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À partir d’avant-hierWindows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.

Don't waste your money building your own gaming PC — these pre-built desktops eat the costs and skip the boring parts

In case you didn't notice (I'm joking, because you definitely did), PC gaming has become a painfully expensive hobby. Amazon Prime Day is supposed to help offset that with massive discounts, but does it really count when it brings components back to near-MSRP levels? We take what we can get, I suppose.

Either way, it's difficult to recommend building your own PC from scratch right now. If you've never tried it, the anxiety of handling now-overinflated RAM will surely feel worse than ever — and that's one of the easiest parts to install. On the bright side, iBUYPOWER has some merciful discounts on pre-builts.


Never owned a gaming PC before? Start here. These are entry-level parts, but you still get 1TB of storage and enough upgradeable memory (RAM) to get you going. iBUYPOWER throws in a mouse and keyboard, as usual, so this is a great starter build!View Deal


Got some extra budget to spare? Doubling your storage memory puts you in the modern "sweet spot" of 32GB RAM, and AMD's Radeon 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM will run modern AAA games more comfortably. For under $2,000, this is a steal.View Deal


If you're already well-versed in PC gaming and you'd rather lean on DLSS upscaling, then this RTX 5060 Ti build will be more attractive for an extra $50. As graphical demands increase, NVIDIA's tech will feel more like a cost-saving crutch.View Deal


And if we're going all-out, why not go for Intel's powerful 270K Plus CPU in a variation of the Trace X I reviewed earlier this year? The RTX 5070 Ti GPU is the perfect middle ground without burning money away, and you won't struggle to run any games. A monster.View Deal

A pre-built gaming PC is just easier

iBUYPOWER RDY Trace X R01 pre-built gaming PC on a dark countertop shows vibrant RGB lighting inside, illuminating fans and components. The background features a fridge and door.

iBUYPOWER's RDY Trace X is an all-out rig with a fish tank vibe. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)

Yeah, I might get some pushback from die-hard gaming PC builders, but I don't have any qualms with a pre-built option. I've been there — installing a CPU for the first time, losing my mind about installing thermal paste correctly (just a pea-sized amount, guys), and stressed about RAM profiles alongside other BIOS options. You don't have to do any of it.

Installing and setting up Windows 11 is the same wherever you go, and iBUYPOWER's decision to ship graphics cards (GPUs) separately isn't as intimidating as it looks. They slot in just like an old-school game cartridge and hold in place with a few screws. That's really all there is to it, and each rig comes with clear instructions anyway. I'd know, I tested a Trace X PC earlier this year. Treat yourself, PC gaming is the best.

How long do these iBUYPOWER deals last?

The "4th of July Mega Sale" ends on July 6, 2026, and is already live. iBUYPOWER runs limited-time deals on coupons and extras throughout the event, but the pre-built gaming PCs should remain available while stocks last.

Are any iBUYPOWER deals in Amazon Prime Day?

iBUYPOWER has a dedicated store on Amazon, and lists a collection of its pre-built gaming PCs there, too. If you're an Amazon Prime member, it's worth checking listings on both storefronts to see which works best for you.

When is Amazon Prime Day in 2026?

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ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU on top of an iBUYPOWER RDY Trace X R01 pre-built gaming PC in a white case

Installing a GPU is about the only thing iBUYPOWER asks you to do, and that's easy.

Skip the Steam Machine? These 5 mini PCs start at $594 and crush 1080p gaming, but the deals end today

The Steam Machine is getting a fair amount of heat due to its $1,049 price, but no matter how you look at it, Valve's new device is a particularly powerful mini PC.

Here's the rub. Not everyone needs that much power or wants to pay that much, which is where the Windows mini PC market comes into play.

Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

Amazon Prime Day has knocked prices down considerably on a bunch of our favorite mini PCs, and while they won't match the Steam Machine's discrete graphics, they're still fully capable of running a wide range of games AND Windows 11, no extra effort necessary. Just plug in an HDMI cord, hook it up to your TV, and start gaming.

Prime Day wraps up today, June 26, and most of these mini PC deals are expected to expire before the weekend. I'm in fact already seeing some retailers run out of stock. Translation? If you see something you can use, you should grab it before it's gone.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 16GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe

This is the best sub-$600 mini PC I could find that features a Ryzen 9 CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics. 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD help sweeten the deal.

