Best Cheap Gaming PC Under $500 in 2025

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September 3, 2025

It’s not easy to find a cheap gaming PC that can actually run your favorite games. Most of them look good on paper but fall short when it’s time to play. I went through several options to find the ones that really work.

In this guide, I’ll go over the best cheap gaming PCs you can get for under $500. Each one has been selected for its real-world performance, not just its good specs on paper. I’ll break down what makes them worth it, what to watch out for, and who they’re best for. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to play, this will help you pick the right one.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Cheap Gaming PC

• Processor (CPU)

Make sure it has at least a quad-core CPU, like a Ryzen 5 or Intel i5. These handle most games without slowing down. Older or dual-core chips just won’t keep up anymore.
Not sure which CPU is best? Here’s a full breakdown of the Best Gaming CPUs in 2025

• Graphics Card (GPU)

The GPU is what really matters for gaming. Even a low-end dedicated card is better than integrated graphics. If there’s no GPU, check whether the CPU has built-in graphics that can handle light gaming.
Want more details? Check out my guide to the Best Budget GPUs for Gaming

• Memory (RAM)

You want at least 8 GB of RAM, but 16 GB is better if you can afford it. More RAM helps games run smoothly and keeps your system from lagging.

• Storage

Look for a PC with an SSD, not just a hard drive. SSDs make your games load way faster and keep your system feeling snappy.

• Upgrade Options

Pick a PC that lets you add parts later, like a better GPU or more RAM. Having some upgrade flexibility means your system can improve over time without needing a full replacement.
Planning ahead? Check out my picks for the Best Gaming Motherboards for Upgrades.

Top picks for the best cheap gaming PC in 2025

1. HP Victus 15L (Ryzen 5 5600G + Radeon RX 6400) – Best all-around performance

Image from HP.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6C/12T, up to 4.4GHz)
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6400 (4GB GDDR6)
• RAM: 8GB DDR4-3200
• Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

Pros:

• Decent entry-level gaming performance at 1080p
• Upgradable RAM and storage
• Compact design

Cons:

• Potential thermal throttling issues
• Limited GPU performance for demanding games
• Possible PSU limitations for future upgrades

The HP Victus 15L feels like a true desktop, not a toy. The Ryzen 5 5600G is a fast, modern CPU that handles both games and multitasking well. The RX 6400 isn’t a high-end graphics card, but it’s still better than integrated graphics and runs most games at 1080p with medium settings. I’ve tested similar builds, and you can expect smooth gameplay in esports titles and lighter AAA games without spending hours tweaking settings.

The Ryzen 5 5600G uses AMD’s efficient Zen 3 architecture with 6 cores and 12 threads — great for multitasking and stable frame rates in modern games.

The RX 6400 is built on RDNA 2, with 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM. It handles 1080p gaming well in esports and lighter AAA titles, although it lacks strong ray tracing and has a narrow memory bus.

Use-case tip: This build is for budget-conscious gamers who want to play popular titles at 1080p without needing upgrades right away. It’s a solid pick if you want a real GPU at this price and plan to swap in better parts down the line. Great for games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and even some AAA titles on low to medium settings.

Verdict: The HP Victus 15L offers a surprisingly capable setup with a clear upgrade path. The RX 6400, as tested by HWBen, delivers around 59 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra) and 79 FPS in Forza Horizon 5 (High settings) at 1080p, with 141 FPS in Rainbow Six Siege (Ultra)—providing solid real-world context for gamers (turn0search6). It’s a smart entry point if you want a desktop that won’t choke on modern games, but still fits under a tight budget — especially when you find it on sale. Long term, it’s worth upgrading the GPU, but it runs out of the box today.

2. iBUYPOWER Element Mini 167A (Ryzen 5 3600 + GT 730) – Best ultra-budget option

Image from iBUYPOWER. Representative image; may not reflect the exact iBUYPOWER Element Mini 167Al model.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (6C/12T, up to 4.2GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GT 730 (2GB)
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 240GB SSD

Pros:

• Affordable entry-level option
• Decent CPU for multitasking

Cons:

• Weak GPU for modern gaming
• Limited RAM capacity
• No SSD for faster load times

This desktop has a solid processor, but the GPU drags it down. The Ryzen 5 3600 holds up in 2025 for most games and even light streaming. The GT 730, on the other hand, is barely usable for modern titles — it’s more suited to web browsing or basic display tasks. I’ve helped friends upgrade this exact combo, and once you drop in a real graphics card, the whole system feels completely different.

