The Best Prebuilt PC Under $700: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

When it comes to purchasing a prebuilt PC, especially within a budget, one often wonders what options are available that offer both value and performance. In this article, we'll explore some of the best prebuilt PCs under $700 and provide insights into their features and suitability for various tasks.

The HP Pavilion TG01–0023w: A Versatile Choice

For those looking for a compact and performant PC under $700, the HP Pavilion TG01–0023w is a standout choice. Available for around $599 at Walmart, this PC comes equipped with a Ryzen 5 3500 processor and an GTX 1650 Super graphics card. Despite its affordability, it boasts impressive specifications, offering ample power for tasks such as gaming, video editing, and light work.

Key Features: 13 inches tall and 12 inches deep, making it super compact Comprehensive front connectivity matching the most expensive systems Preconfigured with 8GB DDR4 memory and a 256GB SSD

While it may struggle with 4K gaming, it more than handles tasks at lower resolutions, providing a solid overall performance. However, if you need to upgrade in the future, such upgrades are indeed affordable and straightforward.

Exploring Other Options Under $700

For those with a budget just above $600, the primary choices open up. Two main options are either a system with onboard graphics (such as the AMD 3400G) or going for a refurbished system. If you're leaning towards a new PC with a good upgrade path, the AMD 3400G is highly recommended. It offers better performance and flexibility compared to systems with onboard graphics. Just make sure to invest in 3200MHz CL14 RAM for optimal usage.

Alternatively, for a faster computer, either buying a refurbished system from brands like Dell, or upgrading a low-power graphics card into a more powerful one, could be a viable route. This approach provides a good balance between performance and cost.

DIY vs. Prebuilt: Making the Right Choice

For those who appreciate customization and outright control over their hardware, building a PC from scratch might be the ideal choice. However, if prebuilt PCs are preferred, there are a couple of notable models worth considering:

IBM648

The Element MR9700V2 by iBUYPOWER is a solid midrange option. By simply swapping out the RAM for a 16GB kit, you can enhance its performance significantly. This model is versatile and provides a great all-around experience, making it a strong contender in the prebuilt PC market.

Build Your Own or Stick with Prebuilt?

Ultimately, the choice between a prebuilt PC and a custom-built one comes down to personal preferences and needs:

DIY Option

Customization: You get to choose every component, ensuring optimal performance for your specific requirements. Price Point: Generally, a self-built PC can offer more value for money if you’re willing to do the research and purchasing. Quality Control: You have complete assurance over the quality of components and can test them before final assembly.

One could assemble a highly efficient PC with a reasonable budget. For instance, an AMD build might look like this:

AMD Build

Processor: Ryzen 5 3500 – INR 11000 Motherboard: ASUS PRIME B450M-A – INR 6500 RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX 16GB (2x8GB DDR4 3200 MHZ C16) – INR 7000 GPU: GTX 1660 Super – INR 20000 PSU: ANTEC VP650P PLUS 650 WATT POWER SUPPLY – INR 4000

Intel Build Processor: Intel Core i5-9400F – INR 13000 Motherboard: ASUS TUF B365M-PLUS – INR 7600 RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX 16GB (2x8GB DDR4 DRAM 2400MHZ C16) – INR 6200 GPU: GTX 1660 Super – INR 20000 PSU: ANTEC VP650P PLUS 650 WATT POWER SUPPLY – INR 4000

These builds offer a balanced mix of performance and affordability, ensuring that your new PC can handle most household tasks and light gaming.

In conclusion, selecting the best prebuilt PC under $700 involves considering your specific needs and budget. While prebuilt PCs offer convenience and modest performance, building your own PC grants you complete control and potential cost savings. Regardless of your choice, the key is to ensure a well-built system that meets your short-term and long-term requirements.

For further assistance or to explore more options, consider referring to reputable online marketplaces such as Amazon, where you can find a wide range of prebuilt PCs tailored to different budgets and performance levels.