The current market makes building a gaming PC a financially painful endeavor. Soaring prices for essential components like RAM and graphics cards are turning dream builds into budget nightmares for individual consumers.
Surprisingly, pre-built desktops, while not ideal, are currently offering a more sensible path to gaming. A refurbished Acer Nitro 60, featuring an RTX 5060 graphics card, recently appeared on eBay for $753.29, presenting a rare opportunity.
This particular configuration boasts a 10-core Intel Core i5-14400F processor, paired with the RTX 5060’s 8GB of VRAM. It’s further equipped with 16GB of DDR5 system memory and a speedy 1TB M.2 Gen4 SSD for quick loading times.
The Nitro 60 comes in various forms, but this specific model (UD.P02AA.069) closely mirrors a version sold by Micro Center for $1200. While a complete parts list isn’t provided, it includes a full Windows 11 Home license, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and subtle RGB lighting on the case fans.
Attempting to build an equivalent system from scratch proves surprisingly expensive. A PCPartPicker estimate for similar components currently exceeds $1219, *before* factoring in shipping, taxes, and potential rebates.
Amazon currently lists a potentially identical model for $1028, but even that price barely qualifies as a bargain. This level of hardware is realistically positioned for mid-range 1080p gaming, and falls short of enthusiast expectations.
The desktop utilizes a single DIMM for its 16GB of RAM, suggesting an upgrade to 32GB is possible – if you’re willing to invest further. This upgrade would significantly enhance performance, but adds to the overall cost.
Offered as a certified refurbished unit directly by Acer on eBay, and backed by a two-year Allstate warranty, this desktop represents one of the best gaming PC deals available right now. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s a pragmatic solution in a challenging market.
Expect to comfortably play most new games at 1080p resolution with a 60fps framerate. Older titles should run with exceptional ease, making it a versatile option for a wide range of gaming experiences.
In the current climate, this Acer Nitro 60 isn’t about achieving peak performance; it’s about securing a functional gaming PC without completely emptying your wallet. It’s a realistic compromise given the prevailing market conditions.
