Finding a great gaming PC under $500 can be challenging, but with the right choices, it’s possible to build or buy a system that delivers an enjoyable gaming experience. While high-end gaming rigs can cost thousands, budget-friendly setups can still handle popular titles with decent performance.
For gamers on a budget, a $500 PC should focus on balancing performance and affordability. Prebuilt options often come with solid entry-level components, while building your own allows for better customization and upgrade potential. While you won’t be running the latest AAA games at max settings, you can still enjoy smooth gameplay on less demanding titles and older releases. Optimizing settings and using performance-enhancing tools can help get the most out of the hardware.
Ultimately, a gaming PC under $500 can be a great entry point for casual gamers or those just getting started. With smart choices and future upgrades, it can provide solid performance without breaking the bank. This article will cover a wide variety of gaming PCs available under $500. Without any further delay, let’s get started!
Also Read: 5 Best Gaming PC under $1000 in 2025 [Prebuilt]
Skytech Nebula
The Skytech Nebula Gaming PC is one of the best prebuilt gaming desktops available for around $500, offering a well-balanced combination of performance, reliability, and upgrade potential. It features the Intel Core i3-10105F, a solid quad-core processor with a turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz, making it capable of handling modern gaming workloads, multitasking, and general computing tasks efficiently.
Skytech Nebula
- Intel Core i3 10105F 3.7GHz (4.4GHz Turbo Boost) CPU Processor | 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD – Up to 30x Faster Than Traditional HDD | High-Performance Air Cooler
- NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 Graphics Card (Brand may vary) | 16GB DDR4 RAM 3200 Gaming Memory with Heat Spreader | Windows 11 Home 64-bit
- 802.11 AC | No Bloatware | Graphic output options include 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Display Port Promised, Additional Ports may vary | USB Ports Including 2.0, 3.0, and 3.2 Gen1 Ports | HD Audio and Mic | Free Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
A standout component in this system is the NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 graphics card. While it’s an entry-level GPU, the GDDR6 memory gives it a noticeable edge in performance compared to its older GDDR5 counterpart. This allows for smooth gameplay in popular esports titles, older AAA games, and even some newer releases with optimized settings.
The 16GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz is a huge advantage in this price range. Many budget gaming PCs cut costs by offering just 8GB, but 16GB ensures better multitasking, improved system responsiveness, and longevity for future games and applications. The 500GB SSD provides fast boot times and quick load speeds, though storage space may become a concern for users with large game libraries.
Another highlight is the 650W Gold-rated power supply, which not only ensures stable power delivery but also leaves headroom for future upgrades, such as a higher-tier GPU. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and Windows 11 Home out of the box add to the convenience, making this a plug-and-play system.
Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini
The Skytech Chronos Mini Gaming PC is a strong contender for the best gaming PC under $500, offering solid performance for budget-conscious gamers. While it falls slightly behind the Skytech Nebula, it still delivers an excellent gaming experience, making it a great alternative.
Skytech Chronos Mini
- Intel Core i3 10105F 3.7GHz (4.4GHz Max Boost) CPU Processor | 500GB SSD – Up to 30x Faster Than Traditional HDD
- NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 Graphics Card (Brand may vary) | 8GB DDR4 RAM 3200 Gaming Memory with Heat Spreader | Windows 11 Home 64-bit
- 802.11 AC | No Bloatware | Graphic output options include 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Display Port Guaranteed, Additional Ports may vary | USB Ports Including 2.0, 3.0, and 3.2 Gen1 Ports | HD Audio and Mic |
At the core of this system is the Intel Core i3-10100F, a quad-core processor with a base clock of 3.6GHz and boost speeds up to 4.3GHz. It provides reliable performance for gaming, everyday multitasking, and light productivity tasks. While not the latest CPU, it still holds up well for budget builds.
The NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB is an entry-level gaming GPU, capable of handling popular esports titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant at high settings while maintaining stable frame rates. It also performs well in older AAA games and can run newer ones at medium to low settings. However, the GDDR5 variant of the GTX 1650 used in this system is slightly slower than the GDDR6 version found in the Nebula.