👉 See at BestBuy.comView Deal

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 255
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 24GB LPDDR5x
SSD: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe

"The SER9 Pro is another all-round excellent mini PC from Beelink, now powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 H 255. The GPU is very good for an integrated one, capable of handling most games on medium to high settings at 1080p, though some really demanding games will struggle."

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

👉 See at Amazon.comView Deal

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 16GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe

This is one of the more reasonably priced mini PCs featuring a Ryzen 7 CPU, 1TB SSD, and integrated Radeon 780M graphics.

👉 See at BestBuy.comView Deal

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
GPU: Intel Arc
RAM: 16GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe

Those who prefer Intel can land this Core Ultra 9 185H CPU with integrated Arc graphics that closely match those of AMD's Radeon 780M. Plenty of RAM and storage are a great perk.

👉 See at Amazon.comView Deal

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 32GB DDR5
SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe

Extra RAM and storage plus a Ryzen 9 CPU make this mini PC particularly attractive, and the integrated Radeon 780M graphics do a decent job of running most modern games that aren't particularly demanding.

👉 See at Newegg.comView Deal

How do these discounted mini PCs compare to the Steam Machine's performance?

Steam Machine for 2026

The Steam Machine boasts a respectable amount of gaming power thanks to a discrete AMD GPU with 8GB of VRAM. (Image credit: Valve)

The Steam Machine is causing a ruckus in the tech world, namely due to its price-to-performance ratio now that reviews have gone out into the wild. It's true that you can build a full-size gaming PC or buy a pre-built gaming PC for less money and with superior power, but what about a mini PC that's a closer match to the form factor?

👉I found these pre‑built gaming PCs that beat Valve’s Steam Machine on price and performance, and it’s not even close

Well, that's where the real genius of Valve's device comes into play. It is indeed capable of delivering quite a bit of gaming performance in a super compact form factor, something that most of the mini PCs on the market for a similar or lower price simply aren't capable of doing.

The Steam Machine's discrete custom AMD Radeon GPU with 8GB of VRAM is fairly close to a desktop-class AMD Radeon RX 7600 card, which the integrated graphics in most mini PCs can't touch.

Regardless, at $1,049, the Steam Machine isn't for everyone. There are plenty of PC users who just want a compact, capable PC that runs Windows 11 without breaking a sweat, while at the same time having capabilities to handle lighter games. That's where these great mini PCs excel.

Beelink SER9 PRo

The Beelink SER9 Pro is one of our favorite mini PCs on the market, and it's on sale during Prime Day. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)

The mini PCs I've highlighted in this roundup all have an integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU or a comparable Intel Arc integrated GPU. I can't stress enough that these GPUs will not match the Steam Machine's gaming power.

However, the Radeon 780M will still do a bang-up job of gaming, and for a lot less money in a significantly smaller package, often with more RAM and storage.

Just how powerful is the integrated GPU? It will effortlessly run esports games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and DOTA 2 at 1080p, hitting somewhere between 60 and 90 FPS with medium to high settings. Games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox are in the same boat.

👉 Geekom's mini PCs enjoy massive savings during Prime Day — I handpicked the 7 top deals up to 15% off for a limited time

I'd venture to say that the Radeon 780M is an indie game superstar, and those who prefer roguelikes, platformers, deck builders, puzzle games, and simulators will have no issues.

Those hoping to play demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur's Gate 3, and others will find that the Radeon 780M can get the job done at 1080p, albeit with lower frame rates and with AMD's FSR enabled. If you're going to mainly focus on AAA games, I'd recommend checking out pre-built desktop PCs with discrete graphics.

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Beelink SER9 PRo

Beelink SER9 PRo

It's time you tried American Truck Simulator (or Euro Truck Simulator 2), and I'm not kidding — they're better than you think

Sim games are getting more mainstream, and I'm happy to see it. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is one of the most (surprisingly) addictive games I've played in recent memory, and Amazon Prime Day sales are making it easier for me to recommend, alongside its American Truck Simulator sibling. It's a PC-only title for now, but Xbox and PlayStation releases have been teased for a while.

