Buying Guide

The Best Gaming PC for Streaming

Five gaming PCs compared, from the SKYESEV 5600 to the Element Black, with the trade-offs of each named.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

An assembled desktop PC with the side panel open
Illustrative image

NVIDIA RTX cards include a hardware encoder that streaming apps can use, which frees the CPU. Every pick has an RTX card and 32GB or more of RAM.

Our comparison rests on published figures for graphics card, VRAM and processor; where a maker leaves out memory type, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    SKYESEV Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5600, RTX 3050 6GB, 32GB)

    The lowest price among these gaming PCs at the time of writing.

    Best for: Getting 32GB of DDR4 under $1,000 at the time of writing for the least money.

    Check price for SKYESEV Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5600, RTX 3050 6GB, 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. 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)
  3. Strong Alternative

    STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)

    A 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.

    Best for: Buyers who want 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.

    Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Premium Pick

    iBUYPOWER Element Black (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 8GB)

    The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 32GB of DDR5 RGB memory.

    Best for: Buyers who want 32GB of DDR5 RGB memory and can spend more than the Gamer Xtreme 225F costs.

    Check price for iBUYPOWER Element Black (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

SKYESEV Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5600, RTX 3050 6GB, 32GB)

SKYESEV 5600 pairs a Ryzen 5 5600 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Getting 32GB of DDR4 under $1,000 at the time of writing for the least money.

Skip if

Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p is a problem.
SKYESEV Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5600, RTX 3050 6GB, 32GB)

Why we like it

It also comes with 32GB of DDR4 under $1,000 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Its 6GB VRAM is the least in this group; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB leads at 8GB.

It matches the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Sirius i7 and the Element Black on SSD capacity (1TB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 3050 graphics card; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB has an RTX 5060 graphics card instead. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 5 5600 processor; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB has a ryzen 7 5700 processor instead.

Like the Sirius i7, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the Gamer Xtreme 225F uses a DDR5 memory type. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB was the next step up.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 3050
VRAM
6GB
Processor
Ryzen 5 5600
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR4-3200
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A RTX 3050 graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • 32GB of DDR4 under $1,000 at the time of writing
  • Ryzen 5 5600 processor, the only one here

Cons

  • 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • VRAM trails the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (8GB)

The catch

If VRAM is your priority, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB (8GB) is the stronger choice.

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.
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)

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. On VRAM it ties with the Sirius i7, the Gamer Xtreme 225F and the Element Black at 8GB.

On SSD capacity it ties with the SKYESEV 5600, the Sirius i7 and the Element Black at 1TB. It shares an RTX 5060 graphics card with the Gamer Xtreme 225F and Element Black; the Sirius i7 goes with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. A ryzen 7 5700 processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Sirius i7 uses a core i7-14700F processor. When we checked, only the SKYESEV 5600 cost less, and the Sirius i7 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
  • VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the SKYESEV 5600

Cons

  • 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • Costs more than the SKYESEV 5600 at the time of writing

Strong Alternative3 of 5

STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)

Sirius i7 pairs a Core i7-14700F with an RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.

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.
STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)

Why we like it

It also comes with a 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4. It matches the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Gamer Xtreme 225F and the Element Black on VRAM (8GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card; the SKYESEV 5600 has an RTX 3050 graphics card instead.

It is the only pick here with a core i7-14700F processor; the SKYESEV 5600 has a ryzen 5 5600 processor instead. Like the SKYESEV 5600, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the Gamer Xtreme 225F uses a DDR5 memory type. Check the Sirius i7'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. Its price falls between the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the Gamer Xtreme 225F, based on our last check.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 5060 Ti
VRAM
8GB
Processor
Core i7-14700F
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR4-3200
SSD
1TB
Power supply
650W
PSU rating
80 Plus Gold

Pros

  • A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • A 650W power supply
  • An 80 Plus Gold power supply

Cons

  • 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • Costs more than the SKYESEV 5600 at the time of writing

Largest SSD Capacity4 of 5

CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core Ultra 5 225F, RTX 5060 8GB)

Inside the Gamer Xtreme 225F are a Core Ultra 5 225F and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.

Best for

Buyers who put SSD capacity first.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core Ultra 5 225F, RTX 5060 8GB)

Why we like it

Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Sirius i7 and the Element Black at 8GB. On SSD capacity it leads this guide at 2TB, ahead of the SKYESEV 5600 (1TB).

A core Ultra 5 225F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses a ryzen 7 5700 processor. You get a DDR5 memory type here, which sets it apart from the SKYESEV 5600 and its a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the Gamer Xtreme 225F's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.

At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. When we checked, only the Sirius i7 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Element Black cost more.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 5060
VRAM
8GB
Processor
Core Ultra 5 225F
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR5
SSD
2TB

Pros

  • A RTX 5060 graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • A 2TB SSD
  • 32GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD with an RTX 5060

Cons

  • 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • Costs more than the SKYESEV 5600 at the time of writing

Premium Pick5 of 5

iBUYPOWER Element Black (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 8GB)

iBUYPOWER's Element Black pairs a Ryzen 7 8700F with an RTX 5060 and 32GB of DDR5-5200.

