Best Gaming PC Under $1000 With i7

Introduction

Is an i7 processor enough to meet your gaming needs? What GPU is ideal for your gaming hub? Will you need to upgrade any components for your rig to run seamlessly?

When looking into gaming PC options, the amount of information could be overwhelming. There are so many gaming PC models available at different price points.

So, what makes a model ideally suited for your needs? Which gaming PC within your budget is well suited for you? We explore a few top picks for different needs in this review of the best gaming PC under 1000 with i7.

We also explore the CPU in great detail to help you understand what your i7 processor will and won’t do. If you are looking to buy a gaming rig and have a limited budget, we have got you covered!

Model	GPU	RAM	Action
iBuyPower Element 9260 Gaming PC	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti	16 GB DDR4	Check Price
	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060	16 GB DDR4
Dell Inspiron BLU-PLUS Gaming PC	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060	8 GB DDR4	Check Price
HP Pavilion Gaming PC	Intel UHD Graphics 630	12 GB DDR4	Check Price
ASUS Vivobook S Gaming Laptop	Integrated Intel Graphics	8 GB DDR4	Check Price
	Integrated Intel Graphics	16 GB DDR4
Dell Optiplex 5070 Gaming PC	Integrated Intel Graphics	8 GB DDR4	Check Price
ASUS Chromebook 3-N020U Mini PC	Integrated Intel Graphics	8 GB DDR4	Check Price

A Review Of The Best Budget Friendly i7 PC options

iBuyPower Element 9260 Gaming PC – Best aesthetic for gaming PC under 1000 with i7

Made in the USA, the iBuyPower Element 9260 gaming PC features a very attractive and high quality build. The gaming case with tempered glass sides and RGB illumination offers an attractive aesthetic, which will suit the centerpiece of an elegant gaming set up. This model features the i7 processor and a GTX 1660 ti GPU, both of which are ideal for serious gaming.

The specs will struggle on high settings for some of the largest titles around, but this gaming PC will deliver an impressive performance overall. The VR ready rig also features a 16 GB RAM and 1TB+240 GB in operating and storage memory respectively, which will allow you to multitask and offer sufficient storage space for your games and media files.

The model also includes a gaming keyboard and mouse, and features a preinstalled Windows 10 Home OS. This will ensure convenient gaming, since it is basically ready to use out of the box. Thanks to Wi-Fi and Ethernet support, this PC will handle online gaming without any problems.

Verdict

If you are looking for a great buy but are limited by your budget, the stylish iBuyPower Element 9269 gaming unit could be well suited for your needs. This gaming PC offers value for gamers who are looking for a gaming rig (1) with medium to high end components for a satisfactory output on most titles.

– Best gaming PC under 1000 with i7 with RGB illumination

With 2TB+120 GB in storage, the is one of our top picks in this aspect. The impressive space offers capacity to keep your content and games in one location. This model is very well designed, with a tempered glass panel offering an unhindered view into your PC. It also features very impressive RGB fans that offer accent lighting for a customized theme when gaming.

The VR ready unit works impressively with Oculus and HTC Vive platforms, facilitating a great experience for players who have an interest in VR gaming. Thanks to its Wi-Fi support, this RGB PC will work well for internet gaming too.

Verdict

The ALARCO Intel i7 gaming PC offers a very visual set up that could be a great choice for people who are looking to liven up their gaming station. If you are interested in adding some color and style to your hub, this PC could be a great choice.

Dell Inspiron BLU-PLUS Gaming PC – Best gaming PC under 1000 with i7 for multitasking

The i7 processor and GeForce GTX 1060 GPU on the Dell Inspiron BLU-PLUS gaming PC meet the expectations for a mid-range PC, delivering a decent output for most games. This model will work well on heavy duty titles in light and medium settings, and will also handle VR gameplay with minimal fuss. The Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options facilitate online gaming, although the output on Esports is not the best we’ve experienced.

This upgradeable PC allows you to keep up with the latest component releases, which improves your ability to run games in future. It features high quality audio output, creating an immersive gaming experience. The BLU-PLUS is not as aesthetically designed as other picks with RGB illumination and an open chassis, but it is solid and simple.

Verdict

The Dell Inspiron BLU-PLUS is a great pick for gamers who are interested in using their PC for more than just gaming. It is optimized for instant responsiveness, and offers great multitasking capacity. This unit will also work well for VR gaming and online play (2). If you are looking for a great all-rounder, the BLU-PLUS could be what you need.

HP Pavilion Gaming PC – Best budget gaming PC under 1000 with i7

The HP Pavilion gaming PC offers great value as a versatile model for home computing and gaming. It features integrated Intel graphics alongside the i7 processor, with an upgradeable RAM of 12 GB to help run games seamlessly. It will not work well for the high end titles, but it offers multiple connectivity options for versatile gaming.

The HP Pavilion also offers decent storage space, with a 1TB HDD. It is very easy to use, and features Windows 10 already preinstalled. The keyboard and mouse are not ideal for gaming, which means you will have to replace them for a desired gaming experience.

Verdict

The HP Pavilion is a great choice for gamers who are looking for a unit with an integrated GPU. It also works well for a custom build because it can be upgraded for high end output (3). This model is a budget buy that will handle versatile needs.

