Buying Guide
The Best RTX 50 Series Gaming PCs
We weighed five gaming PCs on VRAM and memory, and the MEK RTX 5050 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
RTX 50 series prebuilts bring DLSS 4 and current NVIDIA features. Every pick uses an RTX 50 card, ordered from the lowest price.
We ranked these gaming PCs on graphics card, VRAM and processor using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these gaming PCs ourselves, and where a maker leaves out power supply, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB)
A lower price than the AVGPC Mini-X and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5050 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB)
A desktop RTX 5060 in a small case.
Best for: Buyers who want desktop RTX 5060 in a small case.
Our take Check price for AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060)
A current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who want current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
Our take Check price for STORMCRAFT Sirius Gaming PC (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
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)
Premium Pick
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB)
An AM5 platform at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
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
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
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. An RTX 5050 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 AVGPC Mini-X and Skytech 5700 RTX 5060; the Gamer Master 8400F goes with a DDR5 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. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the AVGPC Mini-X was closest.
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
Also Consider2 of 5
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the AVGPC Mini-X are a Core i5-11400F and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want desktop RTX 5060 in a small case.
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 also comes with a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). No other pick in this guide offers a core i5-11400F processor; compare the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, which has a ryzen 7 5700 processor.
Like the MEK RTX 5050 and Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, it has a DDR4-3200 memory type, while the STORMCRAFT Sirius uses a DDR4 memory type. Check the AVGPC Mini-X'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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper MEK RTX 5050 and the pricier STORMCRAFT Sirius, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Processor: Core i5-11400F
- Memory: 16GB
- Memory type: DDR4-3200
- 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
- Desktop RTX 5060 in a small case
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 MEK RTX 5050 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- Buyers who want current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
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 pairs a Core i5-14400F with a current RTX 5060. A core i5-14400F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the AVGPC Mini-X uses a core i5-11400F processor. You get a DDR4 memory type here, which sets it apart from the Gamer Master 8400F and its a DDR5 memory type.
You also get a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. Check the STORMCRAFT Sirius'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. When we checked, only the AVGPC Mini-X and cheaper picks cost less, and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 cost more. Power supply wattage is its weakest area, and the MEK RTX 5050 covers it better at 650W.
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
- Costs more than the MEK RTX 5050 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 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
- 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 RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. A ryzen 7 5700 processor is unique to it among these picks, while the AVGPC Mini-X uses a core i5-11400F processor.
It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the MEK RTX 5050 and AVGPC Mini-X; the Gamer Master 8400F goes with a DDR5 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. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more.
When we checked, only the STORMCRAFT Sirius and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gamer Master 8400F cost more. If you want a confirmed power supply wattage, look to the MEK RTX 5050 instead: it offers 650W, while this one gives no figure.
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
- Ryzen 7 5700 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
- No published power supply wattage
Premium Pick5 of 5
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master (Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CyberPowerPC's Gamer Master uses an AM5 Ryzen 5 8400F with an RTX 5060 8GB, 16GB of DDR5 and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
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 sits near $1,200 at the time of writing. A ryzen 5 8400F processor is unique to it among these picks, while the AVGPC Mini-X uses a core i5-11400F processor. You get a DDR5 memory type here, which sets it apart from the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and its a DDR4-3200 memory type.
It also offers an AM5 platform. 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. The Gamer Master 8400F'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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 the nearest cheaper option. VRAM is its weakest area, and the MEK RTX 5050 covers it better at 8GB.
Key dimensions & 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
- Ryzen 5 8400F 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
- No published power supply wattage
How We Chose These RTX 50 Series Gaming PCs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five 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 5, from the MEK RTX 5050 to the Gamer Master 8400F, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Gamer Master 8400F give no power supply wattage; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Gamer Master 8400F give no PSU rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MEK RTX 5050 ($500 to $1000) to the Gamer Master 8400F ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in an RTX 50 Series Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Processor
The MEK RTX 5050 lists ryzen 5 5500; the AVGPC Mini-X lists Core i5-11400F; the STORMCRAFT Sirius lists Core i5-14400F; the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 lists ryzen 7 5700; the Gamer Master 8400F lists Ryzen 5 8400F. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Memory type
The MEK RTX 5050, the AVGPC Mini-X and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 list DDR4-3200; the STORMCRAFT Sirius lists DDR4; the Gamer Master 8400F lists DDR5. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
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.
Extras that separate them
The STORMCRAFT Sirius: a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing. The Skytech 5700 RTX 5060: an eight-core Ryzen 7 5700. The Gamer Master 8400F: 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD.
Where your budget lands
$500 to $1000 buys the MEK RTX 5050; $1000 to $1500 buys the AVGPC Mini-X, the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Gamer Master 8400F at our last check.
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.
How to Choose an RTX 50 Series Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | MEK RTX 5050 | A lower price than the AVGPC Mini-X and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want desktop RTX 5060 in a small case | AVGPC Mini-X | A desktop RTX 5060 in a small case |
| Buyers who want current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing | STORMCRAFT Sirius | A current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing |
| 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 for whom price is not the deciding factor | Gamer Master 8400F | An AM5 platform at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MEK RTX 5050, the AVGPC Mini-X and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEK RTX 5050 | RTX 5050 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 5500 | 16GB |
| AVGPC Mini-X | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-11400F | 16GB |
| STORMCRAFT Sirius | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-14400F | 16GB |
| Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 5700 | 16GB |
| Gamer Master 8400F | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Ryzen 5 8400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MEK RTX 5050 was the lowest-priced pick and the Gamer Master 8400F the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | MEK RTX 5050 |
| About $1000 to $1500 | AVGPC Mini-X, STORMCRAFT Sirius, Skytech 5700 RTX 5060, Gamer Master 8400F |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gamer Master 8400F our Premium Pick pick?
It earns the label for an AM5 platform at the highest price in the group. It suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Do the MEK RTX 5050 and the AVGPC Mini-X differ on graphics card?
The MEK RTX 5050 uses RTX 5050; the AVGPC Mini-X, the STORMCRAFT Sirius, the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 and the Gamer Master 8400F use RTX 5060.
Will the MEK RTX 5050 work with my setup?
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. The 650W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
What extras do the MEK RTX 5050 and the AVGPC Mini-X include?
The MEK RTX 5050: a 650W Gold PSU under $900 at the time of writing. The AVGPC Mini-X: a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The STORMCRAFT Sirius: a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MEK RTX 5050, chosen for a lower price than the AVGPC Mini-X and the rest when we checked. Look at the AVGPC Mini-X for a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case, the STORMCRAFT Sirius for a current RTX 5060 near $1,100 at the time of writing and the Skytech 5700 RTX 5060 for an RTX 5060 near $1,200 at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Check the card is the full model, not a laptop variant.