Is a Budget Gaming PC Right for You?
Before we dive into the best budget prebuilt gaming PCs, let’s look at what makes these units cost less than some of our higher-end systems.
Computers are made of multiple parts that each serve a different function. For example, the CPU, or the PC’s ‘brain’, runs applications and processes instructions, which is crucial not just for games but for any kind of software. On the other hand, the GPU is responsible for visualising said software by rendering graphics, affecting the resolution, frame rate, and fidelity.
Another important thing to keep in mind is random access memory, or RAM. Think of it like the computer’s short-term memory, storing data currently in use by the GPU and CPU, which is reset when the computer is rebooted. Less demanding games such as Minecraft, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto V can run comfortably with 8GB of RAM, while more intensive titles like Star Citizen, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are recommended for systems with 32GB of RAM due to more complex environments and graphics.
The final thing to consider is storage space. This is essentially the computer’s long-term memory, and determines just how much data and how many programmes can be stored on the computer. If you plan on downloading multiple games onto your computer at once, look for a system with higher storage, or you could increase the storage amount with an external hard drive.
Higher-end gaming PCs containing premium components can run more complex games with higher graphical fidelity and advanced effects such as ray tracing. Put simply, if you’re looking to play the latest and greatest blockbusters at max performance, you may want to invest in a more advanced system. But for the best gaming PCs on a budget that are still capable of running the majority of popular titles, read on:
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| £339.99 - AMD Radeon Vega 7 graphics card
- 8 core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU
- 16GB of DDR4 RAM
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As one of our most popular systems, this is one of the best budget gaming PCs and an excellent entry point to the world of PC gaming. The AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics card and Ryzen 5 5600G processor make it ideal for popular multiplayer games, including Minecraft, Fortnite, and Valorant. It also comes with 2x8GB sticks of RAM, allowing for faster data transfer speed and increased responsiveness compared to a single channel.
Pros | Cons |
- One of our cheapest and best-selling gaming PCs
- Greater cooling with 4 fans
- Dual-channel RAM for higher performance
| - May struggle with more demanding or recent games at higher settings
- Doesn’t include a dedicated GPU
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| £359.99 - AMD Radeon Vega 7 graphics card
- 8 core AMD Ryzen 7 5700G CPU
- 16GB of DDR4 RAM
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If you’re looking for something a little more powerful that still won’t break the bank, this might be the system for you. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G processor and AMD Radeon VEGA 8 graphics card give it greater performance than the previous PC when playing more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 at lower settings, and it also offers dual-channel RAM in the form of 2x8GB.
Pros | Cons |
- Greater cooling with 4 fans
- Upgrade-ready PSU
- Dual-channel RAM for higher performance
| - Slightly more powerful than the previous system, but still not suited for AAA games
- 4 fans may be louder due to higher specs
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| £369.99 - AMD Radeon Vega 7 graphics card
- 6 core AMD Ryzen 7 5700G CPU
- 16GB of DDR4 RAM
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Offering similar specs to the previous model, this system is housed in a more premium case. Its fan configuration means it is quieter and energy efficient when operating, while still offering great airflow and cooling for the internal components.
Pros | Cons |
- Smaller and more space-efficient
case - Upgrade-ready PSU
- Quieter 3-fan cooling setup
| - 3 fans compared to the previous systems, both having 4, so it may run hotter
- Single-channel RAM is less efficient than dual-channel RAM
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