ASUS Vivobook S Gaming Laptop – Best gaming laptop under 1000 with i7

Gaming PC will tend to outperform gaming laptops within the same price point, but there are a few models that belie this expectation. The ASUS Vivobook S gaming laptop is one such pick! This 15” model features NanoEdge display and high quality audio output, which ensures a great experience when gaming. The lightweight frame of this sleek laptop allows for gaming on the go, with the VivoBook S performing well for light to medium duty titles.

The lengthy battery life should ensure an uninterrupted session, with the dual internet connectivity options allowing for competitive online gaming. This model also features a fingerprint sensor, which allows for added security. We recommend investing in a gaming keyboard and mouse for the Vivobook S.

Verdict

Desktop gaming PC may be too large to carry around, which is why we have included the ASUS Vivobook S gaming laptop on this list. The lightweight and portable model has what it takes to meet the demands of gaming on the go.

– Best gaming PC under 1000 with i7 for beginners

The might only be a mATX sized model, but it matches larger models in its performance. It features an integrated GPU alongside the i7 processor, which offer decent output for most games. The unit is designed for maximum ventilation and airflow, and features 3 high capacity fans to keep your components cool throughout.

It is compact and well built, with the tempered glass sides, LED fans and backlit keyboard and mouse providing a customized theme for your gaming hub. We like the lengthy warranty, as well as the preinstalled Windows OS for a hassle free set up. The 512 GB storage available should be sufficient for medium to light gaming, but it is limited compared to the tower gaming options featured.

Verdict

The Stratos Micro is a great option for people who have taken a new interest in PC gaming. The model allows for upgrades, while already the performance expected of some tower options available. It also supports a customized theme for a personal touch on your new gaming station.

Dell Optiplex 5070 Gaming PC – Best gaming PC under 1000 with i7 for work

The Dell Optiplex 5070 gaming PC is a covert option for gamers who are looking to blow some steam off while at work. For starters, the Optiplex 5070 is portable, weighing in at about 14 pounds. It is also very minimalist, with a single-color aesthetic.

The intuitively located I/O offers multiple connectivity options which facilitate additional controllers, display and internet connectivity options. The model is designed with a mesh front panel which maximizes airflow into your PC.

Verdict

If you are looking to enjoy gaming at work, a portable unit that blends in could be what you need. The Dell Optiplex 5070 is portable and minimalist, while providing great output for a large selection of games.

ASUS Chromebook 3-N020U Mini PC – Best mini gaming PC under 1000 with i7

Are you looking to play mobile games on a PC platform? The ASUS Chromebook 3-N020U mini PC could be a great fit for your needs. This unit offers full support for android applications from Google Play, while running on the power of a regular PC.

The portable Chromebook 3 is very lightweight, weighing in at marginally more than 3 pounds. The model runs Google Play android games such as Grand Theft Auto San Andreas and N:O:V:A 3 at the highest frame rates without any lag, which should ensure seamless gaming when used for all the titles available through the platform. It could be a handy addition for a diversified gaming experience.

Verdict

If you are looking to enjoy mobile gaming on your PC, the Chromebook 3 N020U mini PC will be a great choice. The powerful processor offers an impressive performance for these games, with zero lag time and a seamless gaming experience (4) throughout. If you want to enjoy your favorite android titles in 4K, this is the right pick for you.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Intel CPU

CPUs can be confusing, with many people unsure of the difference between the different options. What is the difference between i3, i5, i7 and i9? Which one is best suited for your needs? How do they all compare? The familiar questions have been posed since the second Intel Core processor was released. We explore the differences and provide handy tips to help you get the right CPU for your needs. (5)

Which Is The Best Intel CPU On Offer?

To generalize it, most i9 CPU will work best, while i7 CPU will be better than i5 CPU, which will tend to outperform i3 CPU. Intel also offers Celeron and Pentium, but these are typically not suited for demanding processes such as gaming. I3 will work adequately for basic tasks, while i5 will work well for most processes.

i7 CPU will offer a thorough output on demanding tasks with minimal fuss, while the most recent release, the i9, will work superbly for virtually any task. Still, some newer models will not always adhere to the rule and could outperform the higher ranked CPU.

What Does My CPU Do?

Your CPU receives, controls and processes tasks and information from your computer. It is the most critical part of your PC, and is central to its performance. Your CPU’s performance revolves around cores. Most CPU feature 2 cores, but there is a prevalence towards 4-core CPU. More cores offer increased efficiency, but since some games run single threads, opting for speed over capacity could be the right choice.

Should I Upgrade My CPU or GPU?

If you are looking to custom build your gaming PC, or are interested in improving the performance, upgrading either component could go a long way to helping you out. The GPU focuses on the graphics aspect, which improves the quality of your gaming experience.

It is important to consider the type of games you play, since some will be more demanding on the CPU while others will require higher capacity GPU. In an ideal world, we would recommend you get both. If you are working with a limited budget and can only go for one, you should assess your current options and determine the impact of performance on any potential upgrades you consider. If you can get the best CPU on the market, you will be able to enjoy gaming without any problems even with a lower end GPU. (6)

Final Words

The iBuyPower Element 9260 Gaming PC is our best value buy for a budget of 1000. This gaming PC offers a high end GPU to pair with the i7 CPU, allowing for high frame rates and impressive output. It is VR ready and supports online gaming, which allow for a holistic gaming experience. The model is also very well made, and offers USA-based technical support. If you are looking for a powerful performer on a budget, this tried and trusted model could be a great choice for your needs.