Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you're aiming to save money, the cost of individual components can quickly escalate. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with a hefty price tag. While opting for a budget model means you won't have the top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, these might be overkill for most gamers anyway. Our team of experts has diligently tested and researched a wide array of gaming PCs, narrowing them down to five (including one handheld gaming PC) that offer both performance and affordability.

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 might sacrifice some performance, but GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid choices that can handle gaming well for the average player. If you're willing to invest a bit more, an RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 can provide a substantial boost. Even with mid-range components, our selected rigs can achieve high frame rates at 1080p and some can handle 1440p, making them 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.

1. Alienware Aurora R16

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3This compact gaming rig packs a punch with the capability to tackle 1440p gaming effortlessly. Its stunning aesthetic and unique cooling design make it a standout choice, although it might be a bit trickier to upgrade and maintain compared to other models. Alienware sits just below high-end boutique builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, yet this configuration offers an Intel Core i7-14700F and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, making it a compelling option if it fits within your budget.

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

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4This PC is optimized for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super, and its design makes it easily upgradeable. While the GPU might be a couple of generations old, it's still a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers. The white chassis not only looks great but also ensures excellent airflow, keeping your components cool and running smoothly.

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 gen GPU

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSI Codex R2

5Designed for 1080p gaming, the MSI Codex R2 boasts a spacious chassis that's perfect for future upgrades. Although the CPU cooler is basic, it's adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F, and the roomy design allows for easy component upgrades. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for gamers not looking to play at higher resolutions.

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

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, the CLX Set offers solid performance at 1080p for just $599. While it lacks ray tracing and DLSS, it delivers smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. The spacious, toolless case makes future upgrades easy, and the lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind.

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 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

1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is a fantastic alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11 and capable of playing most games at 1080p with medium-to-low settings. Its portability and stunning display make it an excellent choice for gamers on the go, despite not being a traditional desktop.

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

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, setting a budget between $1,000 and $1,500 is ideal for securing a robust yet affordable gaming PC. However, even if you can't reach this price range, you can still find a solid gaming rig by knowing what to prioritize. Opting for last-generation components like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still providing a great gaming experience.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it's crucial for your gaming visuals. A balanced NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon card will handle most games at decent frame rates. For the CPU and RAM, a good quad-core processor with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice. Investing a bit more in these areas can enhance performance in the long run.

When it comes to storage, SSDs, especially M.2, are essential for quick boot and load times. Start with enough storage for your initial games, knowing you can upgrade later. Lastly, ensure your gaming PC has a reliable power supply and efficient cooling system to maintain performance and longevity.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

Gaming PCs can cost anywhere from $600 to over $2,000. However, a budget of around or under $1,000 can get you a decent gaming setup.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a gaming PC can be a worthwhile investment, especially since it can handle everyday tasks and creative projects with ease, offering a significant performance boost over typical laptops.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is simpler, but building your own can be more cost-effective in the long run. However, if you're not comfortable with the technical aspects of building a PC, the convenience and warranty of a pre-built system may outweigh the potential savings.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it

Contributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru