Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025 Revealed

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Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you're aiming to save money, the costs of individual components can quickly add up. Fortunately, not all of the best prebuilt gaming PCs are out of reach financially. While choosing a budget option might mean you won't have the latest top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, many gamers will find these to be overkill anyway. Our experts have put in the effort to test and research a variety of gaming PCs, narrowing it down to five (four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer both capability and affordability.

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 Amazon

Opting for budget gaming PCs might mean sacrificing some high-end performance, but solid affordable GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are more than enough for the average gamer. If you're willing to splurge a bit, you can even go for a more powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Despite using lower and mid-range components, the PCs we've selected can easily achieve high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, and some can even handle 1440p. The beauty of these affordable options lies in their potential for future upgrades, allowing you to enhance your setup over time.

You can also see 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 powerful, this gaming rig is perfect for tackling 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 stands out as a top-tier option before you reach boutique builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. Yet, you can still snag a great deal on a gaming system if you know where to look. This configuration offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. While similar setups might be cheaper from other manufacturers, if it fits your budget, why look elsewhere?

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk while accommodating high-end graphics cards. However, to achieve this compact design, Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This isn't a major issue for most, but it's something to consider if you're planning extensive future upgrades.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, you're set for top performance at 1440p. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM on the RTX 4070 Super might limit you in more demanding games.

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, this PC is ready for 1080p gaming and is easy to upgrade. 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 excellent airflowCONSOlder generation GPUThe HP Omen 25L with current-generation hardware starts at around $1200, which may seem pricey for a 'budget' PC. However, the gaming industry has seen significant price increases, especially with current-gen CPUs and GPUs. This setup includes an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, ideal for 1080p gaming, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS.

While using a 4-year-old graphics card might be a drawback, it's due to the lack of budget options from Nvidia in recent generations. If you're not after the latest features like ray tracing, the GTX 1660 Super remains a solid choice for 1080p gaming.

The premium chassis from HP enhances the package, offering excellent airflow to keep your components cool. With standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply, upgrading over time is straightforward once you've covered the initial cost.

MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5A solid 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 seeking a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable, particularly if you're not building your own. The MSI Codex R2's main compromise is its basic CPU cooling. The included cooler is reminiscent of older, less effective bundled coolers. While it's adequate for the Intel Core i5-14400F, consider upgrading if you plan on a more powerful CPU later.

The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2 makes it an excellent choice for those looking to start with a budget system and upgrade over time. It's perfect for beginners who find building a PC from scratch intimidating but want to gradually enhance their setup.

This version comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, suitable for 1080p gaming. Even though the upgradability is a key feature, you won't need to upgrade immediately, especially if you're not aiming for 1440p or 4K.

CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5A budget-friendly gaming PC with powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, decent 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 makes customizing your gaming PC easy, and its base configuration is ideal for 1080p gaming at a budget-friendly price of just $599. It includes an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. Though it uses integrated graphics without ray tracing or DLSS, it can achieve around 80 fps in Fortnite and 95 fps in Apex Legends at 1080p, ensuring smooth gameplay in most titles. It may struggle with more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set maintains high performance even with multiple applications open. Its 1TB storage provides ample space for games, and the roomy, toolless case allows for easy upgrades. The chassis design ensures good airflow and cooling, though adding RGB lighting to the fans will cost extra. Plus, it comes with a lifetime labor warranty for 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)- $1,527.49Acer 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 and runs 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 might not be a traditional gaming PC, but it's the best option for playing PC games on a device under $500. The AMD Z1 chip can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, and its portability adds to its appeal.

In today's market, finding current-generation PC components for under $500 is challenging, let alone an entire system. While there are cheaper options using older or lower-quality hardware, they often don't deliver a satisfying gaming experience. Even on a tight budget, you deserve a great gaming experience, and the Asus ROG Ally provides just that.

With high GPU prices from Nvidia and AMD, the era of affordable gaming PC towers has passed, but handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally are filling the gap.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most people, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 is ideal for a gaming PC that offers good performance without falling apart. However, even if you can't reach that range, you can still find solid options. Consider last-generation graphics cards like the RTX 3050 to reduce costs while maintaining performance.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, which is crucial for gaming visuals. Aim for a balance between performance and price with options like NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series cards. While you might not run games at the highest settings, budget graphics cards can still deliver 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 provide long-term benefits.

Storage is also important. Opt for SSD storage, preferably M.2, to reduce boot and load times. If your motherboard supports multiple storage slots, you can upgrade later.

Lastly, ensure your gaming PC has a reliable power supply and cooling system. These components are vital for stable performance and longevity, allowing you to upgrade rather than replace your system.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good 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 in price from $600 to over $2,000. However, a decent 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 high-end gaming PC might be overkill. Yet, the performance of a gaming PC is also great for everyday tasks, work, or creative projects, offering a significant boost over standard laptops.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Purchasing a pre-built PC is simpler if you're not keen on building one. Building a PC can be cheaper long-term, but it requires technical know-how and can be more hassle than it's worth if you're not comfortable. Mistakes in building can also lead to costly errors.

If you do have the skills and confidence to build, you'll have more control over your components, allowing for a fully customized setup.