I’m pretty certain this won’t be the last time you see a “Best Desktops for Light Gaming” list (we’ll blame it on the growing number of people who play games on their computers, but that’s a story for another time). That said, we’ll just pretend I didn’t write that.
As a gamer, you need a great rig that can deliver quality framerates and provide a good gaming experience. From the top of the line gaming desktops to the budget desktops to the cheap gaming desktops, you need the right desktop to set up your gaming rig to get the best gaming experience in the shortest amount of time. This article will guide you to the best gaming desktop for you.
While the PC is reaching its lowest ebb of popularity in recent years due to the rise of smartphones and tablet, there’s still a role for the traditional computer. Here are five desktops that will offer great value for money in the upcoming years.. Read more about best gaming pc 2023 and let us know what you think.
What are the best light gaming desktops? While the number of professional or aspiring gamers is increasing, there are many recreational players that go undetected.
These are the non-serious gamers that do not participate in eSports or other similar contests and just play when they feel like it.
As a consequence, the majority of casual players are unconcerned with frame rates, resolution, streaming, and other elements of video game play.
It may seem that these individuals will play games on any computer as long as they run, but this is not always the case.
Even casual gamers need a specialized gaming setup on their PCs, which is why this article was written.
As the title suggests, we’ll go through five of the finest desktops for light, casual gaming, or whatever you want to call it.
While some of them can still provide 60 frames per second in 1080p on certain games, others may struggle to run current titles.
Everyone will find something useful here, including the Buyer’s Guide at the conclusion. It has been given to ensure that you are aware of the fundamental features to look for when purchasing or constructing a desktop on your own.
This advice should help you figure out what is absolutely essential and what may be compromised.
Light Gaming Desktops – Price
Skytech Chronos Mini Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6GHz, GTX 1650 Super 4G, 16GB DDR4 RAM – Skytech Chronos Mini Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6GHz, GTX 1650 Super 4G, 16GB DDR4 RAM – Skytech Chr
$2,412.99
as at 4:55 p.m. on August 8, 2023
CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme Gaming PC, Intel i5-9600K 3.7GHz, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB, 8GB DDR4, CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme Gaming PC, Intel i5-9600K 3.7GHz, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB, 8GB DDR4,…
$1,662.28
4 brand new items starting at $1,662.23
as at 4:55 p.m. on August 8, 2023
AMD Ryzen 3 3100 3.6GHz, 8GB DDR4, Radeon RX 550 2GB, 240GB CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Master Gaming PC
$719.27
21 new items starting at $719.17
as at 4:55 p.m. on August 8, 2023
Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer Intel i5 3.10GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive, Windows 10 Professional, WiFi…
$529.99
as at 4:55 p.m. on August 8, 2023
The information on this page was last updated at 4:55 p.m. on August 8, 2023.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for Light Gaming
It’s a little difficult to consider a particular setup as a minimum since light gaming doesn’t have a clear definition.
Even the most demanding games list older CPUs and integrated graphics as the least powerful.
Not to add that many games that take up all of your PC’s free memory specify 4 GB of RAM as a minimum requirement.
When purchasing a desktop for a purpose such as this, it is critical to be certain of one’s intended use, since computer hardware is not inexpensive.
So, based on how a typical “light gamer” would want their desktop’s component list to appear, here’s something that may be useful.
Intel Core i5 2400 or higher CPU; Radeon Vega 11 or better graphics; 8 GB or more RAM; 240 GB or larger SSD or 1 TB HDD
Intel Core i5 9600K or higher processor GTX 650 or better GPU 16 GB RAM (for better overall use) 500 GB SSD Recommended System Requirements: Intel Core i5 9600K or better processor GTX 650 or better GPU 16 GB RAM (for better overall usage)
5 Best Light Gaming Desktops:
Best Overall: Chronos by SkyTech Mini Gaming PC
SkyTech Chronos
The SkyTech Chronos Mini is an excellent desktop for light gaming and other mid-range activities. It is inexpensive and, at the same time, may be updated with greater hardware as required.
