Home News Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025

Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025

Author : Joshua Update : May 04,2025

Building your own gaming rig can be a hassle, and the cost of components can quickly add up, even if you're aiming to save money. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs are out of reach financially. While opting for a budget-friendly option means you won't have the latest and greatest components like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, many gamers find such specs to be overkill anyway. Our team of experts has meticulously tested and researched a diverse range of gaming PCs, selecting five top picks that offer both performance and affordability, 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 not have the highest performance capabilities, but the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are reliable affordable GPUs that can meet the needs of most gamers. If you're willing to stretch your budget slightly, you can even opt for a powerful RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5. Even with lower to mid-range components, the PCs we've selected should effortlessly achieve high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some models even handling 1440p. These systems are also great starting points because they can be upgraded over time 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 perfect 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 renowned for its high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, yet it's still possible to snag a great deal on a gaming system. This configuration of the Alienware R16 offers an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super for under $2000. Although similar configs might be cheaper from other manufacturers, if it fits your budget, Alienware is a solid choice.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk while accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, its proprietary motherboard and power supply might make it less ideal for those planning frequent upgrades.

With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers ample performance for most gamers, allowing you to max out 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, equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, is perfect for 1080p gaming 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, featuring a technically two-generations-old GPU. While this might seem expensive for a 'budget' PC, it's a reflection of recent price increases in the gaming market. The Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super make this a solid choice for 1080p gaming, albeit without ray tracing or DLSS.

The GTX 1660 Super, though outdated, remains a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers who don't need the latest features. The premium chassis offers excellent airflow and uses standard mounts, making future upgrades straightforward.

MSI Codex R2

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000

### MSI Codex R2

5This PC is ideal for 1080p gaming and has plenty of 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 shopping for a gaming PC under $1000, compromises are inevitable. The MSI Codex R2's biggest trade-off is its basic CPU cooler, which might need upgrading if you plan to enhance your processor. However, its spacious chassis makes future upgrades easy, making it an excellent starter system for those new to PC building.

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

CLX Set

Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800

### CLX Set

5This gaming PC offers powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, respectable graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of 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, and even its base configuration is a steal at $599, perfect for 1080p gaming. It features a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, delivering smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is seamless, and the 1TB storage provides ample space for games. 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 is a fantastic Steam Deck alternative that 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 PCWhile the Asus ROG Ally isn't a traditional gaming PC, it's an excellent choice for those wanting to play PC games on a budget-friendly device under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, offering portability and a stunning display.

Current-generation PC components are hard to come by at this price point, and budget PCs using outdated hardware often deliver subpar gaming experiences. The Asus ROG Ally fills this gap, providing a solid gaming experience at a reasonable price.

With rising GPU prices from Nvidia and AMD, handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally are becoming the go-to for budget-conscious gamers.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most people, a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a reliable gaming PC. Even if you can't reach this price range, you can still find a great gaming rig by prioritizing your needs. Opting for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can significantly reduce costs while still delivering solid performance.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it's crucial for gaming visuals. A balanced NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card can handle most games at decent frame rates, even if not at ultra-high settings.

Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A decent quad-core processor from Intel or AMD paired with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice for most gaming needs. Upgrading these components can be worthwhile if your budget allows.

Storage is another key factor, but with multiple storage slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough space for your initial games, preferably using an SSD, ideally M.2, to reduce boot and load times.

Don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU ensures stable power delivery, while adequate cooling prevents overheating and extends hardware lifespan, allowing for future upgrades rather than replacements.

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 can range from $600 to over $2,000, but 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 less expensive gaming PC might suffice, but remember that such a PC can also handle everyday tasks and creative projects efficiently, often outperforming laptops.

Is it cheaper to buy a PC or build one?

Buying a pre-built PC is easier if you're not keen on building one. Building a PC can be more cost-effective in the long run, but it requires technical know-how and the risk of damaging components if not done correctly.

If you're comfortable with the process, building a PC allows for full customization of components.