Black Friday 2026 Gaming PCs UK: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a gaming PC, read the full graphics card name and its memory figure, then check the processor, system memory and storage. Confirm that it runs Windows 11 or can upgrade, because Windows 10 support has ended. Look at the power supply and case size too, since they decide how far you can upgrade later.

Graphics cards in gaming PCs

The graphics card usually matters most in a gaming PC, and small differences in the name matter. Nvidia’s comparison page lists these standard memory sizes for its desktop cards:

Same-name cards with different memory are worth watching for, as the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 4060 Ti show. Older cards can look similar in a title, so read the whole model number before you compare two machines.

Processor and system memory

Processor names vary as much as graphics names, so compare the full model number rather than a brand or series. An older chip with a familiar name can sit well below a newer one, and a listing may lead with the family name only.

System memory is separate from graphics memory, so check both figures. The right amount depends on your games, so compare the machine with the requirements the game publishers list. Storage matters too, since large games fill a small drive quickly.

Gaming PCs to compare

Check the graphics card, processor and memory listed for the exact build. The links below sort listings by brand and series.

Shop gaming PCs→

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

• RTX 4060Browse →
• RTX 4070Browse →
• RadeonBrowse →
• MiniBrowse →
• PrebuiltBrowse →
• WhiteBrowse →

Windows 11 on a gaming PC

Windows support is the easiest detail to overlook on an older gaming PC. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, which means no more technical help, feature updates or routine security updates. The PC keeps working but is more exposed, and eligible machines can upgrade to Windows 11 at no charge.

Microsoft’s minimum for Windows 11 includes a compatible 64-bit processor with two or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage and TPM 2.0. Ask a seller which version is installed, and whether it is activated.

Upgrade room in a desktop case

Upgrade room is a real advantage of a desktop. Check the power supply rating, because a stronger graphics card may need more power, and check the physical length a case can take. Smaller cases look tidy but can limit which cards fit.

Ask whether the motherboard has free memory slots, and whether there is a spare drive bay or slot for storage. A photo of the inside tells you more than a long specification list.

Buying a used or custom gaming PC

Used and custom-built PCs need a few more questions than a boxed machine. Ask for a screenshot of the system information to confirm the parts, and ask when it was built and how it was used. Heavy PCs also need good packing, so check how the seller will post it.

Citizens Advice says online purchases from a business usually carry a 14-day cooling-off period, but bespoke items and those from private individuals are not covered. A PC built to your own specification may fall under the bespoke exception.

More in the laptops department.