Sometimes, deciding which equipment to purchase for performing the tasks at hand, or even merely cutting down on costs, can prove to be a difficult feat. Thus, gamers are aware of the development of new systems and are always in search of the latest systems that provide the best gaming performance at a reasonable price. This is where cheap gaming desktops come into the picture. The reason for this phenomenon is that affordable gaming machines offer a good value-to-performance ratio, allowing the clientele to play the latest titles or at least gain an exceptional experience without overpaying. To help the occasional gamer or novice, the market for cheap gaming desktops needs to be understood to make an educated decision on the desired level of gaming within one’s budget.
Best Cheap Gaming Desktops for 2024
Finding an affordable gaming desktop that meets your needs can be challenging, especially with the vast array of options available. Below, we outline some of the best budget-friendly gaming desktops for 2024, focusing on their key specifications, advantages, and disadvantages.
HP Omen 25L
Ideal for enthusiastic gamers.
- Processor: Intel 13th Gen Core i5
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display Support: Three display ports (DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0)
- Price: Approximately $1000
- Upgrade Potential: Supports up to 128 GB RAM and multiple M.2 SSD slots
- Performance: Capable of running AAA games smoothly at 1080p and adequately at 1440p
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Multiple display ports for up to 4 screens
- Excellent graphics card for modern games
- Motherboard supports extensive RAM
Cons:
- Processor lacks an integrated GPU
- Included keyboard and mouse are of low quality
- No Thunderbolt ports
CyberPowerPC Gamer Master
Best cheap gaming desktop with an AMD processor.
- Processor: Options up to AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
- Graphics Card: Options up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT
- RAM: Supports up to 64 GB
- Storage: Supports up to 10 TB
Pros:
- Easy to configure according to budget
- Reasonable price
- Supports 7.1 channel sound
- Includes gaming keyboard and mouse
Cons:
- High-end configurations can be very expensive
- Doesn’t support AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
Lenovo LOQ Tower
Best cheap gaming desktop with an Intel processor.
- Processor: Options up to Intel Core i7-13700F
- Graphics Card: Options up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: Up to 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD
Pros:
- Supports WiFi 6
- Multiple storage slots
- Three months of free Xbox Game Pass
Cons:
- Limited maximum RAM capacity
- No AMD processor or graphics card options
Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
Pros:
- Multiple configuration options
- Transparent side panel with RGB lighting
- Easy future upgrades
Cons:
- Limited USB ports
- AMD processors tend to run hotter than Intel
HP Victus Desktop
Affordable gaming desktop.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6400
- RAM: 8 GB (expandable to 32 GB)
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Price: Approximately $1000
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Expandable RAM
- Simple and compact design
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Setup and warranty activation issues
- Weak power supply limiting future GPU upgrades
Considerations for Choosing the Best Cheap Gaming Desktop
When selecting a budget-friendly gaming desktop, several factors should be considered to ensure you get the best performance and value for your money.
- CPU: Choose a modern, recently produced processor. This ensures compatibility with the latest games and software updates.
- GPU: Opt for the best possible GPU within your budget. NVIDIA’s GTX 16 series or AMD’s Radeon RX 5000 series are excellent choices for balancing cost and performance.
- Connections: Ensure the desktop has sufficient USB ports and display outputs to support all your peripherals and multiple monitors.
- Upgradability: Confirm the desktop supports future upgrades, including power supply capacity and maximum RAM. This will extend the lifespan of your system and allow for incremental improvements over time.
Shopping Considerations for Budget Gaming Desktops
Challenges: The wide variety of brands, types, sizes, and recent price increases in the gaming PC sector can make shopping overwhelming.
Cost: High-end gaming PCs with top specs can cost thousands, but it is possible to find a budget gaming PC with great performance if you know where and what to look for.
Steps to Buy a Budget Gaming PC
Identify Needs: Determine what types of games you’ll be playing (low/mid-range vs. high-end AAA games).
Choose Specs:
Minimum Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 / AMD RX 6500
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD / 1TB HDD
Recommended Specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 13600K / AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 / AMD RX 6600 XT
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Budget Planning:
Setting a Budget:
- Budget gaming PC: Around $1,000 or under.
- Higher-end budget: Around $1,200 for better specs.
- Avoid expensive specs like RTX 4000-series or Radeon RX 7000-series to keep costs down.
Taking Advantage of Deals:
- Retailer Deals: Look for deals during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
- Caution: Avoid outdated or poor-quality components during sales.
Building Your Own PC:
Cost Efficiency: Building a PC can be cheaper and more future-proofed.
Component Prices: Prices of graphics cards and processors have dipped post-cryptocurrency craze.
Savings: Avoid unnecessary features like RGB lighting and fancy cases to save money.
Final Thoughts
- Monitor Choice: Stick to a 1080p or at most a 1440p monitor to avoid increasing costs.
- Future Upgrades: The initial purchase is the most expensive; subsequent upgrades are cheaper.
- Future-Proofing: Spend a little more initially to save money in the long run.
This guide provides comprehensive steps and considerations for finding or building the best cheap gaming desktop PC. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and the specifications outlined above, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a great gaming experience without breaking the bank.
