Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025 Unveiled

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and the costs of components can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are several excellent prebuilt gaming PCs that won't break the bank. While opting for a budget model means you won't get the latest top-tier graphics cards like the RTX 5090 or the highest-end CPUs, these components are often overkill for most gamers. Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and tested a variety of gaming PCs to bring you a curated list of five affordable and capable options, including four desktops and one 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 AmazonWhile budget gaming PCs may compromise on some performance aspects, they often come equipped with solid GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, which are more than adequate for the average gamer. If you're willing to stretch your budget slightly, you can even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Even with mid-range components, our selected rigs are designed to deliver high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some capable of handling 1440p. The beauty of these affordable systems lies in their upgradability, allowing you to enhance your setup over time.

For those interested in the differences between gaming PCs and laptops, you can refer to our detailed guide.

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

3Experience a compact yet powerful gaming rig that's perfect for 1440p gaming. 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 stands out as a top-tier brand just below high-end boutique builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. Yet, savvy shoppers 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 exceptional value without the need to look elsewhere.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact and fit neatly on your desk while accommodating high-end graphics cards. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might make future upgrades a bit more challenging. With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance, capable of maxing out games at 1440p. While it may struggle with 4K gaming due to the 12GB VRAM limit in more demanding titles, it's a solid choice for most gamers.

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 and is highly upgradable, thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics. 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 gen GPUThe HP Omen 25L, equipped with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a budget gaming PC. However, considering the recent price surges in gaming rigs, this model offers solid performance with its Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, ideal for 1080p gaming without ray tracing or DLSS.

While the GTX 1660 Super might be a 4-year-old GPU, it remains a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers in 2024, especially since newer budget options are scarce. The premium chassis enhances the overall package, offering excellent airflow and easy upgradability due to standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5A fantastic choice for 1080p gaming with a spacious chassis 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 with prebuilt systems. The MSI Codex R2 features a basic CPU cooler, which is adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F but may need upgrading if you plan to enhance the CPU later.

The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 is perfect for beginners looking to upgrade their system gradually. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for 1080p gaming, and its upgradability ensures you won't need to rush into further modifications.

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 and offers a base configuration perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking to play at 1080p. Priced at just $599, it features a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. While it lacks ray tracing and DLSS, it can still deliver smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth multitasking, and its 1TB storage provides ample space for your games. The roomy, toolless case allows for easy future upgrades, and the lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind. Though additional RGB lighting is an extra cost, the overall package offers great value.

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, portable alternative to the Steam Deck, running 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 those looking to play 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.

Given the current market, finding current-generation components for under $500 is challenging, making the Asus ROG Ally a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers. While affordable desktop PCs using outdated hardware exist, they often compromise on gaming performance. The rise of handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally offers a viable alternative amidst high GPU prices.

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 reliable gaming PC. However, even if you're on a tighter budget, you can still find a solid gaming rig by prioritizing your needs. Opting for last-generation GPUs like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still delivering strong performance.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it greatly influences your gaming experience. Choose a GPU that balances performance and cost, such as those from NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon. While you might not achieve ultra-high settings, these budget-friendly options can run most games at satisfactory frame rates.

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A good quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, coupled with at least 8GB of RAM, should meet most gaming requirements. Upgrading either of these can enhance your system's longevity.

Storage is crucial, but with upgradeable motherboards, you can start with less storage and expand later. Opt for SSDs, preferably M.2, to reduce load times.

Lastly, ensure your gaming PC has a reliable power supply and effective cooling system to maintain performance and longevity, allowing for future upgrades without needing a full replacement.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

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

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a high-end gaming PC might be unnecessary. However, gaming PCs are also excellent for everyday tasks, offering superior performance compared to laptops, which can be beneficial if you use your PC for work or creative projects.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Purchasing a prebuilt PC is often more convenient, but building your own can be more cost-effective in the long run. If you're not confident in your building skills, the potential for costly mistakes might outweigh the savings. However, with the right knowledge, building your own PC allows for full customization to suit your needs.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it