In the realm of gaming, finding the perfect rig that balances performance and affordability can be a challenge. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank for a powerful gaming desktop. Some brands have unveiled budget-friendly prebuilt PCs that deliver impressive CPUs, top-notch graphics, and ample storage options. These machines even come with SSD storage for lightning-fast boot times. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, there’s a budget-friendly gaming PC out there to meet your needs. Join us as we explore the best options that combine performance, budget, and gaming prowess.
1. HP Omen 25L – Best Budget Gaming PC Overall
The HP Omen 25L emerges as the best overall budget gaming desktop, especially for those focused on 1080p gaming. Its robust configuration, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 5700G, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, and a 512GB SSD with an additional 1TB HDD, delivers solid performance. The sleek, all-white design with RGB accents and easy tool-less access to components make it an attractive choice.
However, quality control issues have been reported, potentially affecting individual units. The port selection is satisfactory, but not exceptional. Customization options allow users to choose between AMD and Intel processors as well as AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.
While excelling in 1080p gaming, the Omen 25L may face limitations in 4K gaming. Some users have reported performance hiccups, potentially linked to graphics card or power supply issues. Despite these considerations, its reasonable pricing and solid performance make it a top contender in the budget gaming desktop arena, earning it an impressive 4/5 rating.
2. Skytech Shadow – Best Budget Gaming PC for Beginners
The Skytech Shadow 3.0 Gaming PC stands out as an exceptional budget option for both beginners and seasoned gamers alike. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability.
Key features include customizable RGB lighting, built-in WiFi, Windows 10 without bloatware, ample USB ports, and a basic keyboard/mouse combo. The RGB lighting adds a touch of personalization, and the included WiFi ensures a decent wireless connection.
Under the hood, it boasts a powerful combination of a Ryzen 3700X CPU and an RTX 3060 Ti 8GB graphics card, making it a stellar performer in its price range. The 3060 Ti excels in delivering high FPS even in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, offering an excellent gaming experience at 1080p and even 1440p.
While the 3700X version shines with its liquid cooler, other variants provide substantial gaming performance as well. For those seeking a budget-friendly gaming desktop with ample room for future upgrades, the Skytech Shadow 3.0 proves to be an excellent choice, offering a well-rounded package of power and affordability.
3. Asus ROG Strix GL 10CS – Best AMD and Nvidia combo
The Asus ROG Strix GL 10CS is a feature-rich gaming desktop that combines the power of an Intel Core i7-9700K processor with a formidable 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card. Designed for enthusiasts, this full tower CPU boasts a striking LED streak on the front, exuding a premium look. The compact metal build, weighing 8kg, incorporates an iron-gray finish and measures 18cm x 43cm x 42.8cm, ensuring it fits seamlessly on or under a desk.
The GL 10CS excels in multitasking, thanks to its 8GB DDR4 RAM and M.2 PCIe 256GB SSD for swift boot times. The desktop’s Intel 802.11ac Wave 2 Gigabit Wi-Fi ensures blazing-fast data transfer speeds. While it shines in mainstream gaming and content creation, overclocking enthusiasts may find it limiting. Overall, it offers exceptional value for an entry-level gaming PC, especially for those seeking an all-in-one entertainment hub.
4. HP Victus 15L – Best Compact Budget Gaming PC
The HP Victus 15L stands out as an excellent compact budget desktop gaming PC, catering to both budget-conscious gamers and those with limited space. It strikes a balance, delivering commendable gaming performance at a 1080p resolution, making it ideal for the cost-conscious enthusiast. Its form factor is compact, measuring 6.1 x 11.71 x 13.27 inches, making it suitable for cramped spaces like dorm rooms.
One notable feature is the abundance of front-facing ports, a rare convenience in most gaming PCs. However, it’s worth noting that the PC has a tendency to overheat under heavy load, potentially affecting performance. This issue necessitates vigilance during extended gaming sessions. The base configuration, starting at $779.99 in the US, offers a reasonable entry point, but for those seeking more power, the kitted-out model with an Intel Core i7, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD / 1TB HDD combo comes in at $1,399.99, providing excellent value for budget-minded gamers.
5. Skytech Archangel – Best for 1080p gaming
The Skytech Archangel is a budget gaming powerhouse tailored for seamless 1080p gaming optimization. Driven by an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core processor, clocked at 3.6 GHz (with a max boost of 4.2 GHz), it promises snappy performance. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB graphics card ensures sharp visuals. Equipped with 8GB DDR4 gaming memory, this rig handles multitasking effortlessly.
Housed in a Thermaltake H200 TG RGB case in a striking snow-white hue, it exudes a sleek aesthetic. The Wraith Stealth Cooler and built-in fans maintain optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions. With a 500GB SSD, it provides ample storage and swift load times.
However, with only 8GB of RAM, memory-intensive tasks may pose a challenge. Additionally, the Nvidia GTX 1650, while competent for 1080p gaming, may struggle with more demanding titles at higher settings. Nevertheless, with a lifetime of technical support and a standard 1-year warranty, the Skytech Archangel offers an impressive gaming experience at an affordable price point.
In Conclusion…
In the world of gaming, a limited budget no longer means compromising on performance. Affordable prebuilt gaming PCs now offer a blend of cutting-edge CPUs, powerful graphics, and robust storage solutions. With features like SSDs for swift startups and upgradable components, these machines provide excellent value. So, whether you’re diving into demanding AAA titles or enjoying indie classics, there’s a budget-friendly gaming desktop to suit your preferences. We hope you found this guide helpful? If you did, kindly leave a comment, and don’t forget to share…