Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming PC: how to choose a desktop that suits your games and budget

Buying a gaming PC seems straightforward until you start comparing dozens of configurations. A fast processor, an RTX graphics card and RGB lighting sound appealing, but they don’t tell you everything about whether a gaming desktop PC is right for you. The best choice depends on your resolution, the games you play, your storage needs and your upgrade plans.

Common pitfalls when buying a gaming PC

1. Looking only at the graphics card

An RTX 5060, RTX 5070 or RTX 5080 attracts plenty of attention, but the processor, power supply and cooling also affect how reliably a system runs. A powerful graphics card paired with limited RAM or a low-capacity power supply may not be the best fit for extended gaming, streaming or video editing.

2. Not checking whether Windows is included

Not every Windows 11 PC comes with the same licence. Some systems have Windows 11 Home fully installed, while others use an evaluation version. Before buying, check which software version is included and whether it still needs to be activated.

3. Underestimating RAM and storage

A gaming PC with 16GB of RAM may be suitable for many games, but 32GB of RAM can be more practical if you’re streaming, browsing with multiple tabs open and using creative software at the same time. A gaming PC with a 1TB SSD also offers more space than a system with 480GB or 500GB, especially when modern games can take up tens of gigabytes.

Which specifications matter?

Graphics card: choose based on resolution

For a PC for 1080p gaming, systems with an RTX 5060 or RTX 5060 Ti are sensible options to consider. For 1440p gaming, high refresh rates and more demanding graphics settings, a gaming PC with an RTX 5070 or a similar configuration may be worth looking at. If you play at 4K or use ray tracing extensively, you could consider a gaming PC with an RTX 5080.

Ray tracing and DLSS are NVIDIA features that are only available in supported games. Actual performance varies depending on the game, settings, resolution and driver.

Processor: AMD Ryzen or Intel Core?

A Ryzen gaming PC is a good option for players who value gaming performance and multitasking. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D in some configurations features 3D V-Cache, which the product information says is designed with gaming in mind. An Intel gaming PC may appeal to people who also edit video, render content or run several applications at once, alongside gaming.

Don’t just look at the processor name. Check the number of cores, generation, motherboard type and upgrade options too.

Memory, SSD and connections

Look out for these features:

  • 16GB RAM: suitable for gaming and everyday use; check whether it can be upgraded.
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM: practical for streaming, video editing and demanding multitasking.
  • NVMe SSD: generally a fast storage solution for Windows, programmes and games.
  • Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7: relevant if you play wirelessly; depending on your network, wired Ethernet can still be a reliable option.
  • DisplayPort and HDMI: check that the connections suit your monitor and desired refresh rate.
  • Power supply: check the wattage and certification, particularly on RTX 5070 and RTX 5080 systems.

A barebone or mini PC needs extra consideration. With a barebone, you may need to install the RAM, storage and operating system yourself. So it’s not automatically ready to use as a gaming computer.

Our recommendations for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Shark Max Bite R501 Gaming PC RTX5060 R5 16GB 1TB

Shark Max Bite R501 Gaming PC RTX5060/R5/16GB/1TB - Powered by MSI

Why it suits this profile: This ready-to-use configuration combines an AMD Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 5060, 16GB DDR4 and 1TB NVMe storage. It’s a good match if you want to get started with 1080p gaming without building your own PC.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list the processor, graphics card, RAM and storage. That means you don’t have to rely on the RTX label alone.

Key benefit & highlights

RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7, 1TB NVMe SSD and Windows 11 Home, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Gaming Desktop PC Ryzen 7 7800X3D RTX 5080

Gaming Desktop PC Ryzen 7 7800X3D, GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD

Why it suits this profile: The combination of a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 and 1TB NVMe is designed for demanding gaming at 1440p and 4K, according to the product information provided.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The configuration also lists the cooling system, 850W power supply and 32GB of memory. Do check whether 1TB is enough for your games library.

Key benefit & highlights

RTX 5080 with 16GB of graphics memory, 32GB DDR5 and 360mm liquid cooling, according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specialist use & intensive users
ASUS ROG G700TF RTX 5070 32GB

ASUS ROG G700TF-07265F666W Gaming Desktop PC

Why it suits this profile: This Intel gaming PC has a Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5 and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It’s a good fit for gamers, streamers and content creators who use several applications at once.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The memory capacity, SSD interface, power supply and cooling are listed separately. This makes it easier to compare than relying on marketing terms.

Key benefit & highlights

32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 and 850W 80 Plus Gold power supply.

Suitable for: Space-conscious home users
MSI CUBI NUC AI Mini PC

MSI CUBI NUC AI 1UMG-018BEU Mini PC

Why it suits this profile: This compact Windows 11 PC has a volume of 0.52 litres, Wi-Fi 6E, two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports and support for up to 64GB DDR5.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The compact case saves space, but this isn’t a full-fledged RTX gaming PC. Choose this model primarily for everyday use and light graphics work.

Key benefit & highlights

Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, integrated Intel Arc graphics, two HDMI ports and support for M.2 storage.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying a gaming PC

Is 16GB RAM enough for a gaming PC?

16GB is enough for many games, especially if you don’t use many other programmes at the same time. For streaming, video editing and intensive multitasking, a gaming PC with 32GB RAM is more practical. Check whether the motherboard also has extra memory slots.

How much electricity does a gaming PC use?

Power consumption depends on the graphics card, processor, power supply, settings and how long you play. An RTX gaming PC uses more power under heavy load than a mini PC with integrated graphics. You can check the power consumption using an energy monitor plugged in between the socket and the PC.

How long does a gaming computer last?

Lifespan depends on use, maintenance and how easy it is to upgrade. Keeping the ventilation free of dust, ensuring adequate cooling and choosing a power supply with plenty of capacity can help keep the system suitable for longer. When buying, check whether the RAM, SSD and graphics card can be replaced later. That way, you won’t need to buy a completely new gaming computer as soon as you want to upgrade.