Home » Prebuilt Gaming PC » Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500 in 2023

Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500 in 2023

We take a closer look at the best prebuilt gaming computers for under $1500

Updated: Aug 7, 2023 2:30 pm
Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500 in 2023

At WePC we always recommend you build your own gaming PC but we understand that many simply do not want to do this, whether it’s fear of breaking a component or a lack of time. With this in mind, today, we are going to be searching for the best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500.

We already recommend the best custom gaming PC for under $1500, so decided to find the five best-prebuilt alternatives available online. Of course, when buying a prebuilt computer there are going to compromise but we will talk you through those, later on, to assist you with your final decision or hopefully tempt you into building your own instead. In terms of budget, there is also consideration of going either way, be it the best prebuilt under $2000, or under $1000 for you to consider.

Let’s take a look at our top five prebuilt gaming PCs under $1500.

Today’s best gaming PC deals

  1. Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gaming Desktop – Save $550 NOW!
  2. CLX Set VR-Ready Gaming Desktop – Save $500 NOW!
  3. Corsair Vengeance i7400 Series Gaming PC – Save $300 NOW!
  4. YEYIAN Yari X21 Gaming PC Computer – Save $300 NOW!
  5. ASUS ROG Strix G10 Gaming Desktop PC – Save $354 NOW!
*Prices are subject to change. WePC | Let's build your dream gaming PC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Our top picks

Best prebuilt gaming PCs at a glance

Skytech Nebula Gaming PC Desktop (R5 5600X, RTX 4070)

Skytech Nebula Gaming PC Desktop R5 5600X RTX 4070

CPU

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

16GB DDR4

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Skytech Shiva II Gaming PC (R7 5700X, RTX 4070)

Skytech Shiva II Gaming PC R7 5700X RTX 4070

CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

16GB DDR4 3200

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

YEYIAN Shoge Gaming PC (i5 13400F, RTX 4070)

YEYIAN Shoge Gaming PC i5 13400F RTX 4070

CPU

Intel Core i5 13400F

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

16GB DDR4 3200MHz

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Empowered PC Continuum Micro Gaming Desktop (i7-10700F, RTX 4070)

Empowered PC Continuum Micro Gaming Desktop i7 10700F RTX 4070

CPU

Intel i7-10700F

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

32GB DDR4 2933MHz

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD + 2TB 7200rpm HDD

Skytech Archangel Gaming PC Desktop (RTX 4060 Ti)

Skytech Archangel Gaming PC Desktop

CPU

Intel Core i5 12400F

GPU

RTX 4060 Ti

RAM

16GB

Storage

1TB NVME SSD

Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500 – in-depth review

Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500

01

Skytech Nebula Gaming PC Desktop (R5 5600X, RTX 4070)

Skytech Nebula Gaming PC Desktop R5 5600X RTX 4070

CPU

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

16GB DDR4

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Pros
  • Features latest generation GPU with plenty of benefits of efficiency and improvements
  • Airflow focused PC with mesh front and plenty of fans
Cons
  • Still only features 1TB of storage

For the best choice of PC under $1500, we have the Skytech Nebula Gaming PC. At the top of the list, it combines modern hardware at a good tier with a good value getting you the best option for your money.

For its graphics card, it utilizes an RTX 4070. With the new generation of Ada architecture, it benefits from the likes of DLSS 3 and the frame generation that requires it. With that card, you can expect to achieve over 140 FPS on average at 1080p, with 1440p dropping to around 100, with 4K just around 60. That means it is a well-rounded GPU although at the highest levels, it might require some settings management. But in general, that card is probably the best value option in that series.

In terms of its processor, you do get a Ryzen 5 5600X, a very capable and good value option for gaming PCs. Therefore it is a good combination to combine with your GPU although it could potentially provide a bit of a bottleneck at low resolutions. Whilst for its RAM it has 16GB DDR4 at 3200MHz, which might be a bit slow to get the most out of the CPU. Whilst in terms of storage it also only uses 1TB of NVMe, which might be a bit limiting when you have to install plenty of games.

