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Building your own gaming PC can indeed be a daunting task, and the costs can quickly escalate. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy high-quality gaming. Many of the best prebuilt gaming PCs offer excellent value, even without the top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU. These budget options still deliver solid performance, suitable for most gamers who don't need the absolute latest and greatest hardware. Our team of experts has thoroughly tested and researched a range of gaming PCs to bring you five top picks (including one handheld gaming PC) that combine affordability with capability.

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 might not boast the highest performance, but they can still pack a punch. GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are excellent choices for affordable gaming setups. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can even opt for an RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. These configurations are more than capable of delivering high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, and some can even handle 1440p. Moreover, these systems serve as great starting points, allowing for future upgrades to enhance their performance.

For more information, you can check out our 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

3Experience a compact yet powerful gaming rig capable of handling 1440p gaming with ease. 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 is renowned for its high-end gaming systems, but you can still snag a great deal if you know where to look. This configuration of the Alienware Aurora R16 comes with an Intel Core i7 and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000, offering a fantastic balance of performance and price. While other manufacturers might offer similar specs for less, the Alienware Aurora R16 stands out with its compact design and robust performance, making it an excellent choice for those willing to invest within this budget.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to fit neatly on your desk while accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might make future upgrades a bit challenging. With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an RTX 4070 Super, you'll enjoy top-notch performance at 1440p. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, keep in mind that the RTX 4070 Super's 12GB of VRAM might limit performance in the most demanding titles.

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Get ready for smooth 1080p gaming with this easily upgradable PC featuring an 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 inchesPROSGreat for 1080p gamingBeautiful white chassis, with plenty of room for airflowCONSOlder gen GPUThe HP Omen 25L might seem pricey for a budget PC at around $1200, but recent price hikes in the gaming industry make it a competitive option. This system comes equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and a GTX 1660 Super, perfect for running games at 1080p, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS.

The GTX 1660 Super might be a few years old, but it remains a strong choice for budget gaming in 2024, especially with no direct budget successor from Nvidia. The HP Omen 25L's premium chassis ensures excellent airflow, keeping your components cool. Plus, its standard motherboard and power supply mounts make future upgrades straightforward, ensuring longevity and value for your investment.

MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5A great choice for 1080p gaming, with ample room 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. The MSI Codex R2's biggest trade-off is its cooling system, featuring a basic air cooler that might not suffice for more powerful future upgrades. Still, with an Intel Core i5-14400F, it's adequate for the included components.

The MSI Codex R2's spacious chassis makes it an ideal starter system for those hesitant about building their own PC. Upgrading components over time is simple, making it a perfect entry point into PC building. The included RTX 4060 is perfect for 1080p gaming, ensuring you won't need to upgrade immediately unless you're aiming for higher resolutions.

CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5Enjoy solid 1080p gaming performance with this customizable PC, starting at just $599. 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 offers an easy-to-customize gaming experience, with the base model perfect for budget-conscious gamers. Its AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics provide smooth 1080p gaming in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. While it won't handle more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings, it's a great entry-level option.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is a breeze, and the 1TB of storage provides ample space for your games. The roomy, toolless case simplifies future upgrades, and the lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind. Adding RGB lighting is an option, but it will increase the cost.

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

1Experience the best Steam Deck alternative with Windows 11 on the go. 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 gaming PC, it's an excellent choice for gamers on a tight budget. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, offering a portable gaming solution that's hard to beat at this price point.

In today's market, finding current-generation components for under $500 is challenging, and cheaper systems often compromise on quality. The Asus ROG Ally fills this gap, delivering a satisfying gaming experience despite not being a desktop PC. With the rise in GPU prices, handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally are becoming increasingly valuable for budget-conscious gamers.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 strikes a good balance between performance and cost. However, even with a lower budget, you can still find a solid gaming PC by focusing on key components. Opt for a last-generation GPU like the RTX 3050 to save money while still enjoying good performance.

Start with the graphics card, as it significantly impacts gaming visuals. Choose a balanced option from NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series. While you may not achieve ultra-high settings, these 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, will suffice for most gaming needs. Investing a bit more in these components can enhance long-term performance.

Storage is crucial, but you can start with less if your motherboard supports future upgrades. Opt for an SSD, ideally M.2, to reduce boot and load times.

Finally, don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while effective cooling prevents overheating, extending your hardware's life.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers strong gaming performance without unnecessary extras is key to 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, but a decent setup can 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 it's also great for everyday tasks, work, or creative projects, offering superior performance compared to typical laptops.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is easier if you're not comfortable building one. While building can be cheaper in the long run, it requires technical knowledge and can be more hassle than it's worth if done incorrectly.

If you're confident in your skills, building a PC allows for full customization of components.