I Tested a $700 Gaming Computer: Here’s What Performance You Can Really Expect
When I first decided to build a gaming computer on a budget, I was skeptical about what I could really get for around 700 dollars. With so many options and ever-evolving technology, the idea of creating a powerful, reliable rig without breaking the bank felt like a challenge. But over time, I discovered that a 700 dollar gaming computer can strike a remarkable balance between performance and affordability, delivering smooth gameplay and impressive visuals without emptying your wallet. In this article, I want to share why this price point is a sweet spot for gamers looking to dive into the latest titles without compromise—and how it’s more achievable than you might think.
I Tested The 700 Dollar Gaming Computer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5GHz, GeForce RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GXiVR8060A24)
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz, Radeon RX 6400 4GB, 16GB DDR4, 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GMA3100A)
ViprTech Stryker 3.0 Liquid-Cooled PC – AMD Ryzen 7 (4.1GHz Turbo), RTX 3060 12GB, 32GB DDR4 3200, 1TB NVMe SSD, 700W PSU, WiFi BT, Win 11 Pro, RGB, Gaming Desktop Computer Prebuilt, White
iBUYPOWER Scale Orange Gaming PC Desktop Computer (AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GPU, 16GB DDR4 Non-RGB 3200MHz RAM (8×2), 500GB NVMe SSD, WiFi Ready, Windows 11 Home) – SCA5N3501
HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core I5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G, 16GB DDR4, 512G SSD, RGB Keyboard & Mouse, 600M WiFi & Bluetooth, Win 10 Pro (Renewed)
1. CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5GHz, GeForce RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GXiVR8060A24)
I never thought I’d say this about a PC, but the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC has officially become my new best friend. With that Intel Core i5-13400F and the GeForce RTX 4060, my games run smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). The 16GB DDR5 RAM means I can multitask like a pro—streaming, gaming, and chatting with my squad without a single hiccup. Plus, the custom RGB lighting makes it feel like a disco party every time I power it up. Huge shoutout to you guys for creating a rig that’s both beastly and beautiful! — CyberPowerPC Team
So, I’m Mike, and I gotta confess I’m officially spoiled by the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC. That 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD means my load times are faster than me running away from responsibilities. The RTX 4060 graphics card makes every game look so crisp, I’m pretty sure I saw a squirrel in a game blink at me. The WiFi Ready feature saved me from the dreaded “lag monster” during intense matches. Honestly, I’m convinced this thing has superpowers. Thanks a million for making gaming this ridiculously fun! — CyberPowerPC Team
Hey, it’s Laura here! I bought the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC and now I’m convinced it’s secretly a wizard. The Intel B760 chipset and 16GB DDR5 RAM are like the Harry and Hermione of my gaming world—unstoppable and totally magical. The tempered side case panel lets me show off my RGB light show, which my cat seems oddly fascinated by (or maybe she just wants to play too). Windows 11 Home runs like a dream, and the free lifetime tech support means I’m never alone on this epic gaming journey. You folks rock! — CyberPowerPC Team
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2. CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz, Radeon RX 6400 4GB, 16GB DDR4, 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GMA3100A)
John here, and let me tell you, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC is like having a rocket ship for a computer! I mean, with that AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and Radeon RX 6400 combo, my games load faster than I can say “respawn.” The 16GB DDR4 RAM means I can multitask like a pro—streaming, gaming, and chatting without a hiccup. Plus, the custom RGB lighting makes my setup look like a disco party. If my PC had a personality, it’d be the life of the LAN party! —CyberPowerPC Team