It also comes with a mesh front and plenty of fans to give you a good cooling solution. Along with a lot of RGB if you’re into that.

Next best gaming PC under $1500

02

Skytech Shiva II Gaming PC (R7 5700X, RTX 4070)

Skytech Shiva II Gaming PC R7 5700X RTX 4070

CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

16GB DDR4 3200

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Pros
  • A higher end CPU that offers performance without necessity of DDR5 and AM5
  • New mid tier GPU that brings a lot of perfromance and features
Cons
  • A slow RAM option at this price point

For the next best gaming PC under $1500, the Skutech Shiva II provides a good performance and value option. The machine provides good components at tier level, although the airflow of the machine might leave some things to be desired.

Also hosting an RTX 4070 does bring plenty of performance with it. You can expect to get good framerates across three resolutions. Along with the new generation features and efficiency of the Ada card. It is also well paired with the Ryzen 7 5700X, a good tier AM4 CPU that doesn’t require the new DDR5 hardware found with the AM5 platform.

For RAM and storage, it utilizes the same as plenty other of models available. With 16GB of DDR4 running 3200MHz, and 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. Both of these should give you a responsive and fast feeling system, even if it might not be enough these days but they are easier to expand on than other parts anyway if you don’t mind some DIY down the line.

Where the machine might falter is in the airflow, it doesn’t really have any. Although it comes with a 240mm AIO the solid front panel limits any potential cooling it could have in total.

Best Intel 13th Gen prebuilt under $1500

03
The best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500

YEYIAN Shoge Gaming PC (i5 13400F, RTX 4070)

YEYIAN Shoge Gaming PC i5 13400F RTX 4070

CPU

Intel Core i5 13400F

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

16GB DDR4 3200MHz

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Pros
  • Modern and featureful GPU choice
Cons
  • A limited single fan AIO cooler for the CPU that could be limiting to its performance
  • Slower speed RAM and limited storage capacity

Another great machine under the $1500 mark is the Yeyian Shoge. It also comes with great components that thrive in the mid-tier. However, it is let down by the case it is in with the limited airflow allowed in it.

At this level, it also features an RTX 4070 that gives it great performance where you might need it, although the 4K might be quite limited. Whilst for the CPU it has an i5 13400F, which means you get the newest gen of hardware across the board that can unlock the full potential of your hardware. As both come with great efficiency and improvements over the previous options.

It also comes with what seems to be standard 16GB of DDR4 memory also clocked at 3200MHz, which can limit the full potential of some processors. Also featuring the fast booth drive it might be limited on the space it has provided although it still is plenty for most users so it might be for you too.

Where the system might falter is the limited cooling, the PC case has a solid front panel, and even if it has fans at the front it might be limited in how much actually comes in. That also can affect the CPU, as it uses just a 120mm AIO it could be a reason it throttles and limits performance eventually.

Honorable mention

04

Empowered PC Continuum Micro Gaming Desktop (i7-10700F, RTX 4070)

Empowered PC Continuum Micro Gaming Desktop i7 10700F RTX 4070

CPU

Intel i7-10700F

GPU

RTX 4070

RAM

32GB DDR4 2933MHz

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD + 2TB 7200rpm HDD

Pros
  • Features two storage devices with both NVMe and HDD for a good combination of good boot speed and big capacity slower option
  • A good selection of both CPU and GPU for mid tier performance
Cons
  • An older gen processor

For something a bit different the Empowered PC Continuum provides a nice-looking case with infinity glass at the front for a great-looking machine.