One noticeable drawback is the 8GB of DDR4 RAM at 3000MHz, which is a limiting factor in modern gaming. Many games today benefit from 16GB of RAM, making this a key area for future upgrades. On the storage side, the 500GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick loading screens, though the limited capacity might require additional storage for those with larger game libraries.
Aesthetically, the Chronos Mini stands out with its RGB fans, giving it a more premium look compared to other budget PCs. Built-in AC Wi-Fi provides wireless connectivity, and Windows 10 Home 64-bit comes preinstalled, though upgrading to Windows 11 may be necessary for long-term usability.
HP Victus 15L
The HP Victus 15L (TG02-0013w) is a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers looking for a capable machine under $500. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor, an AMD Radeon RX 6400 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it delivers a well-balanced mix of performance and efficiency for entry-level and mid-range gaming.
HP Victus 15L
Windows 11 Home, AMD Ryzen 5 5600G Processor, AMD Radeon RX 6400 Graphics
8GB RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive
Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth combo, MU-MIMO supported
RGB lighting on the front panel, HP Mica Silver wired keyboard, HP Mica Silver wired mouse
Under the hood, this system brings the Ryzen 5 5600G, a 6-core, 12-thread processor based on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture. It offers solid multi-threaded performance, making it a great choice for gaming and light content creation. While it features integrated Radeon Vega graphics, the inclusion of a discrete AMD RX 6400 GPU significantly enhances gaming capabilities.
The RX 6400, though an entry-level graphics card, is capable of running many modern titles at 1080p resolution with medium settings. Competitive games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends can achieve 60+ FPS, while more demanding AAA titles may require some tweaking to maintain smooth gameplay.
With 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the system meets the minimum requirements for most games but may experience some limitations when multitasking or running memory-intensive applications. Upgrading to 16GB RAM would greatly improve performance and is highly recommended for a smoother gaming experience. The 512GB NVMe SSD ensures fast boot times and quick loading speeds, though storage could become an issue for gamers with large libraries. Adding a secondary storage drive is an easy solution.
The Victus 15L’s design is sleek and modern, featuring a compact yet functional chassis with good airflow. However, it lacks extensive upgradeability due to its proprietary motherboard and PSU design, making future GPU and power supply upgrades more challenging. That said, the system remains an excellent out-of-the-box solution for casual and budget-focused gamers.
STGAubron Gaming PC
The STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop offers an impressive balance of price and performance, making it a strong budget-friendly gaming PC under $500. Equipped with an Intel Core i7 (up to 3.9 GHz), AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GPU, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming and general computing tasks.
STGAubron Gaming PC
- This gaming computer desktop is loaded with Intel Core i7 up to 3.9GHz | 16GB Memory | 512GB Solid State Drive | Genuine Windows 10 Home 64-bit
- This gaming pc comes with 2x USB 3.0 | 4x USB 2.0 | 1x RJ-45 | 1x Serial | USB Wi-Fi | USB Bluetooth 5.0 | AMD Radeon RX 580 8G GDDR5 Video Card | 1x HDMI | 1x DisplayPort | 1x DVI
- Gaming Computer Special Feature: This gaming pc equips with RGB Case Lighting | RGB BT Sound Bar | RGB Fan x 6 | RGB Mouse Pad | RGB Gaming Mouse & Keyboard |
The Intel Core i7 processor (likely a 4th or 6th Gen model at this price point) is not the latest but still provides decent multitasking power for gaming, streaming, and productivity. Paired with the Radeon RX 580 8GB, this system can handle modern titles at 1080p with medium to high settings, achieving 60+ FPS in games like GTA V, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone. However, more demanding titles may require setting adjustments for smoother performance.
With 16GB of RAM, the system is well-equipped for gaming, multitasking, and running background applications without performance drops. The 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick game loading, though storage space may become an issue for those with large game libraries. Adding an additional HDD or external storage can help alleviate this.
A standout feature is its RGB-heavy design, including six RGB fans for cooling and an RGB Bluetooth soundbar, adding both aesthetics and functionality. Cooling is decent, though older Intel processors tend to run hot under load, making airflow important. The inclusion of WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 enhances connectivity, allowing for wireless peripherals and networking without additional adapters.
