If you’re looking to get into PC gaming without spending a fortune, you’re probably asking what is the best and cheapest gaming pc. The good news is that building or buying a powerful rig for less money is totally possible today. You just need to know where to look and what parts give you the most value.
This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover pre-built options, building your own, and the key components that matter most. Our goal is to help you get the best performance for your budget, whether that’s $500 or $800.
What Is The Best And Cheapest Gaming PC
There isn’t a single perfect answer, because “best” depends on your needs. But the “best and cheapest” PC is always the one that maximizes performance per dollar. For most gamers, this means targeting 1080p resolution with high settings and smooth frame rates.
Right now, the sweet spot for a true budget gaming PC is between $600 and $800. In this range, you can get a system that handles all modern games. Going lower than $500 often means big compromises. We’ll show you how to navigate these choices.
Understanding Your Real Budget
First, be honest about your total budget. The PC itself is just one cost. You also need to consider:
- A Monitor: A 1080p 144Hz monitor is ideal for gaming.
- Keyboard and Mouse: Gaming peripherals can cost extra.
- Operating System: Windows 11 isn’t free, though there are ways to get it cheaper.
- Headset or Speakers: You’ll want to hear the game.
When we talk about a “$700 PC,” we usually mean just the tower. Keep the extra costs in mind so you don’t get surprised later. It’s better to plan for everything from the start.
Option 1: Buying a Pre-Built Gaming PC
Building your own is cheaper, but pre-builts offer convenience and warranty. For many beginners, this is the best route. Brands like HP, Dell, and specialized builders like CyberPowerPC offer good deals.
Look for sales, especially during holidays like Black Friday. The key is to check the specs carefully. Don’t just look at the flashy case or RGB lights. Focus on the processor and graphics card first.
What to Look for in a Pre-Built
- CPU (Processor): Aim for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the current or last generation.
- GPU (Graphics Card): This is most important. An NVIDIA RTX 4060 or AMD Radeon RX 7600 are great budget choices.
- RAM: 16GB is the standard. 8GB is not enough for modern gaming.
- Storage: A 500GB or 1TB NVMe SSD is essential. Avoid systems with only a hard drive.
- Power Supply: Pre-builts often use cheaper power supplies. Check reviews for the specific model.
Option 2: Building Your Own PC (The DIY Approach)
Building is more work, but you save money and get better parts. You also learn a lot about your computer. It’s like adult Legos, and there are countless tutorials online to help.
The main advantage is part selection. You control every component, ensuring quality and future upgradeability. A self-built $700 PC will often outperform a $700 pre-built.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Budget PC
- Set Your Budget: Decide on a firm number, like $750.
- Pick Your Core Components: Start with the CPU and GPU. These eat most of your budget.
- Choose a Compatible Motherboard: It needs the right socket for your CPU (like AM5 for Ryzen 7000).
- Select RAM and Storage: Get 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD.
- Find a Case and Power Supply: The case needs to fit your motherboard. Get a reliable 600-650W power supply from a good brand.
- Assemble Carefully: Follow a video guide. Take your time and ground yourself to avoid static.
- Install Windows and Drivers: Download drivers from the motherboard and GPU manufacturer’s websites.
Breaking Down the Key Components
Let’s look at each part in more detail. Knowing what each one does helps you make smart choices and prioritize your spending.
The Heart: CPU (Central Processing Unit)
For gaming, you don’t need the most expensive CPU. A mid-range chip is perfect. The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel Core i5-13400 are excellent. They offer six powerful cores, which is plenty for games and streaming.
Spending too much here means you have less money for your graphics card. That’s a common mistake. The GPU has a bigger impact on gaming performance.
The Soul: GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
This is where you should spend the most money. The GPU renders the game’s graphics. For 1080p gaming, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, RX 7600, or NVIDIA RTX 4060 are top-tier budget options.
Look at benchmarks online to see how different cards perform in the games you play. Sometimes, last-generation cards like the RTX 3060 offer amazing value if you find them on sale.
RAM (Memory)
16GB of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM is the sweetspot. Make sure you get two sticks (like 2x8GB) to run in dual-channel mode. This is faster than a single stick. Speed matters, but not as much as capacity for gaming.
Storage: SSD vs. HDD
Always use an SSD (Solid State Drive) for your main drive. It makes your whole system feel snappy and reduces game loading times to seconds. A 1TB NVMe SSD is affordable now. You can add a cheap hard drive later for extra storage if you need it.
Motherboard, Case, and Power Supply
These are support components, but they’re still important. Don’t buy the absolute cheapest motherboard. Get one with good reviews and the features you need. The case should have good airflow to keep parts cool.
