Buying Guide
The Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $1,500
Five gaming PCs ranked on VRAM and memory, where the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT has the most VRAM; the Skytech RX 9060 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $1,500 you can get an RTX 5060 class card with a modern CPU. Every pick cost between $1,100 and $1,500, ordered by installed memory.
We ranked these gaming PCs on graphics card, VRAM and processor using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out memory type, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, Radeon RX 9060 8GB)
Undercutting the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, Radeon RX 9060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB)
32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
Best for: Buyers who want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
Our take Check price for Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700, RTX 5060, 32GB) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB)
A 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.
Best for: Buyers who want 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.
Our take Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Most VRAM
HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB)
The most VRAM here (16GB).
Best for: Buyers who put VRAM first.
Our take Check price for HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB)
DDR5 memory with RGB.
Best for: Buyers who want DDR5 memory with RGB.
Our take Check price for iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Skytech Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, Radeon RX 9060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Skytech RX 9060 build pairs a Ryzen 5 5500, an RX 9060 with 8GB of VRAM, 32GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
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 32GB of RAM with a Radeon RX 9060. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB, the Sirius i7 and the iBUYPOWER Scale at 8GB.
You get an RX 9060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the iBUYPOWER Scale and its an RTX 4060 graphics card. You get a ryzen 5 5500 processor here, which sets it apart from the iBUYPOWER Scale and its a core i5-14400F processor. It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the Sirius i7; the iBUYPOWER Scale goes with a DDR5-5200 memory type.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB the next step up. What it gives up: VRAM of 8GB, behind the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT (16GB); by contrast, the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT offers 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 9060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RX 9060 graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- 32GB of RAM with a Radeon RX 9060
- Ryzen 5 5500 processor, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- VRAM of 8GB, behind the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT (16GB)
Also Consider2 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 want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price.
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
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. It matches the Skytech RX 9060, the Sirius i7 and the iBUYPOWER Scale on VRAM (8GB).
No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 graphics card; compare the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT, which has an RX 9060 XT graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 7 5700 processor; compare the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT, which has a ryzen 7 5700X 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Skytech RX 9060 and the pricier iBUYPOWER Scale, at the time of writing.
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
- Ryzen 7 5700 processor, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the Skytech RX 9060 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
STORMCRAFT Sirius (Core i7-14700F, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Sirius i7 pairs a Core i7-14700F with an RTX 5060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR4-3200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.
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 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4. On VRAM it ties with the Skytech RX 9060, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the iBUYPOWER Scale at 8GB. You get an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card here, which sets it apart from the iBUYPOWER Scale and its an RTX 4060 graphics card.
You get a core i7-14700F processor here, which sets it apart from the iBUYPOWER Scale and its a core i5-14400F processor. It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the Skytech RX 9060; the iBUYPOWER Scale goes with a DDR5-5200 memory type. Check the Sirius i7'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. It was priced above the iBUYPOWER Scale and below the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i7-14700F
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 650W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
Pros
- A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the Skytech RX 9060 at the time of writing
Most VRAM4 of 5
HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT are a Ryzen 7 5700X and an RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR4 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who put VRAM first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Skytech RX 9060 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 16GB RX 9060 XT under $1,500 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Its 16GB VRAM is the most here; the Skytech RX 9060 comes next at 8GB.
It matches the Skytech RX 9060, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the Sirius i7 on memory (32GB). It is the only pick here with an RX 9060 XT graphics card; the Skytech RX 9060 has an RX 9060 graphics card instead. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 7 5700X processor; the Skytech RX 9060 has a ryzen 5 5500 processor instead.
No other pick in this guide offers a DDR4 memory type; compare the iBUYPOWER Scale, which has a DDR5-5200 memory type. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Sirius i7.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5700X
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RX 9060 XT graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- 16GB RX 9060 XT under $1,500 at the time of writing
Cons
- Costs more than the Skytech RX 9060 at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
iBUYPOWER Scale (Core i5-14400F, RTX 4060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
iBUYPOWER's Scale pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 4060 8GB and DDR5-5200 RGB memory.
