I searched the market for the best cheap gaming PCs under the $300 budget. Surprisingly, the PC market was flooded with hundreds of sub-$300 gaming machines (used and renewed). I aimed to find a low-budget gaming PC to run modern games at 720p or 1080p settings. While exploring affordable gaming PCs, I came across brands like HP, Dell, ViprTech, and STGAubron, all of which provide budget-friendly gaming computers designed for users seeking cost-effective options.
Someone looking for a $300 gaming computer won’t be playing games at 1440p or 4K settings. These low-budget gaming PCs are ideal for new gamers who want to enjoy popular games like Grand Theft Auto V, PUBG, CyberPunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Fortnite, and CS: GO at the lowest settings.
As I mentioned earlier within the $300 budget range, you’ll get a used or renewed gaming PC. You might also find economical mini-gaming PCs within this budget; however, I wouldn’t recommend them since most lack dedicated graphics cards, which are crucial for optimal gaming performance.
Our guide compares affordable gaming PCs tailored for 720p and 1080p gaming. If you are not confident going with these prebuilt PCs, don’t forget to jump on my list of hardware to build a cheap gaming PC at the bottom.
Cheap Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $300 With Best Specs
ViprTech Mutineer
- Intel Core i7 2600K
- AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB GPU
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Windows 10 Pro
- Mouse/Keyboard
HP RGB Gaming
- Intel Core i5 6500K
- Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 2GB GPU
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Windows 10 Pro
- Mouse/Keyboard
STGAubron-Gaming PC
- Intel Xeon E5 2607
- AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GPU
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Windows 10 Pro
- Mouse/Keyboard
Need a more powerful gaming PC?, read our best prebuilt $1000 gaming PC guide
1: ViprTech Mutineer Gaming PC Desktop – Editor’s Pick
Brand: ViprTech | Processor Type: Intel Core i7 2600K | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Drive Capacity: 512GB NVMe SSD | Chassis Color: Black | Style: Mid Tower | VR Compatible: Yes | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Condition: New
The ViprTech Mutineer is the new hitter in the world of gaming PCs. For beginners who are low on budget, it’s the right machine to taste your favorite game titles. It’s a cheap gaming PC tailored for games like Warzone 2.0, Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin’s Creed, Fortnite, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, etc.
Reason to Buy:
ViprTech, an American gaming PC brand, is known for building quality gaming PCs at an affordable price. They offer a 1-year warranty with their products, so you can claim if anything goes wrong.
PC builders at ViprTech stress test every gaming PC before leaving the lab, and there’s a one-year warranty with their products, so you can claim if anything goes wrong with the machine.
The ViprTech Mutineer Gaming PC we have chosen for this guide holds one of the best gaming Core i7 processors from its generation, the Core i7-2600K. This PC is equipped with an AMD RX 580 8GB graphics card to deliver smoother gaming visuals, ensuring enhanced performance for a more immersive gaming experience.
Even though the components used to build this gaming machine are several years old, they can effectively run modern games in low to medium settings. I’ve played GTA V, Fortnite, and PUBG on ViprTech Mulitneer at 720p resolution with an average FPS (frames per second) over 60fps.
The 8GB RX 580 does a great job in handling the games that eat a lot of VRAM. Yes, the RX 580 is an old graphics card, but the allocation of 8GB VRAM on this card has made it shine in gaming and content creation.
Moving on, 16GB of DDR4 RAM is installed on this gaming computer, which is harder to find on gaming machines under the $300 budget. Where modern games are consuming not more than 8GB to 11GB of RAM, I believe 16GB is still a huge number on this low-budget gaming PC.
It’s a great gaming PC for budget-conscious gamers with plenty of RAM, a decent graphics card, enough storage, and modern aesthetics. The only thing is that this is a refurbished gaming PC, which doesn’t mean that it won’t perform like a new one.
2: HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer
Brand: HP | Processor Type: Intel Quad Core i5-6500K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 2GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Drive Capacity: 512GB SSD | Chassis Color: White/Black | Style: Mid-Tower | VR Compatible: Yes | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Condition: Refurbished
The HP RGB Gaming computer is decades old, but the hardware inside promises a solid 720p gaming experience. Moreover, the RGB aesthetics on this machine is harder to find at this price. You can also overclock this cheap gaming PC using an aftermarket CPU cooler to achieve extra performance.