Characteristics:
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB SSD storage
Pros
- Attractive characteristics
- Good specifications
- Budget-Friendly Pricing
Cons
- By default, there is limited storage.
- There isn’t a USB Type-C port.
- More RGB in the interiors would have been preferable.
You don’t have to lose out on stuff like RGB flair just because you’re like light gaming.
The SkyTech Chronos Mini PC is at the top of the list. This mid-sized gaming setup may be a fantastic gadget for those of you who play less often but want the finest experience possible.
A Ryzen 5 3600 CPU clocked at 3.6 GHz with a maximum speed of 4.2 GHz, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super GPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD are among the PC’s features.
The CPU is one of the finest budget gaming CPUs available, and the GPU it’s coupled with is also adequate.
When you take it out of the box and start playing games, things become much more intriguing.
Even the most recent games may run at 60+ frames per second on 1080p at medium to high resolutions, depending on the game.
Not only that, but it may also be utilized for other general productivity activities and apps that benefit from a fast CPU and GPU, such as this one.
However, certain aspects, such as greater storage, might have been better, despite the fact that you have the ability to increase it.
There will also be no USB Type-C connector on the desktop. Take a look at the Skytech Chronos Review.
Runner-up: CyberPower Gamer Xtreme GXi8820A
Characteristics:
Pros
- Attractive appearance
- Exceptional performance
- There’s no bloatware here.
Cons
- Not all of the time
- The CPU is from a previous generation.
- There isn’t a spare M.2 slot.
The Xtreme Gaming desktop is somewhat less expensive, but it can still address the storage and RGB issues.
This is also a good entry-level gaming PC to have simply to protect your investment in the future. Please stick with us a bit longer if you’re searching for even more affordable alternatives.
The CPU in this is a Core i5-9600K, which has a maximum turbo speed of 4.6 GHz.
It’s a six-core, six-thread CPU, which works well for single-core workloads but not so well for hyperthreading.
It’s accompanied by a GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB of VRAM and 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.
An SSD with a capacity of 500 GB was utilized for storage. The storage capacity it offers should be plenty for all of your requirements, but if it isn’t, you can always increase.
There are more costly CyberPower Xtreme versions with greater specifications and performance, but they won’t be needed here. This is, perhaps, the most cost-effective option for casual gaming.
Yet, with its Hexa-core CPU, GTX GPU, and enough RAM, it can easily achieve 60+ frames per second in most games.
A casual gamer’s workstation would also look nice with the case and its elegant style.
3. CyberPower PC Gamer Master GMA888A5 – Excellent for Downtime Gaming
Characteristics:
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor
- AMD Radeon RX 550 graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 8 GB RAM
- 240 GB SSD + 2 TB HDD storage
Pros
- Pricing that is reasonable
- An excellent entry-level setup
- On the rig and peripherals, RGB is used.
Cons
- There is no Type-C port.
- Initially, storage was limited.
- Not the most up-to-date connection
Because the Gamer Master is so excellent, we could have put it higher on the list. It’s inexpensive, and it’s still your best bet if you’re looking for a low-cost gaming machine.
That, too, on a shoestring budget with reasonable specifications.
Gamers like AMD processors, and a Ryzen 3 3100 is installed on the PC.
Despite the fact that it is not a specialized gaming CPU, it will not let you down.
This is a quad-core CPU that should be capable of handling most games, and there includes a Radeon RX 550 visual card for better-than-average graphics. As a result, the VRAM of this PC is 2 GB.
The PC also has 8 GB of RAM, which should be plenty for any game.
By default, the storage capacity is limited, with a 240 GB SSD serving as main storage.
A 2 TB hard drive is also included to accommodate extra storage requirements.
If you don’t think this is a significant issue, you may raise it after you purchase the computer.
The price tag, not the RGB lights or the compact size, is the most appealing feature of the desktop.
There are few such alternatives available, thus CyberPower, despite certain expected disadvantages, makes a statement here.
4. Pavilion 590 is an HP laptop computer. Desktop – Excellent Value
HP Pavilion 590
Bottom Line: If you work in a different field yet like light gaming in your spare time, the HP Pavilion PC is the one for you.
