The best-documented NZXT BLD Starter PC Plus is a 2020, $899 prebuilt aimed at 1080p gaming. Its launch configuration paired an Intel Core i5-9400F and GeForce GTX 1660 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It made sense for buyers who wanted a ready-to-play PC and support rather than the work of choosing and assembling parts; its age and generation-specific components matter if you are considering one now.
What was in the 2020 Starter PC Plus?
NZXT’s August 25, 2020 specification is the clearest reference for this model. NZXT also warned that parts could change with availability, provided replacements stayed at the same performance level.
| Component | 2020 Starter PC Plus |
|---|---|
| Launch price | $899, according to NZXT’s August 25, 2020 listing |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-9400F |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 |
| Memory | 16GB Team T-FORCE Vulcan Z (2 x 8GB), 3200 MHz |
| Storage | 512GB Intel 600p Series M.2 2280 SSD |
| Case | NZXT H510 |
| Warranty | Two years of parts-and-labor coverage for the documented launch system |
These are launch-era specifications, not a guarantee that every PC sold under the Starter Plus name used identical parts. NZXT’s parts-substitution note means buyers should check the actual unit’s component labels and specifications before valuing or upgrading it. NZXT’s 2020 Starter PC announcement
How well does it game?
1080p: its natural target
NZXT published these launch-era results at 1080p on high settings: League of Legends at 176 FPS, Counter-Strike: GO at 195 FPS, and Fortnite at 83 FPS. They are NZXT-reported figures for the 2020 product, not independently verified results or a promise for every later configuration. Actual performance depends on the exact parts, game version, settings, and system condition.
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#1 Best Overall
- DOMINATE 1080p & 1440p GAMING – Powered by AMD Ryzen 7 8700F (4.1GHz base, up to 5.0GHz boost) and GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 graphics. This combination delivers high-FPS gameplay on 1080p and 1440p monitors. DLSS 3 and ray tracing support bring next-gen visual fidelity to your favorite titles.
- 6 x PRISM 4 RGB COOLING FANS – Equipped with 6 Prism 4 RGB fans for exceptional airflow. This cooling configuration keeps your system stable during extended gaming sessions and helps protect your components from overheating.
- 16GB DDR5 + 1TB NVMe SSD – 16GB of DDR5 memory delivers fast loading and smooth multitasking. The 1TB NVMe 3.0 SSD provides quick boot times and ample space for your game library. Expandable up to 256GB RAM for future upgrades.
- DREAMER CHASSIS WITH TEMPERED GLASS – Housed in a premium Dreamer white case with tempered glass side panel. The sleek design showcases your RGB components while the tool-free panel allows easy access for cleaning and upgrades.
- EXTENSIVE CONNECTIVITY – With 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI outputs, connect up to 4 monitors for immersive gaming or multitasking. 7x USB 2.0 and 3x USB 3.0 ports cover all your peripherals. Powered by a 650W PSU with for a stable, upgrade-ready foundation.
| Game | NZXT-reported result | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | 176 FPS | 1080p, high settings; NZXT, 2020 |
| Counter-Strike: GO | 195 FPS | 1080p, high settings; NZXT, 2020 |
| Fortnite | 83 FPS | 1080p, high settings; NZXT, 2020 |
Those numbers make the GTX 1660 version primarily a 1080p gaming PC. They should not be generalized to newer games or to a different GPU-bearing configuration sold under the same name.
1440p: depends on the graphics card and game
A later descriptive review characterizes a representative Starter Plus tier with Core i5/Ryzen 5-class processors, RTX 3060-class graphics, 16GB memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD. That tier can deliver strong 1080p performance and lighter 1440p play, but it is not the 2020 GTX 1660 specification. At 1440p, the exact GPU and the demands of the game make a substantial difference; check the configuration rather than relying on the product name.
Rank #2
- High-FPS Gaming PC Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 8700F and GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB give this KOTIN gaming desktop responsive speed for 1080p and 1440p PC gaming, esports, AAA titles, streaming, and creative work, with DLSS 4 and ray tracing support for smoother visuals.
- 16GB DDR5 + 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD: 16GB DDR5 memory supports smooth everyday gaming, multitasking, browsing, streaming apps, and game launchers, while the 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD helps shorten boot times, load games faster, and store your favorite titles and files.
