Recognizing a business opportunity, companies like Lenovo, Dell, and others have started to address a gap in the market by producing prebuilt PCs specifically designed for streamers.
One of the best prebuilt streaming PCs you can buy for yourself is the Dell Alienware Aurora R10, which has truly impressed me with its performance. However, there are several other intriguing options available on the market.
These machines are significantly more powerful (and more expensive) than an average PC, featuring high-end hardware and, in some cases, custom drivers for that hardware. This is why I decided to write a guide to assist you in selecting the right prebuilt PC and setting it up.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Pre-Built Streaming PC
 | Top Choice Dell Alienware Aurora R10
| |
 | Skytech Gaming Chronos
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 | HP OMEN 25L
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First of all, why would you want or need a pre-built streaming PC?
Choosing a prebuilt PC means you won’t have to concern yourself with how the components in your machine interact. In simple terms, purchasing a prebuilt PC allows you to start streaming immediately.
That said, you should only purchase such a PC from a reputable manufacturer, as some less scrupulous companies often attempt to cut costs by including lower-quality components.
Table of Contents
1. Dell Alienware Aurora R10
The best prebuilt streaming PC on my list
Stefan’s Take:
If you are looking for a high-end streaming PC that will satisfy all your needs for a long time to come, then look no further!
Alienware Aurora is an amazing solution for anyone who intends to play and stream AAA games, with a powerful dedicated graphics card, AMD Ryzen RX processor, and a plethora of quality-of-life options specifically designed to make streaming as smooth and hassle-free as possible. A big bonus is the ultimate connectivity of this device.
| Performance | 9.8 |
|---|---|
| Price | 8.8 |
| Compatibility | 9.5 |
| Upgrade Capacity | 9.3 |
This Dell Alienware desktop is among the best gaming PCs released in recent years, featuring stunning graphics powered by its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, which boasts an impressive 10GB of dedicated video memory.
This is more than sufficient for even the most demanding games and system-intensive tasks, with ample power left for your live streaming.
The processor is an AMD Ryzen, a brand recognized for its reliability, so you can expect the machine to endure for a considerable amount of time, regardless of what you subject it to.
Every modern PC should have at least four cores to function effectively; this is especially crucial for prebuilt gaming PCs, as they must manage intensive tasks while also being somewhat challenging to upgrade due to their design.
Thankfully, the Alienware Aurora features not just four, but six cores, each with a maximum clock speed of 4.6 GHz.
Even as games become increasingly demanding over time, this processor will remain ahead of the curve for at least a few more years.
The 8GB of DDR4 RAM may appear insufficient, but its clock speed of 3200 MHz makes it adequate for most tasks, and the memory can be expanded up to 128GB.
Next, another excellent feature of the Alienware Aurora is its expansive 1TB storage HDD. However, it is worth mentioning that adding a separate SSD to the machine would further enhance its performance during streaming.
Featuring numerous USB ports of different sizes, a high-quality internal Ethernet card, and a full-size Display Port, this powerful prebuilt gaming PC can connect to nearly any device in your setup.
Wireless LAN and Bluetooth connectivity are also included with the PC, making it ideal for those who enjoy playing games locally with friends or transferring a large number of photos and videos between mobile devices and the computer.
Pros
- Very powerful graphics
- 6-core processor
- OS included
- Great connectivity
- Cool design
Cons
- No SSD
- Only has 8GB RAM
2. Skytech Gaming Chronos
Best Prebuilt Gaming PC
Stefan’s Take:
Skytech Gaming is well-known for manufacturing high-end prebuilt PCs that are sure to fulfill the needs of just about any gamer or streamer and can handle competitive gaming with ease.
Chronos is no exception to this rule. This great streaming PC comes quite pricey, but the experience you will have while playing and streaming on one is without comparison.
| Performance | 9.9 |
|---|---|
| Price | 8.6 |
| Compatibility | 9.4 |
| Upgrade Capacity | 9.2 |
I consistently recommend the Skytech Gaming Chronos to anyone seeking a PC for hosting gaming events, and for good reason.