So, if you wanted to drive a virtual truck around a representation of your home state or your favorite European country, what exactly do you need to get started? Well, you can play either game with a mouse and keyboard, but any kind of controller makes it a better experience. Here's what I recommend for a basic steering wheel setup, with optional extras and higher-end alternatives.

The absolute basics: A wheel and pedals


Thrustmaster already made an entry-level wheel (T128), but its TMX regularly undercuts it with deals like this. This comes with an accelerator and brake pedal, and enough buttons to handle common truck controls.

💲 Price check: $129.99 at Best Buy | $119.99 at Walmart | $129.99 at NeweggView Deal


You'll rarely see coverage of racing wheels without the G29 mentioned, and it's for a good reason. Logitech makes great wheels, and while this one is built for PlayStation, it's totally compatible with trucking on Windows.

💲 Price check: $189.98 at Best Buy | $229.99 at Walmart | $189.98 at NeweggView Deal

Optional: A realistic truck-style setup


Now we're talking. If you don't need to hear my pitch on truck simulators because you're already in the know, then MOZA's bundle of its TSW truck wheel, direct drive base, desk clamp, and pedals is the ultimate option.

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½View Deal


Most trucks in the game offer an automatic gearbox, but there's a real sense of satisfaction when you shift through gears yourself, even if this doesn't really cover the size of a real-world truck's gearbox. It's still fun.

👉 Also see: $42.73 at Best Buy
💲 Price check: $57.99 at Walmart | $59.99 at NeweggView Deal

Critical: Steam keys for either game on PC


"Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona"

✅ Steam Deck VerifiedView Deal


"Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits."

✅ Steam Deck VerifiedView Deal

Are Xbox steering wheels compatible with PC?

Yes, any peripheral made for the Xbox with a USB connection generally offers even more features on a Windows PC. Steering wheels are simply a set of analog and digital inputs translated to game functions with a driver from the manufacturer's website. Most games on Xbox consoles allow you to customize button functions on racing wheels, but a PC will offer even more personalization.

When is Amazon Prime Day in 2026?

Do I need an Amazon Prime membership for Prime Day?

Are other retailers hosting competing sales?

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MOZA TSW Truck Wheel with Euro Truck Simulator 2 on PC

I never would have pictured myself as a virtual trucking fanatic, but somehow, here we are.

There's never been a better time to get into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 than now

I recently got into playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and I get it. I really do. There's a massive dedicated community around this Microsoft franchise, and even as a beginner I see why. The sky is the limit, and yes, pun intended.

You can quite happily get along and have a great time playing on PC, Xbox or PS5 with just a controller, but I guarantee the bug will catch and catch quickly. Before long you'll want to up the ante and make the experience more realistic. I'm not saying you'll build a full cockpit, not right away at least! But you'll probably be yearning for a flight stick, yoke, maybe even some rudder pedals.

If you're looking for a game to really sink some time into, this is one of the best decisions you could make, even if you've never thought it would be for you. While Amazon Prime Day is going on, it is also a perfect time to jump in with both feet and get yourself some good hardware to get started with or upgrade an existing setup.


For those with an Xbox Series X or Series S console — the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight is the gateway to the best Flight Simulator experience. Turtle Beach has singlehandedly delivered a monumental leap in the quality of console gear. ~ Matt Brown, Former Senior Editor

Windows Central Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Also at: Amazon ($329.99)View Deal


"Compatible with Xbox consoles and Windows PC, the VelocityOne Flightstick is perfect for immersive simulations or action-packed space flights with eight high-precision axes. " ~ Ben Wilson, Senior Editor

Windows Central Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½View Deal


Thrustmaster doesn't pretend that the T.Flight HOTAS One is a premium flight stick, as it carefully cuts back on any excessive features like built-in displays or unnecessary RGB, sticking instead to a no-frills shell and focusing on the responsive joystick and throttle combination. ~ Ben Wilson, Senior Editor

Windows Central Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐View Deal


Honeycomb Aeronautical's award-winning Alpha Flight Controls is updated and compatible with Xbox (with the external Xbox hub accessory) and is one of the absolute best options for flight sim players when combined with the equally great Bravo Throttle Quadrant. ~ Zachary Boddy, Former Staff Writer

