Buying Guide
The Best Sub-$1,000 Gaming PCs
Four sub-$1,000 gaming PCs with stronger CPUs, from RX 6600 to RTX 4060, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Most sub-$1,000 systems use a six-core Ryzen 5 5500. These four use an eight-core Ryzen 7 or a Core i5 or i7 instead, which helps with streaming and multitasking.
We compared the parts each listing names: CPU, graphics card and VRAM, memory, storage and, where stated, the power supply and warranty. We did not test these systems, and we skipped listings that leave a core part vague.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
RX 6600 Build
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB)An RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Core i5-13400F Build
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB)A Core i5-13400F processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Ryzen 7 5700X Build
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 3050 6GB)A Ryzen 7 5700X processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Listed PSU
MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060)A 550W power supply.
Best for: A bigger graphics card later.
Check price for MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| An RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Core i5-13400F processor. | Buyers who prefer this CPU platform. | Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Ryzen 7 5700X processor. | Buyers who prefer this CPU platform. | Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 550W power supply. | A bigger graphics card later. | Check price for MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
RX 6600 Build1 of 4
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i7-10700F, RX 6600 8GB)
The STGAubron RX 6600 build pairs a Core i7-10700F, an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 on VRAM (8GB). It matches the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 on SSD capacity (1TB).
It is the only pick here with an RX 6600 graphics card; the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 has an RTX 3050 graphics card instead. It is the only pick here with a core i7-10700F processor; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 has a core i5-12400F processor instead. Like the STGAubron 13400F and STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050, it has a DDR4 memory type, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type.
Check the STGAubron RX 6600'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 specs
- Graphics card
- RX 6600
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i7-10700F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RX 6600 graphics card
- Desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron 13400F
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron 13400F
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
Core i5-13400F Build2 of 4
STGAubron Gaming PC (Core i5-13400F, RTX 3050 6GB)
The STGAubron 13400F build pairs a Core i5-13400F, an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, 16GB of DDR4 and a 512GB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
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 512GB SSD capacity ranks third of 4 here, behind the STGAubron RX 6600 (1TB) and ahead of the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 (500GB). Like the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050, it has an RTX 3050 graphics card, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses an RX 6600 graphics card.
It is the only pick here with a core i5-13400F processor; the STGAubron RX 6600 has a core i7-10700F processor instead. Like the STGAubron RX 6600 and STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050, it has a DDR4 memory type, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STGAubron 13400F'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.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Processor
- Core i5-13400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4
- SSD
- 512GB
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- 10-core i5-13400F
- SSD capacity of 512GB, ahead of the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060
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
The catch
The main gap: VRAM of 6GB, behind the STGAubron RX 6600 (8GB). If that matters, the STGAubron RX 6600 offers 8GB.
Ryzen 7 5700X Build3 of 4
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 3050 6GB)
Inside the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 are a Ryzen 7 5700X and an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
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. On SSD capacity it ties with the STGAubron RX 6600 at 1TB. It shares an RTX 3050 graphics card with the STGAubron 13400F; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 goes with an RTX 4060 graphics card.
A ryzen 7 5700X processor is unique to it among these picks, while the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses a core i5-12400F processor. It shares a DDR4 memory type with the STGAubron RX 6600 and STGAubron 13400F; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050'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 STGAubron 13400F and cheaper picks cost less, and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 cost more.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 3050
- VRAM
- 6GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 5700X
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 3050 graphics card
- Eight-core Ryzen 7 5700X
- SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron 13400F
- Ryzen 7 5700X processor, the only one here
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 STGAubron RX 6600 (8GB)
The catch
VRAM is its weakest area, and the STGAubron RX 6600 covers it better at 8GB.
Largest Listed PSU4 of 4
MXZ Gaming PC (Core i5-12400F, RTX 4060)
MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 pairs a Core i5-12400F with an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 500GB SSD.
Best for
- A bigger graphics card later.
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 six RGB fans. The power supply is rated at 550W. On VRAM it ties with the STGAubron RX 6600 at 8GB.
