Best Gaming PC For 1200 Dollars

Are you looking for the best gaming PC with a budget under 1200 dollars? Building your own gaming personal computer is no easy task. Even for a seasoned computer builder, the first boot for any PC is always the scariest. When you are a beginner or just don’t have the time to put in so much effort, your best shot may be to find a pre-built PC that can handle your gaming lifestyle.

The Contenders

Below, I have listed my top choices for a pre-built gaming PC under the $1200 mark:

HIGH BUDGET EQUALS HIGH QUALITY

Spending a bit more money on a computer can result in a better machine. This is due to the higher quality parts that will be used, which leads to a better performance for the user. You don’t have to break the bank in order to get a great machine, but it is important to remember that you usually get what you pay for in regards to technology!

Having said that, a gaming PC just under $1200 would be considered a mid-tier or mid-range gaming PC. To reach the high-end category, a PC will generally have 32GB+ RAM, i9 or Ryzen 9, and a RTX 3070 GPU and above. These are the highest tier components that are usually found in $1800+ computer builds. My goal when recommending budget computers is to get high quality components that are closest to the ones previously mentioned. By doing so, you will also have an idea of what is needed to upgrade a PC build in the future.

Top Performer: Dell XPS 8940 Gaming Tower PC- Intel i7+ RTX 3060 Ti

The first PC to review is our top performer in the list. At the time of writing this article, this gaming PC is valued at $1224.26. The title of this article does request for computer’s under $1200, however, I had to add this one to the list because of the component it holds. If I had $1200 and I only cared about performance, I would ask someone to borrow the extra $25 and buy this PC, hands down. Although this one does not include peripherals, it houses more value in its components than the other choices.

Due to the CPU and GPU choices in this build, I had to give this a 5 star perfomance rating. This combination is probably the best set of components you’re going to get in this price range. Unfortunately, Dell has a habit of building non-flashy no RBG computers. Probably better for an office environment but not so much a flashy gamer. As for upgradeability, I gave this PC a perfect rating. The reason being is because this build is pretty future-proof already. It’s going to be a long time before you have to worry about RAM or Storage with this gaming PC.

CPU (Processor)

This PC carries the Intel i7-11700 processor. This is Intel’s 11th generation processor. With its hyper threading feature and 8 cores, the i7 series has always been Intel’s most dependable CPU for gamers. This model in particular is clocked at a default speed of 2.5GHz with up to 4.4GHz Turbo Speed and comes with integrated graphics in case you need to remove your graphics card. The i7 series is notorious for being able to handle programs such as Adobe Photoshop or AutoCad.

GPU (Graphics Card)

This machine carries the NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB graphics card. The RTX 3000 series were revolutionary when released. They outperformed the 2000 series by double digit percentages in multiple categories and it basically reset the MSRP prices for standard graphics cards, even when Bitcoin mining became popular. Unfortunately, the pandemic made these cards incredibly difficult to find. However, as pandemic restrictions are lifted, these cards are becoming the standard once again. If you are in the market for a graphics card or a computer, it needs to include a 3000 series card or it is not worth buying in 2022!

RAM (Memory)

This PC comes packed with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. Unless you’re the type of gamer that loves to have hundreds of tabs open while gaming, you will not need to upgrade the RAM anytime soon. However, if you are hoping to use more RAM, you will have to buy different RAM together since this PC uses all of its RAM slots with 8GB sticks. 

Storage 

This PC includes 2 hard drives, a 512GB NVMe SSD and a 1TB HDD. The smaller SSD is generally used for the operating system and software. The reason for this is to reduce lag time while your computer searches for data. An SSD is significantly faster and more reliable than a standard HDD. Most cases allow for 2 or more HDD hard drives. If you find that you run out of storage with this PC, you can buy another 3.5” or 2.5” drive for additional storage. 

Power

If you are planning to add additional peripherals to this PC, you will need to remember that you are limited by compatibility and wattage. Sata power cables usually come in bunches so adding additional storage should not be an issue. However, you will probably not be able to upgrade the graphics card without upgrading the power supply first. This PC may not include all of the necessary cables to power a stronger graphics card or have the wattage to power it. 

Summary

Overall, I love this build because it is already future proof with a few upgrades that could be done. A lot of the reviews for this PC mention the air flow. For the best performance, you will want to place this computer in an open area with cool air and avoid carpet. We can blame case design for this one, but I personally blame the power this PC contains. For under $1200, attaining an i7 processor is pretty rare. If the worst review is because the computer gets hot too quickly, I would gladly buy it and purchase a $60 AIO cooler and still get the most out of my budget. Most pre-builts come with the stock $10 air cooler. Even a $30 air cooler would be enough to solve that issue. 

Best Value: HAJAAN BREEZE PRO Gaming Desktop Tower PC – AMD Ryzen 7+ RTX 3060

The Best Value PC, at the time of writing this article, is priced at $1,169.99. In my personal opinion, this PC has everything you need to make you a successful PC gamer. On top of the keyboard, mouse, and headset this listing includes, the components inside are fully optimized for competitive gameplay. The CPU and GPU combination was enough to persuade me to give it the performance rating it received. Unfortunately, the 3060 below the performance of the 3060 Ti so I took a rating off. As for upagradeability, there is plenty of room for improvement. However, the case appears to come from a not-so-well-known company. The case may be functional but may be missing the luxurious design benefits from other well known companies such as space for cable management and addons. 

