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Top Budget Gaming PCs for 2025 Revealed

by Zoey May 07,2025

Building your own gaming rig can be challenging, and even if you're doing it to save money, you might be surprised at how quickly the cost of components can add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs are prohibitively expensive. While opting for a budget model means you won't get the top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, many gamers find these to be overkill anyway. Our experts have done the hard work, testing and researching a wide range of gaming PCs to bring you five (including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) capable and affordable options.

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### MSI Codex 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 may compromise on some performance features. However, the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that should satisfy the average gamer. You can even splurge on a powerful RTX 4070 if you're willing to pair it with an Intel Core i5. Even with lower and mid-range components, the rigs we've selected should easily achieve high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some models performing well at 1440p. Moreover, these desktops serve as great starting points, as one of the advantages of buying an affordable gaming PC is the potential for future upgrades to enhance performance.

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.

Alienware Aurora R16

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3This compact yet powerful gaming rig is designed 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 aestheticUnique cooling designCONSA little harder to upgrade and maintain than some other gaming PCsAlienware is known for high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, but savvy shoppers can still find great deals. This configuration of the Alienware R16 offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While you might find similar specs cheaper from other manufacturers, if it fits within your budget, why look further?

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk without sacrificing space for a high-end graphics card. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might make future upgrades more challenging.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC packs enough power for most gamers, capable of running games at 1440p. If you're considering 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM might limit performance in more demanding titles.

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4This PC is perfect for 1080p gaming, featuring an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, and is 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 inchesPROSGreat for 1080p gamingBeautiful white chassis, with ample airflowCONSOlder gen GPUThe HP Omen 25L with current-generation hardware starts at about $1200, which might seem high for a budget PC. However, recent price increases in gaming rigs, especially those with current-gen CPUs and GPUs, justify this cost. This setup includes an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, which can run any game at 1080p, though without advanced features like ray tracing or DLSS.

Although the GTX 1660 Super is a four-year-old graphics card, it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers in 2024, especially without the need for the latest features. Nvidia's lack of budget cards in the RTX 3000 and RTX 4000 series leaves the GTX 1660 Super as a reliable option for 1080p gaming.

The premium chassis of the HP Omen 25L enhances the package, providing excellent airflow and standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply, making future upgrades straightforward and cost-effective.

MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSI Codex R2

5This gaming PC is ideal for 1080p gaming and offers a spacious chassis 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, particularly if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2's biggest compromise is its cooling system, which uses a simple air cooler over the CPU. While this cooler is sufficient for the Intel Core i5-14400F, upgrading to a more powerful chip would require replacing it.

The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 makes it easy to upgrade components over time, making it an excellent starter system for those new to PC building. This version includes an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, perfect for 1080p gaming, and should last you a while before needing an upgrade, especially if you're not playing at higher resolutions.

CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5This gaming PC offers powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, integrated graphics, 16GB of 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 gaming performance, despite integrated GPUCONSOnly suitable for 1080pThe CLX Set is highly customizable, with the base configuration offering great value at $599 for 1080p gaming. It features a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, which can deliver around 80 fps in Fortnite and 95 fps in Apex Legends at 1080p. While it won't handle more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077, it's a solid choice for casual gaming.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth performance even with multiple applications running. The 1TB storage provides ample space for your games. The roomy, toolless case allows for easy upgrades, and the lifetime labor warranty and support add peace of mind. Adding RGB lighting to the fans 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

1The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent alternative to the Steam Deck, running Windows 11. 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 PCThe Asus ROG Ally may not be a traditional gaming PC, but it's the best option for playing PC games on a device under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, and its portability adds to its appeal.

With current-generation PC components being hard to find under $500, the Asus ROG Ally offers a solid gaming experience for those on a tight budget. While budget desktop PCs using outdated hardware may not provide the same level of performance, handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally fill the gap left by high GPU prices.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most people, a budget of around $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a reliable budget gaming PC. Even if you can't reach this range, you can still find a great gaming rig, but it's important to understand your priorities. Opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still delivering a solid gaming experience.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it's crucial for gaming performance. Look for a balance between performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card. While you might not run games at the highest settings, the best budget graphics cards should handle most titles at decent frame rates.

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A good quad-core processor from Intel or AMD paired with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can significantly enhance performance over time.

Storage is also important, but if your motherboard supports multiple slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough space for your initial games, and opt for an SSD, preferably M.2, to reduce boot and load times.

Lastly, don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while adequate cooling prevents overheating and extends hardware life, making your PC last longer and allowing for future upgrades.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills 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 vary in price from $600 to over $2,000. However, you can find a decent gaming PC for around or under $1,000.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, you might not need to spend a lot on your first gaming PC. However, gaming PCs are also great for everyday tasks and can provide superior performance compared to 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. Building a PC can be cheaper in the long run, but it requires technical knowledge and can be riskier if components are mishandled or installed incorrectly.