Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PCs for Esports
We weighed five gaming PCs on VRAM and memory, and the AVGPC Mini-X costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Esports PCs aim for high frame rates at 1080p or 1440p. Every pick uses a mid-range RTX 50 or RX 9000 card and cost $1,400 or less.
Rankings weigh graphics card, VRAM and processor as the makers state them; we did not test these gaming PCs ourselves, and if a maker skips memory type, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB)
The cheapest way into this group, below the STORMCRAFT Sirius.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)
A current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 8GB)
An RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU.
Best for: Buyers who want RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Skytech Storm (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, White)
A white mesh-front Storm case.
Best for: Buyers who want white mesh-front Storm case.
Our take Check price for Skytech Storm (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, White) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060, White)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a white Archangel 5 case with tempered glass.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060, White) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the AVGPC Mini-X are a Core i5-11400F and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 is a problem.
Why we like it
It also comes with a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). It is the only pick here with a core i5-11400F processor; the STORMCRAFT Sirius has a core i5-14400F processor instead.
Like the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and Skytech Storm, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. Check the AVGPC Mini-X'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.
With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the STORMCRAFT Sirius was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i5-11400F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 650W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- Desktop RTX 5060 in a small case
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
Also Consider2 of 5
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
STORMCRAFT's Sirius is one of few listings in this range to name its PSU: 650W with 80 Plus Gold.
Best for
- Buyers who want current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It pairs a Core i5-14400F with a current RTX 5060. It shares a core i5-14400F processor with the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White; the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 goes with a ryzen 5 5500 processor. A DDR4 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type.
It also comes with a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. Check the STORMCRAFT Sirius'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.
With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. It was priced above the AVGPC Mini-X and below the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i5-14400F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 650W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- Current RTX 5060 near $1,100 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
- Costs more than the AVGPC Mini-X at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 are a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also comes with an RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU. Like the Skytech Storm, it has a ryzen 5 5500 processor, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a core i5-14400F processor. Like the AVGPC Mini-X and Skytech Storm, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type.
Check the MEK 5500 RTX 5060'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. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more.
At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. If power supply wattage is your priority, the AVGPC Mini-X (650W) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 650W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty: 1 year system, 3 years GPU
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU
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 AVGPC Mini-X at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Skytech Storm (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, White) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Skytech Storm pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want white mesh-front Storm case.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 is a problem.
Why we like it
It also comes with a white mesh-front Storm case. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card; compare the MEK 5500 RTX 5060, which has an RTX 5060 graphics card.
Like the MEK 5500 RTX 5060, it has a ryzen 5 5500 processor, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a core i5-14400F processor. Like the AVGPC Mini-X and MEK 5500 RTX 5060, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and the pricier Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its power supply wattage; if that figure matters, the AVGPC Mini-X offers 650W.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Case colour: White
Pros
- A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
- White mesh-front Storm case
- 8GB VRAM
- Ryzen 5 5500 processor
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
- No published power supply wattage
Premium Pick5 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060, White) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Skytech's white build puts a Core i5-14400F and an RTX 5060 in a white Archangel 5 case with tempered glass.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The warranty covers one year of parts and labor. Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius, it has a core i5-14400F processor, while the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 uses a ryzen 5 5500 processor. It also comes with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Check the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White'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 RTX 5060 White's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more.
At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Skytech Storm and the rest. The trade-off is VRAM; for more, the AVGPC Mini-X offers 8GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i5-14400F
- Memory: 16GB
- SSD: 1TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Case colour: White
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- White Archangel 5 case with tempered glass
- 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a white Archangel 5 case with tempered glass
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
- No published power supply wattage
How We Chose These Gaming PCs for Esports
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AVGPC Mini-X to the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White gives no memory type; the Skytech Storm and the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White give no power supply wattage.
- Price range
- From the AVGPC Mini-X to the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White, all sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming PC for Esports
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Processor
The AVGPC Mini-X lists Core i5-11400F; the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White list Core i5-14400F; the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and the Skytech Storm list ryzen 5 5500. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Memory type
The AVGPC Mini-X, the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and the Skytech Storm list DDR4-3200; the STORMCRAFT Sirius lists DDR4.
Fit and compatibility
Check the AVGPC Mini-X's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
Extras that separate them
The MEK 5500 RTX 5060: an RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU. The Skytech Storm: a white mesh-front Storm case. The Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White: 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
How much to spend
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the AVGPC Mini-X at the low end to the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White at the top, so decide on features first.
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.
How to Choose a Gaming PC for Esports
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | AVGPC Mini-X | The cheapest way into this group, below the STORMCRAFT Sirius |
| Buyers who want current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing | STORMCRAFT Sirius | A current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU | MEK 5500 RTX 5060 | An RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU |
| Buyers who want white mesh-front Storm case | Skytech Storm | A white mesh-front Storm case |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a white Archangel 5 case with tempered glass |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The AVGPC Mini-X, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVGPC Mini-X | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-11400F | 16GB |
| STORMCRAFT Sirius | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| MEK 5500 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| Skytech Storm | RTX 5060 Ti | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the AVGPC Mini-X our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the STORMCRAFT Sirius. It suits keeping the budget tight.
Do the AVGPC Mini-X and the Skytech Storm differ on graphics card?
The AVGPC Mini-X, the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 and the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White use RTX 5060; the Skytech Storm uses RTX 5060 Ti.
Will the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White work with my setup?
Check the Skytech i5 RTX 5060 White'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 RTX 5060 White's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
What extras do the AVGPC Mini-X and the STORMCRAFT Sirius include?
The AVGPC Mini-X: a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The STORMCRAFT Sirius: a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. The MEK 5500 RTX 5060: an RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AVGPC Mini-X, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the STORMCRAFT Sirius. Look at the STORMCRAFT Sirius for a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing, the MEK 5500 RTX 5060 for an RTX 5060 with a 650W Gold PSU and the Skytech Storm for a white mesh-front Storm case if those matter more to you.
Pair with a 240Hz monitor.