Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PCs Around $500
Six gaming PCs around $500 with integrated graphics, from Radeon 780M to Radeon 680M, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Around $500 includes a few systems just above the line. Stretching to $550 or $580 moves you to Radeon 780M graphics, the strongest integrated chip in this group.
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.
Most Memory
PELADN HA-4 (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M)
32GB of RAM.
Best for: Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Our take Check price for PELADN HA-4 (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M) (opens in a new tab)
Ryzen 7 H 255 Pick
ACEMAGIC X3 (Ryzen 7 H 255, Radeon 780M)
A Ryzen 7 H 255 processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Our take Check price for ACEMAGIC X3 (Ryzen 7 H 255, Radeon 780M) (opens in a new tab)
Ryzen 9 7940HS Pick
BOSGAME P3 Pro (Ryzen 9 7940HS, Radeon 780M)
A Ryzen 9 7940HS processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Our take Check price for BOSGAME P3 Pro (Ryzen 9 7940HS, Radeon 780M) (opens in a new tab)
Ryzen 5 7640HS Pick
GMKtec M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M)
A Ryzen 5 7640HS processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Our take Check price for GMKtec M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M) (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
BOSGAME P3 (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M)
Inside the BOSGAME P3 are a Ryzen 9 6900HX and Radeon 680M integrated graphics, backed by 16GB of DDR5 and 512GB of SSD storage.
Best for: Buyers who want a radeon 680m (integrated) graphics card.
Our take Check price for BOSGAME P3 (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M)
The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Most Memory1 of 6
PELADN HA-4 (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the PELADN HA-4 are a Ryzen 7 7840HS and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the UM690L Slim, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. Nothing else here matches its 32GB memory; the ACEMAGIC X3 comes closest at 16GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the ACEMAGIC X3, the BOSGAME P3 Pro and the GMKtec M6 Ultra at 1TB.
It shares a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card with the ACEMAGIC X3 and BOSGAME P3 Pro; the UM690L Slim goes with a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. A ryzen 7 7840HS processor is unique to it among these picks, while the ACEMAGIC X3 uses a ryzen 7 H 255 processor. It shares a DDR5 memory type with the BOSGAME P3 Pro and BOSGAME P3; the ACEMAGIC X3 goes with an LPDDR5-6400 memory type. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ACEMAGIC X3 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 780M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 7 7840HS
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the BOSGAME P3
Cons
- Costs more than the UM690L Slim at the time of writing
Ryzen 7 H 255 Pick2 of 6
ACEMAGIC X3 (Ryzen 7 H 255, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the ACEMAGIC X3 are a Ryzen 7 H 255 and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, backed by 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
Why we like it
It also comes with USB4 and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the BOSGAME P3 Pro, the GMKtec M6 Ultra, the BOSGAME P3 and the UM690L Slim on memory (16GB).
It matches the PELADN HA-4, the BOSGAME P3 Pro and the GMKtec M6 Ultra on SSD capacity (1TB). Like the PELADN HA-4 and BOSGAME P3 Pro, it has a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card, while the BOSGAME P3 uses a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 7 H 255 processor; the GMKtec M6 Ultra has a ryzen 5 7640HS processor instead.
No other pick in this guide offers an LPDDR5-6400 memory type; compare the PELADN HA-4, which has a DDR5 memory type. Its price falls between the BOSGAME P3 Pro and the PELADN HA-4, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 780M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 7 H 255
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: LPDDR5-6400
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
- USB4 and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the BOSGAME P3
- Ryzen 7 H 255 processor, the only one here
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the UM690L Slim at the time of writing
Ryzen 9 7940HS Pick3 of 6
BOSGAME P3 Pro (Ryzen 9 7940HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the BOSGAME P3 Pro are a Ryzen 9 7940HS and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, backed by 16GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
Why we like it
There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the ACEMAGIC X3, the GMKtec M6 Ultra, the BOSGAME P3 and the UM690L Slim on memory (16GB). It matches the PELADN HA-4, the ACEMAGIC X3 and the GMKtec M6 Ultra on SSD capacity (1TB).
Like the PELADN HA-4 and ACEMAGIC X3, it has a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card, while the GMKtec M6 Ultra uses a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 9 7940HS processor; compare the GMKtec M6 Ultra, which has a ryzen 5 7640HS processor. Like the PELADN HA-4 and BOSGAME P3, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the UM690L Slim uses an LPDDR5 memory type. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper GMKtec M6 Ultra and the pricier ACEMAGIC X3, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 780M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 9 7940HS
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
- Ryzen 9 7940HS near $550
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the BOSGAME P3
- Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, the only one here
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the UM690L Slim at the time of writing
Ryzen 5 7640HS Pick4 of 6
GMKtec M6 Ultra (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The GMKtec M6 Ultra build pairs a Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M integrated graphics, 16GB of DDR5-4800 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
Why we like it
There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the ACEMAGIC X3, the BOSGAME P3 Pro, the BOSGAME P3 and the UM690L Slim at 16GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the PELADN HA-4, the ACEMAGIC X3 and the BOSGAME P3 Pro at 1TB.