One drawback is the use of an older i7 processor, which may bottleneck performance in CPU-intensive games. Additionally, Windows 10 Home is preinstalled instead of Windows 11, though an upgrade is possible. The power supply and motherboard quality in budget prebuilt systems can also be a concern, so checking upgrade paths is recommended.
The LXZ Desktop PC Computer featuring the AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB NVME SSD is a budget-friendly option for casual gaming and productivity tasks. With a base clock speed of 3.6GHz, the Ryzen 5 5600GT offers solid multi-threaded performance, which is excellent for tasks like web browsing, content creation, and light gaming. Although it lacks a dedicated GPU, the integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics can handle older titles and less demanding games at 1080p, though you’ll need to adjust settings for smoother gameplay in more graphically intense titles.
LXZ Desktop PC
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT Processor: with 6 cores and 12 threads, The Ryzen 5 5600GT also has an integrated Radeon Vega graphics card.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM.
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- The PC is equipped with 5× RGB fans and lighting effects. These lights can be set according to the user's preference, adding a splash of colour to the PC and enhancing the overall visual effect.
- Graphic output options include 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Display Port, Additional Ports Including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HD Audio 3, 5x RGB fan for air flow.
The 16GB DDR4 RAM provides ample memory for multitasking and should be more than enough for standard gaming and productivity workloads. The 512GB NVME SSD is another positive, offering fast storage speeds that drastically improve boot times, application load speeds, and overall system responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives or SATA SSDs.
However, without a dedicated GPU, the performance for more demanding games like AAA titles or games with high graphical fidelity will be limited. This system is not designed for high-end gaming but could serve as an entry-level machine for gamers on a tight budget or those willing to play at lower settings. If you’re looking to upgrade the gaming performance in the future, adding a dedicated graphics card is a viable option.
SAAV X1 Prebuilt Gaming PC
The SAAV X1 Prebuilt Gaming PC is an entry-level gaming machine that combines solid hardware with budget-friendly pricing, making it a strong contender for gamers looking to stay under $500. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 3.4GHz, it offers reliable performance for a variety of tasks, including light gaming, web browsing, and productivity. The quad-core configuration ensures smooth multitasking and decent performance for applications that don’t demand extreme processing power.
SAAV X1 Prebuilt Gaming PC
- The X1 gaming pc desktop is powered by Intel Core i5 3.4GHz, 16GB RAM, and a GEFORCE GTX 750 2GB GDDR5 to provide a seamless pc gaming experience. Get a high-end gaming pc with stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, whether you're playing games in High Definition 1080P or streaming content at 4K resolutions. Excellent choice for the pc gamer.
- ULTRA FAST FOR PC GAMING: This gaming pc desktop is perfect for any pc gamer. It's a complete pc setup with a storage capacity of 512GB NVME (which is faster than a conventional SSD) ensuring the fastest loading times and ample storage. Less time on loading screens, more time playing.
Coupled with 16GB of RAM, the system is well-equipped to handle gaming, multitasking, and content creation with ease. The 512GB NVME SSD is a notable feature, offering fast boot times and quick data access, which enhances the overall user experience compared to slower hard drives or SATA SSDs.
However, the highlight of the system is its inclusion of the GeForce GTX 750 GDDR5 GPU. Although not the latest or most powerful GPU on the market, the GTX 750 is still capable of running older and less demanding games at 1080p with moderate settings. For gamers on a budget, this GPU is a good option for experiencing casual and indie titles. It’s not ideal for newer AAA games at high settings, but it will provide decent performance for older or less resource-intensive games.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth is a nice touch, ensuring that users can take advantage of faster internet speeds and wireless connectivity, which is great for online gaming and transferring data across devices. The Windows 10 option ensures that users have access to the latest software, ensuring long-term compatibility with applications and games.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Gaming PC under $500 in 2025?
Finding the best gaming PC under $500 can be a challenge, but it’s entirely possible to build or buy a machine that balances performance, value, and longevity. While it’s not realistic to expect top-tier graphics and cutting-edge features in this price range, there are plenty of options for budget-conscious gamers who want a smooth experience for casual gaming or older titles. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best gaming PC under $500.
Processor
The heart of any gaming PC, the CPU determines how well your system can handle both gaming and multitasking. For a gaming PC under $500, you’ll want a processor with a solid balance of performance and cost.
