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10 Best Cheap Gaming Pc 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

msi Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop: AMD R7-8700F, GeForce RTX 4070, 32GB DDR5, 2TB m.2 NVMe SSD, USB Type-C, VR-Ready, Windows 11 Home : A8NUE-274US

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Processor (CPU)
Cooling System
Case

Most important from
225 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Processing performance is good all around; no issues after several months of daily use.
Cooling System
LED fans are decent and not very loud.
Case
Set up and ready to plug in and start playing right away, with fun bonus lights and colors from the case.

The MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop is a compelling choice for those looking for a reasonably priced gaming PC without compromising performance. Featuring the AMD Ryzen R7-8700F processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, this setup ensures smooth gameplay, even on demanding titles. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB m.2 NVMe SSD provide plenty of speed and storage for gaming and everyday use, making it a versatile option for both gamers and general users alike.

Additionally, the system's cooling is managed with an ARGB fan air cooler and four other system fans, helping to maintain optimal performance during extended gaming sessions. The built-in RGB lighting adds an extra layer of customization for those who enjoy aesthetic enhancements to their setup.

However, there are a few things to note. While the processor and graphics card are powerful, the system could benefit from an upgradeable PSU for future-proofing. The case design is simplistic, which might not appeal to users looking for a more high-end aesthetic. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MSI Codex Z2 offers great value, especially for gamers on a budget who want to enjoy current games without lag or performance issues. With Windows 11 Home pre-installed, users can expect a modern and user-friendly operating system right out of the box.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Processor (CPU)
Cooling System
Case

Most important from
225 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Processing performance is good all around; no issues after several months of daily use.
Cooling System
LED fans are decent and not very loud.
Case
Set up and ready to plug in and start playing right away, with fun bonus lights and colors from the case.
#2

Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop ACT1250 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285 Processor, Liquid Cooled, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 1000W Platinum Rated PSU, Windows 11 Home - Clear Panel

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Cooling System

Most important from
239 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Runs very smooth, cool, and quiet, delivering great performance even with premium games.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
An occasional buzzing sound from the power cable can be noticed when power usage fluctuates.
Cooling System
Performance is amazing and the system stays cool even after hours of gameplay.

The Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop ACT1250 is a powerful gaming PC packed with top-tier components. It has an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, making it excellent for running the latest games smoothly and even handling creative work like video editing. With 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, it provides plenty of memory and quick storage access, so games and applications load quickly. The 1000W platinum-rated power supply ensures stable energy for demanding sessions, while the optional 240mm liquid cooling system helps keep temperatures low, which is great for longer gaming marathons.

The case has a modern look with customizable lighting, appealing to gamers who like stylish setups. Alienware Command Center software adds easy control over performance and lighting effects. This PC is quite expensive and doesn’t align with the usual idea of a “cheap” gaming PC. It’s also relatively large and heavy, which might limit portability.

If you want a high-performance desktop that can handle any game and multitasking with ease, this machine is a solid choice. For those with budget constraints or a need for a more compact system, this might be more than necessary.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Cooling System

Most important from
239 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Runs very smooth, cool, and quiet, delivering great performance even with premium games.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
An occasional buzzing sound from the power cable can be noticed when power usage fluctuates.
Cooling System
Performance is amazing and the system stays cool even after hours of gameplay.
#3

CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 7 8700F 4.1GHz, GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, WiFi Ready & Windows 11 Home (GMA2900A2)

Rating
8.5
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM (Memory)

Most important from
1353 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The combination of a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti graphics card makes this PC capable of running demanding games smoothly for years to come.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The combination of a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti graphics card makes this PC capable of running demanding games smoothly for years to come.
RAM (Memory)
The 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD provide quick load times and responsive multitasking, elevating overall system responsiveness.
Storage
The 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD provide quick load times and responsive multitasking, elevating overall system responsiveness.
Cooling System
Cooling is highly effective and whisper quiet, even under load, far surpassing the noise levels of older laptops and their cooling setups.
Case
The build quality feels solid and durable, with a rugged metal and plexiglass case that showcases the components beautifully.

The CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming PC offers a strong setup for a budget-conscious gamer. Its AMD Ryzen 7 8700F processor with 8 cores running at 4.1 GHz provides solid performance for gaming and multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics card with 8GB of dedicated memory supports modern games at good settings, including 4K resolution, which is impressive for this price range.

