Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and the cost of components can quickly add up, even if you're aiming to save money. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable prebuilt gaming PCs that offer great value without breaking the bank. While these budget options might not feature the latest and greatest components like the RTX 5090 or high-end CPUs, they're more than sufficient for most gamers. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a variety of gaming PCs, and we've narrowed it down to five top picks, including four desktops and one handheld gaming PC.

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 performance, but they still deliver solid gaming experiences. GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc A580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are affordable yet capable options for the average gamer. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can opt for an RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. These budget rigs can easily handle high frame rates at 1080p and even perform well at 1440p in many of the best PC games. Additionally, these desktops serve as excellent starting points for future upgrades, allowing you to enhance your system over time.

For a deeper dive into the differences between gaming PCs and laptops, check out our comprehensive guide.

Looking for additional savings? Check out the best gaming PC deals right now.

1. Alienware Aurora R16

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3This compact yet powerful gaming rig is designed to handle 1440p gaming with ease. 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 renowned for its high-end gaming PCs, but you can still find a great deal if you know where to look. This configuration of the Alienware Aurora R16 features an Intel Core i7 and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. It's a compact system that fits nicely on any desk, yet it houses a high-end graphics card. However, the proprietary motherboard and power supply might make it less ideal for those planning extensive future upgrades.

With its 14th-gen Intel processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC is more than capable of running games at 1440p. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM on the RTX 4070 Super might be a limiting factor in more demanding titles.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4This PC, featuring an Intel Core i5 and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super, is perfect for 1080p gaming and offers easy upgrade options. 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 ample airflow

CONS:

• Uses an older generation GPU

The HP Omen 25L, with its current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, featuring a GPU that's two generations old. While this might seem pricey for a budget gaming PC, it's a solid choice given the recent price hikes in the industry. This system can run any game at 1080p smoothly, though it lacks features like ray tracing and DLSS.

Despite using a 4-year-old GTX 1660 Super, it remains an excellent choice for 1080p gaming, especially since Nvidia hasn't released a budget-friendly GPU in the RTX 3000 or 4000 series. The premium chassis offers excellent airflow, and its standard mounts make future upgrades straightforward once you've covered the initial cost.

3. 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 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 shopping for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable. The MSI Codex R2's biggest trade-off is its basic CPU cooler, which may suffice for the Intel Core i5-14400F but will need upgrading for more powerful chips. However, its spacious chassis makes it an excellent starter system for those new to PC building, as it's easy to upgrade over time.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 is well-suited for 1080p gaming, meaning you won't need to upgrade immediately unless you're aiming for higher resolutions.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5This gaming PC offers solid performance for 1080p gaming with powerful internals, including a 6-core processor and integrated graphics. 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 is perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking to play at 1080p. The base configuration, starting at $599, includes an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. While it uses integrated graphics without ray tracing or DLSS, it can still deliver smooth gameplay in many titles. The system's roomy, toolless case makes future upgrades easy, and its lifetime labor warranty adds peace of mind.

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

5. Asus Rog Ally Z1

Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1This handheld gaming PC offers a fantastic alternative to the Steam Deck and runs 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

While the Asus ROG Ally Z1 isn't a traditional gaming PC, it's an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly way to play PC games on the go. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings. In today's market, it's challenging to find current-generation components under $500, making the ROG Ally Z1 a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most gamers, a budget between $1,000 and $1,500 is ideal for a solid gaming PC. However, even if you're on a tighter budget, you can still find a reliable rig. Focusing on the graphics card first is key, as it significantly impacts gaming performance. Opt for a balance of performance and price, such as NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series cards. A decent quad-core CPU and at least 8GB of RAM will suffice for most gaming needs, with additional budget allocations to these components offering long-term benefits.

Storage is crucial, but starting with enough space for your initial games and upgrading later is a viable strategy. Ensure your PC has SSD storage, ideally M.2, for faster boot and load times. Don't overlook the importance of a good power supply and cooling system to ensure longevity and upgrade potential.

Budget Gaming PC FAQs

What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?

Gaming PCs can range in price from $600 to over $2,000. A decent budget gaming PC can be found for around or under $1,000.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a budget gaming PC can still offer significant performance benefits over a laptop, especially for everyday tasks and creative projects.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is easier, but building one can be more cost-effective in the long run. However, it requires technical know-how and can be more hassle than it's worth if you're not comfortable with the process.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it