On SSD capacity it trails the group at 500GB, while the STGAubron RX 6600 is rated for 1TB. You get an RTX 4060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 and its an RTX 3050 graphics card. You get a core i5-12400F processor here, which sets it apart from the STGAubron 13400F and its a core i5-13400F processor.
A DDR4-3200 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the STGAubron RX 6600 uses a DDR4 memory type. Only the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 4060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-12400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 500GB
- Power supply
- 550W
Pros
- A RTX 4060 graphics card
- A 550W power supply
- Six RGB fans
- VRAM of 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron 13400F
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
- A 500GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
The catch
It gives ground on memory, where the STGAubron RX 6600 offers 16GB.
How We Chose These Sub-$1,000 Gaming PCs
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared four prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 4 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the STGAubron RX 6600 to the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Who each pick suits
- The STGAubron RX 6600 for an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM; the STGAubron 13400F for a Core i5-13400F processor; the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 for a Ryzen 7 5700X processor.
- Price range
- From the STGAubron RX 6600 to the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Sub-$1,000 Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
Across these 4 picks VRAM spans 6GB (the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050) to 8GB (the STGAubron RX 6600). If VRAM is your first filter, the STGAubron RX 6600 sets the ceiling at 8GB.
SSD capacity
Here SSD capacity runs from 500GB on the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 to 1TB on the STGAubron RX 6600, a 100% spread. Start with the STGAubron RX 6600 if SSD capacity decides it.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Processor
The STGAubron RX 6600 lists Core i7-10700F; the STGAubron 13400F lists Core i5-13400F; the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 lists Ryzen 7 5700X; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 lists Core i5-12400F.
Memory type
The STGAubron RX 6600, the STGAubron 13400F and the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 list DDR4; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 lists DDR4-3200. Settling memory type first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk What to check at home
Check the STGAubron RX 6600'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 Sub-$1,000 Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p gaming | STGAubron RX 6600 | An RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | STGAubron 13400F | A Core i5-13400F processor |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 | A Ryzen 7 5700X processor |
| A bigger graphics card later | MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 | A 550W power supply |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The STGAubron RX 6600 leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 at 8GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STGAubron RX 6600 | RX 6600 | 8GB | Core i7-10700F | 16GB |
| STGAubron 13400F | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Core i5-13400F | 16GB |
| STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 | RTX 3050 | 6GB | Ryzen 7 5700X | 16GB |
| MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Core i5-12400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 worth paying more than the STGAubron RX 6600?
The MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 matches or trails the STGAubron RX 6600 on VRAM and SSD capacity. The STGAubron RX 6600 leads on SSD capacity (1TB). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.
What makes the STGAubron RX 6600 the RX 6600 Build?
It earns the label for an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM. It makes sense for 1080p gaming.
Do the STGAubron RX 6600 and the STGAubron 13400F differ on graphics card?
The STGAubron RX 6600 uses RX 6600; the STGAubron 13400F and the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 use RTX 3050; the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 uses RTX 4060.
What should I check before buying the STGAubron 13400F?
Check the STGAubron 13400F's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The STGAubron 13400F's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks second of 4, as our Core i5-13400F Build pick, and third of 4 on VRAM (6GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the STGAubron RX 6600 and the STGAubron 13400F apart?
The STGAubron RX 6600: a desktop RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM. The STGAubron 13400F: a 10-core i5-13400F. The STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050: an eight-core Ryzen 7 5700X.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the STGAubron RX 6600, chosen for an RX 6600 with 8GB of VRAM. Look at the STGAubron 13400F for a Core i5-13400F processor, the STGAubron R7 5700X RTX 3050 for a Ryzen 7 5700X processor and the MXZ i5-12400F RTX 4060 for a 550W power supply if those matter more to you.
The CPU here outlasts the graphics card, so plan the GPU as the first upgrade.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $1,000
- Related guideThe Best Budget Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming PCs Under $1,000
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Gaming Desktops
- ExplainerWhat a Prebuilt PC Product Page Leaves Out: PSU, Motherboard and RAM Layout
- ExplainerHow to Choose an All-in-One PC Without Overpaying
- Check compatibility: graphics cardsHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- Similar guideThe Best $1,000 Gaming PCs
- Topic hubAll prebuilt gaming pcs guides
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
View all articles