Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025 Unveiled

Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you aim to save money, the costs of individual components can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of best prebuilt gaming PCs that won't break the bank. While opting for a budget model means you might not get the top graphics card, such as an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, these components are often overkill for most gamers. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a diverse array of gaming PCs, selecting five standout options (four desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer both affordability and performance.

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

While budget gaming PCs might compromise on performance, they often include solid affordable GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, which are more than adequate for the average gamer. If you're willing to splurge a bit more, you can even go for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Despite using lower and mid-range components, our selected PCs are capable of delivering high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, and some can even handle 1440p gaming. Additionally, these PCs serve as excellent starting points, offering the flexibility to upgrade components over time to enhance performance.

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.

1. Alienware Aurora R16

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3This compact yet powerful gaming rig is designed to tackle 1440p gaming with ease. Its sleek design and efficient cooling system make it a standout choice for gamers looking for performance without an oversized tower.
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's Aurora R16 offers a near-high-end experience at a budget-friendly price. With an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, you can configure this PC for under $2000, making it a compelling option. While its proprietary motherboard and power supply might limit upgradability, the initial performance is more than enough for most gamers, delivering smooth 1440p gameplay.

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Ideal for 1080p gaming, this PC features an Intel Core i5 processor and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Super, offering a solid entry point into gaming with easy upgrade potential.
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 strikes a balance between performance and price, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget. While it uses a 4-year-old GTX 1660 Super, this GPU remains excellent for 1080p gaming. The PC's premium chassis provides excellent airflow, and its standard mounts make future upgrades straightforward.

3. MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5This gaming PC is perfect for 1080p gaming and offers a spacious chassis for future upgrades.
See it at AmazonSee 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
The MSI Codex R2 offers a great starting point for gamers on a tight budget. While it comes with a basic CPU cooler, the spacious chassis allows for easy upgrades, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their gaming setup over time. The included RTX 4060 GPU is well-suited for 1080p gaming.

4. CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5This gaming PC offers solid performance at 1080p with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and integrated graphics, making it a budget-friendly option.
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 provides an affordable entry into gaming, with the base model costing just $599. It's equipped with a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, suitable for smooth 1080p gaming. The spacious, toolless case allows for easy upgrades, and the 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)- $1,527.49Acer 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 Z1 is a stellar choice for portable gaming, offering a Windows 11 experience at a budget-friendly price.
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 not a traditional desktop, the Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent option for gamers seeking a budget-friendly handheld gaming solution. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 chip, it delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming, albeit at lower settings. Its portability and Windows 11 compatibility make it a versatile choice for gamers on the go.

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 if you're working with a tighter budget, you can still find a capable gaming PC. Focus on the graphics card first, as it greatly impacts gaming performance. Opt for a balanced NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card. A decent quad-core CPU from Intel or AMD, paired with at least 8GB of RAM, will suffice for most gaming needs. SSD storage, ideally M.2, is crucial for fast boot and load times. Don't forget a reliable 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 from $600 to $2,000+. For a budget-friendly option, you can find a decent gaming PC for around $1,000 or less.

Is a gaming PC worth it for a casual gamer?

For casual gamers, a gaming PC can be worthwhile, especially if it's used for other tasks like work or creative projects. The performance boost over a laptop can be significant.

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 know-how and carries the risk of damaging components if not done correctly.

Best Budget Gaming PC UK

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

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

0See it