Characteristics:
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400G processor
- Graphics card: Radeon Vega 11
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- 8 GB RAM
- 1 TB hard drive
Pros
- A good performance
- Pricing that is quite reasonable.
- Compact Dimensions
Cons
- The best choice is still dedicated graphics.
- The higher the variation, the more expensive it is.
- The power source has a low wattage.
As you may know, Ryzen APUs come with Radeon Vega graphics, which are a considerably cheaper alternative to a dedicated entry-level GPU.
In terms of performance, they are likewise much ahead of Intel’s integrated graphics solutions.
With a Ryzen 5 2400G CPU and Radeon Vega 11 Graphics, the HP Pavilion is one such desktop. Because it is an APU, it contains both the CPU and the GPU.
Its performance in real-time is slightly below that of a low-cost discrete GPU, making it a suitable option for casual gaming.
This implies that it will still offer more than satisfactory frame rates in most older games, but you may need to reduce the visuals in newer games.
This model has 8 GB of RAM, but there are other options as well. The one we have here outperforms the Intel alternatives in both gaming and general performance.
You’ll also receive a USB Type-C connector and a 1 TB hard drive, so your storage and connection issues will be somewhat addressed.
WIFI and Bluetooth are still available, although the standards are outdated. In case you were wondering, there are two video ports as well. Check out our review of the HP Pavilion 590 Desktop.
5. Desktop Alarco Gaming – Affordably priced and portable gaming computer
Alarco Gaming Desktop
Bottom Line: For casual gaming, this Alarco desktop is a better option than putting up a desktop yourself. It saves you money and time by removing the additional work and time.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i5-2400 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 8 GB RAM
- 1 TB hard drive
Pros
- Pricing that is reasonable
- Ports in abundance
- Many monitors are supported.
Cons
- Not the greatest guarantee for a brand.
- Specifications that are no longer valid
- Upgradability is limited.
Alarco is one of the lesser-known brands we discovered, but it still has a good collection of features. Although there are superior choices in the entry-level category, this gadget is much less expensive.
It has an Intel Core i5 processor, however it is of an earlier version, with a base clock of 3.10 GHz.
It comes with 8 GB of RAM (although DDR3) and a dedicated GPU. However, it is a GeForce GTX 650, which is one of NVIDIA’s most affordable choices.
It has a VRAM of 1 GB, and despite the lack of visual memory, it may be suitable for a variety of light games and programs with modest graphics needs.
Finally, a 1 TB hard drive is included for storage.
These specifications may not seem to be impressive, but it is recommended that you do not play any demanding games on it.
On average, it can offer acceptable 60+ fps rates on moderate to medium settings for most older games and a few newer ones like Fortnite.
However, on other heavier ones, the frame rate would rarely exceed 30, and even then only on low settings.
This should be on your wishlist if you are sure that you will not be interested in playing better games now or in the future.
How Do You Pick the Right Desktop for Light Gaming?
So far, you’ve seen desktops designed for light gamers, but who is a “light gamer”?
It may be someone who enjoys playing games as a pastime or as a way to pass the time.
A light gamer is someone who exclusively plays games that need a low amount of CPU, GPU, and other system resources.
Last but not least, it might be someone who is just interested in playing the game, not in the highest quality or with the best graphical settings.
Frame rates and other similar issues should not worry you if you are one of these individuals.
Although they are referred to as the same, each of these requirements is distinct.
For example, you may only have time to sit at your computer on weekends to play games, but you still want the greatest performance possible.
The guide will be very useful in resolving such ambiguity.
We’ve discussed a few things below, but one of the most important things you should do is create a budget.
You’ll almost certainly prefer a less expensive choice, but the other criteria you need the PC to meet will be more important.
However, this may be difficult, particularly with prebuilt alternatives, since they may not always offer the characteristics that are desired within a restricted price.
In circumstances like these, building a PC is the most obvious option, but it isn’t feasible for everyone.
What would you be doing on your desktop if you weren’t working?
Gaming desktops are such machines that allow you to choose from a variety of budget-friendly choices. Some go for more over $2000, but the ones that cost between $1000-$2000 are the most popular.
