Buying Guide
Good Budget Gaming PCs
Four budget gaming PCs with a named power supply, from RTX 3050 to RTX 5060, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
A good budget PC can grow. These four state PSU wattage, and several name an 80 Plus Gold rating, which makes a later graphics card upgrade easier to plan.
Every pick names its CPU model, graphics, memory and SSD capacity in the listing; we left out renewed units and listings that hide a part behind "brand may vary". We researched the listings and did not test the machines.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5050 Build
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB)An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 4060 Build
MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060)An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5060 Build
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB)
MEK RTX 3050 pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 500GB SSD.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 650W Gold PSU near $800 at the time of writing. Its 6GB VRAM is the least in this group; the MEK RTX 5050 leads at 8GB. It matches the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 on SSD capacity (500GB).
It matches the MEK RTX 5050 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius on power supply wattage (650W). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 3050 graphics card; compare the STORMCRAFT Sirius, which has an RTX 5060 graphics card. Like the MEK RTX 5050, it has a ryzen 5 5500 processor, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses a core i5-12400F processor.
Like the MEK RTX 5050 and MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. It undercut the MEK RTX 5050 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 500GB
- Power supply
- 650W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty
- 1 year system, 3 years GPU
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- 650W Gold PSU near $800 at the time of writing
Cons
- 6GB 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
- A 500GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
The catch
The trade-off is VRAM; for more, the MEK RTX 5050 offers 8GB.
RTX 5050 Build2 of 4
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB)
The MEK RTX 5050 build pairs a Ryzen 5 5500, an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing. On VRAM it ties with the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius at 8GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the STORMCRAFT Sirius at 1TB.
On power supply wattage it ties with the MEK RTX 3050 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius at 650W. You get an RTX 5050 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the STORMCRAFT Sirius and its an RTX 5060 graphics card. It shares a ryzen 5 5500 processor with the MEK RTX 3050; the STORMCRAFT Sirius goes with a core i5-14400F processor.
It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the MEK RTX 3050 and MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060; the STORMCRAFT Sirius goes with a DDR4 memory type. Check the MEK RTX 5050'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 5050
- 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 5050 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- 650W Gold PSU under $900 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 MEK RTX 3050 at the time of writing
RTX 4060 Build3 of 4
MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060)
MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 pairs a Core i5-12400F with an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 500GB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
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 six RGB fans. The power supply is rated at 550W. It matches the MEK RTX 5050 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius on VRAM (8GB).
It matches the MEK RTX 3050 on SSD capacity (500GB). Its 550W power supply wattage is the smallest in this group; the MEK RTX 3050 leads at 650W. No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4060 graphics card; compare the MEK RTX 5050, which has an RTX 5050 graphics card.
No other pick in this guide offers a core i5-12400F processor; compare the STORMCRAFT Sirius, which has a core i5-14400F processor. Like the MEK RTX 3050 and MEK RTX 5050, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper MEK RTX 5050 and the pricier STORMCRAFT Sirius, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 4060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-12400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 500GB
- Power supply
- 550W
Pros
- A RTX 4060 graphics card
- A 550W power supply
- Six RGB fans
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the MEK RTX 3050
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
- A 500GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
The catch
The trade-off is SSD capacity; for more, the MEK RTX 5050 is rated for 1TB.
RTX 5060 Build4 of 4
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)
STORMCRAFT Sirius pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.
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
It also comes with a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). On VRAM it ties with the MEK RTX 5050 and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 at 8GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the MEK RTX 5050 at 1TB. On power supply wattage it ties with the MEK RTX 3050 and the MEK RTX 5050 at 650W. You get an RTX 5060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the MEK RTX 3050 and its an RTX 3050 graphics card.
You get a core i5-14400F processor here, which sets it apart from the MEK RTX 5050 and its a ryzen 5 5500 processor. Only the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key 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 MEK RTX 3050 at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on memory, where the MEK RTX 3050 offers 16GB.
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side four prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 7 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while PSU rating and warranty have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the MEK RTX 3050 to the STORMCRAFT Sirius, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 gives no PSU rating; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 and the STORMCRAFT Sirius give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MEK RTX 3050 ($500 to $1000) to the STORMCRAFT Sirius ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look For
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
The MEK RTX 5050 tops VRAM at 8GB and the MEK RTX 3050 sits lowest at 6GB; 3 picks share the top figure. Start with the MEK RTX 5050 if VRAM decides it.
How much SSD capacity you need
Here SSD capacity runs from 500GB on the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 to 1TB on the MEK RTX 5050, a 100% spread. If SSD capacity is your first filter, the MEK RTX 5050 sets the ceiling at 1TB.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Power supply wattage
Here power supply wattage runs from 550W on the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 to 650W on the MEK RTX 3050, an 18% spread. The MEK RTX 3050 is the pick for power supply wattage.
Processor
The MEK RTX 3050 and the MEK RTX 5050 list ryzen 5 5500; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 lists Core i5-12400F; the STORMCRAFT Sirius lists Core i5-14400F.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk Memory type
The MEK RTX 3050, the MEK RTX 5050 and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 list DDR4-3200; the STORMCRAFT Sirius lists DDR4. Settling memory type first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
How to Choose
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | MEK RTX 3050 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| 1080p gaming | MEK RTX 5050 | An RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 | An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | STORMCRAFT Sirius | An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MEK RTX 5050 leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 at 8GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEK RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| MEK RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Core i5-12400F | 16GB |
| STORMCRAFT Sirius | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MEK RTX 3050 was the lowest-priced pick ($500 to $1000) and the STORMCRAFT Sirius the highest ($1000 to $1500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | MEK RTX 3050, MEK RTX 5050, MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 |
| About $1000 to $1500 | STORMCRAFT Sirius |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the STORMCRAFT Sirius add over the MEK RTX 3050?
The spec sheets show VRAM (8GB against 6GB) and SSD capacity (1TB against 500GB) in its favour. On our last price check the MEK RTX 3050 was in the $500 to $1000 tier and the STORMCRAFT Sirius in the $1000 to $1500 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM and SSD capacity decide your purchase.
Why is the MEK RTX 5050 our RTX 5050 Build pick?
It carries the badge for an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM. It makes sense for 1080p gaming.
Do the MEK RTX 3050 and the MEK RTX 5050 differ on graphics card?
The MEK RTX 3050 uses RTX 3050; the MEK RTX 5050 uses RTX 5050; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses RTX 4060; the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses RTX 5060.
Will the MEK RTX 3050 work with my setup?
Check the MEK RTX 3050'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 first of 4, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and fourth of 4 on VRAM (6GB).
What extras do the MEK RTX 3050 and the MEK RTX 5050 include?
The MEK RTX 3050: a 650W Gold PSU near $800 at the time of writing. The MEK RTX 5050: a 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing. The MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060: six RGB fans.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MEK RTX 3050, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the MEK RTX 5050 for an RTX 5050 with 8GB of VRAM, the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM and the STORMCRAFT Sirius for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM if those matter more to you.
Check the PSU's PCIe connectors before buying a new graphics card for any of these.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Budget Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $1,000
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Without a budget limitThe Best Gaming PC
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming PCs on a Budget
- ExplainerWhat a Prebuilt PC Product Page Leaves Out: PSU, Motherboard and RAM Layout
- ExplainerHow to Choose an All-in-One PC Without Overpaying
- Check compatibility: graphics cardsHow to Buy a Used Graphics Card Safely
- Similar guideThe Best Budget Gaming Rigs
- Topic hubAll prebuilt gaming pcs guides
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
View all articles