Best for

Buyers who want 32GB of DDR5 RGB memory and can spend more than the Gamer Xtreme 225F costs.

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.
iBUYPOWER Element Black (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 8GB)

Why we like it

It has the most memory of the RTX 5060 systems here, tied with Skytech's 32GB build. On VRAM it ties with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Sirius i7 and the Gamer Xtreme 225F at 8GB. A ryzen 7 8700F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses a ryzen 7 5700 processor.

You get a DDR5-5200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the Sirius i7 and its a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the Element Black's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The Element Black'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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Gamer Xtreme 225F the nearest cheaper option.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 5060
VRAM
8GB
Processor
Ryzen 7 8700F
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR5-5200
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A RTX 5060 graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • 32GB of DDR5 RGB memory
  • VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the SKYESEV 5600

Cons

  • 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • SSD capacity trails the Gamer Xtreme 225F (2TB)
  • Costs more than the SKYESEV 5600 at the time of writing

The catch

Memory is its weakest area, and the SKYESEV 5600 covers it better at 32GB.

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.

A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk
The figures behind the order
We set side by side five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and memory type is missing for at least one pick.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the SKYESEV 5600 to the Element Black, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
Where the specs have gaps
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB gives no memory type.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the SKYESEV 5600 ($500 to $1000) to the Element Black (over $1500).

What to Look for in a Gaming PC for Streaming

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. VRAM across these picks

    Across these 5 picks VRAM spans 6GB (the SKYESEV 5600) to 8GB (the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB). Start with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB if VRAM decides it.

  2. SSD capacity

    Here SSD capacity runs from 1TB on the Element Black to 2TB on the Gamer Xtreme 225F, a 100% spread. The Gamer Xtreme 225F is the pick for SSD capacity.

    A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk
    A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk
  3. Processor

    The SKYESEV 5600 lists ryzen 5 5600; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB lists ryzen 7 5700; the Sirius i7 lists Core i7-14700F; the Gamer Xtreme 225F lists Core Ultra 5 225F; the Element Black lists Ryzen 7 8700F. Sort out processor before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 1, 1, 1, 1 and 1.

  4. Memory type

    The SKYESEV 5600 and the Sirius i7 list DDR4-3200; the Gamer Xtreme 225F lists DDR5; the Element Black lists DDR5-5200. Settling memory type first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.

    A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting
    A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting
  5. What to check at home

    Check the SKYESEV 5600's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.

How to Choose a Gaming PC for Streaming

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Getting 32GB of DDR4 under $1,000 at the time of writing for the least moneySKYESEV 5600The lowest price among these gaming PCs at the time of writing
Buyers who want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 priceSkytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price
Buyers who want 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4Sirius i7A 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4
Buyers who put SSD capacity firstGamer Xtreme 225FThe largest SSD capacity here (2TB)
Buyers who want 32GB of DDR5 RGB memory and can spend more than the Gamer Xtreme 225F costsElement BlackThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 32GB of DDR5 RGB memory

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the Sirius i7 at 8GB.

Prebuilt PCGraphics cardVRAMProcessorMemory
SKYESEV 5600RTX 30506GBRyzen 5 560032GB
Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GBRTX 50608GBRyzen 7 570032GB
Sirius i7RTX 5060 Ti8GBCore i7-14700F32GB
Gamer Xtreme 225FRTX 50608GBCore Ultra 5 225F32GB
Element BlackRTX 50608GBRyzen 7 8700F32GB

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the SKYESEV 5600, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Element Black at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierPrebuilt PCs
About $500 to $1000SKYESEV 5600
About $1000 to $1500Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, Sirius i7
Over $1500Gamer Xtreme 225F, Element Black

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the largest SSD capacity: the Gamer Xtreme 225F or the SKYESEV 5600?

The Gamer Xtreme 225F tops SSD capacity at 2TB; the SKYESEV 5600 follows at 1TB, 100% apart.

Is the Element Black worth paying more than the SKYESEV 5600?

The spec sheets show VRAM (8GB against 6GB) in its favour. The SKYESEV 5600 sat in the $500 to $1000 tier and the Element Black in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM decides your purchase.

What makes the Gamer Xtreme 225F the Largest SSD Capacity?

The label rests on the largest SSD capacity here (2TB). The SKYESEV 5600 is next on SSD capacity at 1TB, so this pick's 2TB is 100% further out. The SKYESEV 5600, the cheapest pick, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier against over $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts SSD capacity first.

Do the SKYESEV 5600 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB differ on graphics card?

The SKYESEV 5600 uses RTX 3050; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Gamer Xtreme 225F and the Element Black use RTX 5060; the Sirius i7 uses RTX 5060 Ti.

What should I check before buying the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB?

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. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and first of 5 on VRAM (8GB).

Beyond the specs, what sets the SKYESEV 5600 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB apart?

The SKYESEV 5600: 32GB of DDR4 under $1,000 at the time of writing. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB: 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price. The Sirius i7: a 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the SKYESEV 5600, 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 Sirius i7 for a 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4 and the Gamer Xtreme 225F for the largest SSD capacity here (2TB) if those matter more to you.

Select the NVENC encoder in OBS to use the graphics card for encoding.

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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