Can a $800 gaming PC run 1440p?

Yes, with the RTX 4060. Most games run at 1440p medium-high settings at 60 FPS. DLSS upscaling helps significantly. Competitive games like Valorant and CS2 easily hit 1440p 144Hz.

Is it better to build or buy pre-built under $800?

At this price, pre-built is usually the better deal. You get a full system warranty, Windows license included, and no assembly risk. Building your own saves maybe $50-100 but requires troubleshooting skills and time.

How long will a $800 gaming PC last?

Expect 3-4 years of solid 1080p gaming before needing a GPU upgrade. The CPU and RAM will remain relevant longer. Most systems here allow GPU upgrades when the time comes.

Best Budget Gaming PCs Under $800 2026