Best for
- Buyers who want DDR5 memory with RGB.
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 suits 1080p play at a lower price than most RTX 5060 systems here. On VRAM it ties with the Skytech RX 9060, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB and the Sirius i7 at 8GB. On memory it trails the group at 16GB, while the Skytech RX 9060 offers 32GB.
An RTX 4060 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses an RTX 5060 graphics card. A core i5-14400F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses a ryzen 7 5700 processor. You get a DDR5-5200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the Skytech RX 9060 and its a DDR4-3200 memory type.
You also get a 1TB SSD. VRAM is its weakest area, and the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i5-14400F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR5-5200
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 4060 graphics card
- DDR5 memory with RGB
- 1TB SSD
- Core i5-14400F 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 HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT (16GB)
How We Chose These Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $1,500
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 Skytech RX 9060 to the iBUYPOWER Scale, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB gives no memory type; the Sirius i7, the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT and the iBUYPOWER Scale give no warranty.
- Price range
- From the Skytech RX 9060 to the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT, all sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $1,500
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM
Here VRAM runs from 8GB on the iBUYPOWER Scale to 16GB on the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT. Start with the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT if VRAM decides it.
Memory across these picks
Here memory runs from 16GB on the iBUYPOWER Scale to 32GB on the Skytech RX 9060. The Skytech RX 9060 is the pick for memory.
Processor
The Skytech RX 9060 lists ryzen 5 5500; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB lists ryzen 7 5700; the Sirius i7 lists Core i7-14700F; the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT lists Ryzen 7 5700X; the iBUYPOWER Scale lists Core i5-14400F. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Memory type
The Skytech RX 9060 and the Sirius i7 list DDR4-3200; the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT lists DDR4; the iBUYPOWER Scale lists DDR5-5200.
Setup checks
Check the Skytech RX 9060's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
How to Choose a Prebuilt Gaming PC Under $1,500
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Skytech RX 9060 | Undercutting the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price | Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price |
| Buyers who want 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4 | Sirius i7 | A 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4 |
| Buyers who put VRAM first | HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT | The most VRAM here (16GB) |
| Buyers who want DDR5 memory with RGB | iBUYPOWER Scale | DDR5 memory with RGB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT leads on VRAM at 16GB, ahead of the Skytech RX 9060 at 8GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skytech RX 9060 | RX 9060 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 32GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 32GB |
| Sirius i7 | RTX 5060 Ti | 8GB | Core i7-14700F | 32GB |
| HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | Ryzen 7 5700X | 32GB |
| iBUYPOWER Scale | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the most VRAM: the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT or the Skytech RX 9060?
The HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT leads at 16GB, with the Skytech RX 9060 at 8GB.
What does the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT add over the Skytech RX 9060?
On paper it adds VRAM (16GB against 8GB). The Skytech RX 9060 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT our Most VRAM pick?
It earns the label for the most VRAM here (16GB). It suits anyone who put VRAM first.
Do the Skytech RX 9060 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB differ on graphics card?
The Skytech RX 9060 uses RX 9060; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB uses RTX 5060; the Sirius i7 uses RTX 5060 Ti; the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT uses RX 9060 XT; the iBUYPOWER Scale uses RTX 4060.
Will the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT work with my setup?
Check the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5, as our Most VRAM pick.
What extras do the Skytech RX 9060 and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB include?
The Skytech RX 9060: 32GB of RAM with a Radeon RX 9060. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB: 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price. The Sirius i7: a 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Skytech RX 9060, chosen for undercutting the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB on price when we checked. Look at the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 32GB for 32GB of RAM at an RTX 5060 price, the Sirius i7 for a 650W Gold PSU and 32GB of RGB DDR4 and the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT for the most VRAM here (16GB) if those matter more to you.
Compare the PSU wattage and the RAM type.