Top Budget Gaming PCs for 2025 Revealed

Assembling your own gaming rig can be both challenging and costly, even when aiming for a budget-friendly setup. Fortunately, not all prebuilt gaming PCs are unreasonably priced. While opting for a budget model means missing out on top-tier components like the RTX 5090 or high-end CPU, most gamers will find these extras unnecessary. To help simplify your search, our team of experts has tested and reviewed a wide range of gaming PCs, narrowing it down to five top picks—four desktop models and one portable gaming PC—that strike the perfect balance between affordability and capability.

TL;DR: The Best Budget Gaming PCs

Alienware Aurora R16

3
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $2000
See it at Dell

HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1500
See it at HP

MSI Codex R2

5
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $1000
See it at Amazon
See it at Best Buy

CLX Set

5
The Best Budget Gaming PC Under $800
See it at CLX

Asus Rog Ally Z1

1
The Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC Under $500
See it at Amazon

Key Considerations When Choosing a Budget Gaming PC

When shopping for a budget gaming PC, it’s crucial to prioritize key components to maximize your gaming experience without breaking the bank. Here are some essential factors to keep in mind:

Graphics Card (GPU)

The graphics card is the heart of your gaming PC, responsible for rendering visuals. For budget-conscious gamers, solid options like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600 provide excellent value. If you’re willing to splurge slightly, the RTX 4070 paired with an Intel Core i5 is a fantastic choice for smoother gameplay.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A capable CPU ensures smooth performance across various tasks, not just gaming. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors are ideal for budget gaming PCs, offering a good balance of power and affordability.

Memory (RAM)

A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for a seamless gaming experience. This allows you to run multiple applications alongside your games without lagging.

Storage

Opt for an SSD, preferably an M.2 NVMe drive, for faster boot times and quicker loading speeds. A 1TB SSD is ideal for storing your favorite games and applications.

Cooling System

A reliable cooling solution prevents overheating, prolonging the life of your components. Ensure your budget gaming PC includes adequate cooling for optimal performance.

Conclusion

While budget gaming PCs may not match the raw power of high-end systems, they can still deliver exceptional gaming experiences. By focusing on essential components like the GPU, CPU, RAM, and storage, you can build a gaming PC tailored to your needs without overspending. Remember, these systems serve as a foundation—upgrading components down the line can enhance performance further. Happy gaming!