The Best Budget Gaming PCs of 2025

Building your own gaming PC can be a complex and potentially costly undertaking. Even aiming to save money, component prices can quickly escalate. Fortunately, excellent pre-built gaming PCs are available at reasonable prices. While budget options may not include top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, these are often overkill for most gamers. Our experts have rigorously tested and researched numerous gaming PCs, selecting five affordable yet capable choices (four desktops and one handheld).

TL;DR: Top 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 naturally compromise on peak performance. However, GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 offer solid performance at affordable prices, perfectly suitable for the average gamer. A powerful RTX 4070 is even feasible if paired with an Intel Core i5. Even with mid-range components, all our chosen PCs deliver high frame rates at 1080p resolution in most games, with some handling 1440p smoothly. Furthermore, the affordability of these PCs allows for future upgrades to enhance performance.

See our guide comparing gaming PCs and laptops.

For extra savings, explore current gaming PC deals.

1. Alienware Aurora R16

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3Compact, high-performance gaming rig 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 designInnovative cooling systemCONSSomewhat difficult to upgrade and maintainAlienware sits just below high-end custom PC builders. This configuration offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While similar configurations might be cheaper elsewhere, this is a strong option within this budget.

The Alienware Aurora R16, Dell's flagship gaming PC, is surprisingly compact, fitting easily on most desks while accommodating high-end graphics cards. However, this compact design utilizes a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This isn't a major issue for most users, but potential upgraders should be aware of this limitation.

The 14th-gen Intel processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super provide ample performance for 1440p gaming. Upgrades may not be necessary for a considerable time. However, the RTX 4070 Super's 12GB VRAM might limit performance in demanding 4K games.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

41080p gaming ready, easily upgradeable with Intel Core i5 and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super.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 inchesPROSExcellent 1080p gamingStylish white chassis with good airflowCONSOlder generation GPUThe HP Omen 25L, while using a technically two-generation-old GPU, offers a solid gaming experience for around $1200. This reflects recent price increases in gaming PCs. It features an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, suitable for 1080p gaming (without ray tracing or DLSS).

The GTX 1660 Super, while older, remains a strong performer for 1080p casual gaming, especially if ray tracing isn't a priority. The premium chassis boasts excellent airflow, keeping components cool. Standard motherboard and power supply mounts facilitate easy upgrades over time.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Excellent 1080p gaming PC with an easily upgradeable chassis.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 designUpgradable chassisCONSBasic CPU coolerThe MSI Codex R2, under $1000, features a simple air cooler for the CPU. While sufficient for the Core i5-14400F, this cooler should be upgraded for more powerful CPUs.

The chassis's ease of access makes the MSI Codex R2 ideal for beginners wanting an upgradeable system. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 is excellent for 1080p gaming, making upgrades unnecessary for a while.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5Powerful internals including a 6-core processor, decent graphics, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage.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 1080p gaming performanceCONSSuitable for 1080p onlyThe CLX Set, starting at $599, offers a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics. While lacking ray tracing and DLSS, it delivers smooth performance in many 1080p games. More demanding titles may show limitations.

16GB DDR4 RAM ensures responsiveness, and the 1TB storage is adequate. The roomy, tool-less case allows for easy upgrades. The CLX Set includes a lifetime labor warranty and support.

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

1Excellent Steam Deck alternative running Windows 11.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen Z1GPUIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsRAM16GB DDR5Storage512GB SSD M.2Weight608gSize11.02 x 4.37 x 0.83 inchesPROSPortableExcellent displayCONSTechnically not a desktop PCThe Asus ROG Ally, while not a desktop PC, offers a compelling handheld gaming experience under $500. Its AMD Z1 chip handles 1080p gaming at medium-to-low settings. Portability is a significant advantage.

The current market makes it difficult to find affordable, high-performance desktop PC components. The ROG Ally provides a strong alternative for budget-conscious gamers.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

Prioritize the graphics card, which greatly impacts visual quality. Consider a balance of performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon card. A quad-core CPU from Intel or AMD with 8GB of RAM is usually sufficient. Upgrading either is worthwhile if budget allows.

Storage is important, but easily upgraded later. SSD storage (ideally M.2) is recommended for faster load times. A reliable power supply and cooling system are crucial for long-term stability and hardware lifespan.

A well-balanced system with good performance and minimal unnecessary features is key for budget gaming PCs.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

Reasonable Gaming PC Budget?

Gaming PCs range from $600 to $2000+. A decent PC can be found for around or under $1000.

Gaming PC for Casual Gamers?

Casual gamers might not need the most expensive PC, but the specs required for gaming are also suitable for everyday tasks and work/creative projects.

Pre-built vs. Building Your Own?

Pre-built PCs are easier but may be more expensive. Building your own can be cheaper but requires technical knowledge and carries risks.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it