PCs excel in gaming on a budget

This guide explores affordable pre-built gaming PCs, offering options for various budgets. Building your own can be complex and costly, making pre-built systems a compelling alternative. While budget options may not include top-tier components like an RTX 5090, they still deliver excellent 1080p gaming performance, and some even handle 1440p. Upgrading components later is also a viable option.

TL;DR: Top 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 Amazon

Budget PCs often utilize GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, or AMD Radeon RX 7600, providing solid performance for the average gamer. Higher-end options like the RTX 4070 are possible with a mid-range CPU.

For additional savings, explore current gaming PC deals.

What's the most crucial component in a budget gaming PC?

CPUGraphics CardMemoryStorageOtherAnswerSee ResultsContributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru

Detailed Reviews:

1. Alienware Aurora R16: Best Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3Compact, high-performance system featuring an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super GPU. Excellent for 1440p gaming. Note: Proprietary components may limit future upgrades. 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)

2. HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop: Best Under $1500

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Solid 1080p gaming PC with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super GPU. Features an easily upgradeable chassis. 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

3. MSI Codex R2: Best Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Excellent 1080p gaming PC with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Upgradable chassis. See it at Amazon and 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)

4. CLX Set: Best Under $800

### CLX Set

5Affordable 1080p gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics. Easy to customize and upgrade. 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

5. Asus ROG Ally Z1: Best Handheld Under $500

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1A portable gaming option running Windows 11. Excellent alternative to Steam Deck. 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

Additional Deals & Considerations: The article also includes current deals and a discussion on budget allocation, component prioritization (graphics card first), and the importance of power supply and cooling. A FAQ section addresses common questions regarding budget, casual gaming suitability, and the cost comparison between pre-built and self-built PCs. Finally, UK-specific budget options are also presented. Images are maintained in their original format and location.