Buying Guide
The Best Entry-Level Prebuilt Gaming PCs
Three gaming PCs ranked on VRAM and memory, where the Evounic RX 580 has the most VRAM; the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
The cheapest gaming prebuilts use older parts, and the GPU decides what you can play. Every pick has a dedicated GPU and cost $760 or less, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh graphics card, VRAM and processor as the makers state them; if a maker skips memory type, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB)
The lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) (opens in a new tab)
Most VRAM
Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB)
The most VRAM here (8GB).
Best for: Buyers who put VRAM first.
Our take Check price for Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
HELLOLAND King White Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 6500 XT 4GB)
A white case with five RGB fans at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for HELLOLAND King White Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 6500 XT 4GB) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. | Buyers who want lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. | Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) (opens in a new tab) |
| The most VRAM here (8GB). | Buyers who put VRAM first. | Check price for Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB) (opens in a new tab) |
| A white case with five RGB fans at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for HELLOLAND King White Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 6500 XT 4GB) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 3
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
STGAubron's lowest-priced configuration keeps the Ryzen 5 5500 and RTX 3050 6GB but halves the SSD to 512GB.
Best for
- Buyers who want lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It was the cheapest qualifying listing we found at the time of writing. Its 6GB VRAM ranks second of 3 here, behind the Evounic RX 580 (8GB) and ahead of the HELLOLAND King White (4GB). 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. It also offers the lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. Check the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more.
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
- VRAM of 6GB, ahead of the HELLOLAND King White
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
Most VRAM2 of 3
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
- Buyers who put VRAM first.
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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it leads this guide at 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 (6GB). It matches the HELLOLAND King White on SSD capacity (1TB).
No other pick in this guide offers an RX 580 graphics card; compare the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050, which has an RTX 3050 graphics card. 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
- Most VRAM of the picks (8GB)
- 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
Premium Pick3 of 3
HELLOLAND King White Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 6500 XT 4GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HELLOLAND's King White puts a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RX 6500 XT 4GB in a white case with five RGB fans.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 4GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
The 4GB card limits it to lighter games and esports titles at 1080p. Its 4GB VRAM is the least in this group; the Evounic RX 580 leads at 8GB. It matches the Evounic RX 580 on SSD capacity (1TB).
It is the only pick here with an RX 6500 XT graphics card; the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 has an RTX 3050 graphics card instead. You also get a one-year parts and labor warranty. Check the HELLOLAND King White's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The HELLOLAND King White's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Evounic RX 580. If VRAM is your priority, the Evounic RX 580 (8GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 6500 XT
- VRAM: 4GB
- Processor: Ryzen 5 5500
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- SSD: 1TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Case colour: White
Pros
- A RX 6500 XT graphics card
- White case with five RGB fans
- One-year parts and labor warranty
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050
Cons
- 4GB 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 Evounic RX 580 (8GB)
How We Chose These Entry-Level Prebuilt Gaming PCs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side three prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 to the HELLOLAND King White, state graphics card, VRAM and processor and share Ryzen 5 5500 processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Evounic RX 580 gives no memory type.
- Price range
- From the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 to the HELLOLAND King White, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an Entry-Level Prebuilt Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM
Here VRAM runs from 4GB on the HELLOLAND King White to 8GB on the Evounic RX 580. Start with the Evounic RX 580 if VRAM decides it.
SSD capacity across these picks
Here SSD capacity runs from 512GB on the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 to 1TB on the Evounic RX 580. The Evounic RX 580 is the pick for SSD capacity.
Memory type
The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 lists DDR4; the HELLOLAND King White lists DDR4-3200.
What to check at home
Check the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050'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 STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050: a Ryzen 5 5500 six-core processor. The Evounic RX 580: an older RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM. The HELLOLAND King White: a one-year parts and labor warranty.
How to Choose an Entry-Level Prebuilt Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing | STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 | The lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing |
| Buyers who put VRAM first | Evounic RX 580 | The most VRAM here (8GB) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | HELLOLAND King White | A white case with five RGB fans at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Evounic RX 580 leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 at 6GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| Evounic RX 580 | RX 580 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| HELLOLAND King White | RX 6500 XT | 4GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the most VRAM: the Evounic RX 580 or the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050?
The Evounic RX 580 leads at 8GB, with the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 at 6GB. The HELLOLAND King White is at the other end of this group with 4GB.
What does the HELLOLAND King White add over the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050?
On paper it adds SSD capacity (1TB against 512GB). It does not win everywhere: the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 still leads on VRAM (6GB). The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Evounic RX 580 our Most VRAM pick?
It earns the label for the most VRAM here (8GB). It suits anyone who put VRAM first.
Do the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and the Evounic RX 580 differ on graphics card?
The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 uses RTX 3050; the Evounic RX 580 uses RX 580; the HELLOLAND King White uses RX 6500 XT.
Will the Evounic RX 580 work with my setup?
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. The Evounic RX 580's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks second of 3, as our Most VRAM pick.
What extras do the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and the Evounic RX 580 include?
The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050: the lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. The Evounic RX 580: an older RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM. The HELLOLAND King White: a white case with five RGB fans.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050, chosen for the lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. Look at the Evounic RX 580 for the most VRAM here (8GB) and the HELLOLAND King White for a white case with five RGB fans at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Check that the RAM is dual channel and the PSU is named.