Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PCs Around $2,000
From the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT to the STORMCRAFT Falcon: five gaming PCs ranked on VRAM and memory, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Around $2,000 you find RTX 5070 and RX 9070 systems. Every pick cost between $1,900 and $2,150 with 12GB or more of video memory, ordered by installed memory.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: graphics card, VRAM and processor come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing power supply is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest SSD Capacity
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB)
The largest SSD capacity here (2TB).
Best for: Buyers who put SSD capacity first.
Our take Check price for CyberPowerPC Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Skytech Archangel 5 Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 5070 12GB)
A 360mm ARGB AIO cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want 360mm ARGB AIO cooler.
Our take Check price for Skytech Archangel 5 Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 5070 12GB) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
iBUYPOWER Y40 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB)
The Y40 dual-chamber glass case.
Best for: Buyers who want Y40 dual-chamber glass case.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Y40 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 7 9700X, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB)
A three-year warranty on the graphics card.
Best for: Buyers who want three-year warranty on the graphics card.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 7 9700X, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
STORMCRAFT Falcon AI (Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB)
The top of this price range, adding 32GB of RGB DDR5-6000.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for STORMCRAFT Falcon AI (Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest SSD Capacity1 of 5
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT are a Ryzen 7 8700F and an RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who put SSD capacity first.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 16GB Radeon RX 9060 XT and liquid CPU cooling. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the MEK 5060 Ti and the STORMCRAFT Falcon at 16GB.
Its 2TB SSD capacity is the largest here; the Skytech Archangel 5 comes next at 1TB. An RX 9060 XT graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Y40 265F uses an RTX 5070 graphics card. A ryzen 7 8700F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Y40 265F uses a core Ultra 7 265F processor.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Skytech Archangel 5 was closest. If you want a confirmed power supply wattage, look to the MEK 5060 Ti instead: it offers 850W, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 8700F
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 2TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RX 9060 XT graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 2TB SSD
Also Consider2 of 5
Skytech Archangel 5 Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Skytech's Archangel 5 pairs a Ryzen 7 7700X with an RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB of DDR5-6000 and a 360mm ARGB AIO cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want 360mm ARGB AIO cooler.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The case is white, and the PSU is a 750W Gold unit. On VRAM it ties with the Y40 265F at 12GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the Y40 265F, the MEK 5060 Ti and the STORMCRAFT Falcon at 1TB.
It shares an RTX 5070 graphics card with the Y40 265F; the MEK 5060 Ti goes with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. You get a ryzen 7 7700X processor here, which sets it apart from the STORMCRAFT Falcon and its a ryzen 7 7800X3D processor. It shares a DDR5-6000 memory type with the MEK 5060 Ti and STORMCRAFT Falcon; the Y40 265F goes with a DDR5-5200 memory type.
Check the Skytech Archangel 5's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. It was priced above the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT and below the Y40 265F at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 7700X
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5-6000
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 750W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Case colour: White
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 750W power supply
Cons
- Costs more than the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
iBUYPOWER Y40 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Y40 265F pairs a Core Ultra 7 265F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5-5200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want Y40 dual-chamber glass case.
Skip if
- Skip it if VRAM matters most to you; the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT offers 16GB.
Why we like it
It also comes with the Y40 dual-chamber glass case. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the Skytech Archangel 5 at 12GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the Skytech Archangel 5, the MEK 5060 Ti and the STORMCRAFT Falcon at 1TB. It shares an RTX 5070 graphics card with the Skytech Archangel 5; the MEK 5060 Ti goes with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. A core Ultra 7 265F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech Archangel 5 uses a ryzen 7 7700X processor.
You get a DDR5-5200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the STORMCRAFT Falcon and its a DDR5-6000 memory type. VRAM is its weakest area, and the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Processor: Core Ultra 7 265F
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5-5200
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- The Y40 dual-chamber glass case
Cons
- VRAM trails the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT (16GB)
- Costs more than the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 7 9700X, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MEK 5060 Ti pairs a Ryzen 7 9700X with an RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5-6000 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want three-year warranty on the graphics card.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with a three-year warranty on the graphics card. The power supply is rated at 850W (80 Plus Gold). On VRAM it ties with the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT and the STORMCRAFT Falcon at 16GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the Skytech Archangel 5, the Y40 265F and the STORMCRAFT Falcon at 1TB. You get an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card here, which sets it apart from the STORMCRAFT Falcon and its an RX 9070 XT graphics card. You get a ryzen 7 9700X processor here, which sets it apart from the STORMCRAFT Falcon and its a ryzen 7 7800X3D processor.
