Entry-Level Gaming PCs: What They Are and What They’re Used For?
- G Max
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
When people think of gaming PCs, they often imagine high-end machines with powerful graphics cards, blazing-fast processors, and RGB lights illuminating every corner of a desk. But not everyone needs – or can afford – a top-of-the-line setup. This is where entry-level gaming PCs come in.
What is an Entry-Level Gaming PC?
An entry-level gaming PC is a desktop PC designed to provide solid gaming performance without breaking the bank. These systems usually target gamers who are new to PC gaming, casual players or those who primarily enjoy less demanding titles.
While they don’t pack the same punch as premium builds, entry-level PCs balance performance, cost, and accessibility. They’re often equipped with:
Mid-range CPUs (such as Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5)
Budget-friendly GPUs (like NVIDIA GTX 1650/1660, RTX 3050, or AMD RX 6500 XT)
8–16GB of RAM (enough for smooth gaming and multitasking)
SSD storage for faster loading times
These components are capable of running modern games, though usually at lower resolutions (1080p) and medium-to-low graphics settings.
What Are Entry-Level Gaming PCs Used For?
The main purpose of an entry-level gaming PC is to provide a gateway into the world of PC gaming without requiring a huge upfront investment. They’re ideal for:
Casual Gaming – Playing popular esports and indie titles that don’t demand cutting-edge hardware.
Learning & Experimenting – Great for beginners who want to explore PC gaming before upgrading later.
Everyday Use – Since they’re full-fledged computers they handle web browsing, streaming, schoolwork and light creative projects alongside gaming.
Game Streaming & Social Play – Many can handle streaming to Twitch or Discord at modest quality, letting new gamers join online communities.
What Games Can You Play on an Entry-Level Gaming PC?
Entry-level gaming PCs shine when paired with titles that are optimized for lower-spec hardware. You might not max out ultra graphics settings but you can still enjoy smooth gameplay in many popular games including:
Esports titles:
League of Legends
Valorant
Counter-Strike 2
Fortnite
Rocket League
Indie and casual games:
Minecraft
Stardew Valley
Among Us
Terraria
Hades
AAA games (on lower settings):
GTA V
Cyberpunk 2077
The Witcher 3
Elden Ring
Example Entry-Level PC Builds (UK Prices)
Here are a couple of example builds that balance affordability and performance for first-time PC gamers in the UK.
Budget Build (£600–£650)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 – ~£110
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super – ~£200 (used) / RTX 3050 – ~£250 (new)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3200MHz) – ~£45
Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD – ~£35
Motherboard: B450 / B550 board – ~£80
Case + PSU (500W 80+ Bronze) – ~£80
Total: ~£600–£650
Great for esports titles and 1080p gaming on medium settings.
Mid-Entry Build (£750–£800)
CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F – ~£170
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 – ~£300
RAM: 16GB DDR4 (3600MHz) – ~£50
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD – ~£55
Motherboard: B660 board – ~£110
Case + PSU (600W 80+ Bronze) – ~£100
Total: ~£780
Capable of handling AAA games at 1080p high settings, and even light 1440p gaming.
Who Should Consider an Entry-Level Gaming PC?
You should consider starting with an entry-level machine if:
You’re new to PC gaming and want to test the waters.
You mainly play competitive esports or lighter games.
You want a versatile PC for gaming, studying, and general use.
You’re on a budget but still want a capable setup.
Final Thoughts
Entry-level gaming PCs may not boast the flashiest specs, but they’re perfect for beginners, casual players, or budget-conscious gamers. They open the door to PC gaming, provide a solid foundation for everyday computing, and can even be upgraded over time. With the right build, you can enjoy a wide variety of games without spending thousands of pounds.
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