The Best Budget Gaming PCs of 2025

This guide explores affordable pre-built gaming PCs, offering five options (four desktops and one handheld) that deliver excellent value. While budget choices may not include top-tier components like an RTX 5090, they still provide satisfying performance for most gamers. Our experts have rigorously tested various PCs to bring you these five capable and cost-effective selections.

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

These budget PCs utilize GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, providing solid performance for the average gamer. Higher-end options, such as pairing an RTX 4070 with an Intel Core i5, are also possible within a budget. Expect high frame rates at 1080p, with some capable of 1440p gaming. Furthermore, the affordability of these PCs allows for future upgrades.

For additional savings, explore current gaming PC deals.

Key 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 handling 1440p gaming. Features an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU and an RTX 4070 Super. While compact, its proprietary components may limit future upgrades.

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

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Excellent 1080p gaming performance with an Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super. Features a spacious, upgrade-friendly chassis. The older generation GPU is a consideration.

3. MSI Codex R2: Best Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Ideal for 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5-14400F and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. Its spacious chassis facilitates future upgrades, though the included CPU cooler might require an upgrade later.

4. CLX Set: Best Under $800

### CLX Set

5Offers strong performance for 1080p gaming with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. Features a roomy, tool-less case for easy upgrades and a lifetime labor warranty.

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

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1A portable alternative, running Windows 11 and capable of 1080p gaming at medium-to-low settings. While not a desktop PC, it's a strong contender for handheld PC gaming.

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