Building your own gaming rig can be a hassle, and even if you're aiming to save money, you'll be surprised at how quickly the cost of components can add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs come with an exorbitant price tag. While opting for a budget-friendly option means you won't get the top-of-the-line graphics card, like an RTX 5090, or a high-end CPU, these components are often overkill for most gamers. Our team of experts has done the legwork, testing and researching a wide range of gaming PCs to bring you five (four desktops and one handheld) capable and affordable options.
### 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 AmazonBudget gaming PCs may not boast the highest performance, but GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc A750, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid, affordable options that cater well to the average gamer. If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, you can even opt for a more powerful RTX 4070, which pairs well with an Intel Core i5. Even with mid-range components, the gaming PCs we've selected can easily handle high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some even capable of smooth 1440p gameplay. Plus, these desktops serve as excellent starting points for future upgrades, enhancing their longevity and value.
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
3This compact yet powerful gaming rig is designed to handle 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 is known for its high-end boutique builds, but savvy buyers can find great deals on their gaming systems. This configuration of the Alienware Aurora R16 packs an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super under $2000, offering a compelling value proposition. While you can find similar specs from other manufacturers at a lower price, if this fits your budget, it's a stellar choice.
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact and fit seamlessly on any desk while still accommodating a high-end graphics card. However, to achieve this compactness, Dell uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This isn't a major issue for most users, but it's worth noting if you plan to upgrade over time.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, you're set for high-performance gaming at 1440p. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, keep in mind that the 12GB of VRAM in the RTX 4070 Super might limit performance in more demanding titles.
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, this PC is perfect for 1080p gaming and offers easy upgradability. 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 plenty of room for airflowCONSOlder gen GPUThe HP Omen 25L, even with current-generation hardware, starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a budget gaming PC. However, given the recent price hikes in the gaming PC market, this model offers solid performance for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, albeit without ray tracing or DLSS.
It's true that the GTX 1660 Super is a few years old, but it remains a strong choice for budget gaming in 2024. Nvidia hasn't released a newer budget card in the RTX 3000 or 4000 series, and with the upcoming RTX 5080, this trend may continue. For casual gamers focused on 1080p, the GTX 1660 Super provides excellent value.
The premium chassis of the HP Omen 25L enhances the package, offering excellent airflow to keep your components cool. Additionally, the standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply make future upgrades straightforward, once you've covered the initial investment.
### MSICodex R2
5A great choice for 1080p gaming, this PC also 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, featuring a simple air cooler that might suffice for the Intel Core i5-14400F but would need upgrading for more powerful chips.
The spacious chassis of the MSI Codex R2, however, is a major plus, making it easy to upgrade components down the line. This makes it an ideal starter system for those new to PC building, offering a gentle introduction to upgrading without the complexity of building from scratch.
With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is well-suited for 1080p gaming. Its upgradability is a key feature, but you won't need to rush into upgrades if you're sticking to 1080p or 1440p resolutions.
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers robust internals, including a 6-core processor, integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB storage capacity. 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, but its base configuration offers an affordable entry point for 1080p gaming at just $599. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, it delivers smooth gameplay in titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends at 1080p, though it may struggle with more demanding games.
Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth multitasking and responsive gaming. The 1TB storage provides ample space for games, and the spacious, toolless case makes future upgrades a breeze. The lifetime labor warranty and support add peace of mind, making this an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
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
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5. Asus Rog Ally Z1### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally Z1 is an excellent Steam Deck alternative that runs Windows 11, making it ideal for budget-conscious gamers looking for portability. 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 Z1 isn't a traditional desktop PC, it's a top choice for gamers seeking a budget-friendly handheld option. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p on medium-to-low settings, offering a portable gaming experience that's hard to beat under $500.
In today's market, finding current-generation PC components under $500 is challenging, and many budget PCs compromise on quality or use outdated hardware. The Asus ROG Ally Z1 fills this gap, providing a solid gaming experience despite not being a traditional desktop.
As the era of ultra-cheap gaming PC towers fades, handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally Z1 are stepping up to meet the needs of budget gamers.
For most people, a budget of around $1,000 to $1,500 strikes the right balance for a budget gaming PC that offers reliable performance. If your budget is lower, you can still find a solid gaming rig, but it's important to prioritize what you need. Opting for a last-generation graphics card, like the RTX 3050, can significantly reduce costs while still providing a good gaming experience.
Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it greatly impacts gaming performance. Aim for a balance between performance and price, such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon series card. While you may need to adjust game settings, these cards should handle most titles at decent frame rates.
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. Investing a bit more in these components can pay off in the long run.
Storage is another key factor. Ensure your PC has SSD storage, ideally M.2, for faster boot and load times. While starting with lower storage is possible, ensure it meets your initial gaming needs, knowing you can upgrade later.
Lastly, don't overlook the power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU and adequate cooling will ensure your PC runs smoothly and lasts longer, allowing for future upgrades rather than a complete replacement.
Finding a balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary extras is crucial when choosing the best budget gaming PC.
Gaming PCs can range in price from $600 to over $2,000. However, you can find a decent gaming PC for around or under $1,000 if you're on a tight budget.
For casual gamers, a high-end gaming PC might be unnecessary. However, gaming PCs also excel at everyday tasks, making them a worthwhile investment even for non-gamers.
Buying a pre-built PC is easier, but building one can be cheaper in the long run. However, building a PC requires technical know-how and can be riskier if components are mishandled or installed incorrectly.
If you have the skills, building a PC allows for full customization, giving you control over the components to meet your specific needs.
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
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