Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PC for Console Emulation
From the STGAubron RX 6600 to the YAWYORE 5700X: five gaming PCs ranked on VRAM and memory, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Emulating newer consoles leans on single-thread CPU speed more than on the graphics card. Every pick has a Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, Core i7, Core i9 or Core Ultra 7/9 class CPU.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: graphics card, VRAM and processor come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing memory type is flagged, not filled in.
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 i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB)The lowest price among these gaming PCs at the time of writing.
Best for: Getting desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM for the least money.
Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
Best for: Buyers who want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060)An RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB)A Core i7-14700F on DDR4.
Best for: Buyers who want Core i7-14700F on DDR4.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
YAWYORE Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 5060 8GB)32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU.
Best for: Buyers who want 32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU.
Check price for YAWYORE Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB)
The STGAubron RX 6600 build pairs a Core i7-10700F, an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Getting desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM for the least money.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 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 Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Slate i7 RTX 5060 on memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 6600 graphics card; compare the Slate i7 RTX 5060, which has an RTX 5060 graphics card.
It is the only pick here with a DDR4 memory type; the Slate i7 RTX 5060 has a DDR4-3200 memory type instead. Check the STGAubron RX 6600'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. It undercut the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RX 6600
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i7-10700F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RX 6600 graphics card
- Desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM
- Core i7-10700F processor, the only one here
- DDR4 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
- Memory of 16GB, behind the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (32GB)
The catch
The main gap: memory of 16GB, behind the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (32GB). If that matters, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB offers 32GB.
Also Consider2 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)
Skytech's Ryzen 7 5700 build doubles the usual memory to 32GB alongside an RTX 5060.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
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
That extra RAM helps when a game shares the PC with a stream or browser. It ships in a triple-glass case with an ARGB air cooler, and the parts and labour warranty runs for a year. 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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. When we checked, only the STGAubron RX 6600 cost less, and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 cost more.
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
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the STGAubron RX 6600 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060)
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 build pairs a Ryzen 7 5700, an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
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 an RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the STGAubron RX 6600 and the Slate i7 RTX 5060 on memory (16GB).
Like the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, it has a ryzen 7 5700 processor, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a core i7-10700F processor. Like the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and YAWYORE 5700X, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a DDR4 memory type. Check the Skytech 5700 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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 5700
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Warranty
- 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing
- Eight-core Ryzen 7 5700
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 RX 6600 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
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
- Buyers who want Core i7-14700F on DDR4.
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 STGAubron RX 6600 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 on memory (16GB). It is the only pick here with a core i7-14700F processor; the STGAubron RX 6600 has a core i7-10700F processor instead.
Like the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and YAWYORE 5700X, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a DDR4 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.
At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. Its price falls between the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the YAWYORE 5700X, based on our last check.
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
- 8GB VRAM
- 16GB memory
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
If memory is your priority, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (32GB) is the stronger choice.
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
YAWYORE Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 5060 8GB)
The YAWYORE 5700X build pairs a Ryzen 7 5700X, an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, 32GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU.
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 32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 7 5700X processor; the STGAubron RX 6600 has a core i7-10700F processor instead. Like the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and Slate i7 RTX 5060, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a DDR4 memory type.
Check the YAWYORE 5700X'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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. If VRAM is your priority, the STGAubron RX 6600 (8GB) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 5700X
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 650W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Bronze
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Bronze power supply
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the STGAubron RX 6600 at the time of writing
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.
- What we compared
- We lined up five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out memory type.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the STGAubron RX 6600 to the YAWYORE 5700X, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB gives no memory type; the STGAubron RX 6600, the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and the YAWYORE 5700X give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the STGAubron RX 6600 ($500 to $1000) to the YAWYORE 5700X ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in a Gaming PC for Console Emulation
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Memory
Here memory runs from 16GB on the Slate i7 RTX 5060 to 32GB on the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, a 100% spread. Start with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB if memory decides it.
Processor
The STGAubron RX 6600 lists Core i7-10700F; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 list ryzen 7 5700; the Slate i7 RTX 5060 lists Core i7-14700F; the YAWYORE 5700X lists Ryzen 7 5700X. Sort out processor before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 1, 1 and 1.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Memory type
The STGAubron RX 6600 lists DDR4; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and the YAWYORE 5700X list DDR4-3200. Settling memory type first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
Fit and compatibility
Check the STGAubron RX 6600'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 Features beyond the spec table
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060: an eight-core Ryzen 7 5700. The Slate i7 RTX 5060: a Core i7-14700F on DDR4. The YAWYORE 5700X: 32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU.
How to Choose a Gaming PC for Console Emulation
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM for the least money | STGAubron RX 6600 | The lowest price among these gaming PCs at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price |
| Buyers who want RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 | An RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want Core i7-14700F on DDR4 | Slate i7 RTX 5060 | A Core i7-14700F on DDR4 |
| Buyers who want 32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU | YAWYORE 5700X | 32GB of DDR4 and a 650W Bronze PSU |
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 YAWYORE 5700X at 32GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STGAubron RX 6600 | RX 6600 | 8GB | Core i7-10700F | 16GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 32GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 16GB |
| Slate i7 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i7-14700F | 16GB |
| YAWYORE 5700X | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700X | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the STGAubron RX 6600, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the YAWYORE 5700X at $1000 to $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | STGAubron RX 6600 |
| About $1000 to $1500 | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, Slate i7 RTX 5060, YAWYORE 5700X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the YAWYORE 5700X worth paying more than the STGAubron RX 6600?
The spec sheets show memory (32GB against 16GB) in its favour. The STGAubron RX 6600 sat in the $500 to $1000 tier and the YAWYORE 5700X in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if memory decides your purchase.
What makes the STGAubron RX 6600 the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the lowest price among these gaming PCs at the time of writing. It makes sense for getting desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM for the least money.
Do the STGAubron RX 6600 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB differ on graphics card?
The STGAubron RX 6600 uses RX 6600; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, the Slate i7 RTX 5060 and the YAWYORE 5700X use RTX 5060.
What should I check before buying the YAWYORE 5700X?
Check the YAWYORE 5700X's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, and second of 5 on memory (32GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the STGAubron RX 6600 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB apart?
The STGAubron RX 6600: a desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB: 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060: an RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the STGAubron RX 6600, chosen for the lowest price among these gaming PCs at the time of writing. Look at the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB for 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 for an RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing and the Slate i7 RTX 5060 for a Core i7-14700F on DDR4 if those matter more to you.
Only emulate games you own, and check each emulator's hardware notes.
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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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