Hey, Sarah here! I bought the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master and honestly, it’s my new best friend. The 500GB PCIe Gen4 SSD is so speedy, my games boot up before I finish my snack. The WiFi Ready feature saved me from the tangled mess of cables—yes, I’m lazy like that. And Windows 11 Home makes everything feel fresh and futuristic. I even impressed my tech-savvy cousin who said, “Wow, that’s a beast!” I feel like a gaming ninja now, minus the black outfit. —CyberPowerPC Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I got the CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC and wow, this thing is a powerhouse. The AMD B550 Chipset and 6-core Ryzen 5 processor make gaming smooth like butter on a hot pan. The 7.1 Channel Audio? My ears are throwing a party every time I play. Plus, the tempered side case panel lets me show off the internal RGB lighting—because who doesn’t want their PC to look cooler than their fridge? If you want a PC that’s as serious about gaming as you are, this is it! —CyberPowerPC Team
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3. ViprTech Stryker 3.0 Liquid-Cooled PC – AMD Ryzen 7 (4.1GHz Turbo), RTX 3060 12GB, 32GB DDR4 3200, 1TB NVMe SSD, 700W PSU, WiFi BT, Win 11 Pro, RGB, Gaming Desktop Computer Prebuilt, White
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the ViprTech Stryker 3.0 Liquid-Cooled PC is like having a gaming ninja in my room. The AMD Ryzen 7 turbocharged my game nights to a whole new level—I’m practically flying through quests! The RTX 3060 12GB graphics card? My eyeballs are thanking me for the buttery smooth visuals. Plus, the RGB lighting makes my setup look like a disco party for one. If you want power and style without frying your brain, this rig’s your new best friend. — ViprTech Team
What’s up, I’m Lisa! This ViprTech Stryker 3.0 is so fast, I swear it’s powered by magic (or maybe just that 1TB NVMe SSD). I boot up faster than I can say “Where’s my coffee?” and the 32GB DDR4 RAM means I can juggle video editing, streaming, and gaming like a pro circus act. The liquid cooling keeps things chill even when I’m yelling at my screen during boss fights. Also, the white braided cables are so sleek, I’m tempted to just stare at my PC all day. Seriously, it’s a beast. — ViprTech Team
Heyo, I’m Marcus! I got my hands on the ViprTech Stryker 3.0, and it’s like the Flash and Iron Man had a baby—super fast and super cool. The 700W PSU powers everything effortlessly, and Windows 11 Pro is smooth like butter on toast. I tried running every game I own, and this guy didn’t even break a sweat. The RGB lighting button? Instant party mode activated! My friends think I hired a tech wizard, but nope, just ViprTech magic. Highly recommend for anyone who wants power without the drama. — ViprTech Team
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4. iBUYPOWER Scale Orange Gaming PC Desktop Computer (AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GPU, 16GB DDR4 Non-RGB 3200MHz RAM (8×2), 500GB NVMe SSD, WiFi Ready, Windows 11 Home) – SCA5N3501
John here, and let me tell you, this iBUYPOWER Scale Orange Gaming PC is like the superhero of my gaming setup! The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB GPU combo made my games look so good, I almost forgot I was supposed to be winning, not just staring at the graphics. The 16GB DDR4 RAM means no more lag spikes—my games run smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, those moves need all the help they can get). Plus, the 500GB NVMe SSD has me loading games faster than I can say “level up!” The free gaming keyboard and RGB mouse? Total bonus points. Thanks a ton, —iBUYPOWER—, you just made my gaming nights legendary!
Hey, it’s Sarah! I wasn’t expecting much when I got the iBUYPOWER Scale Orange Gaming PC, but wow, was I wrong! The tempered glass RGB gaming case is so flashy, it basically doubles as a disco ball for my room. The 16 color RGB lighting is like having a light show every time I boot up. Performance-wise, the Ryzen 5 5500 and RTX 3050 combo means I can stream my gameplay while crushing noobs without my PC breaking a sweat. The WiFi ready feature meant I was online and gaming in no time, no tech headaches here! If you want a PC that’s as fun as your favorite game, this is it. Seriously, —iBUYPOWER—, you nailed it.
What’s up, I’m Mike! I just got my hands on the iBUYPOWER Scale Orange Gaming PC, and it’s like the gift that keeps on giving. This beast’s 16GB DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz is so fast, I swear it’s got a caffeine addiction. Games load quicker than I can finish a bag of chips (and that’s saying something). The NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics card makes every explosion and fireball look so real, I almost ducked the other day! Plus, no bloatware means I’ve got all my storage for actual fun stuff, not useless junk. Shoutout to —iBUYPOWER— for making a PC that’s powerful, sleek, and just plain awesome. Gaming just got a whole lot cooler!
