Buying Guide
Good Cheap Gaming PCs
Four cheap gaming PCs under $950, from RX 580 to RTX 3050, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Under $950, the choice is mostly between an older card with more VRAM and a newer one with less. These four cover both options.
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
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
RX 580 Pick
Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB)
An RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
RX 6600 Pick
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB)
An RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Largest Listed PSU
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB)
A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold.
Best for: A bigger graphics card later.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 3050 Pick
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB)
An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| An RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB) (opens in a new tab) |
| An RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB) (opens in a new tab) |
| A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold. | A bigger graphics card later. | Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
RX 580 Pick1 of 4
Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the Evounic RX 580 are a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the STGAubron RX 6600 and the MEK RTX 5050 on VRAM (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RX 580 graphics card; compare the MEK RTX 5050, which has an RTX 5050 graphics card.
Like the MEK RTX 5050 and STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050, it has a ryzen 5 5500 processor, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a core i7-10700F processor. Check the Evounic RX 580'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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 580
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 16GB
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RX 580 graphics card
- Older RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 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
RX 6600 Pick2 of 4
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The STGAubron RX 6600 build pairs a Core i7-10700F, an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the Evounic RX 580 and the MEK RTX 5050 at 8GB. You get an RX 6600 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the Evounic RX 580 and its an RX 580 graphics card.
You get a core i7-10700F processor here, which sets it apart from the MEK RTX 5050 and its a ryzen 5 5500 processor. It shares a DDR4 memory type with the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050; the MEK RTX 5050 goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STGAubron RX 6600'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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 6600
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i7-10700F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RX 6600 graphics card
- Desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 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
- Costs more than the Evounic RX 580 at the time of writing
Largest Listed PSU3 of 4
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- A bigger graphics card later.
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 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing. On VRAM it ties with the Evounic RX 580 and the STGAubron RX 6600 at 8GB. An RTX 5050 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 uses an RTX 3050 graphics card.
It shares a ryzen 5 5500 processor with the Evounic RX 580 and STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050; the STGAubron RX 6600 goes with a core i7-10700F processor. You get a DDR4-3200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and its 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the STGAubron RX 6600 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & 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 Evounic RX 580 at the time of writing
RTX 3050 Pick4 of 4
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 512GB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 is a problem.
Why we like it
It also comes with the lowest price among the listings we considered 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 Evounic RX 580 leads at 8GB.
Its 512GB SSD capacity is the smallest in this group; the Evounic RX 580 leads at 1TB. No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 3050 graphics card; compare the Evounic RX 580, which has an RX 580 graphics card. Like the Evounic RX 580 and MEK RTX 5050, it has a ryzen 5 5500 processor, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a core i7-10700F processor. Like the STGAubron RX 6600, it has a DDR4 memory type, while the MEK RTX 5050 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 3050
- VRAM: 6GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SSD: 512GB
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- The lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing
- Ryzen 5 5500 six-core processor
- An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM
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 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
- Balance
- We compared how the CPU, memory and storage match the graphics card's class.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
What to Look For
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p gaming | Evounic RX 580 | An RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | STGAubron RX 6600 | An RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM |
| A bigger graphics card later | MEK RTX 5050 | A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold |
| 1080p gaming | STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 | An RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evounic RX 580 | RX 580 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| STGAubron RX 6600 | RX 6600 | 8GB | Core i7-10700F | 16GB |
| MEK RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
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 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.
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.
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.
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 Evounic RX 580, chosen for an RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM. Look at the STGAubron RX 6600 for an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM, the MEK RTX 5050 for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold and the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 for an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM if those matter more to you.
For new games, VRAM ages better than a newer name on a smaller card.