The Best Budget PCs For Gaming
Unlike standard computers, gaming PCs require a host of additional features to optimize their performance, such as high-end graphics cards and fast processors. All of that can increase the cost of the overall rig, making the prospect of jumping into the world of PC gaming a daunting one. Fortunately, there are some quality options out there that don't cost an arm and a leg. The models on this list cover the full range of options, but each offers enough performance to get you back in the game without breaking the bank.
What To Look For
We wanted to find budget-friendly PCs that could still run popular titles smoothly. Thus, we focused on five main attributes in our search: the graphics processing power, the processor speed, the amount of RAM, the storage, and the value for the price. With these specs in mind, we chose HP’s Pavilion gaming desktop as our top pick since it boasts an AMD Radeon RX 5500 graphics card and other excellent hardware for an accessible price. But if you have an extremely tight budget, we recommend checking out Dell’s Optiplex 9010 SFF Desktop PC. The price is a bargain, and it can run plenty of casual games. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive in.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop, TG01-2022
Awesome and affordable
This computer is an excellent gaming machine, and it comes at a bargain price. With an AMD Radeon RX 5500 graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 3 5300G processor, it can easily deliver smooth, lag-free graphics. Of course, it might not be up to pro-gamer standards, but you can always upgrade the 8GB of RAM and other components down the line. We also love the 512GB of storage since the solid-state drive helps speed up load times.
Pros:
- Includes keyboard and mouse
- Stylish case with excellent ventilation
- Displayport and HDMI outputs for HD video transmission
- Capable of running many popular titles at medium-to-high graphics settings
Cons:
- The 8GB of RAM is the performance bottleneck, though installing extra is easy and cheap
Dell Optiplex 9010 SFF Desktop PC, Renewed
The bare minimum
If you’re extremely strapped for cash, this super affordable PC from Dell may be the perfect pick. It has an i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 240GB SSD, so it punches high above its price point. Better yet, it can run plenty of casual titles, like Minecraft, Roblox, Among Us, and more. While it’s not the most powerful computer out there, this refurbished PC is a win for low-budget gaming.
Pros:
- Compact build
- Fast load times
- Insanely low price
- Includes DVD drive
- Great for kids and casual gaming
Cons:
- No dedicated graphics card
Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UA91 Gaming Desktop
Take it to the next level
While this might not be the cheapest gaming PC out there, it’s still affordable enough to fall within the budget-friendly range. And even with the accessible price, the Acer Nitro 50 boasts powerful hardware that can run many titles on high graphics settings. Between the GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card and the i5 processor, this beauty delivers smooth gameplay and high resolutions. Add to that a 512GB SSD, and you have yourself a gaming rig capable of competitive gaming.
Pros:
- Operates quietly
- Sleek and stylish case
- The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 has 4GB of RAM
- Able to achieve high frame rates on many multiplayer games
Cons:
- No DisplayPort output, only HDMI and DVI
HP Pavilion Desktop PC, TP01-2032
It only gets better
When a PC doesn’t come with a lot of RAM, we don’t really mind. Typically, installing extra RAM is super easy and affordable. That’s why this HP Pavilion desktop PC is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. You can upgrade many of the components down the line, such as the 4GB of RAM and the 256GB SSD. But thanks to the powerful AMD Ryzen 3 processor, this computer can still run casual titles even without the upgrades.
Pros:
- Fantastic processor
- High value for the price
- Comes with a mouse and keyboard
- Multiple internal ports for upgrading components
Cons:
- You’ll almost certainly have to install more RAM
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a gaming PC different than a regular PC?
A gaming PC, as its name suggests, is designed specifically for playing video games. Since today’s games require much more processing power to play than other everyday computing tasks, a gaming PC will incorporate higher-end components, such as better graphics cards, higher core-count CPUs, and higher amounts of memory, or RAM. Because of all these parts, gaming PC are often custom-built, which allows the user to tailor the rig’s performance to their gaming level.
What should I look for in a budget gaming PC?
Though it’s often cheaper to build your own gaming PC, there are tons of pre-built options out there that are even more affordable. But what to look for when shopping for one of these rigs depends largely on what you’re trying to get out of it. If you’re an entry-level gamer, for example, you may not care as much about whether the unit has the latest components as you do its price. In general, you should try and get something that is easily upgradable since that will be the easiest way to extend the life of your investment into the future.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.