Building your own gaming rig can be daunting, and the costs can quickly add up, even when aiming to save money. Fortunately, the market for best prebuilt gaming PCs offers affordable options that don't break the bank. Opting for a budget-friendly model means you might not get the latest top graphics card, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, but for most gamers, these high-end components might be more than you need. Our team of experts has rigorously tested and researched a diverse array of gaming PCs to bring you five top picks, including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC, all offering impressive performance at a reasonable price.

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 RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that will suffice for most gamers. If you're willing to splurge a bit, the RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 offers excellent value. Even with mid-range components, our selected PCs can easily handle high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some even capable of performing well at 1440p. The beauty of choosing an affordable gaming PC lies in its potential for future upgrades, allowing you to enhance its capabilities over time.

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.

1. 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 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 little harder to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCsAlienware is renowned for its high-end gaming PCs, but you can still find great deals if you know where to look. This configuration of the Alienware Aurora R16 offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, providing a balance of performance and value. While other manufacturers might offer similar specs for less, the Alienware's design and build quality make it a compelling choice if it fits within your budget.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk while still accommodating high-end components. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might pose challenges for future upgrades, something to consider if you're looking for a starter rig with long-term upgrade potential.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance that can handle most games at 1440p with ease. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might limit performance in more demanding titles.

2. 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 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 plenty of room for airflowCONSOlder gen GPUThe HP Omen 25L, even with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a budget PC. However, given the recent price hikes in gaming hardware, this PC offers solid performance for the price. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, capable of running games smoothly at 1080p, though without advanced features like ray tracing or DLSS.

The use of a 4-year-old graphics card might be a downside, but it's a necessary compromise in the current market, as Nvidia hasn't released a budget-friendly successor in recent generations. Despite this, 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 components cool. Its standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply make future upgrades straightforward, ensuring longevity and value for your investment.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Ideal 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 chassis designPlenty of room for upgradesCONSVery basic 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 system, featuring a basic air cooler that might suffice for the Intel Core i5-14400F but would need upgrading for more powerful CPUs.

The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 makes it an excellent choice for those looking to start with a budget-friendly system and upgrade over time. It's a great entry point into PC building, allowing you to enhance your rig piece by piece.

This model comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, perfect for 1080p gaming. While it's not the most powerful GPU available, it ensures you won't need to upgrade immediately, especially if you're not aiming for higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5A powerful entry-level gaming PC with a 6-core processor and integrated graphics. 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 GPUCONSOnly suitable for 1080pThe CLX Set offers an easy way to customize your gaming PC, with the base model starting at just $599, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. It features a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, capable of delivering smooth gameplay at 1080p in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth multitasking and responsive gameplay. The 1TB of storage provides ample space for your games, and the roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades straightforward. The lifetime labor warranty and support add further value, ensuring peace of mind for your investment.

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

7 Images5. Asus Rog Ally Z1

Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1The Asus ROG Ally is a fantastic alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11. 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 an excellent choice for those looking to play PC games on a budget-friendly handheld device. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, offering portability and convenience.

In today's market, finding current-generation PC components for under $500 is challenging, making the Asus ROG Ally a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers. It provides a solid gaming experience without the need for a full desktop setup, filling the gap left by high GPU prices.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a reliable gaming PC. However, even if you can't reach this range, you can still find a solid gaming rig by focusing on key components. A last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still delivering strong performance.

Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it's crucial for gaming performance. Look for a balance between performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card. While you might not achieve ultra-high settings, these cards can handle most games at decent frame rates.

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should meet most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can enhance performance over time.

Storage is another key factor. Opt for a gaming PC with SSD storage, ideally M.2, to reduce boot and load times. If your motherboard supports multiple storage slots, you can upgrade later as needed.

Finally, 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 and allowing for future upgrades.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is key when choosing the best budget gaming PC.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

Gaming PCs can range from $600 to over $2,000. For a budget-friendly option, 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 gaming PC might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, gaming PCs are versatile and can handle everyday tasks and creative projects with ease, offering excellent performance compared to laptops.

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 the risk of damaging components. If you're confident in your ability to build, you can customize your PC to your exact specifications.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop

2See it### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

0See it