Building your own gaming PC can be a daunting task, and even if you aim to save money, you might be surprised at how quickly the costs of individual components add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. While opting for a budget-friendly option means you won't have access to top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, these might be more than you need anyway. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched numerous gaming PCs, narrowing them down to five standout choices, including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC, all of which offer both capability and affordability.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Budget Gaming PCs

Alienware Aurora R16

3 See it at Dell!

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4 See it at HP!

MSI Codex R2

5 See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy!

CLX Set

5 See it at CLX!

1 See it at Amazon

Budget gaming PCs may not boast the highest performance, but they can still deliver a solid gaming experience. Components like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are affordable GPUs that meet the needs of most gamers. If you're willing to splurge a bit, you could even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Despite using mid-range components, the PCs we've selected are more than capable of achieving high frame rates at 1080p, with some even handling 1440p effortlessly. These desktops serve as excellent starting points, and their affordability allows for future upgrades to enhance their performance.

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.

1. Alienware Aurora R16

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

Alienware Aurora R16

3 Compact yet capable, this gaming rig packs enough power to handle 1440p gaming with ease. 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 this configuration offers a solid deal under $2000, featuring an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super. While you could find a similar setup for less from other manufacturers, this one is hard to beat within its price range.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact yet powerful enough to house a high-end graphics card. However, its use of a proprietary motherboard and power supply might limit its upgrade potential, something to consider if you're planning on future enhancements.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers ample performance for most users, capable of running games at max settings at 1440p. For those eyeing 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might be a bottleneck for more demanding titles.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4 Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, this PC is perfect for 1080p gaming and offers easy upgradeability. 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 ample airflow

CONS:

• Uses an older generation GPU

The HP Omen 25L, even with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a 'budget' PC, but it's reflective of recent price hikes in gaming hardware. This configuration includes an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, suitable for 1080p gaming, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS.

While the GTX 1660 Super is a 4-year-old card, it remains a strong choice for budget gaming in 2024 due to the absence of newer budget options from Nvidia. The premium chassis of the HP Omen 25L enhances its appeal, providing excellent airflow and using standard mounts for future upgrades.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

MSI Codex R2

5 A great choice for 1080p gaming, this PC offers 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 design
• Plenty of room for upgrades

CONS:

• Very basic CPU cooler

When shopping for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable, especially with pre-built systems. The MSI Codex R2 compromises on cooling with a basic air cooler, suitable for the Intel Core i5-14400F but may need upgrading for more powerful processors.

However, its spacious chassis makes it an excellent starter system, perfect for gradual upgrades. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 included in this model is ideal for 1080p gaming, ensuring you won't need immediate upgrades.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

CLX Set

5 With powerful internals including a 6-core processor, this gaming PC offers solid performance for 1080p gaming at an affordable price. 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 an easy-to-customize gaming PC experience, with the base model priced at $599 and capable of smooth 1080p gaming. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, achieving respectable frame rates in popular games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is seamless, and the 1TB storage provides ample space for games. The roomy, toolless case allows for easy future upgrades, 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

5. Asus Rog Ally Z1

Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500

7 Images

1 The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11 and offering portable gaming. 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 the Asus ROG Ally isn't a traditional gaming PC, it's the best option for portable PC gaming under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on lower settings, offering a convenient way to enjoy PC games on the go.

With current-generation PC components being pricey, handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally provide a viable alternative for budget-conscious gamers seeking a quality gaming experience.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, spending between $1,000 and $1,500 is ideal for a budget gaming PC that won't compromise on performance. However, even if you can't reach that price range, you can still find a robust gaming setup by focusing on key components.

Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it significantly impacts gaming performance. Opt for a balanced option like an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card for solid frame rates without ultra-high settings.

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A reliable quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, coupled with at least 8GB of RAM, will meet most gaming needs. Investing a bit more in these areas can enhance longevity and performance.

Storage is crucial, but starting with enough space for your initial games and using SSD storage, preferably M.2, will improve load times. You can always upgrade storage later if your motherboard supports it.

Don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A dependable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while effective cooling prevents overheating, ensuring your PC lasts longer and supports future upgrades.

Finding a 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, from $600 to over $2,000. However, you can find a decent gaming PC for around or under $1,000.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a high-end gaming PC might be overkill, but gaming PCs are versatile and can handle everyday tasks efficiently. If you use your PC for work or creative projects, you'll appreciate the performance boost compared to a typical laptop.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is easier if you're not interested in building one yourself. While building can be cheaper long-term, it requires technical know-how and carries the risk of damaging components. If you're comfortable with the process, building allows for full customization.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop

2 See it!

Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

0 See it!