The 5 Best Budget Gaming PCs You Can Buy Today: Ranked

Gaming computers don‘t have to cost an arm and a leg. Thanks to intense competition between manufacturers, there are now excellent budget desktops that can run the latest games smoothly for under $1,000.

In this definitive guide, we evaluate the top affordable pre-built gaming PCs across five key criteria to determine the best options for budget-conscious gamers:

1. Price – How much bang for your buck does the system provide?

2. Performance – What level of gaming power does the hardware enable out of the box and when upgraded?

3. Build Quality – How thoughtfully constructed, reliable and futureproof is the system?

4. Features – What extra capabilities, connectivity and customization does the desktop include?

5. Design – How aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient is the physical construction?

After extensive research comparing over 50 different models using these criteria, we have identified the 5 best budget gaming PCs you can buy today. For each recommendation, we‘ll outline the key specs, price, pros and cons to help you determine which system is the best fit for your needs and budget.

1. Best Overall: Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10

The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 strikes the ideal balance of performance, quality and price – making it our #1 budget pick.

For just $1,599, it packs AMD‘s powerful 8-core Ryzen 7 5800X CPU capable of delivering buttery smooth 120+ fps gameplay. This gets complemented by Nvidia‘s RTX 3060 Ti GPU that can handle both 1440p and entry-level 4K gaming.

You also get a high performance 512GB NVMe SSD for lightning fast load times paired with a sizable 2TB hard drive for ample game storage, along with 16GB of speedy DDR4 RAM. All of this comes enclosed in Alienware‘s premium quality, tool-less chassis with RGB customizable front case lighting.

Pros

• Excellent 1440p/Entry 4K gaming performance
• Premium Alienware build quality
• 512GB SSD + 2TB HDD storage combo
• Industry-leading 2 year warranty

Cons

• Only 16GB RAM (32GB optimal for futureproofing)
• Runs hot under full load without liquid cooling upgrade

For flawless high fidelity 1440p gaming on AAA titles and no hassle reliability backed by Alienware‘s fantastic customer service, the Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is the best budget pre-built gaming PC you can buy today.

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2. Best Performance for Price: Skytech Blaze 3.0

If you‘re looking to maximize gaming performance per dollar, the Skytech Blaze 3.0 gaming desktop is the best option with an incredible price-to-performance ratio.

At just $1,299, you get AMD‘s ultra fast Ryzen 5600X 6-core CPU and Nvidia‘s RTX 3060 Ti delivering well over 60 fps across the board at 1440p resolution with max settings. It also doesn‘t skimp on supporting hardware with 16GB of RAM running at 3200MHz and a 500GB NVMe solid state drive.

The build quality is very respectable for a budget system this affordable with an RGB case fan and tempered glass side panel. Our only complaint is the lack of onboard storage space, but this can easily be expanded over time.

Pros

• Ryzen 5600X + RTX 3060 Ti crushes 1440p gaming
• Great value for money
• 16GB fast DDR4 RAM

Cons

• Only 500GB of onboard storage
• No liquid cooling option

If you want a budget gaming PC that delivers hyper smooth 1440p gaming for hundreds less than the competition, the Skytech Blaze 3.0 blows away all other sub $1,300 systems.

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3. Best Beginner PC: CLX Set Gaming Desktop

The CLX Set delivers console-rivaling 1080p gaming performance in an affordable and approachable plug-and-play package perfect for beginners.

Priced at an very reasonable $799, the CLX Set pairs Intel‘s latest 6-core 11th Gen i5 CPU with Nvidia‘s GTX 1660 Super 6GB graphics card that can hit 60+ fps across popular titles like Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends, and more at max settings.

It also doesn‘t cheap out on supporting components with a speedy 500GB SSD and 16GB of RAM helping to future proof this machine. The clean black compact case is ready to slot seamlessly into any entertainment center.

