Building a high-end gaming rig can easily cost a few thousand dollars, and pre-built models are often at the higher end of the price spectrum due to the convenience factor. But there are plenty of inexpensive gaming PCs out there that can play modern games at decent settings while still achieving smooth frame rates.
To help simplify your foray into PC gaming, we’ve sifted through the many manufacturers and hardware configurations to find the best cheap gaming PCs you can buy right now. Our picks range from around $500 to just under $1500. $1500 might sound expensive, but considering you can easily spend two or three times as much on a top-tier gaming rig – and in some cases the graphics card alone – that range is about as low as it gets. if you want solid gaming performance.
The PCs we’ve picked aren’t designed for 4K gaming, and some are thin on internal storage and RAM. This will limit the number of games you can install and their loading speed, and make streaming and creating content more difficult, especially if you’re playing and recording gameplay at the same time. Most low-end PCs can’t handle VR well either.
Still, opting for a budget-level gaming rig is a viable option for first-time PC buyers and people on a strict budget. These PCs will run best with 1080p gaming, and a few can handle games at 1440p resolution at decent frame rates. You can even upgrade the specs of some of these models if you have the cash to spare. Just note that none of the computers on our list come with a monitor and only a few include a mouse and keyboard, so be sure to factor those additional costs into your budget as well.
(Note that availability of these PCs may vary due to ongoing chip shortages, among other factors.)
Pavilion HP TG01-2170m
HP’s Pavilion TG01-2170m is an excellent entry-level gaming PC. Its base all-AMD hardware configuration costs about as much as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, and includes a Ryzen 3 5300G CPU and 4GB RX 5500 GPU, plus 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can upgrade to an Nvidia GTX 1660 Super for an additional $90, or upgrade to the next tiers of CPU or RAM for $100 if you want more power, but the standard kit can play games like Fortnite or Apex Legends with gameplay smooth on a 1080p monitor.
The only potential downside is the rather unremarkable case of the TGo1-2170m, which is the same matte black tower that HP uses for all of its current Pavilion gaming desktops. There are a few small RBG lights on the front panel, but that’s the only noticeable feature of the case. Some people will appreciate the unassuming look, but look elsewhere if you’re looking for something flashy. Fortunately, the case is large and many components can be easily upgraded in the future.
Omen 25L GT12-1340m
The Omen 25L is a great option for those with smaller desktop surfaces, measuring just 6.50 inches wide, 17.05 inches high, and 15.53 inches long.
We recommend the all-AMD configuration at $979 if you’re aiming for less than $1,000. It starts with a respectable AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and a 4GB Radeon RX 5500 GPU. This particular model can also be beefed up with up to a Ryzen 9 5900X and 8GB Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti if you want to splurge (or prefer Nvidia GPUs). There are other variable power component options between these prices, as well as other models with 10th Gen (from $799) or 11th Gen (from $1350) Intel i5 chips if that’s okay. to your preferences (or your budget).
That said, base specs are plenty if you’re playing newer games at settings below 1080p – though we’d suggest spending a bit more to upgrade beyond the standard 8GB RAM or the 256 GB SSD if you can. Each model has multiple options for expanded RAM and SSD sizes, and you can also add a wired mouse and keyboard for just $14.
Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-630G-UW9
Acer’s Predator Orion 3000 features an 11th Gen Intel 6-core processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 Super. Although the GTX 1660 is a budget GPU that lacks the features of Nvidia’s RTX line, such as ray tracing and Nvidia streaming support, it’s powerful enough for solid 1080p gaming. The 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD are meager, but that’s not unusual for cheaper pre-builts. Also, RAM and storage are the most easily upgradeable PC components, and you can always upgrade to one of the more expensive configurations if that’s not enough.
Like other pre-built desktops, the Acer Predator Orion 3000 doesn’t come with a monitor, so you’ll need to purchase one to complete your setup. The package includes a keyboard and mouse – they’re nothing special, but it at least saves you a few bucks. The unique case also looks like a “gamer” thanks to its angular shape and customizable RGB lighting elements.
Skytech Gaming Blaze II
Like the other pre-builts listed here, Skyech Gaming’s Blaze II is available in multiple configurations, but the model with Intel’s i5 10400F processor and Nvidia GTX 1660 GPU offers excellent entry-level specs, a sleek body and the possibility of upgrades in the future for $1,089.
To be fair, this model’s CPU and GPU aren’t hugely different from the hardware of the cheaper models we’ve covered, but the 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM make it a more powerful machine overall. . It can deliver slightly higher quality game visuals and handle other memory-intensive processes better than its cheaper competitors. These specs make it a solid option for budding content creators in particular, as video editing and even streaming will be smoother thanks to the higher memory.
The PC also looks great. The case features a tempered glass side panel that shows off the components inside illuminated by the rear exhaust fan’s RGB light ring. Two additional RGB light rings adorn the front of the case, and all three are fully customizable. There’s plenty of room inside the case too, and the included 600 watt power supply will be able to power more powerful components that you can upgrade in the future, like a more powerful GPU.
NZXT Pro BLD Starter Kit
At just a hundred bucks under $1500, it might seem odd to call the NZXT’s Pro BLD Starter Kit a “cheap” gaming PC, but it’s a relatively powerful rig that will take you to the next level. superior gaming performance without having to really break the bank.
The only problem is that you have to build it yourself.
Don’t worry, though: NZXT’s BLD kits include everything you need, including well-written instructions, how-to videos, a set of tools, and all necessary hardware. The only things that don’t come in the box are a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (plus any other peripherals you need), which knocks this into the price-prohibitive category if you haven’t already these components at your fingertips. Still, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to build their own PC but doesn’t know where to start.
When assembled, the Pro BLD Starter Kit includes an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, Intel i5-11400F processor, 1TB SSD, and 16GB of RAM – specs powerful enough for high frame rates at resolutions of 1080p or 1440p, as well as enhanced visual features such as ray tracing. It’s also another PC with a large case – with a clear glass side panel – and a powerful PSU, so it’s also more upgradable than other entry-level units.
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