Buying Guide
The Best Budget Prebuilt Gaming PC
Five budget prebuilt gaming PCs with RTX 50-series cards, from RTX 5050 to RTX 5060, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
The cheapest RTX 50-series prebuilts now sit around $900 to $1,300. These five use an RTX 5050 or RTX 5060, both of which support DLSS 4.
We compared the parts each listing names: CPU, graphics card and VRAM, memory, storage and, where stated, the power supply and warranty. We did not test these systems, and we skipped listings that leave a core part vague.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)STORMCRAFT Sirius pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5060 graphics card.
Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB)Element SE RTX 5050 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5-5200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5050 graphics card.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 8GB)Inside the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 are a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5060 graphics card.
Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Memory
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)32GB of RAM.
Best for: Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB)
The MEK RTX 5050 build pairs a Ryzen 5 5500, an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing. On memory it ties with the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 at 16GB. It shares a ryzen 5 5500 processor with the MEK 5500 RTX 5060; the Element SE RTX 5050 goes with a core i5-14400F processor.
It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the MEK 5500 RTX 5060; the Element SE RTX 5050 goes with a DDR5-5200 memory type. Check the MEK RTX 5050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The 650W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade.
With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the STORMCRAFT Sirius was closest.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5050
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 650W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty
- 1 year system, 3 years GPU
Pros
- A RTX 5050 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Memory of 16GB, behind the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (32GB)
The catch
What it gives up: memory of 16GB, behind the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (32GB); by contrast, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB offers 32GB.
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 5
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)
STORMCRAFT Sirius pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5060 graphics card.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also comes with a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). On memory it ties with the MEK RTX 5050, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 at 16GB.
It shares an RTX 5060 graphics card with the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB; the Element SE RTX 5050 goes with an RTX 5050 graphics card. It shares a core i5-14400F processor with the Element SE RTX 5050; the MEK RTX 5050 goes with a ryzen 5 5500 processor. You get a DDR4 memory type here, which sets it apart from the MEK RTX 5050 and its a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STORMCRAFT Sirius's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 650W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- Current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the MEK RTX 5050 at the time of writing
Solid Alternative3 of 5
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB)
Element SE RTX 5050 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5-5200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5050 graphics card.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the MEK RTX 5050, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 on memory (16GB). Like the MEK RTX 5050, it has an RTX 5050 graphics card, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses an RTX 5060 graphics card.
Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius, it has a core i5-14400F processor, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses a ryzen 7 5700 processor. It is the only pick here with a DDR5-5200 memory type; the STORMCRAFT Sirius has a DDR4 memory type instead. It also offers a 1TB SSD.
Check the Element SE RTX 5050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5050
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-5200
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5050 graphics card
- RTX 5050 on DDR5
- 1TB SSD
- DDR5-5200 memory type, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- No published power supply wattage
The catch
The maker doesn't give its power supply wattage; if that figure matters, the MEK RTX 5050 offers 650W.
Worth Considering4 of 5
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 8GB)
Inside the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 are a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5060 graphics card.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p is a problem.
Why we like it
It also comes with an RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU. It matches the MEK RTX 5050, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the Element SE RTX 5050 on memory (16GB). Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius and Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, it has an RTX 5060 graphics card, while the MEK RTX 5050 uses an RTX 5050 graphics card.
Like the MEK RTX 5050, it has a ryzen 5 5500 processor, while the Element SE RTX 5050 uses a core i5-14400F processor. Like the MEK RTX 5050, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. Check the MEK 5500 RTX 5060's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The 650W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 650W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty
- 1 year system, 3 years GPU
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Memory trails the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (32GB)
The catch
The trade-off is memory; for more, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB offers 32GB.
Most Memory5 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB build pairs a Ryzen 7 5700, an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It ships in a triple-glass case with an ARGB air cooler, and the parts and labour warranty runs for a year. Its 32GB memory is the most here; the MEK RTX 5050 comes next at 16GB.
Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius and MEK 5500 RTX 5060, it has an RTX 5060 graphics card, while the MEK RTX 5050 uses an RTX 5050 graphics card. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 7 5700 processor; the MEK RTX 5050 has a ryzen 5 5500 processor instead. Check the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MEK 5500 RTX 5060.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 5700
- Memory
- 32GB
- SSD
- 1TB
- Warranty
- 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price
- Ryzen 7 5700 processor, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- No published power supply wattage
- Costs more than the MEK RTX 5050 at the time of writing
The catch
If VRAM is your priority, the MEK RTX 5050 (8GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out memory type.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MEK RTX 5050 to the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB gives no memory type; the Element SE RTX 5050 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB give no power supply wattage.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MEK RTX 5050 ($500 to $1000) to the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a Budget Prebuilt Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much memory you need
Across these 5 picks memory spans 16GB (the MEK 5500 RTX 5060) to 32GB (the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB). Start with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB if memory decides it.
Processor
The MEK RTX 5050 and the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 list ryzen 5 5500; the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the Element SE RTX 5050 list Core i5-14400F; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB lists ryzen 7 5700. Settling processor first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk Memory type
The MEK RTX 5050 and the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 list DDR4-3200; the STORMCRAFT Sirius lists DDR4; the Element SE RTX 5050 lists DDR5-5200. Sort out memory type before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2, 1 and 1.
What to check at home
Check the MEK RTX 5050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Extras that separate them
The Element SE RTX 5050: a 1TB SSD. The MEK 5500 RTX 5060: an RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB: 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
How to Choose a Budget Prebuilt Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | MEK RTX 5050 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | 32GB of RAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB leads on memory at 32GB, ahead of the MEK RTX 5050 at 16GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEK RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| STORMCRAFT Sirius | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Element SE RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| MEK 5500 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MEK RTX 5050 was the lowest-priced pick ($500 to $1000) and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB the highest ($1000 to $1500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | MEK RTX 5050 |
| About $1000 to $1500 | STORMCRAFT Sirius, Element SE RTX 5050, MEK 5500 RTX 5060, Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MEK RTX 5050 compare with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on memory?
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB leads at 32GB, with the MEK RTX 5050 at 16GB.
What does the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB add over the MEK RTX 5050?
The spec sheets show memory (32GB against 16GB) in its favour. On our last price check the MEK RTX 5050 was in the $500 to $1000 tier and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB in the $1000 to $1500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if memory decides your purchase.
Why is the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB our Most Memory pick?
It carries the badge for 32GB of RAM. The MEK RTX 5050, the cheapest pick, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier against $1000 to $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Do the MEK RTX 5050 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius differ on graphics card?
The MEK RTX 5050 and the Element SE RTX 5050 use RTX 5050; the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB use RTX 5060.
Will the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB work with my setup?
Check the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Most Memory pick, and first of 5 on memory (32GB).
What extras do the MEK RTX 5050 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius include?
The MEK RTX 5050: a 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing. The STORMCRAFT Sirius: a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. The Element SE RTX 5050: an RTX 5050 on DDR5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MEK RTX 5050, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB for 32GB of RAM if those matter more to you.
Among these, the jump from RTX 5050 to RTX 5060 is the step most worth paying for.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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