Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and you might be surprised at how quickly the costs can add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of best prebuilt gaming PCs that offer great value without breaking the bank. While opting for a budget option means you won't get the top graphics card, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, for most gamers, these components can be overkill anyway. Our team of experts has thoroughly tested and researched a variety of gaming PCs, selecting five (including one handheld gaming PC) that are both capable and affordable.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Budget Gaming PCs
### Alienware Aurora R16
3See it at Dell
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4See it at HP
### MSI Codex R2
5See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### CLX Set
5See it at CLX
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1See it at Amazon
Budget gaming PCs may not offer the highest performance, but with GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, you can still enjoy a solid gaming experience. These affordable GPUs are more than enough for the average gamer. If you're willing to spend a bit more, an RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 can be a powerful combination. Even with mid-range components, our selected rigs are designed to deliver high frame rates at 1080p, with some capable of handling 1440p. Plus, the beauty of these affordable systems is that you can upgrade them over time to enhance their performance.
For more information, you can also check out our guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.
Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals right now.
Alienware Aurora R16
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000
### Alienware Aurora R16
3Experience a compact yet powerful gaming rig that's ready for 1440p gaming.
See it at Dell
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700F
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super
RAM: 16GB DDR5 5,600MHz
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Weight: 33.89 pounds
Size: 16.56 x 7.75 x 18.05 inches (H x W x D)
PROS
Stunning aesthetic
Unique cooling design
CONS
A little harder to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCs
Alienware stands at the threshold of high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, but savvy shoppers can find great deals. This configuration of the Alienware R16 packs an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While similar setups from other manufacturers might be cheaper, if this fits your budget, it's a compelling choice.
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk without sacrificing internal space for a high-end graphics card. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might make future upgrades more challenging, a factor to consider if you're looking for a starter rig with easy upgrade potential.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance that can handle 1440p gaming with ease. While it's well-equipped for now, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might become a bottleneck for more demanding 4K games in the future.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4Designed for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5 and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super, and easy to upgrade.
See it at HP
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5-14400F
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660 Super
RAM: Kingston FURY 16GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Weight: 30.45 lbs
Size: 6.50 x 15.59 x 17.64 inches
PROS
Great for 1080p gaming
Beautiful white chassis with excellent airflow
CONS
Older gen GPU
The HP Omen 25L, equipped with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200. Although it uses a technically older Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, it remains a solid choice for 1080p gaming without ray tracing or DLSS. The recent price hikes in gaming rigs, especially those with current-gen CPUs and GPUs, make this a reasonable 'budget' option.
The GTX 1660 Super, despite being a few years old, remains a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers who don't need the latest features. The premium chassis ensures excellent airflow, keeping your components cool, and its standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply make future upgrades straightforward.
MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
### MSI Codex R2
5Ideal for 1080p gaming with ample room for future upgrades.
See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5-14400F
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
RAM: 16GB DDR5 5,600MHz
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (Gen 3)
Weight: 21.3 pounds
Size: 16 x 19 x 8.38 inches (H x D x W)
PROS
Attractive chassis design
Plenty of room for upgrades
CONS
Very basic CPU cooler
When shopping for a gaming PC under $1000, some compromises are necessary, especially if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2's main trade-off is its simple CPU cooler, which may need upgrading if you plan to enhance the CPU later. However, the spacious chassis makes this PC an excellent starter system, perfect for gradual upgrades.
Featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, the MSI Codex R2 is well-suited for 1080p gaming, offering a solid foundation that doesn't require immediate upgrades, especially if you're not venturing into higher resolutions.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5Enjoy powerful internals at a budget price, including a 6-core processor and integrated graphics.
See it at CLX
Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 3.9GHz Hexa-Core
GPU: AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics
RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200
Storage: 1TB NV2 NVMe SSD
Weight: 27 lbs
Size: 14.37 x 7.48 x 14.37 inches
PROS
Lifetime labor warranty
Solid gaming performance despite integrated GPU
CONS
Only suitable for 1080p
The CLX Set offers customizable gaming PCs, with the base model providing exceptional value for 1080p gaming at just $599. With a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, it delivers smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends, though it struggles with more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD, the CLX Set handles multitasking with ease, and its roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades simple. A lifetime labor warranty and support add further value, ensuring peace of mind for long-term use.
The Best Gaming PC Deals
Lenovo Legion Tower 5 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD (Use Code: EXTRAFIVE)- $1,527.49
Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99
HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99
Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99
Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.99
Asus Rog Ally Z1
Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500
7 Images
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1A fantastic Steam Deck alternative powered by Windows 11.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1
GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB SSD M.2
Weight: 608g
Size: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inches
PROS
Portable
Stunning display
CONS
Technically not a desktop PC
The Asus ROG Ally Z1 might not fit the traditional definition of a gaming PC, but it's the best option for playing PC games on a budget under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can run most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, offering portability and convenience.
Given the current state of PC gaming, finding a full desktop system with current-gen components for under $500 is challenging. However, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 provides a solid gaming experience without the need for a traditional desktop, filling the gap left by high GPU prices.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
For most people, a budget of around $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a budget gaming PC that won't fall apart. However, even with a lower budget, you can still secure a quality gaming rig by focusing on key components. Opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while providing solid performance.
Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it's crucial for gaming performance. Look for a balance between cost and performance, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series. While you might not achieve ultra-high settings, these budget-friendly GPUs can handle most games at decent frame rates.
Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A decent quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can enhance your system's longevity.
Storage is another critical aspect. Opt for a gaming PC with SSD storage, preferably M.2, for faster boot and load times. You can start with lower storage and upgrade later if your motherboard supports multiple slots.
Finally, don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while effective cooling prevents overheating, extending your hardware's lifespan. This approach ensures your gaming PC remains viable for years, allowing for future upgrades rather than complete replacements.
Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is key when selecting the best budget gaming PC.
Budget Gaming PC FAQs
What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?
Gaming PCs can vary widely in price, ranging from $600 to over $2,000. A decent gaming PC can be found around or under the $1,000 mark if you're on a tight budget.
Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?
For casual gamers, a high-end gaming PC might be overkill. However, a budget gaming PC can also handle everyday tasks efficiently, making it a worthwhile investment if you use your PC for work or creative projects.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Buying a pre-built PC is more straightforward, but building your own can be more cost-effective in the long run. However, if you're not comfortable with the technical aspects, buying might be the safer option to avoid potential costly mistakes.
If you do have the technical know-how, building your own PC allows for greater customization and control over components.
Best Budget Gaming PC UK
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