Windows Central Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½View Deal


Part of a wider effort to simplify a yoke and throttle setup and, in turn, offer a more affordable price tag to help new players ease their way into an ultra-realistic simulation rig — you'll notice I never used the word "cheap" here, and that's for a good reason. ~ Ben Wilson, Senior Editor

Windows Central hands-onView Deal

The rudder can be hard to accurately control using a controller or twisting a flight stick, so these pedals from Logitech are a great addition to your setup. with self-centering, smooth action, and adjustable tension. Whether small planes or big jets, these rudder pedals will do the job fantastically well. View Deal

Flight stick FAQ

Should I buy a flight stick or a yoke?

This mostly depends on your knowledge of aircraft, as each control type varies in real life. Some small planes use a yoke, while some large airliners, notably the Airbus ones, will use a stick. It depends what you think you'll be more comfortable with, or how close to realism you're trying to get.

Do I need to buy rudder pedals?

Not necessarily. While it does offer a realistic experience and appeals to intermediate players and above, you can usually emulate these controls with flight sticks that allow twisting. Pedals are generally more useful for anyone buying a yoke, but they match up with traditional flight sticks, too. If you're a new player, don't worry about pedals.

Do all flight sticks work on Xbox and PS5?

No. While flight sticks and yokes made for consoles will generally work on PCs that meet MSFS' spec requirements, the same is not true for the opposite. Always check for explicit compatibility confirmation before buying any peripheral if that's your intended platform. Windows PC players don't have to worry as much.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator Cockpit

Microsoft Flight Simulator Cockpit

Almost none of us will ever buy this Fanatec racing wheel, but its crossover between gaming and the real world is impressive on an unmatched scale

Sim racing with a PC or Xbox has got more and more realistic over the years, but this wheel from Fanatec takes it to a whole other level.

A photo of a BMW M4 GT3 race car on the Fanatec booth at the Sim Racing Expo.

Not a replica, an actual real-life racing wheel that can also be used with your favorite racing game.

Valve's new Steam Deck restock comes with a huge price hike — "these new prices reflect the current state ... across the industry"

After months of being out of stock, Valve's beloved Steam Deck is available again — but its return has been accompanied by a massive price hike.

Steam Deck Trackpad

A close-up view of the Steam Deck. After the new price hike, it's significantly more expensive than it used to be.

Geekom's A9 Max is a monstrously mighty mini-PC that can run the most demanding PC titles with solid performances and crush AI workloads in a flash

The critically acclaimed Geekom A9 Max mini-PC is now on special offer for a 13% discount, plus an extra 10% when paired with this limited-time promo code, so you can shave its insane price to enjoy premium PC gaming on the go for less.

A white Geekom A9 Max mini-PC placed on a wooden desk above a black Razer Joro keyboard.

The Geekom A9 Max next to a keyboard.

A new fan project adds Crash Bandicoot to Spyro, giving players a crossover they never got officially

A fan-made Unreal Engine 5 project called Sprash combines Crash Bandicoot and Spyro into one playable experience, featuring upgraded visuals, co-op multiplayer, and classic Spyro levels.

Crash Bandicoot and Spyro face off in a split jungle and fantasy landscape crossover image with the Spyro + Crash logo centered.

Crash and Spyro

5 extremely popular Steam apps that aren't games — Level up your PC with these useful utilities and tools

Steam has more than 100,000 games it wants to sell you, but some of the platform's most popular listings aren't games at all. Here are five that I don't regret adding to my collection.

An image of a Windows 11 desktop with windows for Steam, Wallpaper Engine, and Aseprite overlaid.

An image of a Windows 11 desktop with windows for Steam, Wallpaper Engine, and Aseprite overlaid.

"The MG-1 MK.II is on a whole other level": Maingear's revamped gaming PC addresses (almost) all of my last-gen complaints

Maingear impressed us with its MG-1 pre-built gaming PC in 2025, and the company has now returned with an MG-1 MK.II model that addresses most of the complaints I had. Here's what you need to know before buying.

A Maingear MG-1 MK.II gaming PC with RGB lighting illuminates the interior. It features a GeForce RTX graphics card and vibrant cooling fans, creating a futuristic vibe.

