Buying Guide
Gaming PCs With an Intel Core i5, Compared
Six gaming PCs with an Intel Core i5 or Core Ultra 5, from RTX 5070 to RTX 5060 Ti, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Intel's newer Core Ultra 5 225F sits in the same class as the Core i5. These six include both and all keep at least a 1TB SSD.
Our comparison uses what each seller states, not hands-on testing. Listings without a named CPU, a GPU with its VRAM, a RAM figure or an SSD size were dropped, as were renewed units and outlier prices.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Worth Considering
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)MSI Codex R2 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Check price for MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Listed PSU
Skytech Rampage Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)A 850W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold.
Best for: A bigger graphics card later.
Check price for Skytech Rampage Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)Skytech i5 RTX 5070 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5060 Build
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core Ultra 5 225F, RTX 5060 8GB)An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core Ultra 5 225F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)The Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti build pairs a Core i5-14400F, an RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5060 ti graphics card.
Check price for CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Worth Considering1 of 6
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)
MSI Codex R2 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Skytech i5 5060 Ti, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the Skytech Rampage and the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 on VRAM (12GB).
It matches the Gamer Xtreme 225F on memory (32GB). Like the Skytech Rampage and Skytech i5 RTX 5070, it has an RTX 5070 graphics card, while the Gamer Xtreme 225F uses an RTX 5060 graphics card. Check the MSI Codex R2'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 highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 and the rest.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- Air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- Costs more than the Skytech i5 5060 Ti at the time of writing
Largest Listed PSU2 of 6
Skytech Rampage Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)
The Skytech Rampage build pairs a Core i5-14400F, an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, 24GB of DDR5-6000 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- A bigger graphics card later.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Skytech i5 5060 Ti, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with an 850W Gold ATX 3 power supply with room for a later GPU. Its 24GB memory ranks third of 6 here, behind the MSI Codex R2 (32GB) and ahead of the Skytech i5 5060 Ti (16GB). It matches the MSI Codex R2, the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti on SSD capacity (1TB).
Like the MSI Codex R2 and Skytech i5 RTX 5070, it has an RTX 5070 graphics card, while the Gamer Xtreme 225F uses an RTX 5060 graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a DDR5-6000 memory type; compare the MSI Codex R2, which has a DDR5 memory type. Check the Skytech Rampage's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. Its price falls between the Gamer Xtreme 225F and the Skytech i5 RTX 5070, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 24GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-6000
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 850W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty
- 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- A 850W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
Cons
- Costs more than the Skytech i5 5060 Ti at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice3 of 6
Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)
Skytech i5 RTX 5070 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
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 an RTX 5070 near $1,600 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the MSI Codex R2 and the Skytech Rampage on VRAM (12GB).
It matches the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti on memory (16GB). It matches the MSI Codex R2, the Skytech Rampage and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti on SSD capacity (1TB). Like the MSI Codex R2 and Skytech Rampage, it has an RTX 5070 graphics card, while the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti uses an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card.
Like the Skytech i5 5060 Ti, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the MSI Codex R2 uses a DDR5 memory type. Check the Skytech i5 RTX 5070's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Warranty
- 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- RTX 5070 near $1,600 at the time of writing
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the Skytech i5 5060 Ti at the time of writing
RTX 5060 Build4 of 6
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
- 1080p gaming.
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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On memory it ties with the MSI Codex R2 at 32GB. You get an RTX 5060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the Skytech i5 5060 Ti and its an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card.
You get a core Ultra 5 225F processor here, which sets it apart from the Skytech Rampage and its a core i5-14400F processor. It shares a DDR5 memory type with the MSI Codex R2 and Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti; the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 goes with 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. It was priced above the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti and below the Skytech Rampage at the time of writing.
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 Skytech i5 5060 Ti at the time of writing
Solid Alternative5 of 6
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)
The Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti build pairs a Core i5-14400F, an RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5060 ti 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 a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti on memory (16GB).
It matches the Gamer Xtreme 225F on SSD capacity (2TB). Like the MSI Codex R2 and Gamer Xtreme 225F, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the Skytech i5 5060 Ti uses a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti'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. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper Skytech i5 5060 Ti and the pricier Gamer Xtreme 225F, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 2TB
- Warranty
- 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
- A 2TB SSD
- 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
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 Skytech i5 5060 Ti at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here6 of 6
Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)
Inside the Skytech i5 5060 Ti are a Core i5-14400F and an RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
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
It also comes with an RTX 5060 Ti near $1,300 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the Gamer Xtreme 225F and the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti on VRAM (8GB).
