Building your own gaming PC can be a complex and potentially costly undertaking. Even if you're aiming to save money, component prices can quickly escalate. Fortunately, many excellent pre-built gaming PCs are available at reasonable prices. While budget options may not include top-of-the-line graphics cards like the RTX 5090 or high-end CPUs, most gamers will find such powerful components unnecessary. Our experts have rigorously tested and researched numerous gaming PCs, selecting five (four desktops and one handheld) affordable and capable choices.
TL;DR: These are the best budget gaming PCs
Alienware Aurora R16
See it at Dell
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
See it at HP
MSI Codex R2
See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy
CLX Set
See it at CLX
Asus Rog Ally Z1
See 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 offer solid performance at affordable prices, suitable for the average gamer. It's even possible to opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 processor. All the PCs we've chosen deliver high frame rates at 1080p resolution in most games, with some capable of handling 1440p. Furthermore, these desktops serve as excellent starting points; upgrading components over time enhances their capabilities.
Also, see our guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.
Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals right now.
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Contributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru
1. Alienware Aurora R16
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000
Alienware Aurora R16
Compact yet capable gaming rig with enough power 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: Slightly harder to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCs
Alienware sits just below high-end boutique PC builders. This configuration offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While similar configurations might be cheaper from other manufacturers, the Alienware R16's value is undeniable within this price range. Its compact design fits easily on any desk while still accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, note that its proprietary motherboard and power supply may limit future upgrades.
The 14th-gen Intel processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super deliver excellent performance for most users, easily maxing out games at 1440p. For 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super may become a limiting factor in more demanding titles.
2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
With an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, this PC excels at 1080p gaming and is easily upgradeable. 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, attractive white chassis with excellent airflow.
Cons: Older generation GPU.
The HP Omen 25L, while using a two-generation-old GTX 1660 Super GPU, provides a solid 1080p gaming experience. The lack of newer budget GPUs in 2024 necessitates this choice. The GTX 1660 Super remains excellent for 1080p casual gaming, especially if ray tracing and DLSS aren't priorities. The premium chassis boasts excellent airflow, and standard motherboard and power supply mounts allow for easy upgrades.
3. MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
MSI Codex R2
Excellent 1080p gaming PC with a spacious chassis for future upgrades. See it at Amazon See 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, ample upgrade space.
Cons: Very basic CPU cooler.
The MSI Codex R2's main compromise is its basic CPU cooler. While sufficient for the Core i5-14400F, upgrading to a more powerful CPU will require a cooler replacement. The spacious chassis facilitates easy upgrades, making it ideal for users seeking a starter system. The RTX 4060 delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance.
4. CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
CLX Set
Powerful internals including a 6-core processor, respectable graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage. 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 exceptional value at around $599. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics deliver smooth 1080p gameplay in many titles, though performance may be limited in more demanding games. The roomy, tool-less case simplifies upgrades. The lifetime labor warranty and support provide added peace of mind.
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
5. Asus ROG Ally Z1
Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500
Asus Rog Ally Z1
Excellent Steam Deck alternative running 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, while a handheld device, provides an excellent PC gaming experience under $500. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 chip handles 1080p gaming at medium-to-low settings. Its portability is a significant advantage. The Ally fills the gap created by the high prices of current-generation PC components.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
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A budget of $1,000-$1,500 is ideal for a balanced budget gaming PC. However, even lower budgets can yield solid gaming rigs, particularly by opting for last-generation graphics cards like the RTX 3050. Prioritize the graphics card, followed by the CPU and RAM. While SSD storage is recommended, it's possible to upgrade storage later. A reliable power supply and adequate cooling are crucial for longevity.
Budget Gaming PC FAQs
What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?
Gaming PCs range from $600 to $2,000+, but a decent system can be found for under $1,000.
Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?
Even casual gamers benefit from a gaming PC's performance for both gaming and everyday tasks.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Building can be cheaper, but buying pre-built is easier and less risky for those lacking technical expertise.
Best Budget Gaming PC UK
Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
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Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
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