Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and you might think it's a cost-effective solution, but the price of individual components can quickly add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with an exorbitant price tag. Opting for a budget-friendly option means you won't get the latest top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, but for most gamers, these are overkill anyway. Our experts have done the legwork, testing and reviewing a variety of gaming PCs to bring you five standout choices (four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer great value without breaking the bank.
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 AmazonBudget gaming PCs may compromise on performance, but they come equipped with solid affordable GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600. These are more than adequate for the average gamer. If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, you can even opt for a more powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Despite using lower to mid-range components, the gaming PCs we've selected are designed to deliver high frame rates at 1080p, with some capable of handling 1440p gaming. Moreover, these systems serve as excellent starting points, as part of the allure of a budget gaming PC is the ability to upgrade it over time to boost its performance.
You can also refer to our guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.
Looking for more savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals right now.
Alienware Aurora R16
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000
### Alienware Aurora R16
3Compact yet powerful, this gaming PC is well-equipped to handle 1440p gaming with ease.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 designUnique cooling systemCONSA bit challenging to upgrade and maintainAlienware sits at the cusp of high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, yet it still offers great deals on gaming systems. This configuration of the Alienware R16 features an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, all for under $2000. While you might find a similar setup cheaper from another brand, if it fits your budget, why look further?
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk without sacrificing internal space for high-end components. However, to achieve this compactness, Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply. While this isn't a major issue for most users, it's something to consider if you're looking for a starter rig that you plan to upgrade over time.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers ample performance for most gamers, allowing you to max out games at 1440p. If you're aiming for 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might be a limiting factor in more demanding titles.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4Designed for smooth 1080p gaming, this PC is also easily upgradeable to meet future needs.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 inchesPROSExcellent for 1080p gamingAttractive white chassis with ample airflowCONSUses an older generation GPUThe HP Omen 25L, equipped with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a 'budget' gaming PC. However, recent price hikes in gaming hardware, especially with current-gen CPUs and GPUs, have shifted what's considered budget-friendly. This system features an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, ideal for 1080p gaming, though without ray tracing or DLSS.
While it's disappointing to see a 4-year-old GPU, there aren't many budget-friendly alternatives in 2024. Nvidia hasn't released a new budget card since the RTX 3000 series, and with the RTX 5080 on the horizon, it's unlikely we'll see one soon. If ray tracing isn't a priority, the GTX 1660 Super remains a strong choice for casual 1080p gaming.
The premium chassis of the HP Omen 25L enhances its appeal, offering excellent airflow to keep your components cool. Additionally, its 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
### MSICodex R2
5A solid choice for 1080p gaming with ample room 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 designPlenty of room for upgradesCONSBasic CPU coolerFor a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable, especially if you're not building it yourself. The MSI Codex R2's cooling system is a notable compromise, using a basic air cooler similar to those bundled with off-the-shelf processors. While it's adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F, consider upgrading the cooler if you plan on using a more powerful CPU in the future.
The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 makes it easy to upgrade components down the line, making it an ideal starter system for those new to PC building. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for 1080p gaming, so you won't need to upgrade immediately unless you're eyeing higher resolutions.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers strong performance at 1080p, backed by a 6-core processor, decent graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.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 at 1080pCONSNot suitable for higher resolutionsThe CLX Set is incredibly user-friendly for customization, with its base configuration offering great value for 1080p gaming at just $599. It includes an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, delivering smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. However, it may struggle with more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth multitasking and responsive gameplay. The 1TB of storage provides ample space for your games, with the option to upgrade components through CLX's configuration tool, though this will increase the cost.
The CLX Set's roomy, toolless case simplifies future upgrades, ensuring your system can evolve with your needs. It also features good airflow and comes with a lifetime labor warranty and support, adding peace of mind to your purchase.
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
1This handheld gaming PC 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 gaming PC, it's the best option for playing PC games on a budget under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it delivers solid performance at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, and its portability adds to its appeal.
Unfortunately, current-generation PC components are hard to come by at this price point, making handheld options like the Asus ROG Ally a compelling choice for a budget gaming experience. With the rising cost of GPUs from Nvidia and AMD, handheld gaming PCs are filling the gap left by traditional budget desktops.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
For most people, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a budget gaming PC that won't compromise on performance. If you're working with less, you can still find a reliable gaming rig, but it's crucial to prioritize your needs. Opting for a last-generation GPU like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while delivering solid performance.
Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it greatly influences your gaming experience's visual quality. Look for a balance between performance and price, such as NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series cards. While you might 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. If possible, allocate extra budget to these components for long-term benefits.
Storage is another key factor. Ensure your PC has SSD storage, ideally M.2, for faster boot and load times. While starting with lower storage is fine, make sure your motherboard supports multiple storage slots for future upgrades.
Lastly, don't overlook the importance of a good power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while effective cooling prevents overheating and extends hardware life, allowing your PC to last longer and be upgraded rather than replaced.
Choosing a well-balanced budget gaming PC that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is key.
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 offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, work, or creative projects, making it a versatile choice.
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 carries the risk of damaging components if not done correctly.
If you're tech-savvy, building a PC allows for full customization, giving you control over the components to match 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