Best options:
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Ryzen 5 5600G: AMD Ryzen processors are well-regarded for their multitasking and gaming capabilities. The Ryzen 5 3600, with six cores and twelve threads, is a great value for gaming, offering enough power for modern titles at medium settings. The Ryzen 5 5600G is a newer model with integrated graphics (Radeon Vega), which could save you the cost of a dedicated GPU while still delivering decent performance for light gaming.
- Intel Core i5-10400F: Intel’s i5 processors offer solid single-core performance, which is important for gaming. The i5-10400F is a budget-friendly choice, and while it doesn’t have integrated graphics, it pairs well with a dedicated GPU if you’re looking to upgrade later.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card is arguably the most crucial component for gaming performance. However, with a $500 budget, you’ll need to be strategic about how much you allocate for a GPU. Most budget systems under $500 will either come with integrated graphics or a low-end dedicated GPU, which may struggle with newer, graphically intense games.
Best options:
- Integrated Graphics: If you don’t mind playing older or less demanding games, integrated graphics like AMD’s Radeon Vega 7 (found in some Ryzen processors) or Intel’s UHD graphics can offer surprisingly decent performance for casual gaming at 720p or 1080p on low to medium settings.
- Dedicated GPUs: If you’re aiming for better performance in modern games, consider systems with a dedicated GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or GTX 750 Ti. These are entry-level graphics cards that can handle 1080p gaming at medium settings for many games. However, finding these in a prebuilt system under $500 is rare, and you may need to consider a used or refurbished option.
RAM & Storage
A gaming PC needs sufficient RAM to run modern games smoothly. For a system under $500, 8GB of RAM is typically the bare minimum, but 16GB is preferable for future-proofing, multitasking, and better gaming performance. It’s an affordable upgrade and will ensure that your system can run multiple applications (like streaming or web browsing) alongside games without slowdowns.
A 512GB NVME SSD strikes a balance between speed and storage capacity. It offers quick data transfer rates for your operating system and games, making your system feel snappy. You may need to supplement it with an external HDD for additional storage in the future, but a 512GB SSD is plenty for most games and everyday use.
Cooling and More
Even budget systems need proper cooling. While it’s unlikely that you’ll find a top-tier cooling solution in a budget gaming PC, ensure that your system has at least one good fan to maintain airflow and prevent overheating. Many budget systems will come with a stock CPU cooler, which should suffice for the moderate workloads expected in a gaming PC under $500. You can always add aftermarket cooling if you plan to overclock or push the system to its limits.
Motherboards for budget systems typically support basic features but should be compatible with your chosen processor and offer room for upgrades.
Best option:
- B450 or B460 chipset: These chipsets are compatible with Ryzen and Intel processors, respectively. They provide enough expansion options for upgrades like additional RAM, storage, and future GPU upgrades.
For operating systems, most gaming PCs come with Windows 10 or Windows 11 preinstalled, but some systems may require you to purchase it separately. Ensure that the system you choose includes an OS to avoid unexpected costs.
Prebuilt vs. Custom Build
When looking for a gaming PC under $500, you have two primary options: prebuilt systems or building a custom PC.
- Prebuilt Systems: Prebuilt gaming PCs are easier for beginners, as they come assembled and ready to use. However, finding a good prebuilt system with strong performance in this price range can be challenging. Brands like CyberPowerPC, iBUYPOWER, and SkyTech offer budget systems with integrated graphics or low-end GPUs, and some even come with a decent level of RAM and storage.
- Custom Build: Building a gaming PC yourself gives you more flexibility and can help you get more performance for your money. However, it requires technical knowledge to assemble the components. You’ll also need to budget for peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse if you don’t already have them.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best gaming PC under $500, you’ll need to prioritize certain components over others. For the best performance, go for a system with at least 16GB of RAM, an NVME SSD, and either an integrated GPU like the Radeon Vega 7 or a dedicated entry-level GPU like the GTX 1650. While gaming at high settings may not be possible, these systems can handle casual gaming and older titles quite well. Ultimately, whether you choose a prebuilt system or a custom build depends on your technical knowledge and specific needs.
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