Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025 Revealed
Building your own gaming rig can be daunting, and even if you're aiming to save money, the costs of components can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly prebuilt gaming PCs that don't break the bank. While these systems may not feature the top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, they are often more than adequate for most gamers. Our experts have meticulously tested and researched numerous gaming PCs to bring you five (including one handheld) affordable and capable options.
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
### MSI Codex 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 GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid choices for cost-conscious gamers. If you're willing to stretch your budget, an RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 can offer impressive performance. Even with mid-range components, these systems can deliver high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, and some can handle 1440p. Moreover, these PCs serve as excellent starting points for future upgrades.
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 perfect for tackling 1440p gaming. 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 stands out in the gaming PC market, offering high-end performance without the boutique price tag. This configuration of the Alienware R16 includes an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, making it a compelling choice if it fits your budget.
The Alienware Aurora R16 is a compact gaming PC designed to fit neatly on any desk while accommodating high-end components. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might limit its appeal for those looking to upgrade over time. With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an RTX 4070 Super, it offers robust performance for 1440p gaming, though it may struggle with demanding 4K games due to the GPU's VRAM limitations.
HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4This system, with an Intel Core i5 and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super, is ideal for 1080p gaming and offers easy upgradability. 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 excellent airflowCONSOlder generation GPUThe HP Omen 25L is priced around $1200, which may seem high for a budget PC, but it's reflective of the current market's price increases for new-gen components. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and a GTX 1660 Super, it's well-suited for 1080p gaming, albeit without modern features like ray tracing or DLSS.
While the GTX 1660 Super is an older card, it remains a solid choice for budget gaming, especially with Nvidia's lack of new budget GPUs. The premium chassis ensures excellent airflow, keeping components cool, and its standard mounts make future upgrades straightforward.
MSI Codex R2
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
### MSI Codex R2
5This gaming PC is perfect for 1080p gaming and offers 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 coolerFor a gaming PC under $1000, the MSI Codex R2 requires some compromises, particularly in cooling. It comes with a basic CPU cooler, which is adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F but may need upgrading for more powerful processors.
The spacious chassis makes it an ideal starter system, allowing for easy upgrades. The included RTX 4060 is suitable for 1080p gaming, ensuring you won't need immediate upgrades unless you're aiming for higher resolutions.
CLX Set
Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers impressive performance for 1080p gaming at a budget-friendly price. 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 is highly customizable and offers excellent value at $599, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. It performs well at 1080p, delivering smooth gameplay in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, though it may struggle with more demanding titles.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, it maintains strong performance even with multiple applications running. The 1TB storage is sufficient for several games, and the roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades easy. The lifetime labor warranty and support add further value to this budget-friendly option.
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
1The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent Steam Deck alternative 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 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 offers the portability that traditional PCs can't match.
In today's market, finding current-generation components for under $500 is challenging, making the Asus ROG Ally an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers looking for a quality gaming experience.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?
For most gamers, a budget between $1,000 and $1,500 strikes the right balance for a reliable gaming PC. However, even with a tighter budget, 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 offering good performance.
Start with the graphics card, as it's crucial for gaming performance. Look for a balance between price and performance with options like NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series. 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 with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice for gaming. Upgrading either can enhance performance and longevity.
Storage is important, but if your motherboard supports multiple slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough SSD storage for your initial games, preferably M.2 for faster load times.
Lastly, ensure your PC has a reliable power supply and cooling system to maintain performance and extend hardware life, allowing for future upgrades without needing a full replacement.
Finding a well-balanced system that offers strong gaming performance without unnecessary extras is key when choosing the best budget gaming PC.
Budget Gaming PC FAQs
What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?
Gaming PCs vary widely in price, from $600 to over $2,000. A decent budget gaming PC can be found 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 overkill, but it's also great for everyday tasks. If you use your PC for work or creative projects, you'll appreciate the performance boost over a standard laptop.
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 can be cheaper in the long run, but it requires technical know-how and the risk of damaging components if done incorrectly. If you're skilled in building PCs, you can customize it to your needs more effectively.
Best Budget Gaming PC UK
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
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