Equipped with a Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core processor that has a 3.8 GHz base clock and a maximum clock speed of 4.6 GHz, along with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card featuring 10GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory, this system is undoubtedly one of the best prebuilt options available.
It also features double the RAM of the previous entry on my list (I already noted that it has twice as many cores, as well).
The video card is of high quality, and its processing power is exceptional.
Apex Legends, League of Legends, PUBG, and Fortnite were all managed effortlessly by the machine, even at the highest resolution and with all settings set to maximum, without any decrease in FPS whatsoever.
Indeed, Skytech Gaming has provided us with an exceptionally powerful pre-built PC, which is comparable to, if not superior to, most custom-built options.
The machine’s connectivity is excellent, featuring both HDMI and Display ports that enable multi-screen setups along with HD audio and video support.
Furthermore, the PC includes its own gaming keyboard and mouse upon purchase. While you may already have a preferred set of these devices, this addition is a nice touch.
Another point worth mentioning is that the PC operates very quietly, even with its powerful 850 Watt power supply. Additionally, the 360mm ARGB cooler effectively keeps it cool, preventing the loss of computing power associated with overheating.
It also features a 1TB SSD of the 4th generation. While its performance could be improved, it is sufficiently fast not to affect gaming performance.
Pros
- 12-core processor
- Includes mouse and keyboard
- Incredible graphics
- Very quiet
Cons
- Relatively slow SSD
3. HP OMEN 25L
Best Budget Prebuilt PC
Stefan’s Take:
If your primary concern is enjoyable gaming and streaming experience, this machine will ensure that you have nothing to worry about.
HP OMEN 25L is a cheap prebuilt gaming PC that packs some serious power under the hood, allowing you to stream content in full HD resolution and even featuring SSD storage capacity, which is often absent even in the more expensive machines.
| Performance | 9.1 |
|---|---|
| Price | 9.5 |
| Compatibility | 9.2 |
| Upgrade Capacity | 9.0 |
This machine from HP is a fully-equipped affordable streaming PC, priced at just over half that of the Skytech Gaming Chronos, while still maintaining solid performance.
HP OMEN 25l is an outstanding streaming PC equipped with a 7th generation octa-core AMD Ryzen processor, boasting a maximum clock speed of 4.4GHz, which delivers ample computing power for your video games.
The eight cores enable it to perform exceptionally well, even with the most demanding games, allowing it to run nearly any title at maximum or near-maximum settings without delays.
The second primary reason for its power is the graphics card. The HP OMEN 25L features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 12GB of dedicated graphics memory, which, although slightly less powerful than the 3080 version, still delivers exceptional performance.
The PC is equipped with 16GB of DDR4 RAM (2x8GB), which can be expanded to 32GB (2×16). While this is somewhat on the lower end for a streaming PC, it remains sufficient for most users.
Conversely, this prebuilt PC features two hard drives: a standard 1TB SATA drive and a 512GB PCIe SSD.
The combination of these two storage drives guarantees that you will have ample space for your numerous games and their corresponding footage, while also allowing your machine to boot in just a few seconds.
The combination of an HDMI port and three display ports enables this prebuilt PC to serve as the core of a large, multi-screen setup effortlessly. This feature is particularly beneficial for anyone who wants to play on one screen while simultaneously viewing their live stream on one or two additional screens.
A variety of USB ports are available, including a super-speed USB Type-C port on the rear.
The same applies to the headphones and microphone jacks, which are conveniently located on the top of this tower-sized PC.
Finally, the PC comes with its own keyboard and mouse included in the packaging, allowing you to simply plug it in, boot it up, and start streaming.
