Buying Guide
The Best iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktops
Six iBUYPOWER gaming desktops, from RTX 3050 to RTX 4060 Ti, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
iBUYPOWER's budget and mid-range lines (Element, Slate and Scale) cover RTX 3050 to RTX 4060 Ti systems, plus an Intel Arc B570 option. These are the six lowest-priced.
Every pick names its CPU model, graphics, memory and SSD capacity in the listing; we left out renewed units and listings that hide a part behind "brand may vary". We researched the listings and did not test the machines.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
RTX 3050 Pick
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB)
An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5050 Pick
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB)
An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 4060 Pick
iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB)
An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Most VRAM
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB)
10GB of VRAM on the Arc B570.
Best for: High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5060 Pick
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB)
An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 4060 Ti Pick
iBUYPOWER Slate MESH (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 4060 Ti 8GB)
An RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate MESH (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 4060 Ti 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
RTX 3050 Pick1 of 6
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Element SE pairs a Ryzen 5 8400F with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 is a problem.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Its 6GB VRAM is the least in this group; the Slate Arc B570 leads at 10GB. No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 3050 graphics card; compare the Slate Arc B570, which has an arc B570 graphics card.
No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 5 8400F processor; compare the iBUYPOWER Scale, which has a core i5-14400F processor. It is the only pick here with a DDR5 memory type; the Element SE RTX 5050 has a DDR5-5200 memory type instead. Check the Element SE'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 6GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 8400F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- Current AM5 Ryzen 5 8400F with DDR5 memory
- Ryzen 5 8400F processor, the only one here
- DDR5 memory type, the only one here
Cons
- 6GB 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
- VRAM trails the Slate Arc B570 (10GB)
RTX 5050 Pick2 of 6
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 is a problem.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the iBUYPOWER Scale, the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and the Slate MESH 5700 on VRAM (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5050 graphics card; compare the Slate MESH 5700, which has an RTX 4060 Ti graphics card.
Like the iBUYPOWER Scale, it has a core i5-14400F processor, while the Slate i7 RTX 5060 uses a core i7-14700F processor. Like the iBUYPOWER Scale, it has a DDR5-5200 memory type, while the Element SE uses a DDR5 memory type. It also comes with 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. The main gap: VRAM of 8GB, behind the Slate Arc B570 (10GB). If that matters, the Slate Arc B570 offers 10GB.
Key dimensions & 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
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the Element SE
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
- VRAM of 8GB, behind the Slate Arc B570 (10GB)
RTX 4060 Pick3 of 6
iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The iBUYPOWER Scale build pairs a Core i5-14400F, an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR5-5200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also comes with DDR5 memory with RGB. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the Element SE RTX 5050, the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and the Slate MESH 5700 at 8GB.
You get an RTX 4060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the Slate MESH 5700 and its an RTX 4060 Ti graphics card. It shares a core i5-14400F processor with the Element SE RTX 5050; the Slate MESH 5700 goes with a ryzen 7 5700 processor. It shares a DDR5-5200 memory type with the Element SE RTX 5050; the Slate Arc B570 goes with a DDR5-4800 memory type.
Check the iBUYPOWER Scale'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 Element SE RTX 5050 and below the Slate Arc B570 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i5-14400F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-5200
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 4060 graphics card
- DDR5 memory with RGB
- 1TB SSD
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the Element SE
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 Element SE at the time of writing
Most VRAM4 of 6
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Slate Arc B570 build pairs a Core Ultra 5 225F, an Arc B570 with 10GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR5-4800 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editin rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it leads this guide at 10GB, ahead of the Element SE RTX 5050 (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an arc B570 graphics card; compare the Element SE, which has an RTX 3050 graphics card.
No other pick in this guide offers a core Ultra 5 225F processor; compare the Element SE, which has a ryzen 5 8400F processor. It is the only pick here with a DDR5-4800 memory type; the iBUYPOWER Scale has a DDR5-5200 memory type instead. Check the Slate Arc B570'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. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper iBUYPOWER Scale and the pricier Slate i7 RTX 5060, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Arc B570
- VRAM: 10GB
- Processor: Core Ultra 5 225F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-4800
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Arc B570 graphics card
- Intel Arc B570 with 10GB of VRAM
- Most VRAM of the picks (10GB)
- Core Ultra 5 225F processor, the only one here
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the Element SE at the time of writing
RTX 5060 Pick5 of 6
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Slate i7 RTX 5060 pairs a Core i7-14700F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
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. On VRAM it ties with the Element SE RTX 5050, the iBUYPOWER Scale and the Slate MESH 5700 at 8GB. An RTX 5060 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Element SE RTX 5050 uses an RTX 5050 graphics card.