You get a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card here, which sets it apart from the UM690L Slim and its a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. You get a ryzen 5 7640HS processor here, which sets it apart from the BOSGAME P3 Pro and its a ryzen 9 7940HS processor. A DDR5-4800 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the UM690L Slim uses an LPDDR5 memory type. It was priced above the BOSGAME P3 and below the BOSGAME P3 Pro at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 760M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 5 7640HS
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-4800
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card
- 1TB SSD at about $500
- 16GB of DDR5-4800 memory
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the BOSGAME P3
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the UM690L Slim at the time of writing
Solid Alternative5 of 6
BOSGAME P3 (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the BOSGAME P3 are a Ryzen 9 6900HX and Radeon 680M integrated graphics, backed by 16GB of DDR5 and 512GB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a radeon 680m (integrated) graphics card.
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
There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the ACEMAGIC X3, the BOSGAME P3 Pro, the GMKtec M6 Ultra and the UM690L Slim at 16GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the UM690L Slim at 512GB.
It shares a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card with the UM690L Slim; the GMKtec M6 Ultra goes with a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card. It shares a ryzen 9 6900HX processor with the UM690L Slim; the GMKtec M6 Ultra goes with a ryzen 5 7640HS processor. It shares a DDR5 memory type with the PELADN HA-4 and BOSGAME P3 Pro; the GMKtec M6 Ultra goes with a DDR5-4800 memory type. It was priced above the UM690L Slim and below the GMKtec M6 Ultra at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 680M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 9 6900HX
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 512GB
Pros
- A Radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card
- Ryzen 9 6900HX with dual-channel DDR5
- 16GB of DDR5 memory in a mini PC
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
- Costs more than the UM690L Slim at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here6 of 6
MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The UM690L Slim build pairs a Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 and a 512GB SSD.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
Why we like it
It also comes with a slim chassis with USB4. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the ACEMAGIC X3, the BOSGAME P3 Pro, the GMKtec M6 Ultra and the BOSGAME P3 at 16GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the BOSGAME P3 at 512GB. It shares a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card with the BOSGAME P3; the ACEMAGIC X3 goes with a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card. It shares a ryzen 9 6900HX processor with the BOSGAME P3; the ACEMAGIC X3 goes with a ryzen 7 H 255 processor.
You get an LPDDR5 memory type here, which sets it apart from the GMKtec M6 Ultra and its a DDR5-4800 memory type. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the BOSGAME P3 was closest. Memory is its weakest area, and the PELADN HA-4 covers it better at 32GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 680M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 9 6900HX
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: LPDDR5
- SSD: 512GB
Pros
- A Radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card
- Slim chassis with USB4
- 16GB of LPDDR5 memory
- LPDDR5 memory type, the only one here
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
- Memory trails the PELADN HA-4 (32GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
- Balance
- We compared how the CPU, memory and storage match the graphics card's class.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
What to Look for in a Gaming PCs Around $500
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 a Gaming PCs Around $500
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing | PELADN HA-4 | 32GB of RAM |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | ACEMAGIC X3 | A Ryzen 7 H 255 processor |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | BOSGAME P3 Pro | A Ryzen 9 7940HS processor |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | GMKtec M6 Ultra | A Ryzen 5 7640HS processor |
| Keeping the budget tight | UM690L Slim | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | Processor | Memory | Memory type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PELADN HA-4 | Radeon 780M (integrated) | Ryzen 7 7840HS | 32GB | DDR5 |
| ACEMAGIC X3 | Radeon 780M (integrated) | Ryzen 7 H 255 | 16GB | LPDDR5-6400 |
| BOSGAME P3 Pro | Radeon 780M (integrated) | Ryzen 9 7940HS | 16GB | DDR5 |
| GMKtec M6 Ultra | Radeon 760M (integrated) | Ryzen 5 7640HS | 16GB | DDR5-4800 |
| BOSGAME P3 | Radeon 680M (integrated) | Ryzen 9 6900HX | 16GB | DDR5 |
| UM690L Slim | Radeon 680M (integrated) | Ryzen 9 6900HX | 16GB | LPDDR5 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | UM690L Slim, BOSGAME P3, GMKtec M6 Ultra |
| About $500 to $1000 | BOSGAME P3 Pro, ACEMAGIC X3, PELADN HA-4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PELADN HA-4, chosen for 32GB of RAM. Look at the ACEMAGIC X3 for a Ryzen 7 H 255 processor, the BOSGAME P3 Pro for a Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, the GMKtec M6 Ultra for a Ryzen 5 7640HS processor and the UM690L Slim for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
If the budget allows, a Radeon 780M system is the step worth paying for; below it, 680M and 760M are close.