Best Gaming Computer Under $700

Introduction

Are you looking to buy a gaming unit but only have a limited budget? Despite the high pricing point of some of the best models, there are so many value picks and entry level models that could be well suited for your gaming rigs. You do not have to compromise on performance when it comes to the best gaming computer under 700, with some of the picks featured even rivaling PCs at a higher price point. If you are interested in a gaming PC for a budget, here are some of the top units you could consider.

A Review of the Best Gaming Computers for a Small to Medium Budget

HP Pavilion Micro-Edge Gaming Laptop – Best gaming laptop under 700

The HP Pavilion Micro-edge gaming laptop is a budget friendly gaming unit that offers an alternative for players who are shopping for a laptop within the budget. The portable and lightweight 15” metallic silver computer will be a great choice for gaming at the workplace, while travelling and even conveniently around your home.

It works well for low and medium level titles, although it might struggle for heavy duty games on high settings. This laptop features an i5 processor an integrated GPU, as well as 8GB RAM for seamless operations. It only offers 256GB in storage, which does not compare well to other models featured in this review. The touch screen controls offer value for convenient use, but they are not compatible with all games.

Verdict

Gaming laptops (1) are portable and travel friendly, which makes them ideal for use while on the go. The HP Pavilion is a budget friendly pick that offers an impressive battery life and high definition display, with multiple connectivity options and impressive output for a great gaming experience even when you are not at your gaming hub.

CyberpowerPC Gamer Master GMA8888A Gaming PC – Best gaming computer under 700 for versatile use

The open chassis and RGB lighting of the CyberpowerPC Gamer Master GMA8888A gaming PC create a great aesthetic for this gaming computer. It is a very solid performer, with a Ryzen 3 CPU and Radeon R7 240 GPU ensuring great value for most games. The gaming computer is optimized for quicker launch processing times and reduced power consumption rates.

The model features 1TB+120 GB in storage, which should meet the needs for gamers who are also interested in using their computer for other needs. It works well for online games, and offers Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient gameplay. The RGB gaming keyboard and mouse will enhance your overall gaming experience with this PC. It also features preinstalled Windows 10 Home, and will be ready to use with purchase.

Verdict

The CyberpowerPC Gamer Master GMA8888A gaming PC is a solid performer that lives up to expectations for a model within the budget, while delivering a stunning aesthetic. This unit also offers sufficient storage and impressive multitasking capacity, which makes it an ideal choice for people looking for a gaming computer to serve multiple needs.

Lenovo Ideacentre Y720 Cube-15 Gaming PC – Best build for gaming computer under 700

The Lenovo Ideacentre Y720 cube-15 gaming PC will work without a USB connection with your Xbox One controller, thanks to the already installed Xbox Home support alongside Windows 10. It is portable and well designed, which allows you to enjoy convenient gaming on a budget. The performance is backed by an i5 processor and Radeon RX 480 GPU, with these components delivering an impressive output for most titles.

The 1TB storage should allow for sufficient room for content and multiple games, with an 8GB ram supporting efficient multitasking. The compact but powerful Ideacentre gaming cube is very easy to set up, and requires very minimal space. It will be a value pick for gamers who are looking to enjoy gaming in multiple stations, whether in different parts of your home or on the go.

Verdict

The portable build of the Lenovo Ideacenter cube combines with the high performance to rival consoles and gaming laptops. It supports versatile gaming needs, and delivers an impressive output for online gaming. The Ideacenter gaming cube is a great choice for people who are looking for the console experience with a gaming computer.

Craving Savings NUC7i7BNH Mini PC – Best mini gaming computer under 700

The Craving Savings NUC7i7BNH Mini PC rivals some tower models featured in this list thanks to its powerful i7 processor. This unit also comes with 8GB RAM, which allows for effective multitasking. It offers limited connectivity options on the I/O panel, but it supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for browsing, file sharing and online gaming. The compact Craving Savings mini gamer supports up to 2 monitors, and works well for 4K gaming.

The integrated Intel Iris Plus 650 GPU should enhance rendering and gameplay for heavier titles, but it works best with low and medium settings. The model also comes with Windows 10 OS already preinstalled, allowing you to set up without any problems. With only 120GB in storage, the compact Craving Savings mini PC might not be a great choice for versatile use, but it can be an excellent gaming rig for exclusive gaming use.

Verdict

If you are interested in a value pick that is also portable, the i7 Craving Savings Mini PC could be a great choice for your needs. This high output model is compact and easily portable, with sufficient connectivity options for convenient gaming (2). It is also powerful enough to run games without any problems, which makes it a great choice for an alternative buy.

ALARCO RGB Desktop Gaming PC – Best gaming computer under 700 for multitasking

With 2TB in storage and 8GB Ram, the ALARCO RGB desktop gaming PC offers impressive output when used for multitasking. It is also optimized for faster launches and overall improvements in responsiveness, which makes it a great choice for most needs. Whether you are streaming, video editing or gaming, this model will handle your needs without any lag.

The unit comes with preinstalled Windows 10 OS, which minimizes the set up requirements. It is VR ready which increases the variety of titles on offer. The tempered glass panel and RGB fan set up in the unit’s case offer an attractive build that should enhance any gaming hub. It also offers a large number of connectivity options, with multiple USB ports, as well as HDMI, DVI, DP and Ethernet support.