The power supply (PSU) is critical. A bad one can fail and damage other parts. Stick to reputable brands like Corsair, Seasonic, or EVGA. A 600W 80+ Bronze rated unit is sufficient for most budget builds.
Sample Build: The $700 Champion
Here’s an example of what you can build for around $700. Prices fluctuate, so use this as a guideline. This build targets high settings at 1080p.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7600
- Motherboard: B550 Chipset Motherboard
- RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200
- Storage: 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Case: Mid-tower with mesh front
- Power Supply: 650W 80+ Bronze
This combination offers incredible value. The Ryzen 5 5600 is still a powerhouse, and the RX 7600 handles new games with ease. You can play almost anything you want on this system.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Finding cheap parts is key to building a cheap PC. You have to be a bit of a hunter.
- PC Part Picker: This website is essential. It checks compatibility and finds the lowest prices across many retailers.
- r/buildapcsales: A Reddit community dedicated to sharing PC part sales. It’s incredibly active and helpful.
- Open-Box Items: Stores like Micro Center often sell open-box items at a discount. These are usually perfectly fine.
- Last-Gen Parts: When a new generation launches, the old one gets cheaper. A previous-gen CPU or GPU can be a steal.
Be patient. If you watch for sales over a few weeks, you can save a hundred dollars or more on your total build cost. It’s worth the wait.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When trying to save money, it’s easy to make choices you’ll regret later. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of.
Skimping on the Power Supply
We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. A no-name power supply is a huge risk. It’s the one part that can destroy your entire system if it fails badly. Never cut corners here.
Ignoring Future Upgrades
Think about the future. If you get a motherboard with only two RAM slots, upgrading from 16GB to 32GB means replacing both sticks, not just adding two more. Choosing a case with good airflow makes adding more powerful parts later much easier.
Forgetting About Cooling
Most CPUs come with a decent stock cooler. But if you live in a hot climate or plan on gaming for long sessions, a $30 aftermarket air cooler can make a big difference in noise and temperature. It’s a small upgrade with a big impact.
Operating System and Software
You’ll need an operating system. Windows 11 is the standard for gaming. You can download and install it for free from Microsoft’s website, but you’ll need to purchase a license to activate it and remove the watermark.
Once your system is running, install your graphics drivers first. Then use a program like Ninite to install all your basic software (web browser, Discord, etc.) in one go. It saves a lot of time.
Is a Cheap Gaming PC Future-Proof?
No budget PC is truly “future-proof,” but you can make smart choices that extend its life. Spending a little more on a modern platform (like AMD’s AM5 socket) means you can drop in a new CPU in 3-4 years without changing the motherboard.
The GPU is usually the first part you’ll want to upgrade. That’s why getting a case and power supply that can handle a more powerful card later is a wise move. With careful planning, a $700 PC can easily last you 4-5 years before needing a major upgrade.
FAQ Section
What is a good cheap gaming PC for under $600?
It’s challenging but possible. You’ll likely need to use an older generation CPU like the Ryzen 5 5500 and a GPU like the Intel Arc A750 or AMD RX 6600. Look for sales and consider buying some used parts to hit this price.
Is building a PC cheaper than buying one?
Yes, almost always. Building it yourself removes the labor cost that pre-built companies charge. You also get to choose every part, which often means higher quality components for the same price.
What is the most important part for gaming PC performance?
The graphics card (GPU) is the most important component for gaming performance. It has the biggest impact on your frame rates and the visual settings you can use.
Can I use a cheap gaming PC for streaming?
Yes, but it depends on the specs. A CPU with 6 or more cores (like the Ryzen 5 series) can handle gaming and streaming simultaneously, especially if you use the GPU’s built-in encoder (like NVIDIA’s NVENC).
How much does a decent gaming PC cost?
A decent gaming PC that can play new games at 1080p with high settings starts at around $600-$700. For a more comfortable experience with better longevity, $800-$1000 is a great range.
Are prebuilt gaming PCs worth it?
They can be, especially for beginners who want a simple setup and a single warranty. You need to shop carefully and find a model that doesn’t cut too many corners on parts like the power supply and motherboard.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best and cheapest gaming PC is a balance of research, timing, and knowing your own needs. Whether you buy or build, focus your budget on the graphics card and a solid CPU. Don’t forget the supporting parts like the power supply.
The market for PC parts is always changing. New releases can make older parts more affordable. Use the resources available, like PC Part Picker and community forums, to stay informed. With a little effort, you can get a fantastic gaming machine that doesn’t break the bank and provides countless hours of entertainment. The journey to build or find it is part of the fun for many gamers.