Looking to grab the best PC under 800 bucks? Whether you’re a casual gamer, a student, or someone who just needs a powerful machine to get stuff done—this guide is your holy grail. We’ve handpicked budget desktops that don’t just talk the talk, but also walk the walk. Oh, and don’t worry—we’re staying away from the “junk drawer” PCs. These picks are legit, tested, and get the job done.
2 Best PC Under 800
| System Name | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Product Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Optiplex 5050 SFF | Intel Core i7-7700 | Intel HD Graphics 630 (Integrated) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB NVMe SSD | View on Amazon |
| MXZ Gaming Desktop PC | Intel Core i5-9400F | AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT | 8GB DDR4 | 500GB NVMe SSD | View on Amazon |
Product 1
Dell Optiplex 5050 Small Form Factor
A compact and durable business desktop featuring the Intel Core i7-7700, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a fast 512GB NVMe SSD. Though originally built for productivity, this unit holds solid potential for basic gaming with the right upgrades.
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Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-7700 @ 3.6GHz |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 630 (Integrated) |
| OS | Windows 10 Pro (Renewed) |
| Form Factor | Small Form Factor (SFF) |
Gaming Benchmarks
All results are with integrated graphics. Add a low-profile GPU like GTX 1050 Ti for better performance.
| Game Title | Settings | Avg FPS (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| CS:GO | Low/Medium | 60–100 FPS |
| Valorant | Medium | 70–90 FPS |
| GTA V | Low | 40–55 FPS |
| Minecraft (Java) | Medium | 60+ FPS |
| Fortnite | Low | 45–55 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Not Playable | — |
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Excellent performance for the price | No dedicated GPU |
| Fast NVMe SSD boosts responsiveness | Not ideal for modern AAA games |
| Quiet, compact, and reliable | Limited upgrade room (SFF chassis) |
| 16GB RAM allows solid multitasking | Windows 10 (not Win 11 by default) |
| Great for office/productivity tasks | May require GPU upgrade for gaming |
Ideal Use Case
- Office and productivity work
- Casual home use
- Students needing a budget desktop
- Light gaming (upgrade recommended)
- Streaming and media consumption
Performance Overview
The i7-7700 paired with 16GB RAM and NVMe SSD makes this machine smooth and snappy for non-gaming tasks. Integrated graphics hold it back in games, but an added low-profile GPU unlocks much better potential. It’s a solid performer for basic to moderate workloads.
Should You Buy It?
✅ Yes — if you’re a student, work-from-home user, or casual gamer on a tight budget
❌ No — if you need out-of-the-box gaming power for modern AAA titles
Product 2
MXZ Gaming Desktop PC – Ryzen 5 5500
A budget-friendly gaming desktop built for 1080p gaming, the MXZ PC combines the 6-core Ryzen 5 5500 CPU with the Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB GPU. It’s designed to handle modern titles at decent settings while keeping the price under control. Great for gamers who want plug-and-play performance without building their own rig.
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Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores, 12 threads) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 500GB NVMe SSD |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB |
| OS | Windows 10 Pro |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Included) |
Gaming Benchmarks (1080p)
| Game Title | Settings | Avg FPS (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Warzone | High | 60–75 FPS |
| Fortnite | High/Epic | 90–110 FPS |
| GTA V | Very High | 80–100 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Medium/High | 45–55 FPS |
| Valorant | High | 150+ FPS |
| Elden Ring | High | 55–65 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Medium/High | 50–60 FPS |
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Great 1080p gaming performance | Not ideal for 1440p/4K gaming |
| 16GB RAM is great for multitasking | Limited storage space (only 500GB) |
| RX 5500 XT 8GB handles modern titles well | No RGB or flashy aesthetics |
| Solid CPU/GPU pairing | Only one storage drive out of the box |
| Plug-and-play setup | No upgrade path to RTX-level GPUs |
Ideal Use Case
- 1080p gaming on modern titles
- Entry-level streaming
- School and work multitasking
- Game development and content creation (beginner)
- Budget esports/gaming tournaments
Performance Overview
This PC punches above its weight in 1080p gaming, thanks to the reliable Ryzen 5 5500 and the RX 5500 XT 8GB. Most modern games run smoothly at high settings, making it perfect for competitive gamers or those upgrading from an older laptop or console.
Should You Buy It?
✅ Yes — if you want strong 1080p performance, a good CPU/GPU combo, and are on a $500 budget
❌ No — if you plan to play at 1440p/4K or want premium features like liquid cooling or RGB aesthetics
Why $800 is a Sweet Spot for Budget PCs
Let’s be real. You don’t need to shell out $2,000 to get a decent desktop these days. The $800 mark is the perfect balance between affordability and functionality. It’s where value meets power—without torching your wallet. You can get solid processors, decent GPUs, fast SSDs, and enough RAM for multitasking.
What to Expect from PCs Under $800
You won’t get an RTX 4090 or some water-cooled monster at this price point. But here’s what you will find:
- 9th to 10th Gen Intel or Ryzen 5 CPUs
- SSD storage (usually NVMe)
- Decent GPUs for 1080p gaming
- Great for office work, study, and streaming
Performance & Processing Power
At this price point, aim for at least an Intel i5 or i7 processor. Our first pick, for example, comes loaded with the Intel i7-7700, which is still a reliable performer for general tasks and even light gaming.
Graphics Capabilities for Gaming
Don’t expect ray tracing or 4K rendering. But with cards like the RX5600XT, you can game comfortably at 1080p. Think Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends—all very doable.
RAM and Storage Configuration
The golden combo? At least 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD. NVMe SSDs are even better for faster boot and load times.
Operating System Compatibility
Most prebuilt options come with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, which is great for productivity and driver support.
Upgradeability and Form Factor
Go for desktops that allow easy RAM or GPU upgrades. Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs like the Dell Optiplex are compact, but still leave some room to tweak.
Comparing the Best Gaming PCs Under $800
| Feature | Dell Optiplex 5050 | MXZ Gaming PC |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Productivity & Light Use | Budget Gaming |
| CPU | i7-7700 | i5 9400F |
| RAM | 16GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD | 500GB NVMe SSD |
| GPU | Integrated | RX5600XT |
| Price | $162.89 | $559.00 |
Best Gaming PC Build Under $800 (DIY Option)
Is Building Better Than Buying?
If you’re comfortable putting parts together and love customization, building is a great way to stretch every dollar.
Sample Build (Under $800):
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 ($130)
- GPU: GTX 1660 Super ($180 used)
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 ($45)
- Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD ($30)
- Motherboard: B550 ($90)
- PSU: 550W ($50)
- Case: RGB Mid-Tower ($40)
- Windows 10 License: $10–$20 (OEM)
Total: ~$575–$600 – leaving room for a monitor or upgrade.
Conclusion
In short? You’re winning.
For under $800, you can now get a reliable, fast, and powerful PC—whether it’s for gaming, studying, or working from home. These aren’t just “budget” machines—they’re smart investments.
FAQs
1. Can I play Fortnite or Valorant on these PCs?
Absolutely! The MXZ Gaming PC handles these games smoothly at 1080p.
2. Is a refurbished PC worth buying under $800?
Yes. The Dell Optiplex is renewed but still performs excellently for non-gaming needs.
3. Should I upgrade or replace in the future?
Start with the base model and upgrade RAM, GPU, or SSD later if needed.
4. Are these PCs good for students and professionals?
Totally. Great for web apps, streaming, coding, Zoom, and productivity tasks.
5. How long will a PC under $800 last me?
With basic maintenance, you’ll get 3–5 solid years—especially with upgrades.
