Buying Guide
The Best $1,200 Prebuilt Gaming PCs
Five gaming PCs compared, from the STORMCRAFT Sirius to the Slate Arc B570, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Around $1,200, prebuilt towers pair RTX 5060-class cards with mid-range CPUs. Every pick was listed between $1,000 and $1,300 at the time of writing.
Our comparison rests on published figures for graphics card, VRAM and processor; where a maker leaves out memory type, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Most VRAM
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB)
The most VRAM here (10GB).
Best for: Buyers who put VRAM first.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)
Undercutting the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing for the least money.
Our take Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) (opens in a new tab)
Most Memory
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)
The most memory here (32GB).
Best for: Buyers who put memory first.
Our take Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060)
An RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Our Picks
Most VRAM1 of 5
iBUYPOWER Slate (Core Ultra 5 225F, Intel Arc B570 10GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Slate Arc B570 build pairs a Core Ultra 5 225F, an Arc B570 with 10GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR5-4800 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who put VRAM first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editin rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Its 10GB VRAM is the most here; the STORMCRAFT Sirius comes next at 8GB. On memory it ties with the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Skytech Storm at 16GB.
You get an arc B570 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the Skytech Storm and its an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. You get a core Ultra 5 225F processor here, which sets it apart from the Skytech Storm and its a ryzen 5 5500 processor. A DDR5-4800 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type. Only the Skytech Storm came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: Arc B570
- VRAM: 10GB
- Processor: Core Ultra 5 225F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-4800
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A Arc B570 graphics card
- Intel Arc B570 with 10GB of VRAM
- Most VRAM of the picks (10GB)
- Core Ultra 5 225F processor, the only one here
Cons
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Costs more than the STORMCRAFT Sirius at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 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
- Getting current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing for the least money.
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 pairs a Core i5-14400F with a current RTX 5060. It matches the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Skytech Storm on VRAM (8GB). It matches the Slate Arc B570, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Skytech Storm on memory (16GB).
It is the only pick here with a core i5-14400F processor; the Slate Arc B570 has a core Ultra 5 225F processor instead. No other pick in this guide offers a DDR4 memory type; compare the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, which has a DDR4-3200 memory type. You also get a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB was the next step up. The main gap: VRAM of 8GB, behind the Slate Arc B570 (10GB). If that matters, the Slate Arc B570 offers 10GB.
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
- VRAM of 8GB, behind the Slate Arc B570 (10GB)
Most Memory3 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Skytech's Ryzen 7 5700 build doubles the usual memory to 32GB alongside an RTX 5060.
Best for
- Buyers who put memory first.
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
That extra RAM helps when a game shares the PC with a stream or browser. It ships in a triple-glass case with an ARGB air cooler, and the parts and labour warranty runs for a year. On VRAM it ties with the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Skytech Storm at 8GB.
On memory it leads this guide at 32GB, ahead of the Slate Arc B570 (16GB). It shares a ryzen 7 5700 processor with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060; the Slate Arc B570 goes with a core Ultra 5 225F processor. Check the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5700
- Memory: 32GB
- SSD: 1TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price
- The most memory here (32GB)
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the STORMCRAFT Sirius at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 build pairs a Ryzen 7 5700, an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing.
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 near $1,200 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the Skytech Storm on VRAM (8GB).
It matches the Slate Arc B570, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the Skytech Storm on memory (16GB). Like the STORMCRAFT Sirius and Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, it has an RTX 5060 graphics card, while the Slate Arc B570 uses an arc B570 graphics card. Like the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, it has a ryzen 7 5700 processor, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a core i5-14400F processor.
Like the Skytech Storm, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the Slate Arc B570 uses a DDR5-4800 memory type. Check the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5700
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing
- Eight-core Ryzen 7 5700
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 STORMCRAFT Sirius at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 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
- 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 a white mesh-front Storm case. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 at 8GB.
On memory it ties with the Slate Arc B570, the STORMCRAFT Sirius and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 at 16GB. An RTX 5060 Ti graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses an RTX 5060 graphics card. A ryzen 5 5500 processor is unique to it among these picks, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a core i5-14400F processor.
It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060; the STORMCRAFT Sirius goes with a DDR4 memory type. VRAM is its weakest area, and the Slate Arc B570 covers it better at 10GB.
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
- Ryzen 5 5500 processor, the only one here
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 Slate Arc B570 (10GB)
How We Chose These $1,200 Prebuilt Gaming PCs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
What to Look for in a $1,200 Prebuilt Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much memory you need
Among these picks, memory runs from 16GB on the Skytech Storm to 32GB on the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a $1,200 Prebuilt Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put VRAM first | Slate Arc B570 | The most VRAM here (10GB) |
| Getting current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing for the least money | STORMCRAFT Sirius | Undercutting the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put memory first | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | The most memory here (32GB) |
| Buyers who want RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 | An RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want white mesh-front Storm case | Skytech Storm | A white mesh-front Storm case |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slate Arc B570 | Arc B570 | 10GB | Core Ultra 5 225F | 16GB |
| STORMCRAFT Sirius | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 32GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 16GB |
| Skytech Storm | RTX 5060 Ti | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these gaming PCs compare on VRAM?
The Slate Arc B570 leads at 10GB, ahead of the STORMCRAFT Sirius at 8GB; the Skytech Storm sits at the other end with 8GB.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
That was the STORMCRAFT Sirius at our last check; if you can stretch, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB is the next step up and the Slate Arc B570 the priciest.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Slate Arc B570, chosen for the most VRAM here (10GB). Look at the STORMCRAFT Sirius for undercutting the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on price when we checked, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB for the most memory here (32GB) and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 for an RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Prices move often; compare the GPU class first.