Buying Guide
Great Budget Gaming PCs
Three budget gaming PCs on the AM5 platform, from RTX 3050 to RTX 5060, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read3 products evaluated
AM5 systems accept newer Ryzen CPUs later, so a budget build does not lock you into today's processor. These three use AM5 Ryzen 8000-series chips with DDR5 memory.
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 3 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB)Gamer Master 8400F pairs a Ryzen 5 8400F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5060 graphics card.
Check price for CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Listed PSU
LXZ Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060)A 650W power supply.
Best for: A bigger graphics card later.
Check price for LXZ Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, 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 iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Gamer Master 8400F pairs a Ryzen 5 8400F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD. | Buyers who want a rtx 5060 graphics card. | Check price for CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 650W power supply. | A bigger graphics card later. | Check price for LXZ Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 3
iBUYPOWER Element SE (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 3050 6GB)
Element SE pairs a Ryzen 5 8400F with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB 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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Its 6GB VRAM is the least in this group; the Gamer Master 8400F leads at 8GB. It is the only pick here with an RTX 3050 graphics card; the Gamer Master 8400F has an RTX 5060 graphics card instead.
Like the Gamer Master 8400F, it has a ryzen 5 8400F processor, while the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 uses a ryzen 7 8700F processor. Check the Element SE'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 6GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Gamer Master 8400F was the next step up.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 5 8400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- Current AM5 Ryzen 5 8400F with DDR5 memory
- The lowest price among these picks 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
- VRAM trails the Gamer Master 8400F (8GB)
The catch
If VRAM is your priority, the Gamer Master 8400F (8GB) is the stronger choice.
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 3
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB)
Gamer Master 8400F pairs a Ryzen 5 8400F with an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5060 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 an AM5 platform. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 at 8GB.
It shares an RTX 5060 graphics card with the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060; the Element SE goes with an RTX 3050 graphics card. It shares a ryzen 5 8400F processor with the Element SE; the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 goes with a ryzen 7 8700F processor. Check the Gamer Master 8400F'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. It was priced above the Element SE and below the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 5 8400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- AM5 platform
- 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the Element SE
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 Element SE at the time of writing
Largest Listed PSU3 of 3
LXZ Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060)
The LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 build pairs a Ryzen 7 8700F, an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- A bigger graphics card later.
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 white Dreamer case with a tempered glass side. The power supply is rated at 650W. On VRAM it ties with the Gamer Master 8400F at 8GB.
It shares an RTX 5060 graphics card with the Gamer Master 8400F; the Element SE goes with an RTX 3050 graphics card. You get a ryzen 7 8700F processor here, which sets it apart from the Gamer Master 8400F and its a ryzen 5 8400F processor. Check the LXZ 8700F 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. Only the Gamer Master 8400F came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 8700F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 650W
- Case colour
- White
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- White Dreamer case with a tempered glass side
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the Element SE
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 Element SE at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on memory, where the Element SE 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.
- What we compared
- We set side by side three prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 6 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the Element SE to the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060, state graphics card, VRAM and processor and share DDR5 memory type.
- Who each pick suits
- The Element SE for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing; the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 for a 650W power supply.
- Price range
- From the Element SE to the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060, all sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look For
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
The Gamer Master 8400F tops VRAM at 8GB and the Element SE sits lowest at 6GB; 2 picks share the top figure. The Gamer Master 8400F is the pick for VRAM.
Processor
The Element SE and the Gamer Master 8400F list Ryzen 5 8400F; the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 lists Ryzen 7 8700F.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk What to check at home
Check the Element SE'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 Element SE: a current AM5 Ryzen 5 8400F with DDR5 memory. The Gamer Master 8400F: 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD. The LXZ 8700F RTX 5060: a white Dreamer case with a tempered glass side.
A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk Where your budget lands
All 3 sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked, from the Element SE at the low end to the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Element SE | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| A bigger graphics card later | LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 | A 650W power supply |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Gamer Master 8400F leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 at 8GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Element SE | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Ryzen 5 8400F | 16GB |
| Gamer Master 8400F | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 8400F | 16GB |
| LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 8700F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 add over the Element SE?
The spec sheets show VRAM (8GB against 6GB) in its favour. Both sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked, so the gains in VRAM cost little extra by tier.
Why is the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 our Largest Listed PSU pick?
The label rests on a 650W power supply. It is aimed at A bigger graphics card later.
Do the Element SE and the Gamer Master 8400F differ on graphics card?
The Element SE uses RTX 3050; the Gamer Master 8400F and the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 use RTX 5060.
Will the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 work with my setup?
Check the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060'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 third of 3, as our Largest Listed PSU pick, and second of 3 on VRAM (8GB).
What extras do the Element SE and the Gamer Master 8400F include?
The Element SE: a current AM5 Ryzen 5 8400F with DDR5 memory. The Gamer Master 8400F: an AM5 platform. The LXZ 8700F RTX 5060: a white Dreamer case with a tempered glass side.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Element SE, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the LXZ 8700F RTX 5060 for a 650W power supply if those matter more to you.
An AM5 board makes a later CPU upgrade a drop-in job; check BIOS support for the chip you want first.
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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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