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Why go mid-range for the best gaming PCs?
When it comes to gaming, using a well built gaming PC can make all the difference. Our list picks some of the best gaming PC’s for those who are aiming for an immersive experience with smooth gameplay but don’t want to go all out on ultra-high-end rigs that cost a a lot. For that, the mid-range gaming PCs are the perfect balance. These systems offer powerful components, excellent performance, and value for money, making them ideal for gamers and pros looking to step up their setup without spending too much.
What to Look for
If you can understand the components of a PC you can get the best performance for your money. For example, the graphics card, also known as GPU, is the heart of any gaming rig, it determines how smoothly and beautifully your games will run. For 1080p gaming, a GPU with 6 to 8GB of VRAM is typically sufficient, while higher resolutions like 1440p or ultrawide setups benefit more from 10 to 16GB. Pair that with a capable CPU that has at least six to eight cores and strong single-thread performance, as modern games are increasingly designed to take advantage of multiple cores.
Equally important is your memory and storage setup. These days, a minimum of 16 GB of RAM is now considered the sweet spot for most gamers, though 32 GB provides more breathing room for streaming, multitasking, or creative workloads. For storage, always prioritize a fast SSD storage too, certainly over a traditional hard drive, it drastically reduces load times and makes your system feel snappier. Many modern PCs also include secondary drives for larger game libraries, striking a balance between speed and capacity.
Also, don’t overlook the supporting components that ensure your system stays cool, efficient, and upgradeable. A high-quality power supply with at least an 80+ Bronze or Gold rating ensures reliable performance and leaves room for future upgrades. Cooling and case design play a huge role in maintaining stable thermals as well, so look for good airflow, multiple fans, and tidy cable management. Meanwhile, a well-chosen motherboard should offer expansion options like extra M.2 slots, USB ports, and support for next-gen CPUs or GPUs. Paying attention to these details means you’re not just buying a PC that works today, you’re investing in one that can grow with your gaming ambitions. When looking at low to mid-range builds, it can be harder to get everything on this list, so it helps to prioritise the features you need most.
So, now we’ve been over the basics, let’s check out our list of top 5 mid-range gaming PCs that combine performance, style, and reliability below:
1. iBuyPower SlateMesh Gaming PC
The iBuyPower SlateMesh Gaming PC delivers both performance and a striking design, making it a popular choice for gamers. This PC is versatile enough for both gaming and multitasking, thanks to its quiet fans and fast boot-up times. Its standout feature is the bold front panel with a cross-section mesh design that not only looks great but also ensures optimal airflow to keep the system cool during intense gaming sessions.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB
- Memory: 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Storage: 500GB SSD
This PC is an excellent performer for 1080p gaming, offering reliable frame rates and strong cooling capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that at higher resolutions, you may experience lower FPS. The graphics card, while not the most powerful on this list, is well-suited for most modern games and ensures smooth performance for mid-range gaming setups.
2. Skytech Shiva Gaming PC
The Skytech Shiva Gaming PC is a visually stunning system with plenty of power under the hood. This prebuilt PC is perfect for gamers who want a sleek and high-performing setup for most modern games. Powered by the Intel Core i5-12400F, the Shiva handles everything from casual gaming to multitasking with ease.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12400F (up to 4.4GHz)
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6X
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz Gaming Memory
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
The included white tempered glass ATX Mid-Tower case, complete with RGB lighting, makes this PC stand out visually. It also includes a gaming keyboard and mouse, so you’re ready to dive in right out of the box. While it may not push the limits of ultra-high-end gaming, it delivers exceptional performance for mid-range gamers looking for an attractive and reliable setup.
3. STG Aubron Gaming PC
The STG Aubron Gaming PC is an excellent entry point for gamers who want solid performance for multitasking and gaming without venturing into premium territory. It’s a versatile build, capable of handling tasks beyond gaming, such as academic work, creative projects, and light video editing.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (up to 3.9GHz) 4-Core
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GDDR5
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
This PC also comes with a full set of RGB accessories, including a soundbar, mouse pad, and keyboard, adding a touch of personality to your gaming desk. While its GPU isn’t the most advanced on this list, the Aubron handles 1080p gaming comfortably, making it ideal for gamers who value versatility. The strorage and RAM are at a minumum though, so you may want to invest in upgrading those over time.
4. Acer Predator Orion 3000
The Acer Predator Orion 3000 is a compact yet powerful gaming PC designed for gamers who want strong performance in a smaller form factor. With a capacity of just 18 liters, this system is significantly smaller than most gaming towers, making it perfect for desks with limited space.
