Best affordable gaming PCs from HP, MSI, and others

Best affordable gaming PCs from HP, MSI, and others

The Best Cheap Gaming PCs: Affordable Options for Gamers on a Budget

HP Omen 40L Image: HP Omen 40L

Are you a gamer on a budget? Don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank to get a capable gaming PC. Brands like HP, MSI, and Lenovo offer affordable prebuilt gaming PCs that provide excellent performance without sacrificing your budget. These budget-friendly options come equipped with up-to-date CPUs, powerful graphics cards, and comprehensive storage options. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cheap gaming PCs on the market.

HP Omen 40L: The Best Cheap Gaming PC Overall

HP Omen 40L Image: HP Omen 40L

If you’re looking for the best cheap gaming PC overall, the HP Omen 40L is an excellent choice. This PC offers a vast number of upgrade options, multiple ports, and four drive bays. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. With its four RAM slots, four drive bays, and three M.2 SSD slots, you have plenty of room for future upgrades as your needs change. The HP Omen 40L also boasts RGB lighting that can be customized to match your style or other RGB peripherals. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for ultra-fast wireless internet speeds and has 10 USB ports for connecting various peripherals. The only downsides are the lack of Thunderbolt support and a microSD card reader.

HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop: Best Cheap AMD Gaming PC

HP Pavilion Image: HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop

For AMD loyalists, the HP Pavilion gaming desktop is a fantastic and affordable option. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU, AMD Radeon RX 5500 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This PC allows you to play almost any game on the market and comes bundled with a basic keyboard and mouse. It supports Bluetooth connectivity and offers multiple USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, and a microSD card reader. With its HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, you can connect up to three displays for an immersive gaming experience.

MSI Aegis R: Best Cheap Intel Gaming PC

MSI Aegis R Image: MSI Aegis R

If you prefer Intel-based gaming PCs, the MSI Aegis R is a solid choice. It features a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 500GB SSD. The Aegis R supports up to 128GB of RAM and offers four storage drive bays and two M.2 slots for future upgrades. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast and stable wireless connections. With its RTX 3050 GPU, you can connect up to four monitors for the ultimate gaming and multitasking setup. The tower case provides ample USB ports for peripherals and charging mobile devices.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8: Best Gaming PC Under $1500

Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 Image: Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8

If you have a budget of around $1500, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 is an excellent gaming PC option. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This PC offers an upgradeable design with extra RAM slots and dual storage drives. It retails for just over $1000, making it a great choice for those with a flexible budget. The Legion Tower 5 also features customizable RGB lighting to showcase your personal style.

HP Victus Desktop: Best Gaming PC Under $800

HP Victus Desktop Image: HP Victus Desktop

For gamers on a tight budget, the HP Victus desktop is an excellent option. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU, AMD Radeon RX 6400 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Despite its affordable price, the HP Victus offers expandable RAM and storage options, allowing you to upgrade as needed. It’s a great choice for playing both new and old games. The only drawback is its somewhat limited power supply, which may require an upgrade if you add more components.

Comparison Overview: Which Budget Gaming PC is Right for You?

Cheap Gaming PC Price CPU GPU
HP Omen 40L $1300 AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
HP Pavilion $722 AMD Ryzen 5 5600G AMD Radeon RX 5500
MSI Aegis R $1200 Intel Core i5-12400F Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 $1015 AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
HP Victus Tower $730 AMD Ryzen 5 5600G AMD Radeon RX 6400

Once you’ve determined your budget, consider the storage space, RAM, GPU power, and connectivity options of each gaming PC. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

How Did We Choose These Budget Gaming PCs?

When selecting these budget gaming PCs, we considered several factors beyond the price tag. We focused on CPUs released within the last five years, GPUs that offer excellent performance for the price, and sufficient connectivity options. We also prioritized PCs with upgradeable components, allowing for future enhancements without breaking the bank.

Is It Better to Buy or Build a Gaming PC?

While prebuilt gaming PCs offer convenience, building your own PC can save you money. By taking advantage of sales and deals on components, you can get the best parts for the cheapest prices. However, building a PC requires time and effort. Consider your comfort level and available time before deciding whether to buy or build.

Is a Laptop Cheaper Than a Gaming PC?

Generally, gaming laptops are more expensive than PC towers. Laptops use powerful processors and graphics cards, along with premium features like OLED and 4K touchscreens, which contribute to their higher cost. While there are budget gaming laptops available, they are still comparable in price to traditional PC towers.

What Is a Good Budget for a Gaming PC?

Even before the chip shortages, decent prebuilt gaming PCs cost at least $1000. With rising component costs, it’s advisable to budget around $1200 for a gaming PC that meets your needs. This ensures you have enough power and storage for a satisfying gaming experience.

How Much RAM Do I Need for Gaming?

The amount of RAM you need depends on your gaming requirements. While 8GB of RAM is sufficient for many games, 16GB is ideal for handling demanding titles and programs. Higher RAM configurations, such as 32GB or more, are best suited for creative professionals working with 3D art and animation.

Do I Need a Dedicated GPU to Play PC Games?

Yes, a dedicated GPU is necessary for playing PC games. While some CPUs have integrated graphics, they are best suited for casual use. To run popular game titles smoothly, you’ll need a dedicated GPU. Older cards like the GTX 1650 or Radeon RX 5500 can still provide excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank.

Are There Alternative Cheap Gaming PCs Worth Considering?

Yes, there are other budget-friendly prebuilt gaming PCs available from various brands. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider these options:

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In conclusion, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy gaming. These affordable gaming PCs offer excellent performance, upgrade options, and connectivity features. Choose the one that fits your budget and gaming needs, and get ready for an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank.