The Best Budget Gaming PCs of 2025

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Building your own gaming PC can be a daunting task, and despite the potential savings, the cost of components can quickly add up. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a great gaming experience, as not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with an exorbitant price tag. While opting for a budget-friendly 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 most gamers. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a wide array of gaming PCs, and we've curated a list of five (including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that strike the perfect balance between 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 high-end performance, but GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are reliable and affordable options that cater well to the average gamer. If you're willing to invest a bit more, you can even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Despite using lower and 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 systems also serve as excellent starting points, offering the flexibility to upgrade components over time to enhance performance.

You can also explore our detailed guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.

Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals right now.

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 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 more challenging to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCs

Alienware stands at the forefront of gaming PCs, just before you enter the realm of high-end boutique builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. Yet, with the right configuration, you can snag a fantastic deal. This Alienware Aurora R16 model, equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, comes in under $2000. While similar specs might be found cheaper from other manufacturers, if this fits your budget, it's a compelling choice.

Dell's flagship gaming PC, the Alienware Aurora R16, offers a compact design that won't overwhelm your desk, yet it accommodates high-end graphics cards. However, to fit into this smaller chassis, Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply. While this might not be a concern for many, it's worth noting if you're looking for a budget PC that you plan to upgrade over time.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC delivers robust performance, capable of running any game at 1440p with max settings. If you venture into 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM might become a bottleneck in more demanding titles.

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 is perfect for 1080p gaming and is easy to upgrade. 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
Attractive white chassis with ample airflow

Cons:

Uses an older generation GPU

The HP Omen 25L, with its current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, featuring a GPU that's technically two generations old. While this might seem pricey for a budget PC, recent price surges in gaming hardware justify its cost. The Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super combination delivers solid 1080p performance, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS.

The absence of a newer budget GPU from Nvidia in recent generations is disappointing, but the GTX 1660 Super remains a strong choice for casual 1080p gaming without the need for advanced features.

The HP Omen 25L's premium chassis enhances its appeal, featuring excellent airflow to keep components cool. The use of standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply makes future upgrades straightforward, ensuring longevity once you've covered the initial investment.

MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Ideal for 1080p gaming with a spacious chassis that's 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:

Basic CPU cooler

When shopping for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable, especially if you're not building it yourself. The MSI Codex R2's biggest compromise is its cooling system, which uses a simple air cooler that might need upgrading if you plan on using more powerful CPUs in the future.

The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 makes it an excellent choice for beginners looking to start with a prebuilt system and upgrade components over time. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 in this model is well-suited for 1080p gaming, providing a solid foundation that won't require immediate upgrades.

CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5This gaming PC offers robust internals, including a 6-core processor, decent graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage capacity. 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, even with integrated GPU

Cons:

Only suitable for 1080p gaming

The CLX Set is an excellent choice for those seeking a customizable gaming PC at a budget-friendly price, starting at just $599. The base model, powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, is perfect for 1080p gaming, delivering smooth performance in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth multitasking and responsive gameplay. The 1TB of storage offers ample space for games, with room for future upgrades. The roomy, toolless case simplifies upgrades, 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)- $1,527.49
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

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 outstanding Steam Deck alternative that runs 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 the Asus ROG Ally isn't a traditional gaming PC, it's the best option for playing PC games on a device under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p with medium-to-low settings and offers the added benefit of portability.

In today's market, finding current-generation PC components for under $500 is challenging, making the Asus ROG Ally a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers. It fills the gap left by the high prices of traditional gaming PC components, offering a solid gaming experience in a handheld format.

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 budget gaming PC. However, even if your budget is tighter, you can still find a great gaming PC by understanding your needs and making informed choices. Opting for last-generation GPUs like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still delivering a solid gaming experience.

When choosing a budget gaming PC, prioritize the graphics card as it's crucial for gaming performance. Look for a balanced option from NVIDIA or AMD that provides good performance at a reasonable price. A decent quad-core CPU from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most gaming needs. If possible, consider upgrading these components for better long-term value.

Storage is another key factor; ensure your PC has an SSD, preferably M.2, for faster boot and load times. Initially, you can start with lower storage and upgrade later if needed. Don't overlook the power supply and cooling system, as these are essential for stable performance and longevity, allowing for future upgrades rather than a complete replacement.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary extras 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. However, a decent gaming PC can often be found for around or under $1,000.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a gaming PC might seem like an unnecessary expense, but the performance can significantly enhance your gaming experience and handle everyday tasks efficiently.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is often easier, but building one can be cheaper in the long run if you have the technical know-how and are comfortable with the process. Mistakes during assembly can be costly, so consider this before deciding.