There are even cheaper options, and you may be able to get one for about $600.
It may not have the greatest specifications, but there isn’t much you can expect from an entry-level PC.
While such a PC may be capable of running the games you want, there is still a lot of other work to be done on a desktop.
And we aren’t referring to other casual needs like web-browsing here. Rather, purposes like graphics, music, or video editing need some set of specs of their own.
Every other piece of professional software, too, performs best when set up in a particular way.
So, before you make a choice, keep factors like these in mind.
Any gaming PC designed for light gaming may also do other duties, which you should be aware of.
Upgradability
You may be considering purchasing a PC to play games such as League of Legends, DOTA 2, World of Warcraft, and others.
These aren’t very taxing on the machine and can be played on most PCs if you don’t mind occasional stutters and delays.
While it’s a waste of money to pay more for things you don’t need right now, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay a little more to ensure that you’ll be able to upgrade in the future.
In a year, you may be more interested in playing a game that needs higher specifications, or you might start streaming.
The PC’s low-end specifications may be sufficient for now, but it would need upgrades for such tasks.
So any PC you purchase today should be upgradeable enough that you can keep using it after replacing certain components.
Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase or construct a new PC from the ground up, which won’t be cheap.
There are certain exceptions, such as when you have no intentions to play higher games and will instead stick to light games, but overall, some basic upgradability is beneficial to everyone.
Processor
The CPU will make the biggest impact on a casual gaming PC. It’s important in other situations as well, but the CPU you choose will have a big impact here.
Although low-end games may not need a strong CPU, a faster clock speed is still advantageous.
Given that you won’t be streaming or have such significant requirements here, a quad-core CPU is the ideal option.
If you don’t run anything in the background, these CPUs have the power to handle even some of the most demanding games.
A dual-core CPU may also be selected, although performance will be restricted in that case.
If you’re okay with the limited gaming performance provided by dual-core AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3 processors, they may be a decent fit for you.
However, do so only if you have a limited budget, the games you want to run are of the lowest tier, or you expect to upgrade shortly.
A more powerful CPU, such as one with eight cores, is only worthwhile if you are a casual streamer or need to run other programs that need more cores.
However, for lightweight gaming, we don’t see the purpose in investing in an Intel Core or Ryzen CPU with more than 4 or 6 cores.
Because you won’t need those additional cores, a less expensive alternative is preferable. More significant, since improved CPUs rapidly become prohibitively expensive.
Graphics
The CPU may be capable of running the desktop, but you’ll still need a GPU for graphics, whether it’s a separate video card or one built into the processor.
However, the level of skill with which you play the game is very important. The graphics demand rises with higher graphics settings and more visual effects.
Only a few graphical options are available for a PC that will only be used for lightweight gaming or playing better games at reduced resolutions.
The obvious options are those with 2 GB of video memory, but if you have additional graphics requirements, a video card with 4 GB of VRAM may be a better alternative.
Any options lower than that aren’t worth it, and a 1 GB GPU will be obsolete by 2023. However, one of these GPUs is extremely inexpensive.
Older games may also operate with integrated graphics, so a GPU isn’t required for everyone. The experience wouldn’t be that terrible if you ran them at mid to low settings.
However, you should have extra RAM since the integrated GPU may need more memory.
The Ryzen CPUs with the Vega graphics series are a better choice than Intel since they may offer somewhat higher performance.
The APUs, as they are called, also come with excellent graphics, ensuring that no additional graphics are required for light requirements. Intel UHD Graphics can also be used, although it isn’t as good.
RAM
The RAM is the second most essential option. Following the CPU and GPU, there is one more element of the PC that will have a direct impact on your gaming experience.
Every game, no matter how tiny, requires a certain amount of free RAM to operate, which in most instances is between 1-2 GB.
Simply said, the more demanding the game is, the more RAM the CPU needs to process it. We wouldn’t suggest it for casual gaming since even the most basic PCs come with 4 GB of RAM.
You may be able to play, but your PC will be slow, and the program may crash in certain instances.
