Buying Guide
The Best Intel Core i5 Gaming Desktops
Five Intel Core i5 gaming desktops, from RTX 3050 to RTX 5050, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Core i5-14400F and i5-13400F are the most common Intel chips in budget and mid-range prebuilts. These five are the lowest-priced desktops built on them.
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 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Core i5-12400F Build
MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060)A Core i5-12400F processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Check price for MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Listed PSU
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold.
Best for: A bigger graphics card later.
Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) 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)
Worth Considering
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: Buyers who want a rtx 4060 graphics card.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB)
The STGAubron 13400F build pairs a Core i5-13400F, an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4 and a 512GB SSD.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 6GB 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. Its 6GB VRAM is the least in this group; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 leads at 8GB. Its 512GB SSD capacity ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the STORMCRAFT Sirius (1TB) and ahead of the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 (500GB).
It is the only pick here with an RTX 3050 graphics card; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 has an RTX 4060 graphics card instead. Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius, it has a DDR4 memory type, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STGAubron 13400F'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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 was the next step up.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Processor
- Core i5-13400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4
- SSD
- 512GB
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- 10-core i5-13400F
- SSD capacity of 512GB, ahead of the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060
- The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing
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
- A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
The catch
If VRAM is your priority, the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 (8GB) is the stronger choice.
Core i5-12400F Build2 of 5
MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060)
MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 pairs a Core i5-12400F with an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 500GB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
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 six RGB fans. The power supply is rated at 550W. On VRAM it ties with the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale at 8GB.
On SSD capacity it trails the group at 500GB, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius is rated for 1TB. It shares an RTX 4060 graphics card with the iBUYPOWER Scale; the Element SE RTX 5050 goes with an RTX 5050 graphics card. You get a core i5-12400F processor here, which sets it apart from the iBUYPOWER Scale and its a core i5-14400F processor.
A DDR4-3200 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. Check the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060'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 STGAubron 13400F and below the STORMCRAFT Sirius at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 4060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-12400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 500GB
- Power supply
- 550W
Pros
- A RTX 4060 graphics card
- A 550W power supply
- Six RGB fans
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron 13400F
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
- A 500GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
The catch
It gives ground on SSD capacity, where the STORMCRAFT Sirius is rated for 1TB.
Largest Listed PSU3 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
- A bigger graphics card later.
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 a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). It matches the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale on VRAM (8GB).
No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 graphics card; compare the Element SE RTX 5050, which has an RTX 5050 graphics card. Like the Element SE RTX 5050 and iBUYPOWER Scale, it has a core i5-14400F processor, while the STGAubron 13400F uses a core i5-13400F processor. Like the STGAubron 13400F, it has a DDR4 memory type, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 and the pricier Element SE RTX 5050, at the time of writing.
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 STGAubron 13400F at the time of writing
RTX 5050 Build4 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
- 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. On VRAM it ties with the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the iBUYPOWER Scale at 8GB. An RTX 5050 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses an RTX 4060 graphics card.
It shares a DDR5-5200 memory type with the iBUYPOWER Scale; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. 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 STGAubron 13400F
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 STGAubron 13400F at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed power supply wattage, look to the STORMCRAFT Sirius instead: it offers 650W, while this one gives no figure.
Worth Considering5 of 5
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
- Buyers who want a rtx 4060 graphics card.
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
It also comes with DDR5 memory with RGB. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the Element SE RTX 5050 on VRAM (8GB).
Like the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, it has an RTX 4060 graphics card, while the STGAubron 13400F uses an RTX 3050 graphics card. Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius and Element SE RTX 5050, it has a core i5-14400F processor, while the STGAubron 13400F uses a core i5-13400F processor. Like the Element SE RTX 5050, it has a DDR5-5200 memory type, while the STGAubron 13400F uses a DDR4 memory type.
It also offers a 1TB SSD. 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 the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Element SE RTX 5050.
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 STGAubron 13400F
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 STGAubron 13400F at the time of writing
The catch
If memory is your priority, the STGAubron 13400F (16GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These Intel Core i5 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 lined up five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and power supply wattage is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the STGAubron 13400F to the iBUYPOWER Scale, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The STGAubron 13400F, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale give no power supply wattage.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the STGAubron 13400F ($500 to $1000) to the iBUYPOWER Scale ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in an Intel Core i5 Gaming Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM
Here VRAM runs from 6GB on the STGAubron 13400F to 8GB on the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, a 33% spread. If VRAM is your first filter, the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 sets the ceiling at 8GB.
How much SSD capacity you need
The STORMCRAFT Sirius tops SSD capacity at 1TB and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 sits lowest at 500GB; 3 picks share the top figure. Start with the STORMCRAFT Sirius if SSD capacity decides it.
A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk How much power supply wattage you need
Across these 2 picks power supply wattage spans 550W (the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060) to 650W (the STORMCRAFT Sirius). Start with the STORMCRAFT Sirius if power supply wattage decides it. The STGAubron 13400F, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale give no power supply wattage figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Processor
The STGAubron 13400F lists Core i5-13400F; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 lists Core i5-12400F; the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale list Core i5-14400F. Settling processor first narrows 5 picks to 3 or 1 or 1.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Memory type
The STGAubron 13400F and the STORMCRAFT Sirius list DDR4; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 lists DDR4-3200; the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale list DDR5-5200.
How to Choose an Intel Core i5 Gaming Desktop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | STGAubron 13400F | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 | A Core i5-12400F processor |
| A bigger graphics card later | STORMCRAFT Sirius | A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold |
| 1080p gaming | Element SE RTX 5050 | An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the STORMCRAFT Sirius at 8GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STGAubron 13400F | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Core i5-13400F | 16GB |
| MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Core i5-12400F | 16GB |
| STORMCRAFT Sirius | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Element SE RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| iBUYPOWER Scale | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the STGAubron 13400F, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the iBUYPOWER Scale at $1000 to $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | STGAubron 13400F, MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 |
| About $1000 to $1500 | STORMCRAFT Sirius, Element SE RTX 5050, iBUYPOWER Scale |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 compare with the STORMCRAFT Sirius on power supply wattage?
Between the top two, it is 650W on the STORMCRAFT Sirius against 550W on the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, an 18% difference. The STGAubron 13400F, the Element SE RTX 5050 and the iBUYPOWER Scale don't state a power supply wattage figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the iBUYPOWER Scale worth paying more than the STGAubron 13400F?
On paper it adds VRAM (8GB against 6GB) and SSD capacity (1TB against 512GB). The STGAubron 13400F sat in the $500 to $1000 tier and the iBUYPOWER Scale in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM and SSD capacity decide your purchase.
What makes the STORMCRAFT Sirius the Largest Listed PSU?
It carries the badge for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold. The STGAubron 13400F, the cheapest pick, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier against $1000 to $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at A bigger graphics card later.
Do the STGAubron 13400F and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 differ on graphics card?
The STGAubron 13400F uses RTX 3050; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 and the iBUYPOWER Scale use RTX 4060; the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses RTX 5060; the Element SE RTX 5050 uses RTX 5050.
What should I check before buying the iBUYPOWER Scale?
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. The iBUYPOWER Scale's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, and fourth of 5 on VRAM (8GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the STGAubron 13400F and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 apart?
The STGAubron 13400F: a 10-core i5-13400F. The MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060: six RGB fans. The STORMCRAFT Sirius: a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the STGAubron 13400F, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 for a Core i5-12400F processor, the STORMCRAFT Sirius for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold and the Element SE RTX 5050 for an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM if those matter more to you.
A Core i5 is enough for 1080p and 1440p gaming; spend the difference on the 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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