Building your own gaming rig can indeed be a hassle, and the costs of individual components can quickly add up, even if you're aiming to save money. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. Opting for a budget option means you won't have access to the top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, but for most gamers, these high-end components are often more than necessary. Our team of experts has conducted extensive testing and research across a wide range of gaming PCs, distilling our findings into a curated list of five capable and affordable options, including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC.
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
### MSICodex 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 boast the same performance as their premium counterparts, but they still offer solid gaming experiences. Graphics cards like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc A580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are excellent affordable GPUs that can handle most games smoothly. If you're willing to splurge a bit, the RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 can provide even more power. Even with these mid-range components, our selected rigs can achieve high frame rates at 1080p and some can even handle 1440p for the best PC games. The beauty of choosing an affordable gaming PC is the ability to upgrade it over time, enhancing its performance to suit your evolving needs.
For more insights, 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
3The Alienware Aurora R16 offers a compact yet powerful gaming solution, ideal for tackling 1440p gaming. Its sleek design and unique cooling system make it a standout choice for those seeking performance and aesthetics.
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 is synonymous with high-end gaming, but the Aurora R16 proves you can find a great deal without breaking the bank. This configuration, featuring an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, comes in under $2000, offering robust performance for the price. While other manufacturers might offer similar specs for less, the Aurora R16's compact design and Dell's reputation make it a compelling choice.
The Aurora R16's smaller form factor doesn't compromise on space for high-end components, but it does use a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This shouldn't be a major issue for most users, but it's worth considering if you plan to upgrade your system extensively over time.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, the Aurora R16 delivers ample power for 1440p gaming. While it might struggle with 4K gaming in more demanding titles due to the 12GB of VRAM, it's more than capable for most gamers.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4The HP Omen 25L is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC that excels at 1080p gaming and is 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 plenty of room for airflow
CONS
- Older gen GPU
The HP Omen 25L, while starting at around $1200, offers a compelling entry into budget gaming PCs. It's equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, which, despite being a few generations old, still provides excellent performance at 1080p. The lack of ray tracing and DLSS might be a drawback for some, but for others, it's not a deal-breaker.
The GTX 1660 Super remains a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers, especially with no direct budget successor in the current generation. HP's design advancements in the Omen 25L's chassis enhance airflow and ease of upgrades, making it a future-proof option once you've covered the initial cost.
MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
### MSICodex R2
5The MSI Codex R2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget gaming PC that excels at 1080p gaming and offers 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
For gamers on a tight budget of under $1000, the MSI Codex R2 requires some compromises, particularly with its cooling system. The included CPU cooler is basic and might need upgrading if you plan to enhance the processor later. However, the Codex R2's spacious chassis makes it an ideal starter system for those new to PC building, offering a straightforward upgrade path.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 included in this model is well-suited for 1080p gaming, making the Codex R2 a solid choice for those not yet ready to jump to higher resolutions.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5The CLX Set offers powerful internals at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for 1080p gaming enthusiasts.
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 provides an affordable entry into PC gaming, starting at just $599. With the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p in less demanding titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. While it won't handle more intensive games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings, it's a great starting point.
The system comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, and a 1TB SSD for ample storage. The CLX Set's roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades straightforward, and the lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind.
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
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent, portable gaming option for those looking to play PC games on the go without breaking the bank.
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
While not a traditional gaming PC, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly gaming solution under $500. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, making it an attractive choice for on-the-go gaming.
In a market where current-generation components are pricey, the ROG Ally Z1 stands out as a cost-effective way to enjoy PC gaming. While budget desktop PCs have become less common due to high component costs, handheld options like the ROG Ally Z1 fill the gap effectively.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
For most gamers, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 is ideal for a balanced gaming PC that offers longevity and performance. However, even with a lower budget, you can find a solid gaming rig if you focus on the right components. A last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still delivering excellent performance.
Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it's crucial for your gaming experience. Look for a balance between performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card. While you might not run games at ultra settings, these budget-friendly options can still handle most titles at decent frame rates.
Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can significantly enhance performance over time.
Storage is another key factor, but with the ability to add more storage later, starting with a smaller SSD can be cost-effective. Opt for an SSD, ideally M.2, to ensure quick boot and load times.
Don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU and adequate cooling will ensure your PC runs smoothly and lasts longer, allowing for future upgrades without the need for a complete replacement.
Finding a well-balanced system that meets your gaming needs without unnecessary frills is key to choosing the best budget gaming PC.
Budget Gaming PC FAQs
What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?
Gaming PCs can range in price from $600 to over $2,000. A reasonable budget for a decent gaming PC is around $1,000, though you can find good options under this price point.
Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?
For casual gamers, a high-end gaming PC might be overkill, but a budget gaming PC can offer a great experience while also serving as a powerful machine for everyday tasks and creative projects.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Buying a pre-built PC is often easier, but building one can be cheaper in the long run if you're comfortable with the process. However, incorrect installation can lead to costly mistakes, so consider your technical skills before deciding.
If you're confident in building a PC, you'll have greater control over component choices and can customize it to your preferences.
Best Budget Gaming PC UK
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
