Most Common FAQs For The Best Budget Gaming PC
1. How do I know a budget PC for gaming will play my games?
The main focus is the system requirements for these demanding games. You can check the minimum requirement and the suggested configuration online for such games. This will help you find a cheap PC that would be enough for whatever games you intend to play.
2. Are budget gaming PCs future-proof?
Future-proofing of a desktop depends on the ability to get upgrades later. In short, the PC tower should have extra memory bays or slots, it should be good enough to replace the CPU and GPU with the latest one.
If you are asking about any budget PC being future-proof in its current state, the answer is No and a little yes, as it would last you not more than a couple of years. Because a budget PC always contains hardware that is launched years back and is presently available at a low cost.
3. Can I play AAA game titles on a budget PC?
Playing AAA games or the latest ones on a budget PC depends entirely on the graphics card of the computer. Moreover, it is also important to see the minimum video memory of the GPU recommended for that particular game. However, any system with a dedicated GPU would run any game, but if it is too old, the quality might not be good.
4. How much will a budget PC for gaming actually cost?
Usually a PC we call in a budget cost within the $500 to $1500 price range but everyone has a different budget they are willing to spend.
5. What games I can play on a budget gaming PC?
A PC with a graphics card as minimum as Nvidia Geforce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7950 with 2GB memory and 8GB RAM can play games like Overwatch 2, Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto V. If your PC has Nvidia Geforce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 with 16GB RAM (8GB minimum), it can play Playerunknown Battleground.
Whereas for Valorant you need a PC with GT 730 or AMD R7 240, for Call Of Duty Modern Warfare you need GTX 970 or RX 580. Similarly, all the games require some system specifications which you can search it and find your suitable budget PC accordingly. Nevertheless, the good news is that almost every budget PC meets the minimum requirements of these demanding games of today.
List Of Best Budget Gaming PC
- Skytech Shadow– Best budget gaming PC for high settings
- CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme– Best budget VR gaming PC
- iBuypower Pro SlateMR 253i– Best 1440p budget gaming PC
- HP Pavilion– Best budget AMD gaming PC 5500
- CyberpowerPC Gamer Master– Best budget gaming PC for popular games
- Skytech Blaze 3.0– Best 4k budget gaming PC
- Skytech Shiva– Best budget gaming PC for latest games
- Skytech Archangel 3.0– Best gaming PC under $600
- Skytech Shadow 3.0– Best budget gaming PC for 60FPS
- Acer Nitro 50– Best gaming PC under $800
Top Ten Affordable Gaming PCs Review 2023
1. Skytech Shadow- Best computer for gaming at max out
Processor: Intel i5 10400F | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Incredibly smooth gaming
Play the latest games with the highest strength
Buttery frame rates at max out settings
Free gaming mouse and a keyboard
1-year parts and labor warranty
Not found any
Indeed one says perfectly; wait for the right time to spend even on a needle. After getting numerous news about the new releases regarding Nvidia Geforce RTX 40 Series, the graphics cards from RTX 30 Series are now easily available at a reasonable price. The unit we have picked is housed with the most powerful hardware at a cost you don’t have to think twice to spend. It has a 10th generation Intel Core i5 10400F, i.e. a 6-core processor with up to 4.3GHz boost frequency. Having Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050, an 8GB dedicated video card.
Within $900, this gaming PC lets the user play any latest or high-end PC game without shifting any other gear. At an FHD resolution on low to medium settings, games like Elden Ring, Minecraft, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Cyberpunk 2077 successfully bring 60 to 70 FPS. Expect more frames on games like Apex Legends, League Of Legends, and PUBG.
While inspecting the build, this budget gaming PC never disappoints on its physical side. Skytech Shadow has a solid chassis with extra memory slots and the ability to get upgrades effortlessly. You can see three ring light fans peaking through the tempered glass panel and an interior to be left with mesmerizing exposure.