A core i7-14700F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Slate Arc B570 uses a core Ultra 5 225F processor. It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the Slate MESH 5700; the Slate Arc B570 goes with a DDR5-4800 memory type. Check the Slate i7 RTX 5060'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. When we checked, only the Slate Arc B570 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Slate MESH 5700 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i7-14700F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- Core i7-14700F on DDR4
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the Element SE
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 Element SE at the time of writing
RTX 4060 Ti Pick6 of 6
iBUYPOWER Slate MESH (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 4060 Ti 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Slate MESH 5700 pairs a Ryzen 7 5700 with an RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for 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 matches the Element SE RTX 5050, the iBUYPOWER Scale and the Slate i7 RTX 5060 on VRAM (8GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 4060 Ti graphics card; the iBUYPOWER Scale has an RTX 4060 graphics card instead.
It is the only pick here with a ryzen 7 5700 processor; the Slate Arc B570 has a core Ultra 5 225F processor instead. Like the Slate i7 RTX 5060, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the iBUYPOWER Scale uses a DDR5-5200 memory type. Check the Slate MESH 5700'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. If memory is your priority, the Element SE (16GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5700
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 4060 Ti graphics card
- RTX 4060 Ti on an AM4 platform
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the Element SE
- Ryzen 7 5700 processor, 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
- Costs more than the Element SE at the time of writing
How We Chose These iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktops
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Balance
- We compared how the CPU, memory and storage match the graphics card's class.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
What to Look for in an iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Start with the graphics card
The GPU decides gaming performance more than any other part. Match it to your monitor: an RTX 5060 class card suits 1080p, an RTX 5070 suits 1440p, and 4K high-refresh play needs an RTX 5080 or above.
Check the VRAM figure too; 8GB cards can need lower texture settings in newer games.
Pair a sensible processor
A current six- or eight-core CPU is enough for most games. X3D chips with extra cache help at high frame rates, while older or unnamed CPUs are a warning sign in a listing.
Look for a named power supply
A listing that states wattage and an 80 Plus rating is easier to trust and to upgrade later. When a listing is silent, ask before buying.
Read the warranty terms
Prebuilt warranties vary from one year of parts and labor to three years. Check who handles repairs and whether shipping is covered.
Check memory and storage
16GB of RAM runs games; 32GB leaves room for streaming, browsers and editing. A 1TB SSD holds a handful of large games, so plan for a second drive if you keep a big library.
Trust specific listings
Prefer listings that name every part: CPU model, GPU model and VRAM, RAM, SSD and PSU. Vague terms like "Core i7" or "brand may vary" leave room for weaker parts.
How to Choose an iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p gaming | Element SE | An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | Element SE RTX 5050 | An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | iBUYPOWER Scale | An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| High texture settings at 1440p and above | Slate Arc B570 | 10GB of VRAM on the Arc B570 |
| 1080p gaming | Slate i7 RTX 5060 | An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | Slate MESH 5700 | An RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Element SE | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Ryzen 5 8400F | 16GB |
| Element SE RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| iBUYPOWER Scale | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Slate Arc B570 | Arc B570 | 10GB | Core Ultra 5 225F | 16GB |
| Slate i7 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i7-14700F | 16GB |
| Slate MESH 5700 | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "brand may vary" mean in a listing?
The builder may ship an equivalent part from a different maker. The model and capacity should match; ask the seller if it matters to you.
Is 16GB of RAM enough for gaming?
For most games, yes. 32GB helps when you stream, keep many browser tabs open or edit video alongside gaming.
Can I upgrade a prebuilt later?
Usually. Check the power supply wattage and connectors, the case's GPU clearance and free RAM slots before buying a part.
Do prebuilt PCs come with extra software?
Some do. Check the product page for trial software, and remove what you do not need after setup.
Is a prebuilt cheaper than building a PC?
Sometimes. Prebuilts include Windows, assembly and a system warranty; building yourself can cost less but you handle part choices and support.
How much VRAM do I need?
8GB works at 1080p with some texture compromises in newer games; 12GB to 16GB is more comfortable at 1440p and 4K.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Element SE, chosen for an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM. Look at the Element SE RTX 5050 for an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM, the iBUYPOWER Scale for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, the Slate Arc B570 for 10GB of VRAM on the Arc B570, the Slate i7 RTX 5060 for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM and the Slate MESH 5700 for an RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM if those matter more to you.
iBUYPOWER listings rarely state PSU wattage; ask before planning a bigger graphics card.