Pros
- 8-core processor
- Includes an SSD
- Keyboard and mouse provided
- Features USB-C port
Cons
- Maximum of 32GB RAM
4. Skytech Shadow 3.0
Best Prebuilt PC Under $1500
Stefan’s Take:
The Intel core inside Skytech Shadow 3.0 is very powerful and reliable, just not as powerful as the much newer AMD Ryzen cores
But, if you are a PC gamer that is looking to get into streaming and feels more comfortable getting a cheap prebuilt gaming PC than building your own one, then Skytech Shadow 3.0 is an excellent choice for you.
| Performance | 8.9 |
|---|---|
| Price | 9.6 |
| Compatibility | 8.5 |
| Upgrade Capacity | 8.8 |
Unlike all the previous entries on this list, the Skytech Shadow 3.0 features an Intel processor, specifically an Intel Core i7 9700KF running at 3.66 GHz.
This alone makes it significantly different from the other Skytech machine I have reviewed, the Skytech Chronos, and the notable difference in price reflects this situation.
However, the fact that it is significantly cheaper does not mean that the Skytech Shadow 3.0 does not deserve a place on the list of the best prebuilt streaming PCs.
The Intel core is paired with a GeForce RTX 2060 6G GDDR6 graphics card, which is a powerful dedicated video card.
I tested it by streaming on both Discord and Twitch, and it was flawless.
The next aspect that truly impressed me about this prebuilt gaming PC is its 1TB SSD drive.
People often underestimate how much faster their gaming experience can be with an SSD compared to a SATA or HDD drive.
Moreover, your OS will boot almost instantly with this device. For anyone who is impatient and obsessed with gaming, this is a significant advantage.
The coolers and power adapters are excellent, guaranteeing a quiet and comfortable experience with this gaming PC, no matter the type of game you are playing or streaming.
One aspect that could be improved is the absence of a mouse and keyboard in the box. However, this is merely a minor complaint regarding an otherwise excellent PC for streaming.
Both gaming and streaming on this device are exceptionally smooth, and it boots up faster than any other device on the list so far.
Pros
- Huge 1 TB SSD
- Very affordable
- Incredibly quiet
Cons
- Intel Core i7 9th gen is a bit outdated
- A newer GPU could be included
5. CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR
Top Performance Prebuilt PC
Stefan’s Take:
As for my personal experience when testing this machine, it was, for the most part, positive.
Gaming and streaming are both completely smooth, even at max settings of all my favorite games, and the only bad thing I could say about this PC as a whole is that it really should have more RAM, considering how much it costs.
| Performance | 9.7 |
|---|---|
| Price | 8.1 |
| Compatibility | 9.2 |
| Upgrade Capacity | 9.1 |
The moment I unpacked my CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR from the box, I thought, “Now this looks cool!” Indeed, this prebuilt PC was designed not only for performance but also for visual appeal, featuring stunning transparent glass sides and vibrant colors that impart a high-tech feel.
However, this attention to aesthetics does not imply that the PC is any less powerful than its competitors. On the contrary, the very name of this pre-built PC signifies power, and it does not deceive.
The water-cooled Intel Core i7 10700K, operating at 3.8 GHz, is among the most powerful Intel processors available today, and its performance in video games is nearly unmatched.
The water cooling system enables it to sustain low temperatures even during the most demanding gaming scenarios, ensuring that you will never lose a single frame due to overheating.
The graphics card adheres to the same principle: performance is the key focus here, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 stands out as the top gaming-oriented graphics card in this price range, featuring 10GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
The RAM memory in this PC is of high quality, featuring 16GB of DDR4 that can be expanded to 32GB (2x 16GB instead of 2x 8GB).
Nonetheless, it would be beneficial if I could upgrade the memory to 64GB, especially when considering the long term. Currently, even 16GB is sufficient for most games.
The PC includes a spacious 500GB SSD, complemented by a 2TB HDD as a secondary drive.
Pros
- Powerful CPU
- Powerful GPU
- Water cooling
- Great design
Cons
- Low maximum RAM
- Price
6. ASUS ROG Strix G15CE
Prebuilt PC with the most powerful CPU
Stefan’s Take:
Asus ROG Strix possesses a processor of the newest generation that comes with all the best drivers and other software that Intel has to offer, which can be quite useful if you like micromanaging your PC.