It shares a DDR5-6000 memory type with the Skytech Archangel 5 and STORMCRAFT Falcon; the Y40 265F goes with a DDR5-5200 memory type. Check the MEK 5060 Ti's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 9700X
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5-6000
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 850W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty: 1 year system, 3 years GPU
Pros
- A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 850W power supply
Cons
- Costs more than the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
STORMCRAFT Falcon AI (Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
STORMCRAFT Falcon pairs a Ryzen 7 7800X3D with an RX 9070 XT with 16GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5-6000 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if SSD capacity matters most to you; the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT offers 2TB.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It is hand-built in California and stress-tested before shipping, with Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2 and USB-C. On VRAM it ties with the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT and the MEK 5060 Ti at 16GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the Skytech Archangel 5, the Y40 265F and the MEK 5060 Ti at 1TB. An RX 9070 XT graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech Archangel 5 uses an RTX 5070 graphics card. A ryzen 7 7800X3D processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech Archangel 5 uses a ryzen 7 7700X processor.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the MEK 5060 Ti the nearest cheaper option. Memory is its weakest area, and the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT covers it better at 32GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 9070 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5-6000
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RX 9070 XT graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- An Ryzen 7 7800X3D with 3D V-Cache
- 32GB of RAM
Cons
- SSD capacity trails the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT (2TB)
- Costs more than the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT to the STORMCRAFT Falcon, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT, the Y40 265F and the STORMCRAFT Falcon give no power supply wattage; the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT, the Y40 265F and the STORMCRAFT Falcon give no PSU rating.
- Price range
- From the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT to the STORMCRAFT Falcon, all sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming PCs Around $2,000
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
Here VRAM runs from 12GB on the Y40 265F to 16GB on the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT. The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT is the pick for VRAM.
SSD capacity
Here SSD capacity runs from 1TB on the STORMCRAFT Falcon to 2TB on the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT. Start with the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT if SSD capacity decides it.
Power supply wattage
Here power supply wattage runs from 750W on the Skytech Archangel 5 to 850W on the MEK 5060 Ti. The MEK 5060 Ti is the pick for power supply wattage. No figure for the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT, the Y40 265F and the STORMCRAFT Falcon.
Processor
The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT lists Ryzen 7 8700F; the Skytech Archangel 5 lists Ryzen 7 7700X; the Y40 265F lists Core Ultra 7 265F; the MEK 5060 Ti lists Ryzen 7 9700X; the STORMCRAFT Falcon lists Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Memory type
The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT lists DDR5; the Skytech Archangel 5, the MEK 5060 Ti and the STORMCRAFT Falcon list DDR5-6000; the Y40 265F lists DDR5-5200. Settle this first, then compare prices.
How to Choose a Gaming PCs Around $2,000
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put SSD capacity first | CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT | The largest SSD capacity here (2TB) |
| Buyers who want 360mm ARGB AIO cooler | Skytech Archangel 5 | A 360mm ARGB AIO cooler |
| Buyers who want Y40 dual-chamber glass case | Y40 265F | The Y40 dual-chamber glass case |
| Buyers who want three-year warranty on the graphics card | MEK 5060 Ti | A three-year warranty on the graphics card |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | STORMCRAFT Falcon | The top of this price range, adding 32GB of RGB DDR5-6000 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT leads on VRAM at 16GB, ahead of the MEK 5060 Ti at 16GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | Ryzen 7 8700F | 32GB |
| Skytech Archangel 5 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Ryzen 7 7700X | 32GB |
| Y40 265F | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core Ultra 7 265F | 32GB |
| MEK 5060 Ti | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | Ryzen 7 9700X | 32GB |
| STORMCRAFT Falcon | RX 9070 XT | 16GB | Ryzen 7 7800X3D | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest SSD capacity: the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT or the Skytech Archangel 5?
The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT leads at 2TB, with the Skytech Archangel 5 at 1TB.
How does the Skytech Archangel 5 compare with the MEK 5060 Ti on power supply wattage?
The MEK 5060 Ti leads at 850W, with the Skytech Archangel 5 at 750W. The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT, the Y40 265F and the STORMCRAFT Falcon don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the STORMCRAFT Falcon worth paying more than the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT still leads on SSD capacity (2TB). The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT the Largest SSD Capacity?
It earns the label for the largest SSD capacity here (2TB). It suits anyone who put SSD capacity first.
Do the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT and the Skytech Archangel 5 differ on graphics card?
The CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT uses RX 9060 XT; the Skytech Archangel 5 and the Y40 265F use RTX 5070; the MEK 5060 Ti uses RTX 5060 Ti; the STORMCRAFT Falcon uses RX 9070 XT.
What should I check before buying the Skytech Archangel 5?
Check the Skytech Archangel 5's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. In this guide it ranks second of 5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CyberPowerPC RX 9060 XT, chosen for the largest SSD capacity here (2TB). Look at the Skytech Archangel 5 for a 360mm ARGB AIO cooler, the Y40 265F for the Y40 dual-chamber glass case and the MEK 5060 Ti for a three-year warranty on the graphics card if those matter more to you.
Choose a system with a PSU rating you can confirm.