Building your own gaming rig can be daunting, and even if you're aiming to save money, you might be surprised at how quickly the costs of components can add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. Opting for a budget option means you won't get the top graphics card, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, but most gamers will find these to be overkill anyway. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a variety of gaming PCs, and we've narrowed it down to five top picks (including 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 performance, but the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that can meet the needs of the average gamer. For those willing to splurge a bit, a powerful RTX 4070 can be paired with an Intel Core i5. Even with these mid-range components, the PCs we've selected can achieve high frame rates in 1080p for the best PC games, with some capable of handling 1440p. These desktops serve as excellent starting points, with the added benefit of being upgradeable to enhance performance over time.
You can also refer to our comprehensive guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.
Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals right now.
AnswerSee Results*Contributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru*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 well-known name in the gaming world, often seen as a precursor to high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. However, with the right configuration, you can snag a great deal on a gaming system. This Alienware R16 model, equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, comes in under $2000. While similar configurations might be cheaper with other manufacturers, if it fits your budget, why look elsewhere?
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, yet it's designed to be compact, fitting comfortably on any desk while still accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might limit future upgrades, which is something to consider if you're looking for a starter rig to evolve over time.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC delivers robust performance for most gamers, capable of maxing out games at 1440p. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, the RTX 4070 Super's 12GB of VRAM might limit performance in more demanding titles.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4This PC, featuring an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, 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 excellent airflow
CONS
- Older generation GPU
The HP Omen 25L, even with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200. While this might seem steep for a 'budget' PC, it's reflective of the recent price increases in gaming rigs, especially those with current-gen CPUs and GPUs. This model comes with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, capable of running any game at 1080p without ray tracing or DLSS.
Although the GTX 1660 Super is a 4-year-old graphics card, it remains a solid choice for budget gamers in 2024, especially since Nvidia hasn't released a new budget card since the RTX 3000 series. For those not concerned with advanced features like ray tracing, the GTX 1660 Super offers excellent performance for 1080p casual gaming.
The premium chassis enhances this package, featuring improved airflow to keep your components cool. The standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply also make future upgrades straightforward and cost-effective.
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 searching for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable, especially if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2 makes a compromise on cooling, featuring a basic air cooler over the CPU. While this cooler is sufficient for the Intel Core i5-14400F, upgrading to a more powerful chip would require a better cooling solution.
Ffortunately, the spacious chassis allows for easy upgrades, making the MSI Codex R2 an excellent choice for those starting with a budget PC. Its user-friendly design makes it an approachable option for those new to PC building, allowing for gradual enhancements.
With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for 1080p gaming. Its upgradability is a major advantage, though you won't need to upgrade immediately if you're sticking to 1080p resolutions.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, all 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 offers customizable options, but its base configuration is perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking to play at 1080p. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, this build can achieve about 80 fps in Fortnite and 95 fps in Apex Legends at 1080p, ensuring smooth gameplay in most titles. However, it's less suited for demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.
Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set maintains high performance even with multiple applications running. The 1TB storage provides ample space for a few games, and future upgrades are facilitated by the spacious, toolless case design. This case also ensures good airflow and comes with a lifetime labor warranty and support, adding peace of mind for users.
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
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally offers a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck, running on Windows 11 for enhanced versatility.
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 desktop PC, it's an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers looking to play PC games on a portable device. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p with medium-to-low settings, offering a unique blend of portability and performance.
In today's market, securing current-generation PC components for under $500 is challenging, making the Asus ROG Ally a standout choice. It provides a solid gaming experience without the compromises often found in ultra-budget PCs. As traditional budget gaming PCs become less affordable, handheld options like the Asus ROG Ally are filling the gap left by high GPU prices.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
AnswerSee ResultsFor most people, a budget of around $1,000 to $1,500 strikes a good balance for a budget gaming PC that offers durability and performance. However, if your budget is tighter, you can still find a reliable gaming rig, though it's crucial to know what to look for. Opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while providing solid gaming performance.When choosing your PC, start by focusing on the graphics card, as it's key to your gaming experience. Aim for a balance between performance and price, such as NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series cards. While you may not achieve ultra-high settings, the best budget graphics cards can handle most games at decent frame rates.
Consider the CPU and RAM next. A good quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can enhance performance in the long run.
Storage is also crucial, but as long as your motherboard supports multiple slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough space for your initial games, opting 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 effective cooling prevents overheating, extending your hardware's lifespan. This approach allows for future upgrades rather than immediate replacement.
Finding a well-balanced system that delivers 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, a decent gaming PC can be found around or under the $1,000 mark for budget-conscious buyers.
Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?
For casual gamers, investing heavily in a gaming PC might not be necessary. However, gaming PCs are also well-suited for everyday tasks, offering superior performance compared to laptops, which can be beneficial for work or creative projects.
Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?
Buying a pre-built PC is often easier, especially if you're not confident in building one yourself. Building a PC can be cheaper in the long run, but it requires technical knowledge and careful component handling to avoid costly mistakes. If you're comfortable with the process, building allows for greater 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