Key Features:
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700F 12-Core
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 1TB Gen4 SSD + 1TB HDD
This PC performs exceptionally well for 1080p and 1440p gaming, with smooth frame rates across a wide range of modern titles. The included storage options provide plenty of room for games and media, though some users may find the bundled antivirus software intrusive. Overall, the Orion 3000 is a fantastic mid-range option for gamers who prioritize space-saving designs without compromising on power.
5. CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme is a standout option for gamers seeking high performance and upgradability. This system combines a powerful CPU with a mid-range GPU, making it an excellent choice for most gaming scenarios.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700F
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti 16GB VRAM
- Memory: 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Storage: 1TB Gen4 SSD
While the CPU is on the higher end of the spectrum, the RTX 4060 Ti is a solid mid-range graphics card that ensures smooth performance for popular titles like GTA V, Minecraft, and Apex Legends. It can handle demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at decent frame rates, especially at 1080p or 1440p resolutions. However, for 4K gaming, it may struggle to meet higher demands.
The only notable downside is the included cooling fan, which is quite small and may need an upgrade to ensure long-term reliability during extended gaming sessions. With its combination of components, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme offers impressive value for a mid-range gaming rig.
Upgrade Path & Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a gaming PC in the mid-range is its flexibility for future upgrades. Unlike some budget systems that use proprietary parts or smaller cases, most quality gaming PCs are built with standard components, allowing you to swap out or expand parts as your needs change overtime. Upgrading the GPU is often one of the first moves when chasing better frame rates or stepping up to higher resolutions, while adding more RAM or a faster SSD can breathe new life into your system without it costing too much as GPU’s can be pricy. Even something as simple as upgrading cooling fans or a power supply can extend your PC’s lifespan by improving thermals and stability.
If you’re planning ahead, getting a system with enough PSU wattage, multiple PCIe slots, and room for additional drives or larger GPUs will pay off in the long run if you plan on expanding your setup. These features make it easier to upgrade rather than replace your PC every few years. Nowadays, where hardware evolves quickly but prices can fluctuate, a well-chosen mid-range system gives you an ideal foundation, that’s powerful enough for today’s titles, yet flexible enough to adapt to future demands. And that’s what you’d want in a decent PC.
Why not just custom build your PC?
Choosing between a prebuilt gaming PC and building your own is one of the biggest decisions new gamers face. Prebuilts offer convenience, you get a machine that’s ready to go out of the box, complete with tested components, usually they also have warranty coverage, and professional cable management. For players who value simplicity or don’t have the time, or the knowhow to assemble a system, prebuilts can be a stress-free solution. They’re also great for those who want guaranteed compatibility and immediate customer support if something goes wrong.
But! Building your own PC gives you a ton of benefits. You full control over every part, from the case aesthetics to the exact brand of GPU or RAM you prefer. DIY systems often provide better value per pound, letting you put more budget to performance instead of labor or branding costs. If you don’t mind taking the time to research, and a bit of patience to ensure everything fits and functions properly, prebuilds are an amazing, more affortable, solution. Ultimately, prebuilt systems win on convenience and support, while DIY builds excel in customization and cost efficiency so it depends what you value more.
Some drawbacks and when not to choose these PCs
With the low to mid-range spec PC builds, you might quickly hit performance bottlenecks if you’re targeting 4K resolution, ultra-high frame rates, or heavy content creation workloads. Some also come with compromises like lower-quality power supplies, limited cooling, or motherboards that restrict future upgrades. And large, power-hungry GPUs may not fit comfortably in smaller cases, so budget coolers can lead to higher noise or thermal throttling during long gaming sessions. These are also some reason why you might want to build your own PC.
On top of that, certain users might find mid-range systems less appealing if they’re after specialized setups, such as quiet, workstation-grade builds or extreme overclocking rigs. It’s important to be realistic about your needs as more budget builds are designed for balanced performance and value, not to chase every benchmark record. Knowing when to invest more, or hold back, allows you to buy a system that truly fits your lifestyle, not just the marketing hype.
Final Thoughts
Mid-range gaming PCs strike the perfect balance between performance and price, delivering excellent gaming experiences without the premium cost of high-end systems. Whether you’re looking for a compact powerhouse like the Acer Predator Orion 3000, an eye-catching performer like the Skytech Shiva, or the versatility of the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme, there’s a system that offers different features that fit different users.
These PCs on our list are capable of handling the latest games at 1080p or 1440p, and many offer the flexibility to upgrade components down the line. Keep in mind that cooling and storage are areas where you might consider improvements for even better performance and longevity.
We hope this article on the best gaming PC’s helped you find the perfect one. Check out our other related articles on the links below. Or, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop instead? Try our Laptop Finder Quiz and be matched with instant recommendations.