Read Also: Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1500
2. CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme- Best VR gaming desktop
Processor: Intel i5 11400F/ i5 12400F | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050/ RTX 2060 | RAM: 8GB | 500GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Powerful desktop at an affordable price
Support virtual reality gaming nicely
Easy to upgrade and make it future proof
A free mouse and a keyboard included
1-year of labor and parts warranty
Fans made noise a little
If the above model is still a bit pricy, then this model is the best affordable PC under $800 with a quiet variation you can choose from. Being budget-conscious, you are lucky to have a CPU like Intel i5 11400F or i5 12400F with 6 cores and an Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050 or RTX 2060 6GB dedicated graphics card to enjoy lots of gaming. You can have any of these configurations along with 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD, which is also upgradeable.
With a combination of prior hardware, you are still too much on a better stage with 60 to 70FPS on the latest games as said earlier. Choosing the later configuration based on i5 12400F and RTX 2060, still gives high frame rates on games like Fortnite, Minecraft, GTA 5, and many more. Furthermore, this PC is supportive of any VR headset too. Get on your toes with Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive and have a lasting experience.
Speaking of the build, CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme is a model sufficient for those who have plans to keep up with gaming for years. Because the upgrading is super easy, and the latest processor or GPU can be put in. Memory is also upgradable to up to 64GB as well as a drive too. It contains 4 RGB customizable lighting fans and a tempered glass panel. In short, you are getting all those bells and whistles in this cheap computer for gaming that you often look for in an expensive one.
Read Also: Best prebuilt gaming PC under $1000
3. iBuypower Pro SlateMR 253i- Best budget gaming PC at 1440p
Processor: Intel i3 10105F | Graphics card: AMD Radeon 6500XT | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 480GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Good to play games at 1080p and 1440p
VR-ready gaming desktop
Have Omen CPU cooler
Free gaming keyboard and RGB mouse
1-year parts and labor warranty
Fans are noisy at some point
Insufficient storage
iBuypower has the same reputation as Skytech and CyberpowerPC desktops are having when it comes to budget computers for gaming. This model is clearly a suitable pick for gamers who intend to have some solid combats on 1440p resolution maintaining the visual quality and frames altogether. It consists of a 10th generation Intel i3 10105F with 4 cores and 4.4GHz boost frequency. It also contains an AMD Radeon RX 6500XT 4GB video card (equivalent to RTX 3050).
However, the 480GB storage seems too little when you need to store more than two high-end games or even some indie video games. This might cause an immediate upgrade for its storage capacity in order to install your favorite genre. Talking about how well will it perform, then we must tell its configuration is ideal to save the 60FPS benchmark for all demanding games including Fortnite, GTA V, Hitman 2, Volarant and many other titles at 1080p or 1440p on low settings.
If you love to see your gaming computer sparkling in RGB lights, then its 4 RGB ring light fans synchronizing with the entire setup looks extremely fascinating. It’s an ATX mid-tower PC case with plenty of upgrading options for the components and also supports any latest changes or replacements as per your preference. The only thing we don’t like it, the fans make an audible sound when things get too long. Apart from everything, this budget gaming PC seems a great option for beginners.
Read Also: Best prebuilt gaming PC under $800
4. HP Pavilion- Best gaming PC under $500
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 5300G | Graphics card: AMD Radeon RX5500 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Can run some less demanding AAA game titles
It’s a smooth performer at 1080p
Plenty of ports including USB Type A and C
It is decent looking but has a solid build
1-year of parts and labor warranty
No free peripherals included
Heat dissipation is mediocre
Finding a gaming PC under $500 is not an easy task, a very few in the line can and more renewed would be there to be seen. This specific model by HP Pavilion is a fortune to be found for just 500 USD capable of doing all those head-on-heel tasks including gaming. Packed with AMD Ryzen 3 5300G processor with 4-cores and up to 4.2GHz boost frequency helps to elevate the gaming experience. Further, the AMD Radeon RX5500 4GB GPU meets the minimum gaming system requirement.
