The Best Budget Gaming PCs of 2025

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you're aiming to save money, the cost of components can quickly add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs are out of reach financially. 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 team of experts has rigorously tested and researched a variety of gaming PCs, selecting five (including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer both affordability and performance.

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 performance aspects, but the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid, affordable GPUs that should suffice for the average gamer. If you're willing to splurge a bit, you can even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Even with mid-range components, the PCs we've selected can easily achieve high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some capable of handling 1440p. These desktops serve as excellent starting points, offering the flexibility to upgrade and enhance your system over time.

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

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 a top-tier brand, but you can still find great deals on their systems. This configuration of the Alienware 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, if this fits your budget, it's a compelling choice.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk while 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 a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance for most gamers, capable of running games at 1440p with ease. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might limit you in more demanding titles.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4This PC, equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, 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 system offers solid performance for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS.

The use of a 4-year-old graphics card might be disappointing, but it's a necessary compromise in the budget segment, especially with Nvidia's lack of budget offerings 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 and standard mounts for easy future upgrades, making it a worthwhile investment once you've covered the initial cost.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5This gaming PC is ideal for 1080p gaming and offers ample space 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, which uses 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 beginners looking to start with a pre-built system and upgrade components over time. This model comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, perfect for 1080p gaming, ensuring you won't need to upgrade immediately unless you're aiming for higher resolutions.

4. 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 storage, all 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, but even 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, it can achieve smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends, though it struggles with more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.

Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth performance even with multiple applications running. The 1TB storage provides ample space for games, and the roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades straightforward. 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

7 Images5. Asus Rog Ally Z1

Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11 for a versatile gaming experience. 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, offering the added benefit of portability.

In today's market, finding current-generation components for under $500 is challenging, making the Asus ROG Ally a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a solid gaming experience. As traditional budget gaming PCs become less common, 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?

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 delivering strong performance.

Start by prioritizing 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 cards. While you might not achieve ultra-high settings, these budget-friendly GPUs 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 your system's longevity.

Storage is another key factor. Opt for a gaming PC with SSD storage, preferably 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 essential when picking the best budget gaming PC.

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, making it accessible for budget-conscious gamers.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a gaming PC might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, these systems are also powerful enough for everyday tasks, work, and creative projects, offering excellent performance compared to laptops.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is often easier, but building one can be more cost-effective in the long run. If you're not comfortable with the technical aspects of building a PC, the pre-built option might be more suitable. Building a PC allows for greater customization and control over components.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it