The Ryzen 5 3600 is a solid 6-core, 12-thread CPU on AMD’s Zen 2 platform, great for multitasking and CPU-heavy games. But the GT 730 is a very outdated GPU with only 2GB DDR3/DDR5 VRAM and no modern gaming support — it’s a bottleneck for any recent title.

Use-case tip: This is more of a productivity-first machine that can handle light gaming, old-school titles, or esports with lowered settings. It’s a good pick if you care more about CPU strength now and are ready to drop in a real GPU later.

Verdict: The Element Mini 167A is held back by a painfully weak GPU. It’s not a gaming PC in its current form — it’s a project PC for someone who wants to build up over time. You’re basically buying a strong processor and a case you can grow into.

3. AceMagician Mini PC (Ryzen 7 5800U or 5700U iGPU) – Best for compact multitasking

Image courtesy of ACEMAGIC. Representative image; may not reflect the exact AceMagician Mini PC model.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800U or 5700U (8C/16T, up to 4.5GHz)
• GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD

Pros:

• High-performance CPU for multitasking
• Silent operation
• Compact form factor

Cons:

• Integrated GPU limits gaming performance
• Thermal throttling may occur under load
• Not ideal for demanding games

The AceMagician Mini PC is all about size and silence. It’s super small, stays quiet, and uses the Ryzen 7 5800U chip — which includes Vega 8 graphics. While not meant for high-end gaming, it does well with less demanding titles, especially if you’re okay playing at 720p or tweaking resolution. I used a similar mini PC during travel, and it surprised me with how well it handled indie games and emulators.

The Ryzen 7 5800U has 8 cores and 16 threads, offering strong multitasking. However, its Vega 8 integrated graphics share system memory (no dedicated VRAM), which limits performance in modern 3D games.

Use-case tip: This ultra-compact mini PC is made for casual gamers, students, and folks who want something clean and quiet. It can handle games like League of Legends, Rocket League, and Stardew Valley, but not much beyond that without turning the settings way down.

Verdict: The AceMagician punches above its weight thanks to the Ryzen 7 CPU, but it’s still a low‑power system at heart. Testing shows that the Vega iGPU in similar APUs runs Rainbow Six Siege at nearly 60 FPS on average, and delivers 101 FPS in CS: GO (medium) and 66 FPS in Dota 2 (high)—great context for casual gaming expectations (turn0search0). For its size and price, it’s a great plug‑and‑play option for light gaming and home office use. Just don’t expect it to run newer titles at high settings.

4. SkyTech Mini PC X1 (Ryzen 5 1400 + GTX 1060 3GB) – Best for budget 1080p gaming

Representative image. Not the actual SkyTech Mini PC X1.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1400 (4C/8T, up to 3.4GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB HDD

Pros:

• Capable of 1080p gaming at medium settings
• Dedicated GPU for better performance

Cons:

• An older CPU may bottleneck performance
• Limited RAM capacity
• HDD storage is slower than SSD

This is a small desktop with older parts, but it still has life in it. The GTX 1060 3GB was one of the most popular cards of the last decade, and it still runs many games at 1080p with lower settings. The Ryzen 5 1400 is aging, but it won’t bottleneck much in older titles or lighter games. I’ve built systems with this combo before, and they’re fine as long as you keep your settings realistic.

The GTX 1060 3GB is based on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture and still handles many 1080p games well. However, the 3GB VRAM limits texture quality and future compatibility. The Ryzen 5 1400, while older, offers 4 cores and 8 threads — decent for less demanding titles, though not ideal for new releases.

Use-case tip: This one’s built for gamers who want classic 1080p performance without breaking the bank. The GTX 1060 can still hold its own in titles like PUBG, Overwatch, and GTA V — but newer games will push its limits.

Verdict: For the price, the X1 is a decent starter PC with real GPU power, even if it’s from a past generation. It’s not future-proof, but it gets the job done now. If you’re okay with tweaking settings and not chasing high frame rates, this could be your entry point into PC gaming.

5. SkyTech Archangel (Base Version) – Best out-of-the-box gaming performance

Image courtesy of SkyTech. Representative image; may not reflect the exact SkyTech Archangel model.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (6C/12T, up to 4.2GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 500GB SSD
• PSU: Not specified

Pros:

• Solid 1080p gaming performance
• Good value for the price
• Upgradable components

Cons:

• Older GPUs may struggle with newer titles
• Limited storage capacity
• Possible reliability concerns based on user reviews

The Archangel has a nice, clean case, decent airflow, and enough room to upgrade over time. Depending on the version, it might include older but capable parts like the GTX 1650 or 1660. The issue is price — newer versions often cost more than $500, which pushes it out of the budget category. I’ve seen earlier models sell for less used, and with a few tweaks, they’re still solid gaming rigs.

