Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you aim to save money, the cost of individual components can quickly add up. Fortunately, there's a range of best prebuilt gaming PCs that won't break the bank. While opting for a budget model means you might not get the top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, these components are often overkill for many gamers. Our team of experts has rigorously tested and researched a diverse selection of gaming PCs, narrowing down to five exceptional yet affordable options, including a handheld gaming PC.

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 not boast the highest performance, but options like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are excellent affordable GPUs that cater well to the average gamer. If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, you could even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. These budget-friendly rigs are more than capable of delivering high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, and some can even handle 1440p. What's more, these desktops serve as a great starting point, allowing for future upgrades to enhance their performance.

You can also refer to 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. Its sleek design and efficient cooling system make it a standout choice for those looking for performance without the bulk. 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 synonymous with high-end gaming, but you can find a great deal with the right configuration. This version of the Alienware Aurora R16 comes equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, offering a balance of performance and price. While the proprietary motherboard and power supply might limit future upgrades, the initial setup is more than capable of running most games at 1440p. If you're considering moving to 4K gaming, keep in mind that the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might be a bottleneck in more demanding titles.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Designed for 1080p gaming, this PC features an Intel Core i5 processor and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Super, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade over time. 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 ample airflowCONSOlder generation GPUThe HP Omen 25L offers a solid entry point into gaming PCs with current-generation hardware. Priced around $1200, it's a bit higher than what you might expect from a budget option, but recent price hikes in gaming hardware justify this cost. The GTX 1660 Super, though a few years old, remains a strong choice for 1080p gaming without the need for advanced features like ray tracing or DLSS. The chassis is not only stylish but also facilitates easy upgrades, making it a future-proof investment.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Perfect for 1080p gaming, this PC's spacious chassis makes it an ideal choice 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. The MSI Codex R2's cooling system is one such compromise, featuring a basic air cooler that's adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F but may need upgrading for more powerful CPUs. However, the spacious and user-friendly chassis makes it an excellent starter system, perfect for gradual upgrades. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, it's well-suited for 1080p gaming, and its upgradability ensures you won't need to replace it anytime soon.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5This gaming PC offers powerful internals at a budget-friendly price, perfect for 1080p gaming. 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 a great choice for budget-conscious gamers, offering a base configuration that's customizable and priced at just $599. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, delivering smooth gameplay at 1080p for titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. While it won't handle the most demanding games, the 16GB of DDR4 RAM ensures multitasking capabilities, and the 1TB storage provides ample space for your games. The roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades easy, and the lifetime labor warranty adds 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)- $1,527.49Acer 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, offering portable gaming with 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 desktop, it's the best option for portable gaming under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings. In an era where current-generation components are costly, the ROG Ally offers a compelling solution for budget-conscious gamers looking for a solid gaming experience on the go.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, setting a budget between $1,000 and $1,500 strikes the right balance for a budget gaming PC that offers longevity. However, even if you can't reach that range, you can still find a reliable setup by focusing on key components. Consider a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 to keep costs down while maintaining solid performance.

Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it significantly impacts your gaming visuals. Choose a model that balances performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series. While ultra-high settings might be out of reach, these cards can handle most games at satisfactory frame rates.

Next, focus on the CPU and RAM. A good quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, coupled with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading either of these can significantly improve your system's longevity.

When it comes to storage, opt for a gaming PC with SSD storage, preferably M.2, to reduce boot and load times. If your budget is tight, start with a smaller capacity and upgrade later.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of a reliable power supply and cooling system. These ensure stable performance and prevent 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 crucial when selecting the best budget gaming PC.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

Gaming PCs can vary in price from $600 to over $2,000. For a budget-friendly option, you can find a decent gaming PC for around $1,000 or less.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a budget gaming PC can be an excellent investment, offering more than enough power for both gaming and everyday tasks, often outperforming laptops.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is easier if you're not keen on assembling one yourself. Building a PC can be more cost-effective in the long run, but it requires technical know-how and can be risky if components are mishandled.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it