Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and the costs can quickly add up, even if you're aiming to save money. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. While opting for a budget model 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 experts have put in the effort to test and research a wide array of gaming PCs, curating a list of five (four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that are both capable and affordable.

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 some high-end performance, but RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are excellent affordable GPUs that meet the needs of most gamers. If you're willing to spend a bit more, an RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 can offer robust performance. Even with mid-range components, our selected rigs deliver high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, and some can handle 1440p effortlessly. These desktops serve as a great starting point, with the added benefit of future upgradability to enhance your setup.

For more insights, check out 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

3Experience a compact yet powerful gaming rig designed to tackle 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 gateway to high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, but savvy shoppers can still find a great deal. This configuration includes an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, offering excellent value. The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact and fit seamlessly on any desk while accommodating high-end components. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might limit future upgrades, something to consider if you plan to start with a budget PC and upgrade over time.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, the Aurora R16 provides more than enough performance for most gamers, ensuring you can max out games at 1440p. If you venture into 4K gaming, the RTX 4070 Super's 12GB of VRAM might become a limiting factor in more demanding titles.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, this PC excels at 1080p gaming and is designed for easy upgrades.
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 with current-generation hardware starts at about $1200, featuring a technically two-generations-old GPU. Despite the higher starting cost, this remains a budget-friendly option given the recent price hikes in gaming PCs. The Intel Core i5-14400F paired with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super offers solid 1080p gaming performance, though without ray tracing or DLSS.

While the GTX 1660 Super may be older, it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers in 2024, especially since Nvidia has not released a new budget card in the RTX 3000 series. The premium chassis of the HP Omen 25L enhances the package, providing excellent airflow and using standard mounts for easy future upgrades.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5A great choice for 1080p gaming with a spacious chassis perfect 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 necessary, especially if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2's main compromise is its cooling system, featuring a basic air cooler that suffices for the Intel Core i5-14400F but may need upgrading if you move to a more powerful processor.

The Codex R2's spacious and user-friendly chassis makes it an ideal starter system for those new to PC building. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, it's perfect for 1080p gaming, and its upgradability means you won't need to replace it anytime soon unless you're aiming for higher resolutions.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5Experience powerful internals with a 6-core processor, solid graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage at an unbeatable 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 easy customization and a base configuration perfect for 1080p gaming at just $599. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, delivering smooth gameplay in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends at 1080p, though it struggles with more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is a breeze, and the 1TB storage offers ample space for your gaming library. The CLX Set's toolless case allows for easy future upgrades, and its spacious design ensures good airflow and cooling. While RGB lighting is an additional cost, the lifetime labor warranty and support provide 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

5. Asus Rog Ally Z1

Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1A stellar Steam Deck alternative that runs Windows 11, perfect for portable gaming.
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 not a traditional desktop, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers an exceptional gaming experience for under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it plays most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, providing a great portable option. In a market where current-generation components are hard to find under $500, the ROG Ally Z1 fills the gap left by high GPU prices, offering a compelling alternative to budget-conscious gamers.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget between $1,000 and $1,500 strikes the perfect balance for a reliable yet affordable gaming PC. If your budget is tighter, you can still find a solid gaming rig, but it's crucial to prioritize your needs. Consider opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 to reduce costs while maintaining performance.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it significantly impacts gaming visuals. An NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card provides a good balance of performance and price, enabling decent frame rates in most games. Next, consider the CPU and RAM; a quad-core processor from Intel or AMD with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading either component, if possible, will enhance your system's longevity.

Storage is vital but can be upgraded later if your motherboard supports multiple slots. Starting with SSD storage, ideally M.2, will improve boot and load times. Finally, a reliable power supply and cooling system are essential for longevity and stability, ensuring your gaming PC remains viable for years and can be upgraded rather than replaced.

Finding a well-balanced system that delivers 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 can range from $600 to over $2,000. For a budget-friendly yet decent gaming experience, aim for around or under $1,000.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

Even casual gamers can benefit from a gaming PC, which also excels in everyday tasks and creative projects, offering superior performance compared to a typical laptop.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is simpler but often more expensive. Building a PC can be cheaper long-term, but it requires technical knowledge and careful component handling to avoid costly mistakes.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it