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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
RTX 3050 Build
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB)An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5050 Build
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB)An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Element SE (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 4060 Build
iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB)An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB) on Amazon (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.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5060 Build
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB)An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 4060 Ti Build
iBUYPOWER Slate MESH (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 4060 Ti 8GB)An RTX 4060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate MESH (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 4060 Ti 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
RTX 3050 Build1 of 6
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB)
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 1440p 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 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)
The catch
The trade-off is VRAM; for more, the Slate Arc B570 offers 10GB.
RTX 5050 Build2 of 6
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
- 1080p gaming.
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
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. 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
- 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)
The catch
The main gap: VRAM of 8GB, behind the Slate Arc B570 (10GB). If that matters, the Slate Arc B570 offers 10GB.
RTX 4060 Build3 of 6
iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB)
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 1440p 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 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)
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 editing 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 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 Build5 of 6
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB)
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 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 Build6 of 6
iBUYPOWER Slate MESH (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 4060 Ti 8GB)
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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.
Key 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
The catch
If memory is your priority, the Element SE (16GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktops
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared six prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Element SE to the Slate MESH 5700, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Who each pick suits
- The Element SE for an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM; the Element SE RTX 5050 for an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM; the iBUYPOWER Scale for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM.
- Price range
- From the Element SE to the Slate MESH 5700, all sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much VRAM you need
Across these 6 picks VRAM spans 6GB (the Element SE) to 10GB (the Slate Arc B570). The Element SE RTX 5050 comes second at 8GB, in the same price tier as the Slate Arc B570.
Processor
The Element SE lists Ryzen 5 8400F; the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale list Core i5-14400F; the Slate Arc B570 lists Core Ultra 5 225F; the Slate i7 RTX 5060 lists Core i7-14700F; the Slate MESH 5700 lists ryzen 7 5700.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Memory type
The Element SE lists DDR5; the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale list DDR5-5200; the Slate Arc B570 lists DDR5-4800; the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and the Slate MESH 5700 list DDR4-3200. Settling memory type first narrows 6 picks to 2, 2 or 1 or 1.
Fit and compatibility
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.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk Extras that separate them
The Slate Arc B570: an Intel Arc B570 with 10GB of VRAM. The Slate i7 RTX 5060: a Core i7-14700F on DDR4. The Slate MESH 5700: an RTX 4060 Ti on an AM4 platform.
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
The Slate Arc B570 leads on VRAM at 10GB, ahead of the Element SE RTX 5050 at 8GB.
| 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
Is the Slate Arc B570 ahead of the Element SE RTX 5050 on VRAM?
The Slate Arc B570 tops VRAM at 10GB; the Element SE RTX 5050 follows at 8GB, 25% apart. The Element SE is at the other end of this group with 6GB.
What does the Slate MESH 5700 add over the Element SE?
What it brings is VRAM (8GB against 6GB). Both sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked, so the gains in VRAM cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Slate Arc B570 our Most VRAM pick?
It earns the label for 10GB of VRAM on the Arc B570. On VRAM it leads the Element SE RTX 5050, 10GB against 8GB, a 25% margin. It is aimed at high texture settings at 1440p and above.
Do the Element SE and the Element SE RTX 5050 differ on graphics card?
The Element SE uses RTX 3050; the Element SE RTX 5050 uses RTX 5050; the iBUYPOWER Scale uses RTX 4060; the Slate Arc B570 uses Arc B570; the Slate i7 RTX 5060 uses RTX 5060; the Slate MESH 5700 uses RTX 4060 Ti.
Will the Element SE work with my setup?
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. The Element SE's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks first of 6, as our RTX 3050 Build pick, and sixth of 6 on VRAM (6GB).
What extras do the Element SE and the Element SE RTX 5050 include?
The Element SE: a current AM5 Ryzen 5 8400F with DDR5 memory. The Element SE RTX 5050: an RTX 5050 on DDR5. The iBUYPOWER Scale: DDR5 memory with RGB.
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.
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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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