Having said that, it is needless to say any game can be played as it fulfills the minimum criteria for gaming. Even though you can play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, PlayerUnknown Battleground, Forza Horizon 4, Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, and many more at 1080p resolution on low settings. Not just gaming, but those who intend to run daily computer tasks at home, office, or school work too, can do without a glitch.
Moving towards the build quality, it’s a solid and rugged PC with plenty of upgrading facilities. It doesn’t have any RGB ring light fans and a tempered glass panel, but customizable LED light. Having built-in Wifi and Bluetooth to connect you with the world. Apart from every good thing about this computer, we are a bit disappointed with the venting system that results in the ineffective cooling system.
Read Also: Best prebuilt gaming PC under $700
5. CyberpowerPC Gamer Master- Best budget PC for Fortnite, PUBG & popular games
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 500GB SSD + 2TB HDD | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Capable of handling all the demanding titles
Sleek and attractive build
Huge memory
Free gaming keyboard and RGB gaming mouse included
1-year parts and labor warranty
Not found any
CyberpowerPC is not coming slow in budget PCs just like Skytech computers. It’s a very affordable pick, a PC under $900, with all those properties a gamer might need to hit the bump. This unit comes with AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor with 6 cores and an Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050 8GB graphics card, 16GB massive memory, 500GB SSD along with 2TB HDD. Truly a worth buying PC for gaming and multitasking on a deep level.
Since RTX 30 Series graphics cards are potent enough to handle not just popular games but get high frame rates at 1080p to 1440p resolution. This RTX 3050 with 8GB VRAM gets you everything from the height any regular PC can not reach. You can play games like Fortnite, GTA 5, Hitman 2, Volarant, and Minecraft with uncommon results. Moreover, this configuration also enables you to do any intense multitasking and content creation stutter-free.
This model is built on an ATX form factor, having three-ring light RGB customizable lighting fans and a tempered glass panel. Very neat and professional wiring can be seen. Extra bays to increase the memory, slots for dual graphics cards, drives, and add-ons. It has an airy interior with proper vents, including a top vent that is good to have in case you want to install liquid cooling or an AIO cooling system.
Read Also: Best prebuilt PC under $500
6. Skytech Blaze 3.0- Best budget gaming PC at 4k
Processor: Intel i5 12400F/ i5 10400 | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060/ RTX 3060 Ti | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 500GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Lag-free 4k gaming
Play the latest AAA games
Spacious interior with neat build
A powerful PC for intensive tasks
1-year parts and labor warranty
Low-quality free peripherals included
Gaming at a high resolution is a sweet spot just like running for high frame rates per second. Playing video games at 4k display settings is a most heartedly attractive scale to gain the best visual quality. Skytech Blaze 3.0 is a model that is going to grant this wish with an Intel i5 12400F 6 core processor with up to 4.4Ghz boost frequency and Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060 12GB dedicated video card. Alongside 16GB good amount of memory, you can play games flawlessly.
For maximum frames, play games at 1080p on ultra settings, and the results are outstanding. For instance, Borderland 3, Metro: Exodus, Need For Speed Heat, and Red Dead Redemption 2 give around 80 to 90FPS. Whereas, playing these games at 4k would run at 55 to 60FPS on high settings. However, for those who intend to run some serious sort of creative applications, this prebuilt budget desktop will be going to do wonders.
In addition, on keen inspection, this PC wouldn’t ask for upgrades for straight two to three years unless you run out of memory. Everything is optimally installed including memory and the processor and the GPU. Still, the upgrading is pretty easy due to the extra slots and spacious interior of the chassis. On outer looks, it has three RGB ring light fans, a CPU cooler, and a tempered glass panel. The quality sounds quite interesting for professional gamers.
