The Best Budget Gaming PCs of 2025

This guide explores the best budget gaming PCs available in 2024, offering options for various budgets and needs. Building your own PC can be complex and expensive, but these pre-built options provide excellent value without sacrificing performance.

TL;DR: Top Budget Gaming PC Picks

### 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

While these PCs may not feature top-tier components like an RTX 5090, they offer solid performance with GPUs such as the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, delivering high frame rates at 1080p and, in some cases, 1440p. The advantage of a budget PC is the potential for future upgrades.

Poll: Most Important Budget PC Component?

Detailed PC Reviews:

1. Alienware Aurora R16: Best Under $2000

• Specs: Intel Core i7-14700F CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
• Pros: Compact design, excellent cooling.
• Cons: Proprietary components may limit future upgrades.

A powerful and aesthetically pleasing option, though upgradeability is somewhat limited due to its compact design and proprietary components.

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

• Specs: Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, Nvidia GTX 1660 Super GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD.
• Pros: Excellent 1080p performance, easily upgradeable.
• Cons: Older generation GPU.

Offers strong 1080p performance in a user-friendly, upgradeable chassis. The older GPU is a trade-off for the price point.

3. MSI Codex R2: Best Under $1000

• Specs: Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
• Pros: Upgradable chassis, good 1080p performance.
• Cons: Basic CPU cooler.

A great entry-level option with a spacious chassis for future upgrades. The included cooler might need replacing for higher-end CPU upgrades.

4. CLX Set: Best Under $800

• Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU, AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 integrated graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD.
• Pros: Excellent value, lifetime labor warranty.
• Cons: Integrated graphics limit high-end gaming.

A remarkably affordable option, ideal for 1080p gaming on less demanding titles. Integrated graphics are the main limitation.

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

• Specs: AMD Ryzen Z1 CPU, Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD.
• Pros: Portable, excellent display.
• Cons: Not a desktop PC.

A strong handheld alternative for those prioritizing portability. Performance is suitable for many titles but may require lower settings.

Additional Information:

• Current Deals: Several deals on higher-spec PCs are listed.
• Budget Considerations: A $1000-$1500 budget is recommended for a well-balanced system.
• Component Prioritization: Focus on the graphics card first, then CPU and RAM. Storage can be upgraded later.
• Power Supply & Cooling: Essential for long-term system health.
• UK Options: Two UK-based options are also included.

This comprehensive guide helps navigate the world of budget gaming PCs, providing options for various budgets and gaming styles. Remember to consider your gaming needs and budget when making your selection.