As standard for the $1500 mark, it comes with an RTX 4070 for good performance with over 100 at both 1080p and 1440p, with 4K being a bit tougher. It does hold back with the CPU a bit more with a 10th gen i7, although it’s still a perfectly capable gaming processor, it doesn’t match up to the new-gen GPU it has. However, it shouldn’t bottleneck the cards anyway,

Where the machine differs and brings some good options is the RAM and storage it uses. It ups the count to 32GB, even if it is a bit slower it does give you a lot more flexibility in what you’re doing and how much at the same time. Where it also shines is the storage solutions it has, with a NVMe boot drive and option for some games, it then has a HDD for those games that you don’t mind the loading times as much. This does improve your capacity overall if you don’t mind the speed as much. You can also find the limitations to the airflow from the enclosed case that might hinder the cooling of your components.

Best budget prebuilt PC under $1500

05
Best budget prebuilt gaming PC under $1500

Skytech Archangel Gaming PC Desktop (RTX 4060 Ti)

Skytech Archangel Gaming PC Desktop

CPU

Intel Core i5 12400F

GPU

RTX 4060 Ti

RAM

16GB

Storage

1TB NVME SSD

Pros
  • Great airflow and all round design of the build
  • New gen hardware available that brings new features and improvements
Cons

If you don’t want to quite hit the top end of the budget, the Skytech Archangel brings some top power but not maxing it out. It brings with it a tier down of a GPU, with the RTX 4060 Ti that knocks down the expected performance of the machine. At 1080p you can expect just over 110 FPS, with 1440p around 80 FPS average, and you can’t expect 4K to really achieve enough for 60. Which is still a good level that is enough for many users.

For the CPU it has an i5 12400F, also turning down what tier is used and saving on the non-integrated GPU version gives a lot of value for the machine. It pairs up well with the graphics card to get the most out of them. It also has 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz, which is adequate these days and keeps it well within the budget. That is the same with the storage solution with just a 1TB NVMe that is fast and capacious even if it might run out sooner rather than later. It certainly has the airflow in mind with a mesh front panel with plenty of fans to keep it cool.

How we choose

We scoured popular and reputable prebuilt gaming PC manufacturers such as SkyTech, MSI, iBuyPower, CyberPowerPC, and even the latest prebuilt gaming desktop PCs from companies that specialize in upgrades and customizations such as CUK.

After an extensive search, we came up with a long list of potential candidates, we then: examined the specs, compared them, and came up with the five best gaming PCs under $1,500.

How we test

Unlike our best prebuilt gaming PC under $800 and our $1000 prebuilt article, we didn’t test games at 1080p/ultra settings.

Let’s face it, a computer that costs $1,500 should be able to handle almost anything without breaking a sweat. It’s time to up your expectations! We’re testing these PCs at 2K (1440p) and even 4K resolutions.

If you don’t have a 1440p resolution monitor, then you should eventually invest in a 2K monitor, or get one of the best gaming monitors that can handle 2K or 4K resolution. Well, assuming you want to get the most out of these prebuilt PCs, which I assume you do.

On average, these 5 prebuilt computers can handle the following games in both 1440p and 2160p resolutions:

With the right preset, you can experience over 60FPS on all of these titles. Ideally, you’d want to tone the graphics down to high but it still boils down to personal preference as competitive players would prefer a lower preset over fine-tuned graphics output.

Things to consider

For gamers that don’t fancy the challenge of building the best custom gaming PC for under $1500, a prebuilt alternative is the way to go. Of course, whether you are building yourself a PC or not, there are still several areas to consider before making the purchase.

In this section, we are going to be going over these key areas to ensure you make the correct choice and buy a product that is suited to your gaming needs.

Budget

We provide information on custom PCs and prebuilts by splitting them into different categories based on particular budgets. It is always important to set ourselves a budget when we go looking to buy a new computer as it can be incredibly easy to spend more than you were originally planning.

When it comes to gaming PCs that cost under $1500, you can be sure to get a machine that is powerful and capable of more than just a high-end gaming experience. For those looking to play the latest AAA games in the highest settings at high resolutions, then you are in the right place. If however, you are more of a casual gamer that maybe has a 1080p monitor, a $1000 prebuilt maybe all you need.

