Finding the perfect gaming PC doesn’t have to drain your savings. If you’re wondering where to buy cheap gaming pc options, you’re in the right place to start your search.
Getting a capable gaming computer on a budget is totally possible. You just need to know where to look and what to look for. This guide will walk you through the best retailers, key timing tips, and smart strategies to get the most power for your money. We’ll cover new pre-built systems, building your own, and reliable refurbished markets.
Where To Buy Cheap Gaming PC
Your main avenues for finding an affordable gaming PC break down into a few clear paths. Each has it’s own pros and cons in terms of price, performance, and effort required.
Primary Options:
* New Pre-Built PCs: Ready to play right out of the box. Best for convenience.
* Building Your Own (DIY): Often the best value for performance. Requires some research.
* Refurbished & Used PCs: Can offer high-end specs at mid-range prices. Requires careful buying.
* Outlet & Clearance Sales: New PCs from last season at a big discount.
Understanding “Cheap” in Gaming PC Terms
First, let’s set realistic expectations. “Cheap” can mean different things. A budget of $500-$800 will get you a PC that handles popular competitive games like Fortnite, Valorant, and CS:GO at good settings. For more demanding AAA titles at 1080p, you’re often looking at $800-$1200. Knowing your budget and performance goals is step one.
Best Retailers for New Pre-Built Gaming PCs
Buying a new, pre-built system is the easiest route. These companies assemble the PC, install the OS, and ensure it works before shipping. Here are the top spots to check.
Major Online Electronics Retailers
Sites like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy are fantastic starting points. They have huge selections, frequent sales, and user reviews.
* Amazon: Its sheer size means lots of competition and price drops. Always check the “Other Sellers” listing. Watch for Prime Day and holiday sales.
* Newegg: A specialist in PC components and systems. Their filtering tools are excellent for narrowing down by GPU, CPU, and price. Check their “Daily Deals” section.
* Best Buy: Great for checking local store pickup to save on shipping. Their open-box deals can offer significant savings on returned items that are certified to work.
Specialist PC Builder Websites
These companies focus solely on building PCs. They often offer more customization and better build quality than mass-market options.
* CyberPowerPC & iBUYPOWER: Two of the biggest. They run constant promotional deals, especially around holidays. You can often get free upgrades on RAM or storage.
* Skytech Gaming: Known for good value in the entry-level and mid-range segments. Their systems are commonly found on Amazon and Newegg.
* Maingear & Origin PC: More premium, but sometimes have good deals on previous-generation models.
Direct from Manufacturer Stores
Don’t forget to check Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Their gaming sub-brands—Alienware, Omen, and Legion—often have sales that make them surprisingly competitive.
* Tip: Use coupon codes. Sign up for their newsletters for a discount. Always configure a system on their site and then leave it in your cart; you might get a follow-up email with an offer.
The DIY Route: Building Your Own Cheap Gaming PC
Building your own PC is the ultimate way to control cost and performance. You pay for only the parts you want. While it seems daunting, it’s like adult Legos with tons of online guides.
Why Building Saves Money
You avoid the labor cost of assembly. You can also shop for each part individually, hunting for the best deal on every component. This often results in a more powerful system for the same cash.
Key Parts to Prioritize on a Budget
When funds are limited, allocate your budget wisely.
1. Graphics Card (GPU): The most important part for gaming. Spend a large chunk here.
2. Processor (CPU): A mid-range CPU from AMD or Intel is usually sufficient for gaming.
3. RAM: 16GB is the sweet spot. Don’t overspend on super-fast RAM; capacity is king.
4. Storage: A 500GB or 1TB NVMe SSD is essential for fast load times. You can add a hard drive later for extra space.
5. Power Supply (PSU): Don’t cheap out here. A reliable 80+ Bronze unit from a reputable brand is crucial for system stability.
6. Case & Motherboard: Choose affordable, well-reviewed options that fit your parts.
Where to Buy PC Parts Cheaply
* PCPartPicker.com: This is your best friend. It tracks prices across all major retailers, helps with compatibility, and shows price history graphs.
* Micro Center: If you live near one, it’s paradise. They have incredible in-store only CPU/motherboard bundles that save $100+.
* r/buildapcsales: A Reddit community dedicated to sharing PC part deals. Check it daily.
Finding Great Deals on Refurbished and Used Gaming PCs
Buying used is a fantastic way to get more horsepower per dollar. You’re buying hardware that’s maybe one or two generations old but still very capable.