- Cool, Clean Gaming Tower Build: A CPU air cooler with 6 copper heat pipes and a digital temperature display works with five 120mm ARGB fans to support stable airflow during long sessions, giving this desktop computer a modern gaming setup look.
- WiFi 7, Gold PSU & Upgrade Ready: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth help support low-latency online play. A 650W 80 PLUS Gold power supply, four DDR5 DIMM slots, and three M.2 SSD slots give this prebuilt gaming PC room for future memory and storage upgrades.
- Plug & Play Windows 11 Desktop: Professionally assembled and tested in the USA, this KOTIN gaming desktop arrives with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so you can connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse and start playing quickly. Includes a 1-year limited warranty and free technical support.
Is a prebuilt worth more than building your own?
The case for the Starter Plus was convenience. It arrived assembled and configured, with compatibility choices already made, Windows installed, and support available. NZXT founder and CEO Johnny Hou described the intended buyer as someone who would rather play than spend time learning how to configure and build a system.
A DIY PC usually costs less when you compare equivalent parts at current prices, but it also requires selecting compatible components, assembling them, installing software, and diagnosing setup problems. The prebuilt premium buys reduced setup friction, assembly, testing, Windows, support, and the finished NZXT case presentation—not automatically better gaming performance for the money.
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- POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
- NEXT-GEN BLACKWELL ARCHITECTURE — The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering a massive generational leap in rasterization and ray tracing performance so you can experience your games the way they were meant to be played.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Cool While Gaming: In conjunction with an ARGB fan Air Cooler, the Codex R2 features four system cooling fans; three in the front and one in the rear to pull in cool air and push heat out of the PC.
- Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.
For a used or discounted unit, compare the actual asking price and parts against current alternatives. Focus on GPU generation and VRAM, 1080p performance, RAM capacity and channel layout, SSD capacity, power-supply headroom, upgrade access, and the applicable warranty. The original $899 launch price is historical, not a current price recommendation.
Can you upgrade its RAM, SSD, or graphics card?
As a desktop built from standard components, many Starter Plus systems can be upgraded, but “Starter Plus” does not identify one unchanging motherboard or power supply. Verify the exact model and components before purchasing parts.
Rank #4
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte basalt black finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
- RAM: Check the motherboard’s supported memory generation, capacity, and speed, as well as the installed module layout. The documented 2020 unit had 16GB as two 8GB modules, but that does not establish the memory configuration of every later system.
- SSD: Confirm which M.2 or other storage connections are available and supported by the specific motherboard. The 2020 specification names an Intel 600p M.2 2280 drive; verify the board and free slots rather than assuming every later configuration has the same layout.
- Graphics card: Check the power supply’s wattage and available connectors, the new card’s length and thickness against case clearance, and whether the power supply can handle its requirements. A newer, larger GPU may need a power-supply or case fit change as well as the card itself.
Use the system’s exact motherboard, PSU, case, and memory details—not the family name—as the basis for a compatibility check.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to the Starter PC Plus?
NZXT’s support article dated October 21, 2025 says the Starter series became Player: One, and the Plus and Pro tiers were consolidated into standard and Prime tiers. Starter PC Plus is therefore a discontinued name, not the label for NZXT’s current entry-level lineup. The current model name to investigate is Player: One; do not assume its parts match the 2020 Starter Plus.
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- EXCEPTIONAL GPU COOLING-The PSU shroud is perforated on the side and bottom, enabling optimal air intake from two 120mm fans (not included).
- LARGE RADIATOR SUPPORT-Supports up to a 360mm radiator in front and a 240mm radiator up top for powerful liquid cooling potential.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE AIRFLOW-Ultra-fine mesh on the top, front, and side panels creates maximum airflow and filters dust.
- PRE-INSTALLED FANS-Equipped with two 120mm Quiet Airflow fans—one in front, one in rear—for solid out-of-the-box performance.
- SEAMLESS CABLE MANAGEMENT-Effortlessly route and conceal cables using the wide channels, hooks, and straps.
For existing Starter buyers, NZXT says the original two-year parts-and-labor coverage remains in place. A separate BLD FAQ updated February 27, 2024 describes a three-year warranty for then-current BLD PCs and lifetime technical support. That later policy should not be applied retroactively to every Starter Plus purchase; check the documentation tied to the individual system.
NZXT’s 2025 lineup and warranty update · NZXT’s BLD warranty FAQ, updated February 27, 2024
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