Reason to Buy:
Talking about affordable desktop gaming PCs, one cannot rule out the HP. There was a time when HP Pavilion gaming computers were everywhere. Even today, you’ll find economical gaming PCs from HP on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Newegg, and Walmart.
The HP RGB Gaming Desktop is powered by the Intel Core i5-6500K quad-core processor and Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 2GB graphics card. The Core i5-6500K CPU on this computer is a quad-core and meets the minimum cores you need on a CPU for gaming.
What I think is the weaker connection in this gaming PC is the entry-level GT 1030 graphics card. The Nvidia GT 1030 GDDR3 can let you play games at 720p low settings but do not expect it to be as good as the RX 580 found on the ViprTech Multineer Gaming Desktop.
There’s enough 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe storage on this PC, as found on other affordable gaming PCs in the $300 range. Furthermore, the addition of RGB chassis adds more bells and whistles to this machine.
Surprisingly, you’ll find onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on this $300 gaming PC, which I believe isn’t too common on low-budget gaming rigs. For gamers, this desktop gaming PC is ideal for playing decade-old games like CS: Go, Max Payne, GTA IV, Far Cry 3, etc.
3: Dell Prebuilt $300 Gaming Desktop Computer
Brand: Dell | Processor Type: Intel Quad Core i5-6500K | Graphics: GeForce GT 1030 2GB | RAM: 32GB DDR4 | Drive Capacity: 1TB SSD | Chassis Color: Grey | Style: SFF | VR Compatible: Yes | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Condition: Renewed
The Dell Gaming PC shares the same fate as the HP RGB Gaming PC. However, the former offers double the amount of RAM. It’s a small form factor gaming PC that might limit you from adding extra hardware in the future.
Reason to Buy:
The “Optiplex” Series from Dell is the home to the most wallet-friendly desktop computers. There was a time when I was not a huge fan of Dell Optiplex products, maybe because they were too noisy even under 30% workload.
The recent Dell Optiplex PCs don’t have any heating issues, but they are still built inside a small form factor PC case that limits your freedom to upgrade them.
This refurbished $300 Dell gaming PC comes up with the same type of hardware you’ll find on HP’s RGB Gaming Desktop. But this Optiplex gaming PC comes with 32GB of RAM.
Here’s the catch, modern games don’t require 32GB of RAM to run, so this has not much to do with gaming. However, if you are involved in heavy multitasking, then 32GB is enough to switch between different tasks and run multiple programs in real time.
This Dell Optiplex Gaming PC is built inside a compact PC chassis which might lead to a slower cooling mechanism and other thermal issues. This machine is meant for casual gamers who want to play online games that do not require a powerful dedicated GPU.
There are RGB lights hidden behind the front mesh panel on this tiny $300 gaming PC. Though the RGB aesthetics give it a gamer look, it’s still far from being a good gaming PC that can play modern games at 720p or 1080p resolution.
4: Dell Optiplex Small Desktop Computer
Brand: Dell | Processor Type: Intel Quad Core i5-6500K | Graphics: Intel HD 2500 | RAM: 16GB DDR3 | Drive Capacity: 512GB SSD | Chassis Color: Black | Style: SFF | VR Compatible: Yes | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Condition: Refurbished
This sub-$250 Dell Optiplex Gaming PC is ideal for someone looking to play less-intensive games that do not require a dedicated graphics card. By spending a little, you get a whole gaming PC, which includes an RGB monitor and other related gaming accessories.
Reason to Buy:
This Dell Optiplex is backed by the same processor and graphics card as its sibling, but this time, you’ll find DDR3 memory instead of DDR4. However, this won’t affect your gaming experience as you would play most games at lower settings.
The hardware on this Optiplex gaming PC is packed inside a small form factor PC case, which is the fate of many desktops in this line-up. However, to do everything, Dell has included a black gaming LCD, mouse, and a gaming keyboard in this package.
I’ll be honest here: If you are looking for a complete gaming PC for under $300 with an LCD, mouse, keyboard, headset, etc, then this is the right deal for you.
5: STGAubron-Gaming PC
Brand: STGAubron | Processor Type: Intel i7 Xeon E5 | Graphics: AMD RX 550 4GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Drive Capacity: 512GB SSD | Chassis Color: Black | Style: Mid Tower | VR Compatible: Yes | Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Condition: Refurbished
It’s time to unleash your gaming potential with the STGAubron Gaming PC powered by Intel XeonE5 2607v2 processor and RX 550 GPU. For gamers with a $300 budget, this PC has much to offer regarding performance and aesthetics.
