The best-documented NZXT BLD Starter PC Plus is a 2020 prebuilt gaming desktop built for 1080p play, not a guarantee of performance for every PC later sold under the Starter Plus name. NZXT listed a Core i5-9400F, GeForce GTX 1660, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $899 at launch. It is a convenient turnkey option, but whether one is a good buy now depends on its exact components, condition and price.
What was in the 2020 NZXT Starter PC Plus?
NZXT’s August 25, 2020 configuration paired a six-core Intel Core i5-9400F with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660. The rest of the listed build included 16GB of dual-channel memory, a 512GB M.2 SSD and an NZXT H510 case.
| Component | 2020 Starter PC Plus specification |
|---|---|
| Launch price | $899, listed by NZXT in 2020 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-9400F |
| Graphics card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 |
| Memory | Team T-FORCE Vulcan Z, 16GB (2 x 8GB), 3200 MHz |
| Storage | Intel 600p Series M.2 2280, 512GB |
| Case | NZXT H510 |
| Warranty | Two-year parts-and-labor coverage for this generation, according to NZXT |
NZXT cautioned that parts could change with availability while maintaining the same performance level. That means a Starter Plus listing or used system should be judged by its actual hardware, not just its name. The original configuration and caveat are in NZXT’s 2020 announcement.
How well does it perform in games?
For the 2020 configuration, NZXT reported these launch-era results at 1080p with high settings:
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
| Game | NZXT-reported average |
|---|---|
| League of Legends | 176 FPS |
| Counter-Strike: GO | 195 FPS |
| Fortnite | 83 FPS |
These are manufacturer-reported figures, not independent test results or guaranteed frame rates for every unit. Game updates, drivers, background processes and any component substitutions can change performance. They do show the intended role: a 1080p gaming PC that can deliver high frame rates in lighter or well-optimized competitive games, with less headroom in more demanding titles.
Is it good for 1080p gaming?
Yes, especially for esports and other less demanding games. The GTX 1660 is the key limit in newer, graphically intensive games, where settings may need to come down to keep play smooth. The launch results are useful context for the named games, but should not be generalized to a different game or a later, differently equipped Starter Plus.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Can it handle 1440p?
Not as a consistently high-settings 1440p machine based on the documented 2020 GTX 1660 build. Lower settings or less demanding games may be playable at 1440p, but results depend on the title and the exact graphics card. Later Starter Plus configurations varied; a 2026 descriptive review characterizes a representative tier with RTX 3060-class graphics, 16GB of memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD as strong at 1080p and capable of lighter 1440p play. That later description is not the 2020 specification and should not be treated as a universal Starter Plus benchmark (2026 review).
Is a prebuilt worth it compared with building your own?
A prebuilt trades some price efficiency for a ready-to-use system. The PC arrives assembled and configured, so a first-time builder does not have to select compatible parts, assemble them or troubleshoot initial setup alone. The price can also include Windows, support and the finished NZXT case presentation.
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Rank #3
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Building your own usually costs less when you compare equivalent parts at current prices. But component cost alone is not the whole comparison: account for the operating system, time, assembly and the value you place on vendor support. NZXT founder and CEO Johnny Hou described the appeal for customers who would rather spend less time configuring a PC and more time playing. For a purchase today, compare the exact GPU and its VRAM, memory configuration, SSD capacity, power supply, warranty and total price rather than relying on the Starter Plus label.
Can you upgrade the RAM, SSD or graphics card?
The Starter Plus uses desktop-class components, so upgrades may be possible, but compatibility varies by generation and by the actual parts in an individual system. Before buying an upgrade, identify the motherboard, power supply and existing memory rather than assuming every Starter Plus has the same internals.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
- RAM: Check the motherboard’s supported memory generation, capacity and speeds, and whether the existing kit uses two matched modules. The documented 2020 build had 16GB as 2 x 8GB DDR4-3200; do not assume a later or altered system has that same kit.
- SSD: Confirm the motherboard supports the intended M.2 NVMe or SATA drive and that the right slot is available. Check drive dimensions and available mounting or cabling before purchasing.
- Graphics card: Check the power supply’s wattage and connectors, the case’s GPU clearance, and motherboard compatibility. A faster card may also need better cooling or a power supply upgrade.
For a used system, ask for photos or a component list and verify the exact parts before budgeting for upgrades. A low purchase price can be less attractive if the desired GPU also requires a new power supply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to the Starter PC Plus?
NZXT’s October 21, 2025 support article says the Starter series became Player: One, while Plus and Pro tiers were consolidated into standard and Prime tiers. Starter PC Plus is therefore a discontinued product name, not NZXT’s current entry-level lineup. Existing Starter buyers retain the two-year parts-and-labor coverage attached to their original systems, according to NZXT’s 2025 support update.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Do not confuse that coverage with NZXT’s later BLD policy. A separate FAQ updated February 27, 2024 described three-year warranty coverage for then-current BLD PCs and lifetime technical support; that policy does not establish a three-year warranty for every Starter Plus bought in 2020 (NZXT BLD FAQ).
Who should consider one now?
A Starter PC Plus can make sense if its exact hardware suits the games you play and its price reflects its age. It is most compelling as a 1080p system for competitive or lighter games, or as an inexpensive base for a carefully planned upgrade. Be cautious if a seller uses the model name without listing components, or prices an older configuration as though it were a current gaming PC.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