With 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM at 6000MHz and a spacious 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, the PC ensures quick game loading times and smooth overall responsiveness. The AMD B850 chipset motherboard supports these components well. The case includes a tempered glass side panel and customizable RGB lighting, adding a nice visual touch for gamers. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring multiple USB ports, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for versatile monitor setups.

It also comes with Windows 11 Home preinstalled and includes a keyboard and mouse, making it ready to use out of the box. This model suits gamers who want good performance and modern features without spending a lot, but who don't require extreme customization or ultra-high-end components.

Rating
8.5
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM (Memory)

Most important from
1353 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The combination of a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti graphics card makes this PC capable of running demanding games smoothly for years to come.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The combination of a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti graphics card makes this PC capable of running demanding games smoothly for years to come.
RAM (Memory)
The 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD provide quick load times and responsive multitasking, elevating overall system responsiveness.
Storage
The 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD provide quick load times and responsive multitasking, elevating overall system responsiveness.
Cooling System
Cooling is highly effective and whisper quiet, even under load, far surpassing the noise levels of older laptops and their cooling setups.
Case
The build quality feels solid and durable, with a rugged metal and plexiglass case that showcases the components beautifully.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Gaming Pc

Choosing the right gaming PC can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a budget. The key is to balance performance with cost, ensuring you get the best value for your money. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications that affect gaming performance. Here’s a breakdown of the most important specs to consider and how to choose the right ones for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The CPU is the brain of your computer and is crucial for overall performance. For gaming, a multi-core processor with a high clock speed is important. CPUs are often divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level CPUs are suitable for less demanding games and basic tasks. Mid-range CPUs offer a good balance for most modern games, while high-end CPUs are for those who want the best performance for the latest and most demanding titles. If you play games that are CPU-intensive or plan to stream, a mid-range to high-end CPU is recommended.
Graphics Card (GPU)The GPU is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations, making it one of the most critical components for gaming. GPUs are categorized into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level GPUs can handle older or less demanding games at lower settings. Mid-range GPUs are suitable for most modern games at medium to high settings. High-end GPUs are for those who want to play the latest games at the highest settings with smooth performance. Choose a GPU based on the types of games you play and the resolution you want to play at.
RAM (Memory)RAM is where your computer stores data that it needs to access quickly. For gaming, having enough RAM is essential for smooth performance. Most gaming PCs should have at least 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for many games. However, 16GB is becoming the standard for modern gaming, providing better performance and future-proofing. If you multitask or use memory-intensive applications alongside gaming, consider opting for 16GB or more.
StorageStorage affects how much data you can store and how quickly your system can access it. There are two main types: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage space, but are slower. SSDs are faster, which means quicker load times for games and the operating system, but they are more expensive per gigabyte. A common setup is to use a smaller SSD for the operating system and frequently played games, and a larger HDD for additional storage. Choose based on your storage needs and budget.
MotherboardThe motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all components of your PC. It determines what hardware you can use and how much you can upgrade in the future. When choosing a motherboard, ensure it is compatible with your CPU and has enough slots for RAM, GPUs, and other peripherals. Consider future-proofing by selecting a motherboard that supports the latest standards and has room for expansion.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)The PSU provides power to all the components in your PC. It’s important to choose a reliable PSU with enough wattage to support your system, especially if you plan to upgrade components in the future. PSUs are rated by their wattage and efficiency. A higher wattage PSU can support more powerful components, while higher efficiency ratings (like 80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold) mean better energy use and reliability. Calculate the total power consumption of your components and choose a PSU that provides a bit more than that.
Cooling SystemGaming PCs generate a lot of heat, so a good cooling system is essential to maintain performance and longevity. There are air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers are generally cheaper and easier to install, suitable for most users. Liquid coolers offer better cooling performance and are quieter but are more expensive and complex to install. Choose based on your performance needs and whether you plan to overclock your CPU or GPU.
CaseThe case houses all your components and affects airflow and cooling. Cases come in various sizes: Full Tower, Mid Tower, and Mini Tower. Full Towers offer the most space and are good for high-end builds with multiple GPUs and extensive cooling systems. Mid Towers are the most common and offer a good balance of space and size. Mini Towers are compact and suitable for smaller builds but may have limited space for upgrades. Choose a case that fits your components and has good airflow to keep everything cool.

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