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, you might be surprised at how quickly the costs of components add up. 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, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, many gamers find these to be overkill anyway. Our experts have diligently tested and researched a wide range of gaming PCs, selecting five (including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer both capability and affordability.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Budget Gaming PCs

### Alienware Aurora R16

3Experience compact yet powerful gaming with the ability to handle 1440p gaming. See it at Dell### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Ideal for 1080p gaming with easy upgrade options. See it at HP### MSI Codex R2

5Perfect for 1080p gaming with ample room for future upgrades. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### CLX Set

5Enjoy solid 1080p gaming performance with a lifetime labor warranty. See it at CLX### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1A versatile handheld gaming PC that runs Windows 11. See it at Amazon

Budget gaming PCs may sacrifice some performance, but the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are reliable affordable GPUs that suit the needs of most gamers. For those willing to spend a bit more, a powerful RTX 4070 can be paired with an Intel Core i5, delivering impressive performance. Even with mid-range components, the PCs we've chosen are capable of achieving high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some even handling 1440p smoothly. Additionally, these desktops serve as great starting points, as the beauty of buying an affordable gaming PC lies in the potential for future upgrades to enhance performance.

For more information, you can also check our guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.

Looking for additional savings? Explore the best gaming PC deals available now.

1. Alienware Aurora R16

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3Experience the power of a compact gaming rig designed for 1440p gaming. 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 bit harder to upgrade and maintain compared to some other gaming PCs

Alienware is known for its premium builds, but you can still find a solid deal on their gaming systems if you know where to look. The Alienware Aurora R16, configured with an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, offers excellent performance for under $2000. While similar configurations might be available cheaper from other manufacturers, the Alienware R16's compact design and high-end components make it a worthwhile investment if it fits within your budget.

Dell's flagship gaming PC, the Alienware Aurora R16, is designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk while still accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, it uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply, which might limit future upgrades. With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance for 1440p gaming. If you're considering 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM might be a limitation for more demanding titles.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Perfect for 1080p gaming with room for 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

• Uses an older generation GPU

The HP Omen 25L with current-generation hardware starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a 'budget' gaming PC. However, given the recent price increases in gaming rigs, particularly those with current-gen CPUs and GPUs, this PC offers good value. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, it's well-suited for 1080p gaming without the bells and whistles like ray tracing or DLSS.

Although it uses a four-year-old graphics card, the GTX 1660 Super remains a strong choice for budget 1080p gaming, especially with no newer budget options from Nvidia. The premium chassis of the HP Omen 25L offers excellent airflow, keeping your components cool. Its standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply also make it easier to upgrade over time.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSI Codex R2

5A great choice for 1080p gaming with upgrade potential. See it at AmazonSee 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

• 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 biggest compromise is its cooling system, which uses a simple air cooler over the CPU. While this should be sufficient for the Intel Core i5-14400F, consider upgrading the cooler if you plan to use a more powerful chip later.

The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 makes it an excellent choice for those starting with PC gaming, as it's easy to upgrade over time. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for 1080p gaming, and 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

5A powerful yet affordable option for 1080p gaming. 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

• Suitable only for 1080p

The CLX Set offers easy customization and is perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking to play at 1080p. With a base price of $599, it includes an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. While it uses integrated graphics without ray tracing or DLSS, it can achieve smooth gameplay in popular titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends at 1080p. However, it may struggle with more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth performance even with multiple applications running. Its 1TB storage is adequate for a few games, and the roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades simple. The chassis also provides good airflow and includes fans for cooling. While adding RGB lighting will increase the cost, the lifetime labor warranty and support offer 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 portable gaming solution with Windows 11. 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

• Not a traditional desktop PC

While technically not a desktop PC, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a portable solution under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings. The ability to play on the go makes it an attractive option.

Given the current state of PC gaming, finding current-generation components for under $500 is challenging. Many budget PCs compromise on quality or use outdated hardware, which can hinder gaming performance. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a solid gaming experience within this price range, filling the gap left by high GPU prices.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget between $1,000 and $1,500 is ideal for a solid gaming PC that won't quickly become obsolete. Even if you can't reach this range, you can still find a good gaming rig, but it's essential to know what you're looking for. Choosing a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still providing a reliable gaming experience.

Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it significantly impacts gaming visuals. Look for a balance between performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon card. While you may not achieve ultra-high settings, the best budget graphics cards can handle most games at satisfactory frame rates.

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A decent quad-core processor from Intel or AMD paired with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading either of these components can enhance performance in the long run.

Storage is another crucial factor, but as long as your motherboard supports multiple slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough space for your initial games and opt for SSD storage, preferably M.2, to reduce boot and load times.

Lastly, ensure your gaming PC has a reliable power supply and cooling system. A good PSU ensures stable power delivery, while adequate cooling prevents overheating and extends hardware lifespan, allowing for future upgrades rather than a complete replacement.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is key when selecting 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 decent gaming PC, a budget around or under $1,000 is reasonable.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a less expensive gaming PC might suffice. However, the performance of a gaming PC is also great for everyday tasks, work, or creative projects, offering value beyond gaming.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is easier, but building one can be more cost-effective in the long run. If you're not comfortable building, the potential for mistakes could make it more expensive. Building allows for full customization if you have the technical know-how.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

2Experience budget-friendly gaming with this compact desktop. See it### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

0Upgrade your gaming experience with this powerful yet affordable option. See it