Premiere 2025 Budget Gaming Rigs Revealed

This guide explores five affordable gaming PCs (plus one handheld option) for budget-conscious gamers. While not boasting top-tier components like an RTX 5090, these systems deliver solid 1080p performance, and some even handle 1440p gaming. The beauty of a budget PC is the upgrade potential.

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

These PCs utilize GPUs like the RTX 4060, Intel Arc B580, and AMD Radeon RX 7600, offering excellent value. Even an RTX 4070 is feasible with a Core i5 CPU.

Consider also our guide comparing gaming PCs and laptops.

For additional savings, explore current gaming PC deals.

Poll: Most Important Budget Gaming PC Component?

What’s the most important component in a budget gaming PC?

CPUGraphics CardMemoryStorageOtherAnswerSee Results

Contributions by Ural Garrett, Danielle Abraham, Georgie Peru

Individual PC Reviews:

1. Alienware Aurora R16: Best Under $2000

### Alienware Aurora R16

3Compact, powerful 1440p gaming rig. Features an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super. Proprietary components may limit future upgrades.

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

### HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

4Excellent 1080p performance with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super GPU. Upgradable chassis.

3. MSI Codex R2: Best Under $1000

### MSICodex R2

5Solid 1080p gaming with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Upgradable design. Basic CPU cooler.

4. CLX Set: Best Under $800

### CLX Set

5Affordable 1080p gaming with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. Roomy, easily upgradable chassis and lifetime labor warranty.

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

### Asus Rog Ally Z1

1Excellent portable option running Windows 11. AMD Ryzen Z1 processor with integrated graphics. Not a desktop PC.

Gaming PC Spending Guide & FAQs

A $1000-$1500 budget is ideal, but excellent rigs exist below that. Prioritize the graphics card, then CPU and RAM. SSD storage is crucial. A reliable power supply and cooling are essential for longevity.

Poll: Your Gaming PC Budget?

How much are you willing to pay for a new gaming PC?

$500$800$1,000$1,500$2,000+AnswerSee Results

UK Budget Gaming PC Options:

### Budget Power Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop

2See it### Powerful GPU HP Omen 25L Gaming Desktop

0See it