I build gaming PCs for a living, and these pre-builds with Presidents' Day discounts are a smarter buy — but they won't last long

Presidents' Day PC deals are a great way to skip the custom build process and even save some cash on the components inside amid an ongoing memory and storage pricing crisis. I've recommended pre-builds to friends and readers alike, and iBUYPOWER remains one of the best picks for ready-made gaming PCs.

So, if you can't be bothered to hunt down some affordable RAM (and I don't blame you), then check out these limited-time discounts before they expire!

iBUYPOWER is also throwing in an FHD@144Hz ASUS VG279QE5A gaming monitor (worth $159) with orders of all its custom PCs, and you can use code BOGO15 to save 15% on a second desktop if you order two at the same time (limited to one use per customer order).

Cheapest pre-built gaming PC

RTX 5060

Save 14% ($200)

iBUYPOWER RDY Slate 6M R03 (Ryzen 5 7600, RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD): was $1,399 now $1,199 at iBUYPOWER

Now, that's affordable. With the entry-level RTX 5060 desktop GPU, you'll have access to DLSS upscaling for improved performance, and 16GB of DDR5 RAM can be updated in the future when the prices settle. If you're just getting started with PC gaming, start here.

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Best pre-built specs for gaming

RX 9070 XT

Save $350

iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 (Ryzen 7 7800X3D, RX 9070 XT, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD): was $2,349 now $1,999 at iBUYPOWER

A great spec list here; the Ryzen 7 7800X3D still stands as a top-tier gaming CPU, and it's paired with the exceptionally well-priced Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU. 32GB of DDR5 RAM will crush any game, and a 2TB SSD is generous.

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5070 Ti

Save $250

iBuyPower RDY Element Pro R08 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD): was $2,699 now $2,449 at iBUYPOWER

Push your budget a little higher, and you'll get the modern variant of the best gaming CPU from AMD: the 9800X3D, combined with NVIDIA's well-balanced RTX 5070 Ti GPU. That, and a perfect 32GB of DDR5-600 RAM with a 2TB SSD.

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Biggest iBUYPOWER discount

RTX 5070 Ti

Save 15% ($450)

iBUYPOWER RDY Y70 Touch Infinite Gundam Wing Edition (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD): was $2,999 now $2,549 at iBUYPOWER

No compromises? Okay, sure. This monster comes in HYTE's gigantic case, complete with a vertical touchscreen, and sports similarly higher-end components inside. It'll run anything and technically has the largest discount.

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Which gaming PC specs matter most?

This argument can go in all kinds of different directions, depending on who you ask, but I'm in the camp that says the CPU matters most. With it, you define your chosen motherboard and its compatible socket, which then leads you towards compatible PCIe expansion cards (GPU) and speed-matched memory (RAM).

My praise for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains relevant today, even if its technically more modern sibling, the similarly brilliant Ryzen 7 9800X3D, has taken its crown — or at least shares it. If you're digging further into the details, then DDR5-6000 RAM is the best match for either processor, hitting the "sweet spot" of performance and cost.

Regarding that memory (RAM) conversation, 16GB will be fine, but 32GB is quickly becoming the new standard. And yes, RAM prices are going haywire, so the prospect of upgrading from 16GB to 32GB later down the line is more of a "light at the end of the tunnel" prospect than a concrete plan that you can make. If you can stretch your budget to 32GB, go for it.

Similarly, 1TB of storage is completely fine, but any more will be a bonus. Personally, I prefer to stick with two separate 1TB storage drives, saving one for my Windows 11 installation (C:) and the second for a dedicated game drive (D:).

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