The ideal spot would be 8 GB of RAM placed in at least two modules. Purchasing more RAM modules may be costly, but there are benefits to doing so.
Not only would you receive somewhat greater performance, but you’d also be able to keep your system operating if one of them failed.
The RAM’s speed isn’t crucial, but buying one with a higher frequency is better, provided you aren’t charged excessively.
To entice consumers, many companies offer overclocked DDR4 modules with additional features like heat spreaders, RGB, and so on, but not all of them are worth the money.
Storage
The next step is storage, which is where you’ll keep all of your data, including game-related data. You have the option of purchasing an SSD, which is more future-proof, or purchasing a hard drive, which is less expensive.
An SSD outperforms a hard drive in a variety of areas, including data reading and writing rates, file transfers, boot-up times, and overall system responsiveness.
However, it is more expensive, and finding a low-cost pre-built PC with a big capacity SSD is unlikely.
You can always purchase a hard disk first and then add an SSD later if you have the appropriate PCIe or SATA slots.
Although it isn’t uncommon to utilize the hard drive exclusively for storage, an SSD is still the best choice, especially for moderate gaming.
Now, the quantity of storage you need is determined by the size of your games, and a 256 GB hard drive would be insufficient. If you’re buying an SSD, you should get at least 512 GB of storage, and if you’re buying a hard drive, you should get at least 1 TB.
Connectivity
Aside from the aforementioned hardware, your light gaming PC will also need the appropriate connections.
Even if the games you want to play do not need a lot of resources, you should keep your connection up to date.
This contains USB ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, and other features. Look for desktops that come with them already installed so you don’t have to bother about purchasing adapters later.
Some games also need an Internet connection, which requires an Ethernet port on your computer. WIFI is OK, but for increased speed and capacity, utilizing Ethernet as the main network connection is the better option.
Accessories
After you’ve decided on your gear, be sure to set aside some money for good peripherals, such as a gaming keyboard, mouse, and speakers.
Mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane keyboards, but they last considerably longer.
Mice with additional buttons and RGB may also be helpful, since both can provide a unique feeling even in light games.
Even if you’ll just be playing games sometimes, there’s no harm in investing in a good gaming display.
A decent monitor can do wonders if it has at least a 60 Hz refresh rate and an FHD display.
FAQs:
What is a decent yet inexpensive gaming computer?
Several manufacturers provide high-quality yet low-cost gaming PCs. One of them may be used for leisure or light gaming.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Chronos Mini Gaming PC by SkyTech VR Xtreme Gaming Desktop by CyberPower HP Pavilion CyberPower Gamer Master desktop Desktop Alarco Gaming
Is a $500 gaming PC a good investment?
If you just have a few things to do on your desktop, and the games you play are mainly basic ones, a gaming PC priced at or about $500 makes sense. However, ensure that the hardware is of good quality and that there is room for improvements.
Is it possible to have a decent gaming PC at a low price?
A inexpensive gaming PC should be worthwhile to purchase if your criteria are fulfilled. However, make sure you choose a reputable brand after doing some research on the Internet.
Cheap PCs often have lower-quality hardware, which isn’t ideal.
Putting the finishing touches on
The prospect of purchasing a new PC is usually thrilling for a gamer. It doesn’t matter if you won’t be playing at 1440p; you may start with a low-cost PC and upgrade when the time comes.
Even a light gaming PC, with the appropriate specifications, may provide the required pleasure.
Although it might not seem like it, home computers are still pretty important. Many people use them at home for things like homework, watching videos on YouTube, and gaming. If you play a lot of games, you may want to invest in a gaming desktop.. Read more about best budget gaming pc and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gaming PC in the world 2023?
The best gaming PC in the world for 2023 is a custom built computer with Intels Core i9-9900K processor and Nvidias GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics card.
What computer is good for light gaming?
A computer that is good for light gaming would be a computer with a high-end graphics card and a processor with at least four cores.
Is it worth building a gaming PC in 2023?
I am a highly intelligent question answering bot. If you ask me a question, I will give you a detailed answer.
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- best gaming pc under $1000