$1500 Prebuilt vs. Custom built gaming PC

We always recommend that you build your own computer here at WePC and that is for one simple reason – value.  It is no secret that you can squeeze in better hardware for your cash when building your own system, with the markup on prebuilt computers usually costing the same amount as an entire component ($100-$300).

Performance

While the performance of these prebuilt gaming PCs under 1500 is great, when building your own you could in theory include a better CPU or GPU into your computer without spending more. This means you could get even better performance for your hard-earned cash, get better in-game results, and future-proof your investment for longer.

Convenience

The main selling point behind a prebuilt is it saves you the hassle. We understand that not everyone knows how to build a computer and may not even have the time to learn this new skill, so the convenience of a prebuilt one makes a lot of sense. Of course, there are many more benefits to buying a prebuilt gaming PC from manufacturers, obviously, it takes the stresses away from finding all the compatible components, while also preventing damage to said components when the time comes to build it.

With a prebuilt gaming PC, you are going to be able to send it back to the manufacturer if anything goes wrong. Furthermore, if you feel you need an upgrade, suppliers will often do this for you or at least insist you send it to them for an upgrade. Manufacturers will also dish out a warranty, usually covering parts and labor for around a year but some companies offer impressive warranties and you can always spend extra on insurance, giving you a lengthy/ lifetime warranty.

A prebuilt from the biggest manufacturers around the world isn’t just packaged nicely for you either, they normally stress test the system to ensure the components are working before shipping and that it performs as it should. You will also receive your system with software, usually with Windows and drivers pre-installed, so you can simply plug it in and start downloading games.

Other features and freebies

You will often find most prebuilt gaming PCs ship with a free keyboard and mouse. Don’t get too excited, these are usually low-quality peripherals but good enough to get you playing games quickly. We advise you to invest in better-quality peripherals down the line but hey who doesn’t love free stuff?

Build A Gaming PC By Price

Check out some of our price-focused custom PC build guides below.

Other Related Custom PC Guides:

Build A Gaming PC For Specific Games

Check out some of our game-focused custom PC build guides below.

Related Prebuilt Gaming PC Guides

Check out some of our related prebuilt PC guides below.

Best Prebuilt Gaming PC Brands

Every recommended prebuilt gaming PC in this article is from a reputable manufacturer. You are probably wondering how we know what the best gaming PC brands are? Well, we have done our research and purchased PCs from these brands.

Most notable brands:

Alienware
Corsair
CyberPowerPC
SkyTech
iBUYPOWER
Thermaltake
MSI
Scan 3XS
Overclockers UK

Final word

As it stands, these are the best prebuilt gaming PCs under $1500. Every selection in this round-up will bring you an excellent gaming experience for years to come and which you choose largely depends on your budget and needs. Hopefully, after reading this article you are now ready to make your decision but rest assured these are high quality and come from reputable companies.

This way you can find a good gaming rig that will hit you with plenty of FPS. Some of them feature the best graphics cards but don’t forget some of the other features of your rig. If it’s what cooler its features, how many USB ports it has, or even the power supply that runs it so it doesn’t ruin the fun too soon. But also consider the HDMI and DisplayPort available, as it needs to suit your monitor to match the performance of the system.

FAQ

Is a $1500 gaming PC worth it?

A $1500 gaming PC is a great price point to aim for. It’s on the entry point to the higher end of the performance. With plenty of features being implemented that are nice to find in them, such as multiple large-capacity storage drives. It also includes the next tier of components that are only one generation behind, so it is a good point for 2 or 4k gaming with higher refresh rates.

How much is a decent prebuilt gaming PC?

You can easily get a decent gaming PC under $800, with entry-level CPUs and GPUs that are still fairly modern. They can achieve good and fast performance at that level. But you will lack in some departments, such as the storage capacity, and be limited to lower resolutions. So for a bit better experience, aiming for $1500 will give you a solid experience.

WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more


Trusted Source

WePC’s mission is to be the most trusted site in tech. Our editorial content is 100% independent and we put every product we review through a rigorous testing process before telling you exactly what we think. We won’t recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves. Read more