RAM crisis got you down? Don’t build a new PC — just get a pre-built system like this one instead

It’s no secret that PC-building has always been a potentially expensive hobby, but things are dire right now – desktop graphics cards remain expensive, and the RAM crisis keeps getting worse, with prices almost doubling just since the start of the year.

There was a golden era when building your own PC was significantly cheaper than buying a pre-built system; but sadly, it now seems that particular dream is dead. The good news, though, is that PC gamers looking to upgrade can sidestep the current component pricing crisis by simply buying a pre-assembled desktop. For now, anyway… it probably won’t be long before the price spikes catch up to manufacturers, so if you’ve been deliberating an upgrade, don’t delay.

With the Presidents’ Day sales in full swing in the US, now is the perfect time to snap up a whole new system at a reduced price – and even better, if you’re upgrading from an older system, you can go ahead and strip it for parts to sell and hopefully recoup some of your costs – I personally pulled the RAM out of an old desktop and sold it on eBay just this week! (If you’re not in the US, scroll down to see the best desktop gaming PC deals in your region.)

More of today’s best Presidents’ Day sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $99
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe’s: up to 40% off appliances, furniture & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off clothing, tech & furniture
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off furniture, rugs & decor

Christian is TechRadar’s UK-based Computing Editor. He came to us from Maximum PC magazine, where he fell in love with computer hardware and building PCs. He was a regular fixture amongst our freelance review team before making the jump to TechRadar, and can usually be found drooling over the latest high-end graphics card or gaming laptop before looking at his bank account balance and crying.

Christian is a keen campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights and the owner of a charming rescue dog named Lucy, having adopted her after he beat cancer in 2021. She keeps him fit and healthy through a combination of face-licking and long walks, and only occasionally barks at him to demand treats when he’s trying to work from home.