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If you’re looking to game on a limited budget look no further than the best cheap gaming PCs.
For a long time, looking for a cheap gaming PC was a bit like looking for a vegetarian lion, it just wasn’t really their thing. This shouldn’t be surprising either, remember that any of the best gaming PCs also have to pack in the best GPU and the best CPU for gaming, as well as a case, PSU and everything else required.
However, as gaming technology has advanced to such a high level, even the slightly older or less premium tech can pack a huge amount of power, giving you the chance to scoop up some pretty powerful PCs on the cheap.
We’ve got a range of affordable gaming PCs on this list, each one in a different category to make your search simpler. Have a think about your budget and see which one is best for you. You can get a more powerful device the more you spend but even our most budget-friendly option packs a good amount of gaming power under the hood. Let’s get into our picks.
The best cheap gaming PCs in 2024
1. Skytech Nebula – Best overall budget gaming PC
Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC
GPU
NVIDIA RTX 4060
CPU
Intel Core i5 13400F
RAM
16GB DDR4
Internal storage
1TB NVME SSD
- Lovelace architecture
- Great price for performance
- Lots of connectivity options
- A bit bulky
The Skytech Nebula takes our top spot for the best budget gaming PC because of its incredible price to performance ratio. The Nebula comes in sizzling hot with a Nvidia RTX 4060 and an Intel Core i5 134000F, meaning it can handle all the best AAA titles.
This powerful gaming PC comes jam packed with everything you need. Despite an affordable price tag, it doesn’t limit the PC to low budget features. Instead, it comes with extensive connectivity options with an HDMI, USB ports (2.0 and 3.0), 3.2 Gen1 ports, and HD Audio and Mic.
Additionally, you’ve got 4RGB Fans to ensure maximum airflow and no overheating. The 16GB DDR4 RAM is enhanced with a heat spreader. If heating regulation is a priority then we’d recommend checking out the best CPU coolers.
2. Skytech Azure – Best budget gaming PC
Skytech Gaming Azure Gaming PC
GPU
NVIDIA GTX 1650
CPU
Intel Core i3 10105F
RAM
16GB DDR4
Internal storage
500GB NVME SSD
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- Effective cooling system
- Future proof
- Storage could be larger
The Skytech Gaming Azure is a gentle beast of a PC. Once again, this PC is a reminder that low price tags don’t equate to low quality. Whilst spending more will no doubt upgrade your PC, if you are a casual gamer or do not want to break the bank, the Azure PC is a brilliant choice.
With a respectable combination of a Nvidia GTX 1650 and an Intel Core i3 10105F, the Azure is more than capable of handling all your favourite AAA titles in full HD resolution at 60+ FPS gameplay.
In terms of heat regulation, the Azure PC has 3 RGB RING fans to ensure maximum air flow and an effective cooling system. The PC comes with a 500GB NVMe SSD which is impressively faster than a standard hard disk. However, for more avid gamers or those who need a lot of storage 500GB isn’t ideal. No fear though, with the money saved on this PC, why not take a look at best SSD for gaming PC?
CyberPowerPC
GPU
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
RAM
16GB
Internal storage
1TB SSD
- Lots of storage
- Supports 4K gaming
- Great connectivity
- More expensive
Whilst the CyberPowerPC might be on the pricier side, it can still be recognised as one of the best gaming PCs under $1000. The PC boasts an ultra-speedy AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor and a powerful AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card. The CyberPowerPC can quickly render high-quality images from any AAA title, as well as supporting ultra-resolution gaming in 4K.
Storage wise, the CyberPowerPC offers 1TB PCle NVME SSD, which delivers up to ten times faster performance than a standard hard drive. To ensure you don’t run out, the PC also comes with an additional 1TB HDD.
The CyberPowerPC also allows you to personalise your equipment with RGB case lighting. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any connectivity issues as it comes with 8 USB ports.
Best cheap gaming PC – FAQS
If you’ve been left with some questions about cheap gaming PCs, then fear not, you are not alone. As with any piece of tech, there is a tonne of jargon and technical knowledge you need to get your head around. We’ve answered some of the questions we see coming up most often here.
Are cheap gaming PCs worth it?
Yes, if you go for the right one. Simply put, a cheap gaming PC is never going to be as powerful as a premium one, but it is very possible to get a cheap gaming PC that will still fulfil your gaming needs, just don’t expect it to flawlessly run 4K graphics or superfast frame rates.
What is a reasonable budget for a gaming PC?
Because there is such a variety in prices, power and uses there is not really one single budget for a gaming PC, it all depends on your wants. If you simply want to be able to play the latest games at 1080p without lagging, a budget of around $800-$1000 should serve you well.
Does a gaming PC cost a lot to run?
A gaming PC can consume a lot of electricity which will increase your bill. However, the exact amount they cost to run depends on the specifics of your PC as well as when and for what you use it for.