Verdict

This model lives up to the expectation for ALARCO’s line of attractive RGB desktop gaming products. The i5 and gtx 1060 combination offers value for VR gaming, with Wi-Fi and Ethernet support for online gaming as well. This rig also offers impressive storage and RAM, which allow for use with other computing needs. If you are looking for a versatile rig that works well for other needs, this model could be an attractive choice.

Dell Optiplex 3060 Micro Gaming PC – Best gaming computer under 700 for work

The workplace tends to seem tedious when you have to wait to get home to enjoy some gaming, doesn’t it? With the portable Dell Optiplex 3060 micro gaming PC, you can meet your needs for under 700. This gaming unit is versatile and game-friendly, although it features an integrated GPU which does not compare well to some tower options we’ve covered.

The gaming computer will still perform well for most games, and offers multiple connectivity options for convenient gaming with other people and multiple displays. The value buy also includes a mouse and keyboard, although these are not as ideally suited for gaming as dedicated accessories such as those offered by the CyboerpowerPC Gamer Master featured above. The lengthy 3-year warranty should protect your purchase and ensure maximum value.

Verdict

Gaming at work can increase productivity and boost focus (3). It may be difficult to carry your gaming rig to and from work to enjoy a few hours of gaming during the workday. If you are looking for a budget friendly solution for your needs, the Dell Optiplex 3060 micro gaming PC could be what you need.

Lenovo IdeaCentre 510A All-Purpose Desktop PC – Best gaming computer under 700 for small budgets

The Lenovo IdeaCentre 510A All-purpose desktop PC is one of the best gaming PC under 500 available, with decent processing output and expansive upgrade options. If you are looking for a starter unit to upgrade over time, the IdeaCentre could be what you need. The versatile all-purpose unit features an AMD A-12 CPU and an integrated GPU, which should handle medium and light gaming needs with minimal fuss.

It supports Wi-Fi connectivity for internet gaming and can even connect to some legacy devices. This model offers 1TB+256GB in storage, which should combine well with the 8GB RAM to run games, applications and tasks without any lagging. If you are looking for a sleek and budget friendly model which is easy to set up, the IdeaCentre 510A could be a top contender.

Verdict

If you have a small budget and are looking for an upgradeable model for light gaming and other uses, the Ideacentre 510A could be a value buy. The closed chassis frame is hardy, with the PC supporting modification. This stylish and functional model offers extensive connectivity options, which should allow for an immersive gaming experience and convenience for other uses.

How to Find the Best Gaming Computer Within Your Budget

Shopping for a gaming computer can be tedious when the best options always seem to be too highly priced. But did you know you can find value buys within your budget? For lower than 700, you may be able to assemble a unit that meets your gaming expectations. Gaming PCs (4) usually support upgrades, which offers value for future expansion potential as well. So, how can you determine the best gaming PC for your budget?

What You Need to Look for in the Best Gaming PC for a Budget

Here are some of the top key considerations you will need to make to find a gaming PC for a limited budget.

CPU

The CPU will dictate the performance of your gaming unit, and is the most crucial part of your PC. The general rule of thumb points to the newest releases being more powerful than their predecessors, but some older options will work well for many games. An i5 CPU should be your minimum target.

GPU

If your budget is very limited, you could compromise on your GPU and wait to invest in a higher end upgrade over time. As with the CPU, there are some serious performers in the higher end of the list, but these should only be an upgrade target. Mid-range options such as the GeForce gtx 1050 could be a suitable target.

Memory

How much storage space and operating memory does your gaming unit offer? Laptops within this range will tend to be limited in their capacity, but offer RAM that is similar to their gaming PC alternatives. Some tower units feature impressive storage, and 1TB+256GB should be the minimum target for this price point. As this can be expanded through external drives, it is not always a decisive factor. The RAM, however, is. You should target at least 8 GB DDR3 RAM for models within this price point.

Case

You will spend hours staring at your rig for a long time, so it is important that the aesthetic is appealing to you. When shopping for a gaming computer, you have to consider the case and overall build to find a model that you like. Some open chassis models could rival the custom themed builds available.

Use

Are you looking for a portable rig? Do you want a model that can handle multitasking seamlessly? Are you interested in a gaming PC (5) for work? The nature and frequency of your use of the gaming rig will determine which option suits you best.

Why You Could Consider a Custom Build for Your Budget

DIY computer gaming builds are more popular than ever, with players looking to customize (6) their hubs to meet their expectations. Should you consider a prebuilt or take up a gaming computer project? PCDIY can be enjoyable and productive if you know how to do it and look for the best components you can find. So, should you consider building your own PC? Here are a few benefits you could stand to gain.

• Building your own PC is more cost friendly than buying one
• You can customize your software and hardware to suit your specific needs
• Self builds are generally easier to maintain in case of hitches
• Upgrades allow players to keep up with the gaming system requirements on a budget

Final Words

The Lenovo Ideacentre Y720 Cube-15 Gaming PC is hard to beat for our best value buy under 700. It offers the portability of mini gaming PCs, laptops and consoles while maintaining the standards of PC gaming units. This powerful and versatile gaming cube is also very easy to set up, and allows for a convenient gaming experience.

It is well designed and fits right into different gaming settings. The connectivity options should allow for multiplayer and multi-display gaming at high frame rates. If you are looking for a great buy on a budget, the Ideacentre Cube could be what you need.