Building your own gaming rig can be a daunting task, and even if you're aiming to save money, you might be surprised at how quickly the costs of components can add up. Fortunately, not all the best prebuilt gaming PCs are out of reach financially. Opting for a budget option means you won't get the top graphics card like an RTX 5090 or a high-end CPU, but for most gamers, these are often overkill. Our team of experts has tested and researched a wide range of gaming PCs, and we've narrowed it down to five (four traditional desktops and one handheld gaming PC) that offer both capability and affordability.
### 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 might not boast the highest performance, but the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 are solid affordable GPUs that can serve the average gamer well. If you're willing to splurge a bit, a powerful RTX 4070 can be paired with an Intel Core i5. Even with lower and mid-range components, our selected rigs should have no trouble delivering high frame rates at 1080p for the best PC games, with some even capable of 1440p gaming. Moreover, these desktops are great starting points, as one of the advantages of choosing an affordable gaming PC is the potential for future upgrades.
You can also refer to our guide on the differences between gaming PCs and laptops.
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AnswerSee Results*Contributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru*### Alienware Aurora R16
3This compact yet powerful gaming rig packs enough punch 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 represents a premium choice just before reaching high-end boutique builders like Maingear and Digital Storm. However, savvy shoppers can still find great deals on their gaming systems. This configuration of the Alienware R16 includes an Intel Core i7 CPU and an RTX 4070 Super, all for under $2000. While you might find similar specs for less from other brands, if it fits your budget, why look further?
The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, designed to be compact enough to fit on any desk without sacrificing space for high-end components. However, it uses a proprietary motherboard and power supply to achieve this compactness, which might be a consideration if you're planning frequent upgrades.
With a 14th-gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super, this PC offers robust performance that should satisfy most gamers at 1440p. If you're eyeing 4K gaming, the 12GB of VRAM on the RTX 4070 Super might become a limitation for more demanding titles.
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4This gaming desktop is perfect for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, and it's easily upgradeable to boot.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 starts at around $1200, which might seem steep for a 'budget' PC, but recent price hikes in gaming hardware explain this. With an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, this PC can handle any game at 1080p, though it lacks ray tracing and DLSS support.
While the GTX 1660 Super is a four-year-old GPU, it's still a strong choice for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize performance over the latest features. Nvidia's absence of a budget card in the RTX 3000 and possibly the RTX 5000 series has made the GTX 1660 Super a go-to for 1080p gaming.
The premium chassis from HP enhances this package, offering excellent airflow to keep your components cool. Additionally, the standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply mean easy upgrades in the future, making this a solid investment.
### MSICodex R2
5A fantastic 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 coolerWith the MSI Codex R2, you're making compromises, particularly in cooling. The basic air cooler might suffice for the Intel Core i5-14400F, but consider an upgrade if you plan on a more powerful CPU later.
The roomy chassis makes this PC perfect for beginners looking to upgrade over time. It simplifies the transition into PC building by allowing for easy component additions.
Featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, this PC is ideal for 1080p gaming. Its upgradability means you won't need to rush into further enhancements unless you're interested in higher resolutions.
### CLX Set
5This gaming PC offers robust internals, including a 6-core processor and 16GB of RAM, all for an affordable price point.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 offers a customizable gaming experience starting at a budget-friendly $599. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, it's a steal for 1080p gaming, delivering smooth performance in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. However, it may struggle with more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.
Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set ensures smooth multitasking and responsive gameplay. Its 1TB of storage is sufficient for a few games, with options to upgrade during configuration.
The spacious, toolless case facilitates future upgrades, and ample airflow keeps things cool. While RGB lighting on the fans is an extra cost, the lifetime labor warranty and support provide peace of mind.
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 is a compelling Steam Deck alternative, running Windows 11 for seamless PC gaming on the go.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 the best option for playing PC games on a budget-friendly device under $500. Powered by the AMD Z1 chip, it can handle most games at 1080p, albeit on lower settings. Its portability adds to its appeal.
In today's market, securing current-generation PC components for under $500 is challenging. The ROG Ally fills this gap, offering a robust gaming experience without the need for a full PC tower.
As affordable gaming PC towers become scarce, handheld devices like the ROG Ally are stepping up to fill the void left by high GPU prices.
Start by prioritizing the graphics card, as it greatly impacts gaming visuals. Look for a balance of performance and price in NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon cards. While you might not achieve ultra-high settings, a good budget GPU can handle most games well.
Next, consider the CPU and RAM. A decent quad-core processor from Intel or AMD with at least 8GB of RAM should suffice for gaming. Upgrading these components can enhance longevity and performance.
Storage is crucial, but if your motherboard supports multiple slots, you can upgrade later. Start with enough space for your initial games and opt for SSDs, preferably M.2, for faster boot and load times.
Don't forget a reliable power supply and cooling system. These ensure stable performance and extend hardware life, making your PC upgradeable rather than replaceable.
Finding a balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary extras is key when choosing the best budget gaming PC.
Gaming PCs can range from $600 to over $2,000. For a tighter budget, a decent gaming PC can be found around or under $1,000.
For casual gamers, a high-end PC might not be necessary. However, a gaming PC's specs are also great for everyday tasks, work, and creative projects, providing excellent performance compared to a laptop.
Buying a pre-built PC is easier, but building one can be cheaper in the long run. If you're not comfortable with the process, it might not be worth the hassle. Incorrect installation can lead to costly mistakes. However, if you're tech-savvy, building allows for complete customization.
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
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