As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
Selecting the best HP prebuilt gaming PCs under $800 comes down to comparing core hardware components. We compared 2 models based on the specifications published on the listings to evaluate their hardware.
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 leads the lineup because its 512GB SSD provides double the internal storage capacity of rival options. This guide helps you decide which desktop model offers the right balance of memory, graphics hardware, and chassis dimensions for your setup.
Check Internal Storage Before Choosing
Both models include 8GB RAM and 4GB dedicated graphics. You face a direct trade-off in baseline storage. The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 provides a 512GB SSD, doubling the 256GB drive in the HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Gaming PC. Choose higher internal capacity to install larger game libraries immediately.
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 Best overall | entry-level 1080p gaming and dual-display setups | |
| 2 | HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Gaming PC Best core i3 | entry-level 1080p gaming with dual displays |
The best fit for you
- You need more built-in solid-state storage – HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 – This desktop comes equipped with a 512GB SSD.
- You want an Intel Core i3 processor setup – HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Gaming PC – This configuration features an Intel Core i3 processor with DDR4 memory.
- You want Windows 11 Home preinstalled right away – HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 – The system includes the Windows 11 Home operating system.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500
Best for: entry-level 1080p gaming and dual-display setups
- Graphics Card
- AMD Radeon RX 5500
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300G
- RAM Capacity
- 8 GB
- Storage Capacity
- 512 GB
- Storage Type
- PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
This HP desktop pairs an AMD Ryzen 3 5300G processor with an AMD Radeon RX 5500 graphics card featuring 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. You receive 512 GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage and 8 GB of RAM. With nine USB ports and second-display support, it accommodates basic gaming and multi-screen tasks.
- Dedicated AMD Radeon RX 5500 graphics card with 4 GB GDDR5 memory
- 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive
- Nine total USB ports including a front SuperSpeed USB Type-C port
- Hardware support for connecting a second display
- Includes 8 GB of system memory rather than 16 GB
- Uses Wi-Fi 5 (1×1) rather than newer Wi-Fi 6
- 4 GB video memory limits high-resolution graphical assets
- You want dedicated AMD Radeon RX 5500 graphics for entry-level gaming.
- You need convenient front-panel USB-C and USB-A connectivity.
- You plan to run a dual-monitor desk setup.
- You require 16 GB of system RAM out of the box.
- You need Wi-Fi 6 network speeds.
Verdict: HP Pavilion RX 5500 Ryzen 3 Gaming PC suits players seeking dedicated 4 GB graphics and NVMe solid-state storage for 1080p play. Its 8 GB memory configuration sets an immediate boundary for heavy multitasking.
HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Gaming PC
Best for: entry-level 1080p gaming with dual displays
- Graphics Card
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER
- Processor
- Intel Core i3-10100
- RAM Capacity
- 8 GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256 GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Operating System
- Windows 11
This HP Pavilion gaming desktop pairs a 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100 processor with a 4 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER graphics card. You get 8 GB of DDR4 memory and a 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD inside a compact chassis measuring 13.3 by 12.1 by 6.12 inches. It suits entry-level players who want dedicated graphics for dual-display setups.
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER graphics card with 4 GB GDDR6 memory
- 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive
- SuperSpeed USB Type-C and Type-A ports with dual display support
- Includes USB wired keyboard and mouse combo
- 256 GB solid-state drive capacity fills up quickly with large games
- 8 GB of DDR4 system memory limits heavy multitasking
- Relies on older Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity
- You need a dedicated GTX 1650 SUPER graphics card for dual-monitor setups.
- You want a Core i3 desktop that includes a wired keyboard and mouse.
- You install multiple large games that exceed 256 GB of storage.
- You require more than 8 GB of pre-installed RAM for your applications.