CPU (Processor)

The CPU is by far the best valued component in this computer. I’m going to say it again, I am an AMD Ryzen fan boy. The Zen architecture was revolutionary in terms of processors. The reason I say that is because AMD created an architecture that outperformed Intel’s top of the line processors while leaving large amounts of room for overclocking capabilities. Having room for overclocking tells us that this processor series can handle high levels of heat. The Top Performer PC requires cool room conditions to meet high expectations but this CPU is capable of just as much for a lower cost. I try my hardest to not sound biased but AMD’s Ryzen series has always impressed me. If you don’t believe me, feel free to check this comparison chart below. 

GPU (Graphics Card)

Armed with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB graphics card, this PC is ready to play any game on high settings. As previously mentioned, every gaming PC in 2022 should have at least a 3000 RTX series card or an equivalent. You may notice that this card has more GB than the Top Performer so you might think that this one is better. However, these cards operate at different speeds. Although the RTX 3060 has more VRAM, the RTX 3060 Ti is clocked at a higher speed. Take a look at the chart below to see the difference.

RAM (Memory)

At 16GB DDR4 RAM, this PC is equipped to handle most games. In the event that you feel your games are acting a bit laggy, this PC is ready for additional RAM to be installed. 

Storage

This PC comes with a 500GB 2.5″ SSD with Windows 11 installed. Unfortunately, 500GB is not a lot of space for gamers with more than 10+ games. On top of installing the game, remember, you’ll need more storage for saved game data and mods. Fortunately, you are able to buy an additional drive to install. But you will need to order a SATA cable as well. The power supply should have a connection available for an additional hard drive already.

Power

With a 600 watt power supply, there won’t be many improvements you can make without swapping the power supply first. However, you shouldn’t worry if your only upgrades involve the RAM and additional Hard Drives. RAM usually requires 3-5 watts while hard drives require 5-10 watts to function. Adding another drive or set of RAM sticks won’t hurt but remember to not over do it.

Summary

Due to the CPU rating, this one has to be my favorite so far. Personally, I feel that a Graphics Card is easier and more common to replace than the CPU. So I’d rather choose a reliable CPU than anything else. That doesn’t mean that I believe the i7 series is useless. The i7 series has earned its reputation for its reliability. However, as a PC gaming enthusiast, I get more value from a processor that I can overclock to higher lengths for a cheaper price than a processor that’s stable but with less room for improvements. 

I will be honest though, I am not a fan of the case design and the power supply comes with those ugly non-modular mustard colored cables. But for the value that it brings, I don’t mind the aesthetics.

Unique Build: CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, Intel Core i5 + RTX 3060

For the Unique Build category, I chose this build because of the aesthetics while bringing a high level of performance to the table. Since the focus for this build was more aesthetic based, I would recommend this PC to the more casual gamer that enjoys graphic-demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or other story based games. No one can argue that this wouldn’t be a beautiful addition to your gaming room or office. Since this build had the lowest ranking CPU, it has the lowest rank in performance. It has the lowest cores in comparison, however, it is still a formidable gaming PC. As for upgradeability, there is plenty of room for improvements which is nice for a budget PC gamer. Unfortunately, the power supply will bottleneck any major changes. 

CPU (Processor)

This PC carries Intel’s i5-11600KF processor. The KF in the title stands for Overclocking no IGPU. This means that the processor is unlocked and ready for overclocking settings. However, it does not have integrated graphics. Missing integrated graphics means absolutely nothing if you have a graphics card installed. When a graphics card is installed, the PC uses that device instead of the integrated version. The reason Intel decided to create the KF models was to save gamers money where it didn’t need to be spent such as integrated graphics that are replaced by thicker and more efficient cards. Any gamer is thrilled to hear about saving money and overclocking capabilities!

GPU (Graphics Card)

Same as the Top Performer, this PC has the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti installed. As the better graphics card, this PC will handle most VR games very smoothly. 

RAM (Memory)

Equipped with 16GB DDR4 RAM, this PC won’t have issues playing most game titles at high settings. Leaving room for additional upgrades, this PC is a great choice for a gamer on a budget.

Storage 

Unlike the Great Value PC, this PC has 2 hard drives. A 500GB m.2 SSD drive and a standard 1TB HDD for additional storage. For the average budget gamer, this is the standard setup to get the best performance and space for the best price. 

Power

This PC comes with a 600 watt Gold rated power supply. There’s not much of a difference between the power supplies in these computers. But at least this one has sleeved cables and not exposed mustard cables.

Summary

Overall, I think this build is perfect for casual gamers that don’t play fast paced games such as FPS multiplayer games. Don’t misunderstand me however, this computer is more than capable of playing Call of Duty or Fortnite. But if you ask a hardcore gaming enthusiast, they’ll probably hit you with the old, “You could have higher frames per second if you spend $2000 more!” For that reason, if peer pressure means nothing to you, this humble gaming PC will add value to your home and lifestyle.

To make this build more attractive, CyberPower, the company behind this build, has been gaining a reputation as a reliable PC building company. Their website offers the option to customize a PC in any way shape or form and they build it for you. Their PC’s have been appearing in more stores in the coming years and I expect to see more in the future.