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, high-quality pre-built gaming PCs are available at reasonable prices. While budget options might not include top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, many gamers find those specifications unnecessary. Our experts have rigorously tested and researched numerous gaming PCs, selecting five exceptional and affordable choices (four desktops and one handheld).

TL;DR: Top Budget Gaming PC Picks

### 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 naturally compromise on some performance aspects. However, GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 offer solid performance at affordable prices, suitable for most gamers. It's even feasible to opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 processor. The PCs we've chosen deliver high frame rates at 1080p resolution in most games, with some capable of handling 1440p. Furthermore, the affordability of these PCs allows for future upgrades to enhance performance.

See our guide comparing gaming PCs and laptops.

Looking for extra savings? Check out the best current gaming PC deals.

Contributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru

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 systemCONSSlightly harder to upgrade than some PCs

Alienware offers excellent gaming PCs, though prices can be high. This configuration, however, provides an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While similar configurations might be cheaper from other manufacturers, the Alienware R16's value is compelling. Its compact design is a plus, fitting easily on any desk. Note that Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply, impacting upgradeability.

The powerful 14th-gen Intel processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super offer exceptional performance for most gamers at 1440p. While the 12GB VRAM might limit 4K gaming in demanding titles, this system delivers excellent value.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

41080p gaming ready, easily upgradeable.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 gamingAttractive white chassis, good airflowCONSOlder generation GPU

The HP Omen 25L's price reflects current market conditions. While using a two-generation-old GPU (GTX 1660 Super), it offers solid 1080p performance. The lack of ray tracing and DLSS is a consideration, but the card remains excellent for 1080p casual gaming. The premium chassis with ample airflow and standard motherboard/power supply mounts enhances its long-term value and upgradeability.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Excellent 1080p gaming, easily upgraded.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 cooler

The MSI Codex R2's main compromise is its basic CPU cooler. While sufficient for the included Intel Core i5-14400F, an upgrade is recommended for more powerful CPUs. The spacious and easily accessible chassis makes this an ideal entry-level PC for those interested in future upgrades. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 provides solid 1080p gaming performance.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5Powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, good 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 warrantyGood gaming performance despite integrated GPUCONS1080p only

The CLX Set offers exceptional value at around $599. Its 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics deliver smooth 1080p gameplay in many titles, though performance will vary with more demanding games. The spacious case facilitates easy upgrades, and the lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind.

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 inchesPROSPortableHigh-quality displayCONSTechnically not a desktop PC

The Asus ROG Ally, while not a traditional desktop PC, offers a compelling portable gaming solution under $500. Its AMD Ryzen Z1 chip delivers 1080p gaming at medium-to-low settings. The portability is a significant advantage, making it a strong alternative to traditional budget desktop PCs in the current market.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

A budget of $1000-$1500 generally provides a well-balanced budget gaming PC. However, even lower budgets can yield solid gaming rigs, particularly by considering last-generation components like the RTX 3050. Prioritize the graphics card, aiming for a balance of performance and price. A quad-core processor and 8GB RAM are sufficient for most gaming, though upgrades are beneficial if budget allows. While storage is important, it's often easily upgraded later. Ensure SSD storage (ideally M.2) for faster load times. Finally, a reliable power supply and effective cooling system are crucial for long-term performance and hardware longevity.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

Reasonable Budget for a Gaming PC?

Gaming PC prices range from $600 to $2000+, but a decent system can be found for under $1000.

Are Gaming PCs Worth It for Casual Gamers?

Casual gamers may find the cost of a gaming PC high initially, but the specs are suitable for everyday tasks. The performance surpasses that of many laptops.

Is it Cheaper to Buy or Build a PC?

Pre-built PCs are more convenient, while building can be cheaper but more time-consuming and technically challenging.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it