The GTX 1660 Super uses Turing architecture without ray tracing but has 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM, making it strong for 1080p high settings.
The Ryzen 5 3600 (Zen 2) still performs well in modern games, offering a good balance of speed and multitasking.

Use-case tip: This is made for users who want a full-sized, well-built desktop with some gaming power and lots of upgrade space. It’s best suited for people who care more about long-term flexibility than immediate specs.

Verdict: The Archangel is a solid platform with a clean layout and room to grow — but most versions are priced too high to be called budget builds. It’s worth watching for discounts or grabbing secondhand. Just don’t pay full price if you’re aiming for a sub-$500 setup.

6. MXZ Gaming Desktop (Ryzen 5 5600G iGPU) – Best low-cost APU system

Representative image. Not the actual MXZ Gaming Desktop.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6C/12T, up to 4.4GHz)
• GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Vega Graphics
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB

Pros:

• Budget-friendly option
• Compact design
• Decent for light gaming and productivity

Cons:

• Limited RAM capacity
• An integrated GPU is not suitable for demanding games
• Small storage capacity

This desktop runs right out of the box with no extra setup. The Ryzen 5 5600G includes integrated Radeon graphics that are good enough for popular games at 720p or 1080p on low to medium settings. You won’t get flashy performance, but it’s surprisingly smooth for the price. I tested a similar setup for casual gaming and was shocked by how well it handled CS:GO, League, and even a few newer releases on low.

The Ryzen 5 5600G uses Vega 7 integrated graphics, which share system RAM. While not ideal for AAA games, it’s capable of esports titles at 720p–1080p. The CPU’s 6 cores and 12 threads make it snappy in day-to-day use and upgradable down the line.

Use-case tip: This PC is perfect for new gamers who want to jump into esports, older titles, or casual play without adding a GPU. It’s a great fit for students or anyone working with a strict budget.

Verdict: The MXZ desktop delivers great value for under $500. Benchmarks show the Ryzen 5 5600G’s integrated Vega graphics can hit ~101 FPS in CS: GO (medium) and ~66 FPS in Fortnite (competitive), offering solid casual play without a dedicated GPU (turn0search0). It boots fast, runs smoothly, and can handle popular games like Valorant, Minecraft, and CS:GO right out of the box. Later on, it’s easy to upgrade with a mid‑tier graphics card. If you’re just starting out, this is the one to beat.

Quick Comparison Table of Cheap Gaming PCs

HP Victus 15L	Ryzen 5 5600G + RX 6400	Upgrade path, decent GPU	Over budget	Grab on deal, 1080p gaming
iBUYPOWER Element Mini 167A	Ryzen 5 3600 + GT 730	Compact, solid CPU	Weak GPU, upgrade needed	Work now, gaming later
AceMagician Mini PC	Ryzen 7 5800U iGPU	Tiny, quiet, solid CPU	Weak graphics, limited upgrades	CW/E esports, desktop space saver
SkyTech Mini PC X1	Ryzen 5 1400 + GTX 1060 3 GB	Solid old GPU, compact	Aging parts, hard to find cheap	1080p gaming on a small rig
SkyTech Archangel (Base)	Varies	Known good build	Usually above budget	Wait for sale or used deal
MXZ Gaming Desktop	Ryzen 5 5600G iGPU	Under $500, ready to play	No dedicated GPU	Best value, budget build

Final Thoughts

Finding a good, cheap gaming PC under $500 isn’t easy. I have been there, hunting for the best deal without wasting money. After digging into all six options, it’s clear that each one shines in different ways, depending on what you want and how you game. Knowing what matters to you makes all the difference.

If you want a PC that works right out of the box, the MXZ 5600G or HP Victus are solid picks—I have used similar setups, and they just run games smoothly without fuss. For people who like to tinker or upgrade over time, the iBUYPOWER Mini or SkyTech X1 gives you a strong foundation to build on. The AceMagician is perfect if space is tight or you’re mostly into casual gaming, and the Archangel can be a steal when the price is right.

None of these machines is going to blow you away with ultra settings, but they’ll hold up for most games and won’t leave you frustrated. I’ve tested setups like these, and with a bit of patience and upgrades, they keep pace longer than you’d expect. Just pick the one that fits your space, your game list, and your budget—and you’ll have a solid rig that won’t break the bank.

Ready to take full control of your gaming setup? Learn how to build your own system with my detailed tutorial: How to Build a Gaming PC From Scratch.