It matches the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 and the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti on memory (16GB). It matches the MSI Codex R2, the Skytech Rampage and the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 on SSD capacity (1TB). Like the Skytech i5 RTX 5070, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the MSI Codex R2 uses a DDR5 memory type.
Check the Skytech i5 5060 Ti'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 undercut the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Warranty
- 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
- RTX 5060 Ti near $1,300 at the time of writing
- The lowest price among these picks 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
- VRAM trails the MSI Codex R2 (12GB)
The catch
The trade-off is VRAM; for more, the MSI Codex R2 offers 12GB.
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 set side by side six prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while warranty has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the MSI Codex R2 to the Skytech i5 5060 Ti, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MSI Codex R2 and the Gamer Xtreme 225F give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Skytech i5 5060 Ti ($1000 to $1500) to the MSI Codex R2 (over $1500).
What to Look For
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
Across these 6 picks VRAM spans 8GB (the Skytech i5 5060 Ti) to 12GB (the MSI Codex R2). For less, the Skytech Rampage is the runner-up at 12GB.
Memory
Here memory runs from 16GB on the Skytech i5 5060 Ti to 32GB on the MSI Codex R2, a 100% spread. The Gamer Xtreme 225F comes second at 32GB, in the same price tier as the MSI Codex R2.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting SSD capacity
The Gamer Xtreme 225F tops SSD capacity at 2TB and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti sits lowest at 1TB; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti is the runner-up at 2TB ($1000 to $1500 tier).
Processor
The MSI Codex R2, the Skytech Rampage, the Skytech i5 RTX 5070, the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti list Core i5-14400F; the Gamer Xtreme 225F lists Core Ultra 5 225F.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk Memory type
The MSI Codex R2, the Gamer Xtreme 225F and the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti list DDR5; the Skytech Rampage lists DDR5-6000; the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti list DDR4-3200. Settling memory type first narrows 6 picks to 3 or 2 or 1.
How to Choose
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A bigger graphics card later | Skytech Rampage | A 850W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold |
| 1080p gaming | Gamer Xtreme 225F | An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| Keeping the budget tight | Skytech i5 5060 Ti | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MSI Codex R2 leads on VRAM at 12GB, ahead of the Skytech Rampage at 12GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Codex R2 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core i5-14400F | 32GB |
| Skytech Rampage | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core i5-14400F | 24GB |
| Skytech i5 RTX 5070 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Gamer Xtreme 225F | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core Ultra 5 225F | 32GB |
| Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti | RTX 5060 Ti | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Skytech i5 5060 Ti | RTX 5060 Ti | 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 Skytech i5 5060 Ti, sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MSI Codex R2 at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $1000 to $1500 | Skytech i5 5060 Ti, Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti |
| Over $1500 | Gamer Xtreme 225F, Skytech Rampage, Skytech i5 RTX 5070, MSI Codex R2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSI Codex R2 worth paying more than the Skytech i5 5060 Ti?
The spec sheets show VRAM (12GB against 8GB) and memory (32GB against 16GB) in its favour. The Skytech i5 5060 Ti sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier and the MSI Codex R2 in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM and memory decide your purchase.
What makes the Skytech Rampage the Largest Listed PSU?
It carries the badge for a 850W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold. The Skytech i5 5060 Ti, the cheapest pick, sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier against over $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at A bigger graphics card later.
Do the MSI Codex R2 and the Gamer Xtreme 225F differ on graphics card?
The MSI Codex R2, the Skytech Rampage and the Skytech i5 RTX 5070 use RTX 5070; the Gamer Xtreme 225F uses RTX 5060; the Gamer Xtreme 5060 Ti and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti use RTX 5060 Ti.
What should I check before buying the Skytech i5 5060 Ti?
Check the Skytech i5 5060 Ti's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The Skytech i5 5060 Ti's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks sixth of 6, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and sixth of 6 on VRAM (8GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the MSI Codex R2 and the Skytech Rampage apart?
The MSI Codex R2: air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E. The Skytech Rampage: an 850W Gold ATX 3 power supply with room for a later GPU. The Skytech i5 RTX 5070: an RTX 5070 near $1,600 at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MSI Codex R2. Look at the Gamer Xtreme 225F for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM and the Skytech i5 5060 Ti for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
The Core Ultra 5 uses a newer socket, which matters only if you plan to upgrade the CPU.
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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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