Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you're aiming to save money, the cost of components can quickly add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. While opting for a budget option means you won't get the top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, these components are often overkill for most gamers. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a wide range of gaming PCs, narrowing it down to five (four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer both capability and affordability.
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 compromise on some performance aspects, but the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that should suffice for the average gamer. If you're willing to splurge a bit, you can even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Despite using lower and mid-range components, the PCs we've selected are capable of delivering high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some even handling 1440p. Moreover, these desktops serve as excellent starting points, as one of the benefits of choosing an affordable gaming PC is the ability to upgrade it over time to enhance its performance.
You can also explore 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
3This compact yet powerful gaming rig is designed 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 a top-tier brand, just a step below high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. However, savvy shoppers can still find great deals on their gaming systems. This configuration of the Alienware Aurora R16 offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, providing a compelling option for those who can stretch their budget. While similar configurations might be cheaper from other manufacturers, the Alienware Aurora R16's compact design and high-end components make it a standout choice.
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to fit neatly on any desk without sacrificing internal space for a high-end graphics card. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might pose challenges for future upgrades, something to consider if you're looking for a starter rig to modify over time.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers more than enough performance for most gamers, capable of maxing out games at 1440p. If you're eyeing 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 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
- Older generation GPU
The HP Omen 25L, equipped with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a 'budget' gaming PC. However, given the recent price hikes in gaming rigs, especially those with current-gen CPUs and GPUs, this is a solid entry point. This model features an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, capable of running any game at 1080p, though without ray tracing or DLSS.
While the GTX 1660 Super is a four-year-old graphics card, it remains a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers in 2024, especially since Nvidia hasn't released a new budget card in the RTX 3000 or 4000 series. If you're not interested in features like ray tracing, the GTX 1660 Super is still an excellent option for 1080p casual gaming.
The HP Omen 25L's premium chassis enhances its appeal, offering excellent airflow to keep components cool. Its standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply make future upgrades straightforward, ensuring you can keep your PC up-to-date over the years.
MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
### MSICodex R2
5This gaming PC is ideal for 1080p gaming and offers ample room 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 if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2's biggest compromise is its cooling system, which uses a simple air cooler reminiscent of older, less effective bundled coolers. While this cooler is adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F, consider upgrading it if you plan to use a more powerful CPU in the future.
The MSI Codex R2's spacious chassis makes it an excellent choice for those looking to start with a budget-friendly system and upgrade over time. This approach is less intimidating than building a PC from scratch and allows you to enhance your rig piece by piece.
This version of the MSI Codex R2 comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, perfect for 1080p gaming. Its upgradability is a major selling point, but even without upgrades, it's well-suited for gaming at 1080p.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers powerful internals at a budget-friendly 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 is highly customizable, but even its base configuration is perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking to play at 1080p. Priced at just $599, it features a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics. While it lacks ray tracing and DLSS, it can still deliver smooth gameplay, achieving around 80 fps in Fortnite and 95 fps in Apex Legends at 1080p, according to CLX's configuration tool. However, it may struggle with more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth performance even with multiple applications running. Its 1TB storage provides ample space for several games, and the roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades easy. The chassis also offers good airflow and comes with a few fans to keep things cool, though adding RGB lighting will cost extra. Additionally, the CLX Set comes with a lifetime labor warranty and lifetime support, providing 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)- $1,527.49
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
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### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent alternative to the Steam Deck, 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
While the Asus ROG Ally isn't a traditional gaming PC, it's the best option for playing PC games on a budget under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on 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, which can compromise the gaming experience. The Asus ROG Ally offers a great gaming experience at a budget-friendly price, filling the gap left by high GPU prices from Nvidia and AMD.
The era of ultra-cheap gaming PC towers may be over, but the best handheld gaming PCs are stepping up to meet the demand.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
For most people, a budget of around $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a budget gaming PC that won't fall apart. However, even if you can't reach this price range, you can still find a solid gaming rig by focusing on what you need. For example, opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still providing a strong gaming experience.
Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it's crucial for your gaming visuals. Look for a balance between performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card. While you may not achieve ultra-high settings, the best budget graphics cards can 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 meet most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can offer long-term benefits.
Storage is another key factor. If your motherboard supports multiple storage slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough space for your initial games, and opt for SSD storage, ideally M.2, to reduce boot and load times.
Lastly, don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while good cooling prevents overheating and extends hardware life, allowing your PC to last for years and be upgraded rather than replaced.
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 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. However, even a budget gaming PC can handle everyday tasks and provide a satisfying gaming experience, making it a worthwhile investment if you also use your PC for work or creative projects.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Buying a pre-built PC is 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 can be risky if components are mishandled. If you're confident in your ability to build a PC, you'll have more control over customization.
Best Budget Gaming PC UK
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