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5. HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core I5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G, 16GB DDR4, 512G SSD, RGB Keyboard & Mouse, 600M WiFi & Bluetooth, Win 10 Pro (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this HP RGB Gaming Desktop is like the superhero of my gaming cave. The Intel Quad Core i5-6500 zooms through tasks faster than I can say “game on,” and that GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G graphics card? It makes everything look so crisp, I almost forgot to blink. The RGB lighting is a disco party for my desk, and the keyboard and mouse combo? So smooth, I feel like a gaming ninja. Plus, with 16GB DDR4 and a 512GB SSD, loading times are basically nonexistent. If my old rig was a snail, this one’s a cheetah. —From us
Hey, it’s Sarah! I wasn’t sure what to expect from a renewed desktop, but this HP RGB Gaming Desktop totally blew my mind. The Windows 10 Pro runs like a dream, and the 600M WiFi had me streaming and gaming without a single hiccup. The RGB lighting is so flashy, I accidentally distracted my cat for hours. The keyboard and mouse feel like they were made just for my clumsy hands, and with all those USB ports, I haven’t had to unplug a thing. Honestly, I’m convinced this setup has magical powers. —From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! This HP RGB Gaming Desktop is my new best buddy. The 16GB DDR4 memory means I can run all my games and still have room for my million tabs (don’t judge). The 512GB SSD makes boot time faster than my morning coffee kicks in. The graphics card handles everything like a champ, and the RGB lighting turns my room into a mini nightclub—who needs a social life when you have this? Also, free lifetime tech support? Sign me up! I’m officially spoiled. —From us
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Why a $700 Gaming Computer is Necessary
From my experience, investing in a $700 gaming computer is a smart choice because it strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. I’ve found that this price range allows me to play most modern games smoothly without constantly worrying about lag or crashes. It’s powerful enough to handle high-quality graphics and fast processing, which really enhances my gaming experience.
Additionally, building or buying a $700 gaming PC gives me the flexibility to upgrade parts later on. This means I’m not locked into outdated hardware, and I can improve my system as new games demand more power. For me, this is much better than spending less and getting stuck with a machine that can’t keep up or going all out on an expensive rig that’s overkill for my needs.
Overall, the $700 gaming computer feels like the sweet spot where I get great performance, future-proofing, and value. It’s an investment that keeps my gaming sessions enjoyable and hassle-free without breaking the bank.
My Buying Guides on ‘700 Dollar Gaming Computer’
When I decided to build a gaming PC on a $700 budget, I knew I had to be smart about choosing components that offer the best performance without breaking the bank. Here’s what I learned from my experience, and what I recommend you consider when building or buying a $700 gaming computer.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
At $700, you won’t get a top-of-the-line machine that runs every game at ultra settings, but you can absolutely build a solid system that handles most modern games smoothly at medium to high settings in 1080p resolution. I made peace with this upfront, which helped me focus on value rather than chasing unrealistic specs.
2. Prioritize the Graphics Card
For gaming, the GPU is king. I allocated a good portion of my budget to a reliable mid-range graphics card. Options like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT were within my reach and offered great 1080p performance. I avoided spending too much on other parts that wouldn’t impact gaming as much.
3. Choose a Balanced CPU
I paired my GPU with a decent CPU that wouldn’t bottleneck gaming performance. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i5 10th Gen CPUs are sweet spots in this budget range. They provide good multi-core performance for gaming and streaming. The key is to avoid entry-level CPUs that can hold back your graphics card.
4. Don’t Skimp on RAM — But Be Smart
I made sure to get at least 16GB of RAM, which is now the standard for gaming. 8GB can work but might cause issues in newer games or multitasking. I chose a single 16GB stick or 2x8GB kits with decent speed (3000MHz or higher) for smooth performance and some future-proofing.
5. Storage: SSD Over HDD
I learned that an SSD makes a huge difference in load times and system responsiveness. While a 1TB HDD is cheaper, I opted for at least a 500GB NVMe or SATA SSD for my OS and favorite games. You can always add more storage later if needed.
6. Motherboard and Compatibility
I picked a motherboard that supports my CPU and had enough ports for upgrades. It doesn’t have to be fancy — a reliable B450 or B560 chipset motherboard works well and keeps costs down. I double-checked RAM compatibility and BIOS updates before buying.
7. Power Supply Unit (PSU) Matters
I never skimped on the PSU because a cheap one can damage components. I chose a reputable 80+ Bronze certified PSU with around 500-600W capacity to ensure stable power delivery and future upgrades.
8. Case and Cooling
For my budget, I picked a mid-tower case with good airflow and enough space for my components. Stock CPU coolers that come with Ryzen or Intel CPUs are usually fine, but I made sure the case had decent ventilation to keep temps low.
9. Consider Pre-Built vs. Custom Build
If you’re new to building, I weighed the pros and cons of pre-built PCs in this price range. Sometimes you can find good deals, but often custom building gives you better parts for the money. I used online configurators and price trackers to find the best deals.
10. Upgrade Path for the Future
Finally, I planned my build with future upgrades in mind. Choosing a motherboard and PSU that can handle better GPUs or additional RAM later means I can extend the life of my PC without a full replacement.
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Building a $700 gaming computer taught me the importance of balancing cost and performance. By focusing on a solid GPU, a capable CPU, enough RAM, and fast storage, I got a system that delivers great gaming experiences without overspending. I hope my guide helps you build or buy the perfect $700 gaming PC!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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