7. Skytech Shiva- Best prebuilt budget PC for 1080p gaming
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 500GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Max out performance at 1080p
Affordable PC for the latest gaming
Can handle AAA game titles
Free gaming mouse and a keyboard included
1-year parts and labor warranty
Better options available at this cost
A 1080p gaming loyal wouldn’t sit back for a tremendous piece of machine like Skytech Shiva with its respective configuration. Because 1080p is the most preferable resolution to achieve the best gaming results everyone wants to stick with, that’s what this model guarantees. A combo of AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6 core processor which is considered one of the best gaming CPUs out there and Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GPU meet every need of hot-headed PC gaming.
Though there are many better-prebuilt desktops available at what this PC cost you, like a PC with RTX 2060 or even RTX 3050, but for those who strictly want to play on FHD, this might be a good option for them. Following this, you can achieve a good amount of FPS not just for popular games but for the latest games that can be played even better. For example, according to the benchmarks, this PC will hit 30 to 40FPS for Microsoft Flight Stimulator, Cyberpunk 2077, and more titles like these.
However, the interesting part of this budget prebuilt PC is its aesthetics. It looks too good because of its design and solid structure. Quality compartments for each hardware for proper stacking support liquid cooling if you want to install. It’s an ATX mid-tower PC case with three RGB fans and a glass tempered panel. Everything looks neat and clear, roomy enough to take in any upgrading without any need to fix or move things aside.
8. Skytech Archangel 3.0- Best prebuilt budget PC for gaming under $600
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3100 | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050 Ti | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 500GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Good for mid-range to low-profile gaming
Toolless upgrading
Good for 1080p gaming
Effective cooling system
1-year parts and labor warranty
Low-quality peripherals included
As told you earlier, Skytech has so much to offer its customers at affordable prices with which you don’t have to always spend fat wads of cash. This model is our personal favorite because of being extremely affordable, and suitable for beginners to play games on. It is packed with a 3rd generation Intel i3 3100 quad-core processor which is an entry-level gaming CPU and Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050 Ti, a 4GB dedicated graphics card.
Skytech Archangel 3.0 on account of being a reliable option for beginners in the PC gaming world, allows you to run all the popular games of today. Where games like Apex legends system requirements ask for just 8GB of RAM and GPU like the GTX 970, the presenting configuration can meet all needs of such games just fine. For instance, expect 40 to 50 FPS at 1080p on ultra settings for PUBG, GTA, Far Cry, Forza Horizon, and many other demanding titles.
This means you are saved to spend thousands of dollars if you happen to buy this machine to enjoy popular titles of all time. If you want to test your wits on the latest to high-end games later, then upgrading is super easy. Built on an ATX mid-tower PC case, you can find extra bays to improve the system as well as get a liquid cooling system too. With 3 RGB ring light fans and an efficient venting mechanism, this PC can beat high-end PCs in the long run.
9. Skytech Shadow 3.0- Best prebuilt gaming PC under $900
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce RTX 2060 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Get up to 60FPS on latest games
Efficient cooling system
Execute tough level of multitasking
Effortless upgrading
1-year of parts and labor warranty
Low-quality RGB mouse and a keyboard included
For those who are willing to spend on a PC more than $600 and need a better configuration than the Skytech Archangel reviewed earlier, this model might get you the right properties for gaming. Skytech Shadow 3.0 is incorporated with a 3rd generation AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6 core processor with up to 4.2GHz boost frequency. The most intriguing part is, it contains the Nvidia Geforce RTX 2060 6GB video card instead of the GTX 1050 Ti we have seen before.
The RTX 2060 is one of the most popular graphics cards of all time for gaming, few years back it was hard to find on the racks but is now easily available at a cost you can pay. It is still a powerful GPU for ray tracing and virtual reality as well. Get up to 60FPS without a budge for any sort of game, including the latest as well as AAA titles too.
