Best gaming PC for under £800

£800 is where a gaming PC starts to feel like a real gaming PC. You can get a proper graphics card, a fast drive and enough memory. Here is what to look for, in plain words.

What £800 gets you

The big step up from cheaper PCs is the graphics card. This is the part that draws the game on your screen. At around £800 you should expect a separate graphics card, not graphics built into the processor.

That means popular games like Fortnite, Valorant, Rocket League and Minecraft run smoothly at 1080p. 1080p is the most common screen size for gaming. Bigger, newer games will play too, but you may need to use medium settings rather than the highest.

What to check before you buy

1. The graphics card. It matters more for games than anything else. A mid-range card is the right target at this budget.
2. 16GB of memory (RAM) or more. Memory is the PC's short-term workspace. 16GB is the minimum we would suggest now.
3. An SSD. This is a fast drive with no moving parts. Windows starts quickly and games load in seconds, not minutes.
4. A good power supply. This feeds power to every part. A decent one runs cooler and quieter, and leaves room for a bigger graphics card later.

The processor (the PC's main chip) matters less than people think for gaming. A sensible modern one is fine. Our AMD or Intel guide explains why.

Where people go wrong

The most common mistake is paying for things that look good but do not help games. Lots of coloured lights, a fancy case or a very big processor can eat up the budget. That money is usually better spent on the graphics card.

The other mistake is a cheap power supply. It is hidden inside the case, so it is easy to ignore. But a poor one can stop you upgrading later, and it is the part you least want to fail.

Which screen to pair it with

For an £800 PC, a 1080p screen is the best match. If you want a sharper 1440p screen, you will need a stronger graphics card to keep games smooth. Our guide to 1080p, 1440p and 4K explains the difference.

Built and tested in Worcester

Every PC we sell is built and tested on our own bench in Worcester before it goes out. If you are not sure which one suits your games, ask us. If you can stretch your budget, see the best gaming PCs for under £1,000.

Questions people ask