Building your own gaming rig can be quite the challenge, and you might be surprised at how quickly the costs of individual components can add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. While opting for a budget-friendly model means you won't get the top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, for most gamers, these components can be overkill. Our team of experts has done the legwork, testing and reviewing a diverse selection of gaming PCs to bring you five top picks that are both capable and wallet-friendly, including four traditional 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
### MSI Codex R2
5See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### CLX Set
5See it at CLX
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1See it at AmazonChoosing a budget gaming PC means you'll need to compromise on performance to some extent. However, options like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc A580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that should serve the average gamer well. If you're willing to splurge a bit more, you might even go for a powerful RTX 4070, especially if you pair it with an Intel Core i5. Even with these mid-range components, the gaming PCs we've selected should comfortably handle high frame rates at 1080p resolution and some can even manage 1440p. These desktops serve as excellent starting points, and part of their appeal lies in their upgradability, allowing you to enhance your system over time.
For more insights, you can also explore our guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.
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Alienware Aurora R16
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000
### Alienware Aurora R16
3This compact yet powerful gaming PC can handle 1440p gaming effortlessly.See it at DellProduct 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 bit challenging to upgrade and maintain compared to other gaming PCsAlienware stands just below high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, but savvy shoppers can find a great deal on a gaming system. With this configuration, you get an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While other manufacturers might offer similar setups for less, if it fits your budget, Alienware's quality is hard to beat.
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk while still accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, to achieve this compact size, Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This might not bother most users, but if you plan to upgrade your PC over time, it's worth noting.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, you won't need to upgrade this PC for a while. This setup offers ample performance for most gamers, easily maxing out games at 1440p. If you're interested in 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might limit you in more demanding titles.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4This gaming PC is perfect for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, and it's easy to upgrade down the line.See it at HPProduct 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 excellent airflowCONSOlder generation GPUWhile the HP Omen 25L with current-gen hardware starts at about $1200, it's still considered a 'budget' gaming PC due to the recent price hikes in gaming hardware. You get a solid gaming PC with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, which can run any game at 1080p, though without ray tracing or DLSS.
It's a bit disappointing that this PC uses a 4-year-old graphics card, but in 2024, there aren't many other budget-friendly options. Nvidia didn't release a budget card in the RTX 3000 series, and with the RTX 5080 expected soon, it's unlikely we'll see one in the current generation either. However, for casual 1080p gaming, the GTX 1660 Super remains an excellent choice.
The premium chassis from HP enhances this package. The 25L case ensures ample airflow to keep your components cool. Additionally, the standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply make future upgrades straightforward once you've covered the initial cost.
MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
### MSI Codex R2
5Ideal for 1080p gaming, this PC offers a spacious chassis for future upgrades.See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct 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 upgradesCONSBasic CPU coolerWhen shopping for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable, especially if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2's biggest compromise is its cooling. It comes with a simple air cooler for the CPU, similar to those basic coolers often replaced by aftermarket options. While it's sufficient for the Intel Core i5-14400F, upgrading to a more powerful CPU will require a better cooler.
The spacious chassis, however, allows for easy upgrades down the line. This makes the MSI Codex R2 an excellent choice for anyone looking for a starter system. Upgrading a pre-built PC like this one piece at a time is a more approachable way to get into PC building.
This model includes an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, which, while not the most powerful, is ideal for 1080p gaming. So, even though upgradability is a key feature, you won't need to upgrade immediately if you're sticking to 1080p gaming.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers strong performance for 1080p gaming with a 6-core processor, integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage capacity.See it at CLXProduct 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 GPUCONSBest suited for 1080pThe CLX Set is easy to customize, and even the base model offers great value for 1080p gaming at just $599. It comes equipped with a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. While it uses integrated graphics without ray tracing or DLSS, it can still achieve around 80 fps in Fortnite and 95 fps in Apex Legends at 1080p, according to CLX's configuration tool. It won't excel in more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077, but it's a solid choice for casual gaming.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set maintains smooth performance even with multiple applications running, ensuring responsive gameplay. The 1TB of storage offers ample space for several games. While you can upgrade components on CLX's website, be prepared for the price to increase.
Future upgrades are also feasible thanks to the roomy, toolless case, which allows for easy modifications. The spacious chassis provides good airflow with several fans to keep your system cool. Adding RGB lighting to the fans for some flair will cost extra. Additionally, the CLX Set comes with a lifetime labor warranty and support for added 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)- $1,527.49Acer Predator Orion RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming Desktop- $1,749.99HP OMEN 35L RTX 4060 Ti Gaming Desktop- $1,219.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PC- $1,349.99Dell XPS Intel Core i7-14700 RTX 4060 Gaming PC- $1,099.99### Asus ROG Ally Z1
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5. Asus Rog Ally Z1
Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11 for versatile gaming on the go.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1GPUIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsRAM16GB DDR5Storage512GB SSD M.2Weight608gSize11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inchesPROSPortableStunning displayCONSTechnically not a desktop PCWhile the Asus ROG Ally isn't a traditional desktop PC, it's the best option for playing PC games on a device under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p with medium-to-low settings, and its portability adds to its appeal.
Given the current state of PC gaming, finding current-generation components for under $500 is challenging, let alone a complete system. Many budget PCs use outdated or low-quality hardware to cut costs, but they often fail to deliver a satisfactory gaming experience. Even with a limited budget, you deserve a great gaming experience, and the Asus ROG Ally delivers.
The era of the ultra-cheap gaming PC tower may be over, but handheld gaming PCs are stepping in to fill the gap left by high GPU prices from Nvidia and AMD.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
For most people, a budget of around $1,000 to $1,500 is ideal for securing a reliable budget gaming PC. However, even if you can't reach this range, you can still find a solid gaming rig by focusing on what matters most. Opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still offering strong performance.
Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it's crucial for your gaming visuals. Aim for a card that balances performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series. While you might not achieve ultra-high settings, a budget-friendly graphics card can still 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. Investing a bit more in these components can pay off in the long run.
Storage is another key factor. As long as your motherboard supports multiple storage slots, you can upgrade later. Initially, ensure you have enough space for your games, and opt for SSD storage, ideally M.2, for faster boot and load times.
Don't overlook the importance of a good power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, and effective cooling prevents overheating, extending your hardware's lifespan. This approach allows your gaming PC to last for years, with the option to upgrade rather than replace.
Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is essential when picking 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. However, a decent gaming PC can be found around or under the $1,000 mark if you're on a tighter budget.
Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?
For casual gamers, a high-end gaming PC might be overkill. However, even a budget gaming PC offers performance that surpasses typical laptops and can handle everyday tasks efficiently. If you use your PC for work or creative projects, you'll appreciate the enhanced performance.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Buying a pre-built PC is often easier if you're not comfortable building one. Building a PC can be cheaper in the long run, but it requires technical know-how and carries the risk of damaging components if not done correctly. If you're confident in your ability to build a PC, you'll have greater control over the components 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
