We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best cheap gaming PC build 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

iBUYPOWER Y40 PRO Black Gaming PC Desktop Computer AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti 16GB GPU, 32GB DDR5 RGB 5200MHz RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD, Windows 11 Home, Keyboard, Mouse - Y40BA9N57T01

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,146
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Storage (HDD/SSD)

Most important from
3960 reviews

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Solid 1440p gaming at ultra settings with reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity enhances overall usability.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The motherboard provides four RAM slots, making future memory upgrades straightforward and convenient.
Storage (HDD/SSD)
The PC delivers smooth, excellent gaming performance and fast boot times thanks to a high-speed NVMe SSD.
Motherboard
The motherboard provides four RAM slots, making future memory upgrades straightforward and convenient.
Case
The PC's tempered glass case has minor cosmetic imperfections but arrives in near-flawless condition overall.
Cooling System
The system runs quietly with efficient cooling, complemented by multiple fast USB 3.0 ports on front and back.

The iBUYPOWER Y40 PRO is a powerful gaming PC that stands out with its high-end AMD Ryzen 9 7900X processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti GPU. These components provide plenty of speed and graphics power, capable of running most modern games smoothly and handling demanding tasks. It comes with 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM, which is more than enough for gaming and multitasking, and a spacious 2TB NVMe SSD that loads games and software quickly.

The case features tempered glass and colorful RGB lighting, adding a stylish gamer look, and it includes a free gaming keyboard and mouse, which is a nice bonus. Connectivity options are solid with multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi. This PC is heavier and larger than typical budget builds, which could be a factor if space or portability matters to you. Also, its price point is higher than entry-level gaming setups, so it’s best suited for gamers wanting strong performance without going fully custom or enthusiast-level.

This PC is a great pick for gamers looking for a ready-to-use system with very capable specs, but it comes with a bit of a premium and may be more than what a casual or very budget-conscious gamer needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,146
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Storage (HDD/SSD)

Most important from
3960 reviews

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Solid 1440p gaming at ultra settings with reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity enhances overall usability.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The motherboard provides four RAM slots, making future memory upgrades straightforward and convenient.
Storage (HDD/SSD)
The PC delivers smooth, excellent gaming performance and fast boot times thanks to a high-speed NVMe SSD.
Motherboard
The motherboard provides four RAM slots, making future memory upgrades straightforward and convenient.
Case
The PC's tempered glass case has minor cosmetic imperfections but arrives in near-flawless condition overall.
Cooling System
The system runs quietly with efficient cooling, complemented by multiple fast USB 3.0 ports on front and back.
#2

Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop ACT1250 - Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF Processor, Air Cooled, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060Ti, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 500W Platinum Rated PSU, Win 11 Home - Clear Panel

Rating
10.0
Motherboard
Cooling System

Most important from
103 reviews

Motherboard
A few users experienced rare hardware issues like motherboard malfunctions, which led to returns, but these appear to be exceptions.
Cooling System
The system maintains low noise levels even during extended play sessions, enhancing overall comfort.

The Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop ACT1250 is designed to deliver solid gaming performance with a focus on modern components. It features the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF processor running at 3.3 GHz, providing good power for gaming and multitasking without overheating thanks to air cooling, with an option for liquid cooling to keep temperatures lower during long sessions. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060Ti GPU offers ray tracing and solid graphics performance for popular games at 1080p and some 1440p settings. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5200 MHz, it has enough memory for most games and multitasking needs, helping keep gameplay smooth and responsive.

Storage comes as a 1TB SSD, providing fast loading times and ample space for many games and applications, which helps reduce wait times compared to traditional hard drives. The 500W platinum-rated power supply is efficient and sufficient for this setup, meaning it should run quietly and reliably. The case sports a sleek matte black design with customizable lighting, which gamers often appreciate for aesthetic appeal. It also has good airflow, aided by the option of a 240mm liquid cooler.

While the specs are strong, this Alienware is not the cheapest option available and might be slightly over budget for a strict “cheap gaming PC” category. The 500W PSU, while efficient, limits future upgrades to more power-hungry GPUs. Also, while 16GB RAM is enough today, it could be a limiting factor for very demanding games in the future without an easy upgrade path mentioned. The pre-installed Windows 11 Home and Alienware’s software add convenience but also add to the price. This PC suits gamers seeking a ready-to-go system with good graphics and processing power, stylish design, and decent cooling without building their own. If budget is the primary concern, there might be cheaper builds with less brand prestige, but this Alienware strikes a balance between performance and aesthetics for mid-level gaming.

Rating
10.0
Motherboard
Cooling System

Most important from
103 reviews

Motherboard
A few users experienced rare hardware issues like motherboard malfunctions, which led to returns, but these appear to be exceptions.
Cooling System
The system maintains low noise levels even during extended play sessions, enhancing overall comfort.
#3

Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop, NVIDIA RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7, Intel Ultra 9 285K, Wi-Fi 7, 64 GB DDR5, 8 TB SSD, 2 TB HDD, AlienFX Liquid Cooling, Windows 11 Pro, w/Accessories

Rating
8.8
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Storage (HDD/SSD)

Most important from
3092 reviews

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
While not designed for gaming or heavy graphics, the i5 processor and 16GB RAM provide solid performance for most business and multimedia needs.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
While not designed for gaming or heavy graphics, the i5 processor and 16GB RAM provide solid performance for most business and multimedia needs.
Storage (HDD/SSD)
The system runs smoothly and quickly for work-from-home tasks, with fast SSD boot times and enough memory to handle multiple applications simultaneously.
Motherboard
A well-thought-out layout of ports, including VGA, dual DisplayPort, USB 2.0 and 3.0, plus an old-school serial DB9 port, supports diverse peripheral setups and legacy hardware.
Case
Despite being a budget or refurbished PC, it delivers a nearly silent operation and a compact footprint that fits well in limited spaces without feeling cramped.
Cooling System
Despite being a budget or refurbished PC, it delivers a nearly silent operation and a compact footprint that fits well in limited spaces without feeling cramped.