A Maingear MG-1 MK.II gaming PC with RGB lighting illuminates the interior. It features a GeForce RTX graphics card and vibrant cooling fans, creating a futuristic vibe.

I tried GameSir's revolutionary new game controller and it's the most mind-blowing thing I've used in years

I finally got my hands on GameSir's Swift Drive prototype, and it's beyond any of my expectations. This is a truly game-changing product.

A prototype of the GameSir TR640 game controller in white with Assetto Corsa in the background.

This is genuinely the most mind-blowing controller if you're into racing games.

I bought Valve's new Steam Controller with my own money for a solid week of PC gaming — and you only need to know about one genuine downside

Valve takes another shot at a PC gaming controller that tempts players away from their consoles, and it convinced me to buy. So, was it worth the asking price?

Valve Steam Controller (2026) held in two hands against a magenta card background

It looks gigantic and unwieldy, but the new Steam Controller is quite comfortable.

"Congrats to the owners of a brand new $6k paperweight": Valorant dev Riot makes players think Vanguard anti-cheat will brick their PCs, causing uproar — here's what's really happening

A new controversial post from Valorant studio Riot Games has sparked an uproar in the game's community, fueling a misunderstanding about its anti-cheat.

Official promotional key art for Valorant, Riot Games' popular free-to-play PvP tactical shooter.

The latest update to Valorant's Vanguard anti-cheat system gives it the power to stop DMA firmware cards used for hacking from working.

"Sets a new standard for affordable QD-OLED gaming monitors": I tested Alienware's $349 AW2726DM display, and there's no way it won't be massively popular

Alienware's AW2726DM is an easy recommendation for anyone who needs a $349 QD-OLED gaming monitor. It does come with some concessions to meet that price, and I explain them here.

A widescreen monitor on a wooden desk displays the vibrant "Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty" menu, featuring neon lights and a futuristic cityscape.

The Alienware AW2726DM attached to a monitor arm on my gaming desk.

Get into PC gaming without the stress, made even easier as trusted pre-built iBUYPOWER rigs drop their prices before Memorial Day

Pick up a ready-made desktop gaming PC from iBUYPOWER in the week leading up to Memorial Day with some time-limited discounts.

Close-up of iBUYPOWER RDY Trace X R01 pre-built gaming PC's internal cooling system with a digital display reading 41°C. Radiant lighting and sleek cables exude a high-tech, vibrant ambiance.

iBUYPOWER's rigs are ready for PC gaming.

The amazing Dark Souls 2 path tracing mod is now available to download — I'm shocked at how it makes the ugliest Dark Souls look like a modern game

A long-awaited path tracing mod for Dark Souls 2 has been released publicly, and gives FromSoftware's ARPG a massive graphical glowup.

Official key art for Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin.

Dark Souls 2 is often thought of as the least appealing game in FromSoftware's trilogy visually, but this path tracing mod almost makes it look like a modern release.

Winhanced just made the Xbox app feel outdated on handheld gaming PCs, and I can’t believe how much smoother it is

Winhanced is quickly becoming one of the most interesting alternatives to the Xbox app on PC, combining Xbox, Steam, Epic, and GOG libraries into one controller-friendly experience built for handhelds and console-style gaming.

ASUS ROG Ally displaying Winhanced home screen with Steam, Game Pass, and Epic Games integration.

Xbox Ally X running Winhanced

Xbox Mode on a Windows 11 PC with dual monitors is exactly what you should expect — and that’s a shame

Xbox Mode’s handling of dual monitor setups is raising concerns among PC gamers, with secondary displays left blank while the primary monitor runs the new console-style interface.

A glowing green Xbox logo shines prominently in the center against a blurred background of Xbox Mode promotional image.

Xbox Logo

We spent a week with Xbox Mode — here is what actually works, what breaks, and what the community is saying about it

Xbox Mode has officially started rolling out on Windows 11, but early feedback from users has been mixed. From rollout confusion and missing features to glitchy UI behavior and disappointing performance gains, fans are already questioning whether the new gaming-focused mode is ready for prime time.

Xbox Mode promo image showing multiple Windows 11 devices with a console-style UI and a controller, highlighting availability and Forza Horizon 6.

Xbox Mode promotional image

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