Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you're aiming to save money, the cost of components can quickly escalate. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs are out of reach financially. Opting for a budget-friendly option means you won't get the top graphics card, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, but for most gamers, these might be overkill anyway. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a variety of gaming PCs, selecting five (including one handheld) that offer both affordability and performance.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Budget Gaming PCs

### Alienware Aurora R16

3Experience a compact yet powerful gaming rig capable of handling 1440p gaming effortlessly.
See it at Dell### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Ideal for 1080p gaming with an easily upgradeable design.
See it at HP### MSI Codex R2

5A fantastic choice for 1080p gaming with ample room for future upgrades.
See it at Amazon
See it at Best Buy### CLX Set

5A solid performer for 1080p gaming at a budget-friendly price.
See it at CLX### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1A versatile handheld gaming PC perfect for on-the-go gaming.
See it at Amazon

Budget gaming PCs may not boast the highest performance, but they still pack a punch. GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are reliable and affordable options that can satisfy the needs of the average gamer. If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, the powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 can deliver an impressive gaming experience. Even with mid-range components, our chosen rigs can achieve high frame rates in 1080p for the best PC games, with some capable of performing well at 1440p. These systems are not just starting points but also offer the flexibility for future upgrades to enhance their performance further.

For more information, you can explore 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

3Compact yet capable gaming rig with enough oomph to tackle 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 a top-tier brand, but savvy shoppers can still find a great deal. This configuration of the Alienware Aurora R16 offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. Though you might find a similar setup for less from other brands, the Alienware's design and performance make it a compelling choice if it fits your budget.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact without sacrificing performance. It can accommodate high-end graphics cards, though its proprietary motherboard and power supply might pose challenges for future upgrades. With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC is ready to handle 1440p gaming with ease. If you're considering 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might limit performance in more demanding titles.

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Perfect for 1080p gaming and easily upgradeable.
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 plenty of room for airflow

CONS
- Older gen GPU

The HP Omen 25L, with its current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200. While this may seem steep for a budget PC, the gaming industry's price increases justify this cost. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F and a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, it's well-suited for 1080p gaming, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS capabilities.

The use of a 4-year-old GPU might be disappointing, but the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. The premium chassis enhances the package with excellent airflow and standard mounts for easy upgrades, making it a future-proof investment.

MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSI Codex R2

5Ideal for 1080p gaming with plenty of 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 searching for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable. The MSI Codex R2's main trade-off is its cooling, featuring a simple air cooler over the CPU. While this is adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F, consider upgrading if you plan to install a more powerful processor later.

The spacious chassis allows for easy upgrades, making the MSI Codex R2 an excellent starter system for those new to PC building. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, it's well-equipped for 1080p gaming and doesn't require immediate upgrades.

CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5A budget-friendly option with solid performance 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 easy customization and a base configuration perfect for 1080p gaming at just $599. Featuring a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, it can deliver smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends, though it struggles with more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set maintains high performance even when multitasking. The 1TB storage provides ample space for games, and the roomy, toolless case allows for easy future upgrades. The lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind, making this an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

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

Asus Rog Ally Z1

Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1A top choice for portable gaming with Windows 11.
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

The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11 and capable of playing most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings. Its portability adds to its appeal, making it the best option under $500 for gamers on the go.

With the rising cost of current-generation PC components, finding a full desktop system under $500 is challenging. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 fills this gap, offering a solid gaming experience despite not being a traditional desktop PC. As affordable gaming PCs become less common, handheld devices like the Asus ROG Ally are stepping up to meet gamers' needs.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 strikes a balance between cost and performance. However, even with a tighter budget, you can still find a solid gaming PC by focusing on key components. A last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still providing a robust gaming experience.

Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it greatly impacts your gaming visuals. Choose a card that balances performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon model. A decent quad-core CPU from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, should suffice for most games. If budget allows, consider upgrading these components for better long-term performance.

Storage is crucial, but with upgradeable slots, you can start with lower capacity and expand later. Opt for SSD storage, preferably M.2, to enhance boot and load times. Don't overlook the importance of a reliable power supply and cooling system to ensure longevity and performance.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is key to selecting the best budget gaming PC.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

Gaming PCs vary widely in price, from $600 to over $2,000. A budget around or under $1,000 can still secure a decent gaming PC.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a budget gaming PC can be a great investment. It not only handles gaming but also performs well for everyday tasks and creative projects.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is simpler, but building one can be more cost-effective over time. However, building a PC requires technical know-how and can be risky if components are mishandled.

If you're comfortable with the process, building a PC allows for complete customization to match your preferences.