Pros

• Great 1080p gaming performance
• Quality components for the price
• SSD & 16GB RAM provide future proofing
• Console-style form factor

Cons

• 1080p gaming ceiling
• No RGB lighting

If you or a loved one are looking to get started with PC gaming for the first time without breaking the bank, the CLX Set delivers tremendous value and is purpose built for this exact scenario.

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4. Most Upgradable: HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop

The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is the perfect entry-level budget gaming PC thanks to HP‘s uniquely DIY-friendly upgradable BIOS-ready motherboard.

At $699, the baseline model meets the minimum spec for smooth 1080p gaming with AMD‘s capable Ryzen 3 processor and Radeon integrated graphics that can hit 30-60 fps on popular online titles. This gives you a foundation to gradually install upgraded components over time yourself as budget allows.

The tool-less enclosure and 400W power supply are specifically designed to support the absolute latest GPUs, CPUs, memory and storage. So you‘ll never find yourself bottlenecked by the supporting hardware. RGB case lighting provides style points for your evolving setup.

Pros

• Designed for easy user upgrades
• Can configure to very high end specs over time
• Eye catching tempered glass case & RGB fans
• Great value baseline to build upon

Cons

• Entry-level CPU & integrated graphics
• Upgrading requires DIY comfort

For those seeking maximum future upgradability without big initial spend, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is the clear choice. You‘d spend significantly more for any comparably upgrade friendly pre-built system.

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5. Best Compact Form Factor: ASUS ROG Strix G10DK

The ASUS ROG Strix G10DK gaming desktop cuts no corners delivering sensational 1440p gaming power in a stunningly small 9.5 liter chassis.

It starts with AMD‘s 8-core 3700X processor that runs efficiently cool in compact spaces. This gets paired with Nvidia‘s GTX 1660 Super GPU hitting 60+ fps in the most popular multiplayer titles. There‘s 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD onboard allowing for ample multitasking and shorter load times.

Despite its diminutive size – shorter than a standard keyboard – the Strix G10DK features customizable RGB lighting across dual front fans and perforated side panels creating a hi-tech accent piece perfect for bedrooms, dorms and apartments.

Pros

• Killer 1440p gaming in tiny footprint
• Powerful 8-core Ryzen CPU
• Quality 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
• Striking customizable RGB aesthetic

Cons

• Challenging to upgrade
• No ray tracing support.

If you need big performance in a small package to complement space-challenged gaming setups, no prebuilt system can match the value of the ROG Strix G10DK.

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How We Evaluated the Best Budget Gaming PCs

We assessed over 50 top selling budget gaming desktop models against five key criteria to generate our rankings:

Price

The first thing we looked at is what sort of base configuration you could get for various budget price points. Could we find a decent CPU, enough RAM and GPU power for smooth 1080p gaming under $700? What about 60+ fps 1440p gaming under $1,000? This told us how much performance you can expect for the money with each model.

Performance

We then dug deeper into the expected real world gaming performance based on the installed CPU, GPU and RAM specs along with analysis from benchmark tests. This gave us hard numbers on framerates for both out of the box gameplay as well reliable options for upgraded components down the line.

Build Quality

Next we evaluated qualities like component selection, cooling solutions, power supply wattages, case construction materials and warranties. This revealed which manufacturers cut corners and which deliver a thoughtful premium user experience regardless of budget pricing.

Features

We also compared connectivity and expansion options like front I/O port selection, onboard WiFi/Bluetooth, bundled accessories and easy upgradability for additional storage and future GPUs. These conveniences and areas to grow add value at no extra cost.

Design

Finally, the aesthetics, case dimensions and form factor versatility were analyzed as well. RGB lighting, tempered glass panels and small footprints instantly increase enjoyment and placement flexibility for budget setups.

