Building your own gaming PC can be a real headache, and even if you're trying to save money, component costs can quickly spiral. Fortunately, you don't need to break the bank to get a fantastic gaming experience. Many excellent pre-built gaming PCs offer incredible value without the premium price tag. While budget options might not boast top-of-the-line components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU (which are often overkill for most gamers anyway), they still deliver impressive performance. Our experts have rigorously tested and researched a wide range of PCs, selecting five exceptional and affordable choices (four desktops and one handheld).
TL;DR: Top Budget Gaming PCs
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### 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 naturally compromise on some performance aspects. However, GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid, affordable options that deliver excellent gaming experiences for the average player. You could even splurge on a powerful RTX 4070 if you're willing to pair it with an Intel Core i5. Even with mid-range components, all the PCs we've chosen easily achieve high frame rates at 1080p, with some even handling 1440p smoothly. And remember, the beauty of an affordable gaming PC is the potential for future upgrades!
Also check out our guide comparing gaming PCs and laptops.
Looking for extra savings? Discover the best current gaming PC deals!
AnswerSee ResultsContributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru
Alienware Aurora R16
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000
### Alienware Aurora R16
3
A compact powerhouse capable of 1440p gaming. See it at Dell.
Product SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i7-14700FGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070 SuperRAM16GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB NVMe SSDWeight33.89 poundsSize16.56 x 7.75 x 18.05 inches (H x W x D)PROSStunning aestheticUnique cooling designCONSA little harder to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCsAlienware sits just below high-end boutique builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. This configuration, featuring an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, offers exceptional value. While similar configurations are available cheaper elsewhere, the Alienware R16's quality justifies its price. Its compact design fits easily on any desk while still accommodating high-end components. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply make upgrades slightly more challenging.
The 14th-gen Intel processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super deliver outstanding performance, making upgrades unnecessary for most users. It easily maxes out games at 1440p. While the 12GB VRAM of the RTX 4070 Super might limit 4K gaming in demanding titles, it’s a fantastic option for most.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4
Ready for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics; easily upgradeable. See it at HP.
Product SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i5-14400FGPUNvidia GTX 1660 SuperRAMKingston FURY 16GB DDR5Storage512GB PCIe NVMe SSDWeight30.45 lbsSize6.50 x 15.59 x 17.64 inchesPROSGreat for 1080p gamingBeautiful white chassis, with plenty of room for airflowCONSOlder gen GPULThe HP Omen 25L, while using a technically two-generation-old GPU, offers solid performance for its price point. The Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super handle 1080p gaming flawlessly, though ray tracing and DLSS are absent. The premium chassis ensures excellent airflow, and standard motherboard and power supply mounts simplify future upgrades.
While the GTX 1660 Super is an older card, it remains excellent for 1080p casual gaming, especially if ray tracing isn't a priority. The upgrade-friendly design and excellent cooling make this a worthwhile investment.
MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
### MSICodex R2
5
Excellent 1080p gaming PC with a spacious chassis for future upgrades. See it at Amazon and Best Buy.
Product SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i5-14400FGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM16GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB NVMe SSD (Gen 3)Weight21.3 poundsSize16 x 19 x 8.38 inches (H x D x W)PROSAttractive chassis designPlenty of room for upgradesCONSVery basic CPU coolerThe MSI Codex R2's main compromise is its basic CPU cooler. While sufficient for the Intel Core i5-14400F, an upgrade will be needed for more powerful CPUs. However, its spacious, upgrade-friendly chassis makes it ideal for those wanting a starter system they can customize over time. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 delivers excellent 1080p performance, eliminating the need for immediate upgrades.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5
Powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, respectable graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage. See it at CLX.
Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 5 5600G 3.9GHz Hexa-Core GPUAMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphicsRAM16GB DDR4-3200 Storage1TB NV2 NVMe SSDWeight27 lbsSize14.37 x 7.48 x 14.37 inchesPROSLifetime labor warrantySolid gaming performance, despite integrated GPUCONSOnly suitable for 1080pThe CLX Set provides incredible value at a low price. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics deliver smooth 1080p gameplay in most titles, although more demanding games might see performance limitations. Its roomy, tool-less case simplifies upgrades, and the lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind.
Asus ROG Ally Z1
Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1
An excellent Steam Deck alternative running Windows 11. See it at Amazon.
Product SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1GPUIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsRAM16GB DDR5Storage512GB SSD M.2Weight608gSize11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inchesPROSPortableStunning displayCONSTechnically not a desktop PCWhile not a traditional desktop PC, the Asus ROG Ally is a fantastic option for portable PC gaming under $500. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 chip handles 1080p gaming at medium-to-low settings, and its portability is a significant advantage. It's a great solution for those seeking a balance of performance and convenience at a budget-friendly price.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
AnswerSee ResultsFor most, a $1000-$1500 budget strikes the ideal balance between cost and performance. However, even with less, you can still find excellent gaming PCs. Consider last-generation graphics cards like the RTX 3050 for significant cost savings without sacrificing gaming quality. Prioritize the graphics card, followed by the CPU and RAM. 8GB RAM and a quad-core CPU are sufficient for many games. SSD storage is crucial for faster load times, though storage capacity can be upgraded later. Finally, ensure a reliable power supply and cooling system for longevity.
Budget Gaming PC FAQs
What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?
Gaming PCs range from $600 to $2000+, but a decent option can be found for under $1000.
Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?
Even casual gamers benefit from a gaming PC's performance, suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Pre-built PCs are easier but often more expensive. Building your own can save money but requires technical knowledge.
Best Budget Gaming PC UK
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
