to tailor every part. They frequently have sales and promo codes, making them a favorite for budget-conscious gamers.
Big-Box Electronics Stores
Walking into a store can be helpful if you want to see a machine’s size or get immediate help.
* Micro Center: If you’re lucky enough to live near one, it’s the best place to go. Their staff is knowledgeable, they have an incredible selection on display, and they often have in-store-only deals on pre-built PCs that are hard to beat.
* Walmart & Target: They carry more entry-level and mid-range gaming PCs from brands like HP, Acer, and Lenovo. Prices can be competitive, especially during holiday sales, but the component choices (like power supplies and motherboards) may be more basic.
Direct from Major Manufacturers
Companies like Dell, HP, and Lenovo sell their gaming lines directly to consumers.
* Dell (Alienware): Alienware is a iconic gaming brand. Buying direct from Dell gives you access to their full lineup and frequent financing deals. However, their systems often use proprietary parts, which can make upgrades harder later.
* HP (Omen): Omen PCs offer a good balance of style and performance. HP’s website often has configurable options and sales. Like Dell, some models may have custom parts.
* Lenovo (Legion): Lenovo’s Legion series is consistently well-reviewed for offering great specs at reasonable prices. Their website is straightforward, and they run promotions regularly.
System Integrators & Local Options
Don’t overlook smaller or local businesses that assemble PCs.
* Local Computer Shops: A local shop can provide personalized service, build a PC to your exact specs, and offer direct support. You can often discuss your needs face-to-face, which is a big plus for beginners.
* System Integrators on eBay: Many small builders sell on eBay. You can sometimes find good deals on unique builds. Always check the seller’s feedback rating and return policy very carefully before purchasing.
The Secondhand Market
Buying used can save you money, but it comes with risks.
* Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: You can find local deals and sometimes negotiate the price. The major risk is no warranty. Always test the PC thoroughly before handing over any money—ask to see it running a game.
* r/hardwareswap on Reddit: This community has a reputation system and strict rules, making it safer than random classifieds. Users often sell well-cared-for systems. Still, practice due diligence.
What to Look For in Any Pre-Built
No matter where you shop, keep these critical factors in mind. They’ll help you avoid a bad purchase.
1. Component Quality: Look beyond just the CPU and GPU. Check the brand of the RAM, SSD, and, most importantly, the power supply (PSU). A cheap, no-name PSU can fail and damage other components.
2. Upgradeability: Is the case spacious? Does the motherboard have extra RAM slots and M.2 slots? Are there free SATA ports? A good pre-built should let you upgrade later.
3. Cooling Solution: Gaming PCs generate heat. Look for reviews or photos that show adequate case fans and a decent CPU cooler. A single fan on a high-end CPU is a red flag.
4. Bloatware: Many big manufacturers pre-install unnecessary software. Some boutique builders ship cleaner systems. Factor in the time it might take to uninstall these programs.
5. Warranty & Support: A standard warranty is one year, but some offer up to three. Check what the warranty covers (parts and labor) and read reviews about the company’s customer service responsiveness.
How to Get the Best Deal
Timing and research are everything when making this purchase.
* Shop During Sales: Major sale events are the best times to buy. Black Friday/Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day, Back-to-School season, and holiday sales often feature significant discounts on pre-built PCs.
* Use Price Tracking Tools: Use browser extensions like Honey or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to track price history and set alerts. This helps you recognize a genuine deal versus a constant “sale” price.
* Compare the Cost of Building: Use a site like PCPartPicker to loosely price out the main components in the pre-built you’re eyeing. This shows you the true cost of the convenience and labor you’re paying for.
* Look for Bundle Deals: Some retailers throw in a free keyboard, mouse, or headset with a PC purchase. These can add value if you need those peripherals anyway.
Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Follow this simple process to make a confident decision.
1. Set Your Budget: Decide the maximum you can spend. Remember to leave some room for tax, shipping, and maybe a new monitor if you need one.
2. Define Your Needs: What games do you want to play, and at what resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K)? This determines the GPU you should target. Also, consider if you’ll use the PC for streaming, video editing, or other tasks.
3. Research & Shortlist: Based on steps 1 and 2, browse 2-3 of the retailer types mentioned above. Create a shortlist of 3-5 PCs that fit your criteria.