How to Choose the Best Budget Gaming PC

If our top picks don‘t fully match your needs and preferences, you can use the following guidelines while shopping to ensure the absolute best performance, quality and value in your price range:

Prioritize the GPU

The graphics card is by far the most important component for gaming. An RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT can hit 60fps+ at max settings in 1440p across popular titles where older GTX 1660 or RX 580 models struggle to maintain 30fps. This dramatically impacts gaming enjoyment.

Get at least a 4-core CPU

While the GPU handles rendering the frames, the processor feeds it the necessary data to draw. You‘ll want at least a modern 4-core chip like the Core i3-12100 or Ryzen 3 3300X to prevent bottlenecking whatever graphics card is onboard.

16GB of RAM is Ideal

Having sufficient memory is crucial for minimizing latency for open world titles, multimedia editing software and maintaining gaming performance over time as requirements increase. 16GB ensures you‘re covered for years rather than needing imminent upgrades.

PCIe SSD Boot Drive

Launching games from a SATA-based hard disk drive can take 1-2 minutes vs 10 seconds for PCIe NVMe solid state drives. Shelving out for any sized SSD as the boot drive drastically speeds up everyday usage. Additional HDDs can supplement for storage.

80 Plus Bronze PSU or Better

Pay attention to the power supply rating – it determines energy efficiency (to save on electricity bills) and reliability. 80 Plus Bronze units or better from known brands provide clean efficient juice to your components.

Positive Online Reviews

Thoroughly research the specific prebuilt model rather than just the PC brand. Scour buyer reviews across retail sites checking for consistent praise rather than manufacturing defects slipping through quality control. This safeguards your purchase.

Wrapping Up: Unleash Affordable Gaming Greatness

Gaming has never been more affordable. As our recommendations prove, you no longer need to spend a small fortune to enjoy smooth high fidelity 1080p or 1440p gameplay.

Powered by major advancements in CPU and GPU technology over the past few years, you can now get an exceptional budget prebuilt desktop PC with premium quality components under $1,500 – over $1,000+ cheaper than just 5 years ago.

We hope this guide has presented a great starting point to seamlessly jump into PC gaming without breaking the bank. All of our top picks provide immense value optimized specifically for gamers looking for the absolute best performance per dollar spent.

Check out our related guide to the best gaming laptops under $1000 for additional money saving options. Happy gaming!

Frequently Asked Questions

What‘s the best gaming PC under $1000?

The Skytech Blaze 3.0 is the best gaming PC under $1000. For just $1,299 it comes equipped with AMD‘s lightning fast 6-core Ryzen 5600X CPU and Nvidia‘s RTX 3060 Ti GPU delivering well above 60 fps across popular titles at max 1440p settings.

What specs do I need for 1080p or 1440p gaming?

1080p gaming at 60 fps can be achieved with entry level components like a Core i3 processor, GTX 1650 or RX 6400 graphics paired with 8GB RAM and any SSD.

To reliably hit 60+ fps 1440p gaming, you‘ll want at least a Ryzen 5 or Core i5 CPU along with a more capable GPU like RTX 3060 / 6600 XT or RTX 2070 paired with 16GB RAM and an SSD.

Is building or buying a pre-built gaming PC better?

If you enjoy assembling PCs like Lego and can troubleshoot any issues, building your own gives you ultimate control to hand pick every single component. This also saves money.

However most gamers will be happier spending slightly more for the convenience, warranty and tech support that comes with a pre-built system. Companies like those we recommend specialize in gaming rigs allowing easy future upgrades.

How important is RAM speed for gaming performance?

Faster RAM can provide a modest (typically ~5%) fps increase. But for budget gaming builds, it isn‘t worth paying significantly more for higher memory clocks. Focus your dollars on the best GPU possible first and foremost, followed by adequate RAM capacity (16GB) rather than maximum MHz.

What size power supply (PSU) do I need?

An 80 Plus Bronze or better rated 500W unit gives you plenty of safe headroom even if installing a more powerful video card. For extreme configs with power hungry high end GPUs, 650W+ is recommended. Efficiency and quality matters more than pure wattage.