This PC performs admirably while gaming or streaming, has no FPS drops or bloatware on it and includes a Windows 10 Home operating system that will allow you to turn it on as soon as it is unpacked, quite a good thing if you are as impatient to try out your new toy as I am.
| Performance | 9.4 |
|---|---|
| Price | 9.0 |
| Compatibility | 8.8 |
| Upgrade Capacity | 9.0 |
For the final entry on this list of the best prebuilt gaming PCs, I present the ROG Strix computer from ASUS.
The first thing you will notice when you look at this device is the large ASUS logo on the box, along with its vibrant colors.
Immediately after that, you will notice that the computer is equipped with the latest Intel Core processor, the 11th generation i7-11700F.
This is a significant advantage, in my view, even if the clock speed is slower than that of some competitors. I am referring to an eight-core processor with a speed of 2.5GHz (each of its 16 threads can boost up to a maximum of 4.90GHz).
Another excellent feature of this PC is its graphics card.
The setup includes an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card with 8GB of GDDR6 memory. This card is well-known for its high quality and popularity, frequently found in streaming PCs due to its capability to run nearly any game at maximum settings effortlessly while also maintaining an HD resolution stream.
I can personally vouch for the card’s quality, as I have had ample opportunity to test it in various configurations, and I also have one installed in my own PC.
The RAM in this device is also excellent, featuring 16GB of very fast (3200 MHz) DDR4 RAM that can be expanded if needed.
Although lower than in some other prebuilt PCs, the amount of RAM is still more than sufficient to run all current-generation games.
Finally, this device features several hard drives! This alone makes it superior to many other entries on the list, as booting your device from a drive that contains nothing else has been shown to enhance your computer’s booting speed.
I am referring to a 1TB HDD, an additional 1TB SSD, and a third, flash-based 512GB SSD that is specifically designed for booting your device.
Pros
- Newest generation processor
- Great GPU
- Three hard drives
- Has its own OS
Cons
- Quite noisy
- More RAM would be better
What to Look for When Buying a Pre-Built Streaming PC?
Compatibility
When purchasing a prebuilt PC, it is essential to ensure that all the components work well together.
This is usually not an issue, but occasionally the power may be too low, or an unusual interaction between two or more components can lead to a drop in performance.
This is not the case with any of the entries on my list, so you will be safe there.
Price
Prebuilt PCs can often be significantly more expensive than those built from the same or similar components. It is advisable to purchase such a PC from a reputable brand to avoid being overcharged unnecessarily.
Long-term solution
You do not purchase a streaming PC every day. Therefore, you should ensure that your PC remains ahead of the curve for at least a few years after your purchase, allowing you to continue streaming high-quality content even after new generations of games are released.
Conclusion
To determine which prebuilt PC is the best, you would need to test hundreds of devices. Even then, the choice would still depend significantly on the type of content you plan to stream, the resolution you intend to use, the target audience, and other factors.
However, based on the test I prepared for you, the final conclusion is:
When selecting a computer, seek out a selection of PCs designed with streamers in mind, like those on this list, and then choose one with specifications that meet your needs.
It is important to ensure that your new computer remains relevant in the coming years, as a streaming PC is a mid- to long-term investment.
FAQ
Are prebuilt PCs good for streaming?
It all depends on the components under the hood. While PCs built for office use are likely to fall short of the specs required for a task as demanding as streaming HD-resolution content, a number of high-end PC manufacturers have assembled configurations specifically tailored for gaming and streaming. If you are looking for a good prebuilt streaming PC, I have compiled a list of such machines that will help you make an informed choice for yourself. Each of the machines on the list comes from a certified brand, and they have been tested in-house to ensure the best performance possible. I have done further testing prior to writing this guide in order to provide you with the best information.
What is the best prebuilt computer company?
This is a difficult question to answer, as the number of companies that are constantly coming up with new and better solutions is quite large. Still, all of the brands mentioned on my list of best prebuilt gaming PCs are strong competitors for this exclusive top spot, with each of their machines being an excellent tool for any prospective gamer or streamer, as well as hardcore professionals who are looking to improve the quality of their content. The differences between the companies’ products are relatively small and usually tied to either price or the customers’ personal preference rather than the company itself.