4. Read Reviews: Search for professional and user reviews of the specific models you’re considering. YouTube is a great resource for in-depth video reviews that show real-world performance.
5. Check the Fine Print: Before clicking “buy,” double-check the warranty details, return policy (especially for restocking fees), and shipping costs and times.
6. Make the Purchase: Use a credit card for better buyer protection. Take screenshots of the order confirmation and product page for your records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from the errors others make so you don’t repeat them.
* Prioritizing CPU over GPU: For gaming, the graphics card (GPU) is almost always more important than the processor (CPU). Don’t buy a PC with a top-tier CPU paired with a weak GPU.
* Ignoring the RAM Speed and Amount: 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming today. Also, check its speed (e.g., DDR5-6000 is faster than DDR4-3200). Faster RAM can improve performance, especially with some CPUs.
* Forgetting About Storage: A 500GB SSD fills up fast with modern games. Aim for at least 1TB of NVMe SSD storage for your operating system and games. A secondary hard drive for media is a bonus.
* Overlooking the Operating System: Most pre-builts include Windows, but some budget-friendly “DIY” kits may not. Verify that Windows is included in the price.
* Buying Based on Looks Alone: A cool-looking case with RGB lights is nice, but it doesn’t make the games run faster. Always prioritize internal component performance and quality over aesthetics.
Setting Up Your New Gaming PC
Once it arrives, here’s what to do to get started on the right foot.
1. Unbox Carefully: Keep all packaging and boxes in case you need to return it or ship it for warranty service. Document the unboxing with photos if anything looks damaged.
2. Connect Everything: Plug in your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power. Make sure all cables are securely connected to the back of the PC and to your monitor (use the DisplayPort or HDMI port on the GPU, not the motherboard).
3. First Boot and Updates: Turn it on and follow the Windows setup. Once on the desktop, run Windows Update repeatedly until no more updates are found. Then, install the latest drivers for your GPU from NVIDIA or AMD’s website.
4. Remove Bloatware: Go to Settings > Apps and uninstall any pre-installed software you don’t want or need. This can free up system resources.
5. Install Your Games: Download your preferred game launcher (Steam, Epic, etc.), log in, and start installing your games on the fast SSD.
FAQ Section
Q: Where is the best place to buy a prebuilt gaming computer online?
A: The “best” place depends on your priorities. For selection and reviews, Amazon and Newegg are fantastic. For deep customization and gaming focus, CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower are great. For high-end custom builds, look at Origin PC or Maingear.
Q: Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC or buy prebuilt?
A: Historically, building was always cheaper. Now, it’s often very close, especially when you account for Windows license and component sales. Pre-builts can sometimes even be cheaper during promotions. You pay for the convenience of assembly, testing, and a single warranty.
Q: What should I look for in a prebuilt gaming PC for beginners?
A: Focus on a balanced system: a modern mid-range CPU (like an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), a capable GPU (like an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or AMD RX 7600), 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Also, choose a seller with good customer support reviews.
Q: Are prebuilt gaming PCs good for streaming?
A: Yes, many are excellent. Look for a PC with a strong CPU (like an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9) and a NVIDIA RTX GPU, which has dedicated encoders (NVENC) that handle streaming with minimal impact on game performance.
Q: How long will a pre built gaming computer last?
A: A good-quality pre-built should last 4-5 years before you might need to lower game settings for new titles. You can often extend its life by upgrading the GPU or adding more RAM down the line, provided the power supply and case allow for it.
Q: Can you upgrade a prebuilt gaming PC?
A: In most cases, yes. However, some major brands (like Dell Alienware or HP) use proprietary motherboards and power supplies, which can limit upgrade options. Brands that use standard off-the-shelf parts (like most boutique builders) are much easier to upgrade.
Finding the right place to buy your pre-built gaming PC is about balancing budget, performance, and peace of mind. By using the information in this guide, you can navigate all the choices confidently. Take your time, do your research, and you’ll end up with a machine that provides countless hours of smooth, enjoyable gaming. Remember, the goal is to get you into the game quickly and reliably, and with today’s market, there’s a perfect pre-built option out there for every type of gamer.