On the other side of the coin, is the foundation; the chassis, which follows the same technical detail just like Skytech Archangel. Both are basically variations of the same model with different specs. Consisting three RGB ring light fans and a tempered glass panel. A neat wiring with a very professional touch of assembling, it is certainly helpful for consumers to upgrade the tower later without experiencing cable clutter in between the components.
10. Acer Nitro 50- Best prebuilt PC under $800
Processor: Intel i5 11400F/ i5 12400F | Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Rugged and solid built to last years
Perfectly manage sufficient frame rates
Smoothly do multitasking and gaming
The convenience of Wifi 6
Upgradable
Poor quality peripherals included
No warranty
Ineffective cooling
If you have already done some search on gaming PCs, you must have seen Acer gaming computers are not very budget-friendly, though the only model is Acer Nitro N50 which will not cost you to break the bank. The reason for bringing this among the best budget gaming PC is the quality of the chassis and the affordability of course. This unit is equipped with an 11th-generation Intel i5 11400F or i5 12400F with GTX 1650 4GB dedicated GPU. Both variants are available for $800, so if it sounds like falling into your budget then you can go for it.
Technically speaking, when it comes to some cheap graphics cards, GTX 1650 always looks like an appropriate option left because this GPU is still having the potential to run many games even today. Though it is not a great pick for AAA games currently revolving the video gaming and asking for so much strength-packed hardware, but games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and League Of Legends are easily played with it.
Lastly, analyzing this prebuilt computer physically, you are lucky to have a solid and rugged computer that must last with you for years, with a few upgrades every now and then. Instead of RGB, this PC tower is decorated with red LED lights and a tempered glass panel. A size that will fit anywhere with minimal space. Despite this, the cooling is not as effective as it should be, and the vents and fans are insufficient which must cause poor heat dissipation.
How to choose an affordable or a budget prebuilt PC for gaming? Buyers Guide
When it says affordable, it doesn’t mean anything incompetent, at least not here in this article where we have suggested the top ten budget PCs for gaming. These computers are actually made for people who want to balance the cost as well as get something powerful too without affecting the performance.
The best example is, according to a survey, top gamers around the world do not play games on expensive PCs. Neither do they run for the latest hardware every time big companies introduce new components like new graphics cards or a processor. Rather they just increase the memory and storage compartments of their desktops.
So what exactly a person must look for in a budget PC for gaming?
A quick check to know if a computer is good enough to run the game is to make sure it has a dedicated graphics card and not an integrated GPU with shared memory. On account of this, any discrete GPU can run games from indie to popular or demanding titles although the quality of visuals varies, depending highly on how old that graphics card is.
A precise checklist to find a prebuilt budget gaming PC:
- A dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB video memory (in many cases a 2GB GPU is enough for many games too).
- A gaming CPU is not necessarily required, however, make sure to have at least a 4-core processor.
- An 8GB RAM is a must to run any game whether it’s the latest or less demanding game title.
- A 500GB SSD or 1TB of HDD is a must to not just keep your games but for other useful applications in one place.
The given above properties are mandatory to have an affordable yet minimum featured PC for gaming. One of the best parts of a budget PC is they are easy to buy at a cost in its least and then a little investment later can make it competitive too. In short, a cheap PC today can be a beast in the future by adding the latest components and a few upgrading.
If you need insightful guidance then spare a few minutes to “How to choose the best gaming PC prebuilt in 2023- Buyers Guide”.
Conclusion
Buying one of the best budget gaming PC is ever a wise decision no matter if you are a pro gamer or a beginner. It’s always been a good thing to have an affordable gaming PC that is prebuilt instead of building your own PC from the scratch.
The most interesting thing we like about a budget PC is the availability of high-end components which were impossible to have at the time of launch. Although they must get outdated later but are still very powerful to run almost every game you intend to play.
Therefore don’t hurry and never fret, be patient and believe it, the hardcore components will later be available to you at the cost of peanuts.