Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PCs Under 500 Dollars
Three gaming PCs under 500 dollars with newer Radeon graphics, from Radeon 760M to Radeon 780M, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
No listing we found under $500 pairs a tower with a separate graphics card and names every part, so every pick here is a mini PC that games on Radeon integrated graphics. These three use newer Radeon 760M or 780M graphics on Ryzen 7000-series chips.
We compared the parts each listing names: CPU, graphics card and VRAM, memory, storage and, where stated, the power supply and warranty. We did not test these systems, and we skipped listings that leave a core part vague.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB)
The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB) (opens in a new tab)
Ryzen 7 7840HS Pick
BRE NUC BREN7P (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M)
A Ryzen 7 7840HS processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Our take Check price for BRE NUC BREN7P (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M) (opens in a new tab)
Most Storage
Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB)
A 1TB SSD.
Best for: Large game libraries.
Our take Check price for Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB) (opens in a new tab) |
| A Ryzen 7 7840HS processor. | Buyers who prefer this CPU platform. | Check price for BRE NUC BREN7P (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M) (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1TB SSD. | Large game libraries. | Check price for Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Trycoo 512GB build pairs a Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M integrated graphics, 16GB of DDR5-5600 and a 512GB SSD.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
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 dual LAN near $420. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the BRE BREN7P on SSD capacity (512GB).
Like the Trycoo 1TB, it has a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card, while the BRE BREN7P uses a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card. Like the Trycoo 1TB, it has a ryzen 5 7640HS processor, while the BRE BREN7P uses a ryzen 7 7840HS processor. Like the Trycoo 1TB, it has a DDR5-5600 memory type, while the BRE BREN7P uses a DDR5 memory type.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the BRE BREN7P was the next step up. The main gap: SSD capacity of 512GB, behind the Trycoo 1TB (1TB). If that matters, the Trycoo 1TB is rated for 1TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 760M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 5 7640HS
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-5600
- SSD: 512GB
Pros
- A Radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card
- USB4 and dual LAN near $420
- The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
- SSD capacity of 512GB, behind the Trycoo 1TB (1TB)
Ryzen 7 7840HS Pick2 of 3
BRE NUC BREN7P (Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
BRE BREN7P pairs a Ryzen 7 7840HS with Radeon 780M integrated graphics, plus 16GB of DDR5 and a 512GB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
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
It also comes with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet and USB4. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the Trycoo 512GB on SSD capacity (512GB).
No other pick in this guide offers a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card; compare the Trycoo 512GB, which has a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 7 7840HS processor; compare the Trycoo 512GB, which has a ryzen 5 7640HS processor. It is the only pick here with a DDR5 memory type; the Trycoo 512GB has a DDR5-5600 memory type instead.
On price it sat second of 3, between the cheaper Trycoo 512GB and the pricier Trycoo 1TB, at the time of writing. The trade-off is SSD capacity; for more, the Trycoo 1TB is rated for 1TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 780M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 7 7840HS
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 512GB
Pros
- A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
- Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet and USB4
- Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, the only one here
- DDR5 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
- SSD capacity trails the Trycoo 1TB (1TB)
Most Storage3 of 3
Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Trycoo 1TB build pairs a Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M integrated graphics, 16GB of DDR5-5600 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Large game libraries.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editin is a problem.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 1TB SSD with room to expand. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. Nothing else here matches its 1TB SSD capacity; the Trycoo 512GB comes closest at 512GB.
It shares a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card with the Trycoo 512GB; the BRE BREN7P goes with a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card. It shares a ryzen 5 7640HS processor with the Trycoo 512GB; the BRE BREN7P goes with a ryzen 7 7840HS processor. It shares a DDR5-5600 memory type with the Trycoo 512GB; the BRE BREN7P goes with a DDR5 memory type.
Only the BRE BREN7P came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks. It gives ground on memory, where the Trycoo 512GB offers 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Radeon 760M (integrated)
- Processor: Ryzen 5 7640HS
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-5600
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card
- 1TB SSD with room to expand
- 16GB of DDR5-5600 memory
- Largest SSD capacity of the picks (1TB)
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the Trycoo 512GB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming PCs Under 500 Dollars
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
What to Look for in a Gaming PC Under 500 Dollars
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Gaming PC Under 500 Dollars
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Trycoo 512GB | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | BRE BREN7P | A Ryzen 7 7840HS processor |
| Large game libraries | Trycoo 1TB | A 1TB SSD |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trycoo 512GB | Radeon 760M (integrated) | Ryzen 5 7640HS | 16GB | DDR5-5600 |
| BRE BREN7P | Radeon 780M (integrated) | Ryzen 7 7840HS | 16GB | DDR5 |
| Trycoo 1TB | Radeon 760M (integrated) | Ryzen 5 7640HS | 16GB | DDR5-5600 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Trycoo 512GB, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the BRE BREN7P for a Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and the Trycoo 1TB for a 1TB SSD if those matter more to you.
If a listing names a USB4 port, it can connect a fast external drive or dock later.