Pre-built computers can save you from the hassle of researching compatible components and troubleshooting hardware errors, focusing instead on finding a machine suited for specific games or software. PC gaming is notorious for being the more expensive choice than consoles, and home office computers are often underpowered. Luckily, we searched for the best PC under $1,000 to get the most out of your budget.
Best overall
CyberPowerPC offers a 12th Gen i5-12400F CPU and 16GB DDR4 RAM clocked at 3200MHz. A 1TB M.2 SSD has plenty of space for software, and the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is a capable mid-range GPU. All this with a mouse and keyboard is enough to get you started.
Runner-up
HP offers an Intel 12th Gen Core i5-12400 CPU and a single 8GB stick of HyperX DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz. Another PC with the capable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, but with less storage space in its single 256GB SSD. Upgraded DDR4 RAM and storage would benefit you here.
Third alternative
Lenovo features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and a mid-range Radeon RX 6500 XT GPU supporting most modern games. 8GB of DDR4 RAM clocked at 3200MHz will soon need upgrading, but the 1TB hard drive offers plenty of storage space. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 is a nice bonus, too.
Best for home office
The Aspire all-in-one from Acer is a PC built into a 27-inch monitor. Its Intel 12th Gen Core i5-1235U CPU pairs with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB M.2 SSD. It's perfect for the modern home office with built-in Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C support.
Budget-friendly
HP squeezes an Intel 10th Gen Core i5-10400F 2.9GHz CPU into this budget build. It comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM at 2666MHz and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB, a previous-gen GPU that can still handle low-to-mid-range gaming. The 256GB SSD is tiny, so consider upgrading the internal hard drive.
Best mini PC
The discreet Geekom Mini Air 11 uses Windows 11 Pro but can be formatted with any operating system of your choice. An included VESA mount allows you to attach it to the back of most monitors to save space, and there's plenty of connectivity.
Choosing the best PC under $1,000
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Approaching desktop computers as a beginner can be daunting. Thousands of components with speeds, sizes, and brands make it tricky to find the perfect combination. Thankfully, many manufacturers are putting together pre-built desktops for us, like the fantastic CyberPowerPC gaming desktop loaded with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core CPU and GeForce RTX 3050 GPU.
For the home office, the Aspire AIO 27-inch desktop from Acer keeps things simple with their space-saving all-in-one PC, or you can go even further with the Geekom MiniAir 11, a tiny PC that you can mount behind a monitor with its included VESA mount. Just be prepared to spring for one of the best external hard drives to supplement smaller storage options, like the HP Pavilion budget option.