Verdict: HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Core i3 Gaming PC delivers dedicated 4 GB graphics and NVMe storage in a compact chassis. It fits entry-level desktop gamers running dual monitors who need essential connectivity right out of the box.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 | HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Gaming PC |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon RX 5500 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 5300G | Intel Core i3-10100 |
| RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage Capacity | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Memory Type | – | DDR4 |
| Storage Type | PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | – |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Use | Home | – |
| Dimensions | 12.1 × 6.12 × 13.3 inches | 13.3 × 12.1 × 6.12 inches |
| Weight | 13.1 pounds | 13.1 pounds |
| Size | Standard | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD |
| Color | Shadow Black | Shadow Black |
| Model | TG01-2022 | TG01-1022 |
Choosing Your HP Gaming Desktop
Dedicated Graphics Choice
Look closely at the graphics card before buying. A dedicated 4 GB graphics card, like the one in the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500, supplies distinct video memory for processing visuals. This configuration suits entry-level 1080p gaming and running dual displays. Unlike shared graphics chips, a dedicated card handles video tasks independently from system memory. Check the published GPU specs to confirm support for your intended monitor setup.
Compare Processor Specs
Evaluate the processor to match your computing habits. The HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super Gaming PC features an Intel Core i3 processor. An entry-level processor provides sufficient computing power for routine tasks, casual web browsing, and straightforward 1080p gaming sessions. If you plan to run background applications while you game, evaluate the processor family listed in the specifications. Make sure the CPU aligns with your everyday processing requirements.
Memory Capacity Limits
Check the installed memory before purchasing. An 8 GB RAM allocation handles standard desktop operations and modest gaming workloads. However, 8 GB sets a strict boundary for heavy multitasking, streaming, or running resource-intensive software in the background. Look at the memory generation as well, such as DDR4 memory. You should confirm whether the baseline 8 GB RAM fits your workflow or if your daily software needs exceed this capacity.
Check Operating System
Review the operating system stated on the specification sheet. The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 comes with Windows 11 Home preinstalled. A preconfigured operating system lets you start using the desktop immediately without arranging separate system installations. If a listing omits the operating system, you must account for that setup step yourself. Check the specs to ensure the platform supports your planned software and gaming storefronts right away.
Measure Desk Space
Examine the desktop dimensions to ensure the tower fits your workspace. A standard HP Pavilion chassis measures 6.12 inches wide, 13.3 inches high, and 12.1 inches deep, with a weight of 13.1 pounds. These compact dimensions suit smaller desks or tight floor spots. You should measure your available space beforehand to verify clearance around the unit. Checking exact dimensions prevents placement surprises when setting up your gaming station.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect dual monitors to an HP Pavilion gaming desktop?
Yes, you can run dual-display setups on these desktops. Both the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 and the HP Pavilion GTX 1650 Super support dual monitors for entry-level 1080p gaming. This setup lets you expand your screen space across two separate displays for work or play.
How much desk space does an HP Pavilion gaming desktop require?
These desktops use a compact tower footprint. Both the TG01-2022 and TG01-1022 models weigh 13.1 pounds and feature a Shadow Black chassis measuring 13.3 inches tall, 12.1 inches deep, and 6.12 inches wide. You can place either system on or under a standard desk without crowding your workspace.
Does the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop RX 5500 come with Windows?
Yes, this model includes Windows 11 Home as its preinstalled operating system. You receive the factory-configured software directly out of the box. That means you do not need to install an operating system separately before running games, everyday software, or web browsers on the machine.
What type of solid-state storage do these HP prebuilts use?
These systems use NVMe solid-state storage. The HP Pavilion RX 5500 model provides a 512GB NVMe SSD, while the GTX 1650 Super model includes a 256GB NVMe SSD. NVMe drives mount directly to provide fast file access and quick boot times compared to older mechanical hard drives.
What processors are available in these HP gaming desktop builds?
You can find AMD Ryzen and Intel options across these builds. The HP Pavilion TG01-2022 configuration features an AMD Ryzen 3 processor. In contrast, the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 configuration uses an Intel Core i3 processor paired with DDR4 memory. Both processors handle entry-level desktop tasks and gaming.
Is 8GB of RAM enough for an entry-level HP gaming PC?
An 8GB RAM configuration works for entry-level gaming, but it limits heavy multitasking. Both HP Pavilion models supply 8GB of memory as standard. You can play 1080p titles comfortably, but running background applications, multiple browser tabs, or heavy streaming software at the same time will consume available system memory quickly.
