Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025 Revealed

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. Opting for a budget model means you won't have the top graphics card, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, but for most gamers, these might be overkill anyway. Our experts have rigorously tested and researched a wide range of options to bring you five (four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) capable and affordable choices.

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 Amazon

Budget gaming PCs may compromise on some performance, but options like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc A750, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that can satisfy the needs of most gamers. If you're willing to spend 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 rigs we've selected are more than capable of delivering high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some even performing well at 1440p. These desktops are just starting points, offering the flexibility to upgrade and improve your system over time.

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 yet powerful gaming rig is perfect 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 little harder to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCs

Alienware is known for high-end gaming PCs, but you can still find great deals if you know where to look. The Alienware Aurora R16, configured with an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, can be yours for under $2000. While other manufacturers might offer similar configurations at a lower price, the Alienware's compact design and performance make it a compelling choice.

Despite its smaller size, the Aurora R16 can house high-end graphics cards, but it uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This might not matter to casual users, but if you plan to frequently upgrade, it's a factor to consider. With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance for 1440p gaming. If you're eyeing 4K, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might limit you 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 is easily upgradeable and sports a sleek design.
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 excellent airflow

CONS
- Older gen GPU

The HP Omen 25L might seem pricey for a budget PC, but the gaming market has seen significant price increases recently. This model, equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, excels at 1080p gaming without features like ray tracing or DLSS.

The use of a 4-year-old graphics card might be disappointing, but it remains a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers. Nvidia hasn't released a new budget GPU since the GTX 1660 Super, and with the RTX 5080 on the horizon, this trend may continue. Despite this, the GTX 1660 Super delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming.

The premium chassis of the Omen 25L enhances its appeal, offering excellent airflow to keep components cool. Its standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply make it easy to upgrade over time, ensuring long-term value.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5A solid option for 1080p gaming with ample room 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
- Very 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, featuring a basic air cooler that's adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F but may need upgrading for more powerful CPUs.

The spacious chassis of the Codex R2 makes it an ideal starter system for those new to PC building. It's easy to upgrade, allowing you to enhance your rig over time. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for 1080p gaming, providing a solid foundation without immediate need for upgrades.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5Experience powerful internals at a budget-friendly price, perfect 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
- Only suitable for 1080p

The CLX Set offers an easy way to customize your gaming PC, starting at a budget-friendly $599. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, which can deliver around 80 fps in Fortnite and 95 fps in Apex Legends at 1080p. While it may not handle more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077 as well, it provides smooth gameplay for most titles.

Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures top performance even with multiple applications running. The 1TB storage offers ample space for your games, and the roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades straightforward. The chassis provides excellent airflow, and while adding RGB lighting will cost extra, the lifetime labor warranty and support add significant 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

1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent, portable alternative to traditional gaming PCs.
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
- Technically not a desktop PC

While the Asus ROG Ally Z1 might not be a traditional desktop PC, it's an excellent option for playing PC games on a budget. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, and its portability is a major plus.

With the rising cost of PC components, finding a full system under $500 is challenging. Many budget PCs use outdated or lower-quality hardware, which can compromise the gaming experience. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 offers a solid alternative, ensuring a great gaming experience within a tight budget.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 is ideal for a balanced gaming PC. However, even if you can't reach this range, you can still find a robust system by focusing on key components. A last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while delivering solid performance.

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

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A quad-core processor from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can provide long-term benefits.

Storage is also crucial. Opt for a gaming PC with SSD storage, ideally M.2, to reduce boot and load times. Even if you start with lower storage, you can upgrade later if your motherboard supports multiple slots.

Lastly, don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while good cooling extends hardware lifespan, allowing for future upgrades rather than replacements.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers strong gaming performance without unnecessary features is key when choosing the best budget gaming PC.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

Gaming PCs can range in price from $600 to over $2,000. For a budget-friendly option, you can find a decent gaming PC 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. However, a gaming PC's specs can handle everyday tasks and even work or creative projects, offering great performance compared to a laptop.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is simpler if you're not interested in building one. Building a PC can be cheaper in the long run, but it requires technical knowledge. Incorrect installation or handling can lead to costly mistakes. If you're comfortable with the process, building allows for full customization.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it