This guide explores the best affordable gaming PCs available in 2024, offering a range of options to suit various budgets and needs. Building your own PC can be complex and costly, but these pre-built systems provide excellent value. While they may not boast top-of-the-line components like an RTX 5090, they deliver impressive performance at 1080p and, in some cases, 1440p. The key is finding the right balance of components for your gaming style and budget.
TL;DR: Top Budget Gaming PC Picks
### Alienware Aurora R16
3See it at Dell
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4See it at HP
### MSICodex R2
5See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy
### CLX Set
5See it at CLX
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1See it at Amazon
These systems utilize GPUs such as the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, offering solid performance for the average gamer. Even a more powerful RTX 4070 is achievable within a budget when paired with an Intel Core i5. Remember, these are starting points; upgrading components later enhances performance.
Key Component Considerations:
A poll asks readers to select the most important component in a budget gaming PC: CPU, Graphics Card, Memory, Storage, or Other.
Individual PC Reviews:
- Alienware Aurora R16 (Under $2000): A compact, aesthetically pleasing system with an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU and an RTX 4070 Super GPU. Its proprietary components may limit future upgrades.
### Alienware Aurora R16
3Compact yet capable gaming rig with enough oomph to tackle 1440p gaming.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 PCs
- HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop (Under $1500): Features an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Super GPU, suitable for 1080p gaming. Its standard components allow for easy upgrades.
### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
4With an Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super graphics, this PC is ready for 1080p gaming and is easily upgradeable.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 plenty of room for airflowCONSOlder gen GPU
- MSI Codex R2 (Under $1000): Offers an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, ideal for 1080p gaming. Its spacious chassis facilitates future upgrades.
### MSICodex R2
5Great gaming PC for 1080p gaming with a roomy chassis for upgrades down the road.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 cooler
- CLX Set (Under $800): A highly customizable system with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics, suitable for 1080p gaming. It features a roomy case and a lifetime labor warranty.
### CLX Set
5Grab this gaming PC with powerful internals, including a 6-core processor, respectable graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB storage capacity.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 1080p
- Asus ROG Ally Z1 (Under $500): A handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 chip. It's a strong alternative to other handheld consoles but is not a desktop PC.
### Asus Rog Ally Z1
1The Asus ROG Ally is an excellent Steam Deck alternative that thankfully runs Windows 11.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 PC
Additional Information:
- A section on current gaming PC deals is included.
- A poll asks readers their budget for a new gaming PC.
- A FAQ section addresses common questions about budget gaming PCs.
- A section on the best budget gaming PCs in the UK is included, featuring the HP Victus 15L and HP Omen 25L. Images for these are included.
### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
2See it
### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop
0See it
The article emphasizes that while prices have increased, finding a well-balanced system with good performance remains possible within various budget constraints. Prioritizing the graphics card, then CPU and RAM, is recommended, with storage and cooling also being important considerations.