Trusted Refurbished Sellers
* Manufacturer Refurbished: Dell Outlet, HP Renewed, etc. These come with a warranty, often 1 year. They are tested and certified.
* Amazon Renewed: Items are inspected and guaranteed to work. Look for Premium or Excellent condition ratings.
* Newegg Refurbished: Similar to Amazon, with different condition grades. Read the description carefully.
Navigating the Used Market Safely
For direct used purchases, platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and OfferUp are key.
* Ask for detailed photos and benchmarks. A screenshot of a program like UserBenchmark or CPU-Z can prove the system works.
* Test before you buy, if possible. See it boot up and run a game.
* On eBay, check seller ratings. Buy from sellers with high positive feedback. eBay’s money-back guarantee offers protection.
* Look for “upgrading, selling old PC” posts. These often come from enthusiasts who took care of their gear.
Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Savings
When you buy can be just as important as where you buy.
Major Sales Events
* Black Friday / Cyber Monday: The biggest sales of the year for pre-built PCs.
* Prime Day: Amazon’s summer sale event, with great deals across many brands.
* Back-to-School Sales (August-September): Often good discounts on electronics.
* End-of-Financial-Quarter (Late March, June, September, December): Retailers sometimes discount to meet sales targets.
Product Cycle Timing
When new generations of GPUs or CPUs are released, the previous generation often gets price cuts. Shopping for a “last-gen” system can yield awesome value.
Red Flags to Avoid When Buying a Cheap Gaming PC
A deal that seems to good to be true usually is. Watch out for these warning signs.
* No Named Brands for Critical Parts: If it says “GPU: 8GB Dedicated” but doesn’t name the brand (NVIDIA or AMD), it’s likely very old or weak.
* Unbalanced Specs: A powerful CPU paired with a very weak GPU (like an Intel Core i7 with a GT 1030) is a bad gaming PC.
* Lack of an SSD: In 2024, a gaming PC without a Solid State Drive for Windows will feel painfully slow.
* Extremely Cheap “Gaming” PCs on Unknown Websites: Stick to reputable retailers to avoid scams.
* Vague or Missing Warranty Information: Always know what warranty coverage you get.
Step-by-Step: Your Buying Process Checklist
Follow these steps to make a smart, confident purchase.
1. Set Your Budget: Decide your absolute maximum spend, including tax and shipping.
2. Define Your Goals: List the games you want to play and your target resolution (1080p is standard for budget builds).
3. Research Current “Sweet Spot” Parts: For your budget, find out which CPU and GPU models offer the best value right now.
4. Compare Across Channels: Look at pre-built options, DIY part lists, and used listings for similar specs.
5. Read Reviews: For pre-builts, search for reviews of that specific model on YouTube and tech sites. For parts, read professional and user reviews.
6. Check for Discounts & Coupons: Before checkout, search for “[Retailer Name] coupon code.”
7. Verify Return & Warranty Policy: Know how long you have to return a faulty system and what the warranty covers.
Upgrading vs. Buying New
If you already have an old PC, consider upgrading. Adding an SSD, more RAM, or a new GPU can breathe years of new life into it for less money than a whole new system. Use a tool like “PC Part Picker” to check compatibility for your existing motherboard.
FAQ Section
Where is the absolute cheapest place to buy a gaming PC?
There’s no single cheapest place. The best approach is to compare prices for the same specs across Amazon, Newegg, and direct from builders like CyberPowerPC. For the rock-bottom prices, building it yourself or buying a carefully vetted used PC are typically the top options.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a gaming PC?
Generally, building it yourself is cheaper for the same level of performance. You save on assembly costs and can hunt for deals on each individual part. However, during big sales, a pre-built can sometimes match or beat DIY pricing, especially when you factor in the cost of a Windows license.
What is a good price for a decent cheap gaming PC?
A decent 1080p gaming PC that can handle most modern games at medium-to-high settings typically starts between $700 and $1,000. You can find capable systems for popular esports titles for as low as $500-$600 if you shop sales or consider used.
Finding a great cheap gaming PC is all about smart shopping. By using the right retailers, considering all your options (new, DIY, used), and timing your purchase well, you can secure a machine that provides awesome gaming without breaking your budget. Start with a clear goal, do your research, and don’t rush the process—the perfect deal for you is out their.