The Alienware Aurora R16 is a high-end gaming desktop packed with powerful specs that go far beyond what you'd expect from a budget gaming PC. It features a top-tier Intel Ultra 9 285K processor with 24 cores and speeds up to 5.7GHz, which means it can easily handle demanding games, multitasking, and streaming without breaking a sweat. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card with 16GB of fast GDDR7 memory delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, including advanced features like ray tracing for realistic lighting effects. With 64GB of DDR5 RAM, this PC ensures quick responsiveness and can run many applications at once without slowing down. Storage is massive, combining an 8TB SSD and 2TB HDD, allowing tons of space for games, files, and multimedia.

Its cooling system uses liquid cooling and smart airflow to keep temperatures low and noise quiet, which is great for long gaming sessions. The 1000W Platinum power supply means it’s energy-efficient and ready for future upgrades. The desktop is quite large and heavy, making it less portable, and it comes at a premium price that might not fit a true "cheap" gaming build. It provides more power than casual gamers typically need, so it might be overkill for those on a tight budget or just starting out with gaming.

This Alienware model is ideal for users seeking an extremely powerful and future-proof system and who are willing to invest in a high-end gaming PC. For those looking for a simple, affordable gaming PC, there are more budget-friendly options better suited to that purpose.

Rating
8.8
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Storage (HDD/SSD)

Most important from
3092 reviews

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
While not designed for gaming or heavy graphics, the i5 processor and 16GB RAM provide solid performance for most business and multimedia needs.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
While not designed for gaming or heavy graphics, the i5 processor and 16GB RAM provide solid performance for most business and multimedia needs.
Storage (HDD/SSD)
The system runs smoothly and quickly for work-from-home tasks, with fast SSD boot times and enough memory to handle multiple applications simultaneously.
Motherboard
A well-thought-out layout of ports, including VGA, dual DisplayPort, USB 2.0 and 3.0, plus an old-school serial DB9 port, supports diverse peripheral setups and legacy hardware.
Case
Despite being a budget or refurbished PC, it delivers a nearly silent operation and a compact footprint that fits well in limited spaces without feeling cramped.
Cooling System
Despite being a budget or refurbished PC, it delivers a nearly silent operation and a compact footprint that fits well in limited spaces without feeling cramped.

Buying Guide for the Best cheap gaming PC build

Building a gaming PC can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially if you're looking to get the best performance for your money. The key to a successful build is understanding the components and how they work together to deliver the gaming experience you desire. Here are the key specifications you should consider when building a budget gaming PC, along with explanations to help you make informed decisions.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)The CPU is the brain of your computer, responsible for executing instructions and processing data. For gaming, a CPU with a higher clock speed and multiple cores can handle more tasks simultaneously, leading to smoother gameplay. Entry-level CPUs with 4-6 cores are generally sufficient for most games, while mid-range CPUs with 6-8 cores offer better performance for more demanding titles. Choose a CPU that matches the performance requirements of the games you plan to play.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)The GPU is crucial for rendering images, videos, and animations in games. It determines the quality of graphics and the frame rate you can achieve. Budget GPUs can handle most games at lower settings, while mid-range GPUs offer better performance at higher settings. Consider the resolution and graphical settings you want to play at; for 1080p gaming, a budget to mid-range GPU should suffice, but for higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, you'll need a more powerful GPU.
RAM (Random Access Memory)RAM is the short-term memory of your computer, allowing it to quickly access data needed for running applications and games. For gaming, 8GB of RAM is the minimum requirement, but 16GB is recommended for better performance and future-proofing. More RAM allows for smoother multitasking and can improve load times in games. Choose the amount of RAM based on the games you play and whether you plan to run other applications simultaneously.
Storage (HDD/SSD)Storage determines how much data you can store on your computer, including games, applications, and files. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) offer more storage at a lower cost but are slower, while SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and improve load times but are more expensive. A combination of a smaller SSD for your operating system and frequently played games, along with a larger HDD for additional storage, is a good balance for a budget build.
MotherboardThe motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the components of your PC. It determines the compatibility and expandability of your system. When choosing a motherboard, ensure it supports your CPU socket type, has enough RAM slots, and offers the necessary ports and connectivity options. Budget motherboards may have fewer features, but they should still provide the essential connections and support for your components.
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 build. A PSU with a higher wattage rating ensures that your system has enough power, even during peak usage. For a budget gaming PC, a 450-600W PSU is typically sufficient. Look for a PSU with good efficiency ratings (80 Plus certification) to ensure stable and efficient power delivery.
CaseThe case houses all your components and provides airflow to keep them cool. When choosing a case, consider the size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) based on your motherboard and the space available for your build. Ensure the case has good ventilation, enough space for your components, and room for future upgrades. A well-ventilated case helps maintain optimal temperatures, which is crucial for the longevity and performance of your gaming PC.
Cooling SystemCooling is essential to prevent your components from overheating, which can lead to performance issues or damage. Budget builds can often rely on stock coolers that come with the CPU, but additional case fans or aftermarket coolers can improve airflow and cooling efficiency. Consider the thermal requirements of your components and the airflow design of your case when planning your cooling solution.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now