Reason to Buy:
The STGAubron-Gaming PC brings tons of gaming performance to your desk at an affordable price tag. It features an Intel Core i7 Xeon E5 8-core processor clocked at 3.0 GHz for unbeatable gaming juice. To take care of visuals, this gaming PC is fueled by the AMD RX 550 4GB, known for solid 720p gaming performance.
One thing is sure: this $300 Xeon-based gaming PC would crush the toughest gaming workloads you’ll throw on it. You can even push this PC to upper limits for playing games at 1080p settings.
I’m only doubtful about the RX 550 card, which I believe won’t be able to catch up with the fast pace of the Xeon E5 processor. However, you can easily upgrade the graphics card on this $300 gaming PC for better performance.
The STGAubron not only delivers solid performance but also emphasizes aesthetics. Honestly, it’s one of the coolest-looking gaming PCs I’ve come across on a budget. It features two massive RGB fans at the front, a sleek side glass panel for a peek inside, and two more RGB fans within, creating a visually stunning setup.
Hardware List For Building A Cheap Gaming PC Under $300 Budget
You’ll be surprised to know how much gaming you’ll get if you build your gaming PC by spending as low as $300. The gaming PC parts listed below are available on Amazon and Newegg. You can use these parts to build a gaming PC to play any popular AAA or eSports game at 1080p low-medium settings.
| Hardware Type | Item | Price |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 4500 (6-Core, 12-Thread) + Stock CPU Cooler | $74.00 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 AM4 | $59.00 @ Amazon |
| RAM | Patriot Signature Premium DDR4 RAM 16GB | $27.00 @ Amazon |
| Storage | CORN Basic M.2 256GB 512GB 1TB SSD | $31.00 @ Newegg |
| Power Supply | Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ | $43.99 @ Amazon |
| GPU | KAER RX580 8GB Graphics Card GDDR5 | $99.00 @ Amazon |
| Total Cost | $333 |
Uptill this point, you have a clear idea of whether to go with a prebuilt or custom-made gaming PC. If you know how to assemble PC parts, I highly suggest you build a gaming PC from scratch. Building your gaming machine under $300 allows you to upgrade or customize it with better hardware in the future.
Things to Consider Before Buying Gaming PCs Under $300 Budget
When shopping for a budget-prebuilt gaming PC, it’s essential to understand the key components and specifications that will affect your gaming experience.
This section includes the important factors you should consider before buying a low-budget gaming computer, including processor, graphics card, RAM requirement, storage, etc.
1: Processor Type
Regardless of your budget for a gaming PC, it’s crucial to opt for a CPU powered by either an Intel or AMD to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Both processor brands offer the best value for gamers on a strict budget.
Intel’s Core i3 Series is the home to entry-level CPUs whereas AMD ships its low-budget processors under the name of Ryzen 3. Most entry-level gaming PCs under $300 to $450 budget are equipped with either Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 Series CPUs.
If possible, prioritize Intel’s Core i5 series or AMD’s Ryzen 5 series processors, as they offer the best mid-range performance for gaming. These processors strike a balance between cost and power, ensuring smooth gameplay for most modern games without breaking the bank.
No matter which brand or series you select, ensure the processor has at least four cores (quad-core). This core count is essential for handling modern gaming demands, enabling smoother performance and multitasking across a variety of games and applications.
Furthermore, having a CPU with multiple cores won’t benefit you in gaming unless each core is assigned a higher clock speed. A study conducted by HardwareCentric shows that higher clock speed on individual CPU cores can significantly improve gaming performance, particularly in games that rely heavily on single-threaded processes.
2: Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card is the backbone of a gaming PC. Without dedicated graphics, a gaming PC is unable to render complex visuals on your monitor.
There are two popular brands of graphics cards, namely Nvidia and AMD. Nvidia due to its advanced technology like DLSS and Ray-Tracing, offers superior performance over AMD graphics cards.
AMD GPUs on the other hand are cost-effective and are commonly found in low-budget gaming PCs.
The factors that decide the performance of a GPU are VRAM (Video RAM), Memory Type (GDDR3. GDDR5, GDDR6X, etc), and Bus Width. A graphics card with a minimum of 4GB of VRAM is recommended for modern gaming at 1080p resolution.
Prebuilt gaming PCs between $300 to $450 budget are either equipped with GDDR3 or GDDR5 memory graphics cards. GDDR5 shows superior performance over the GDDR3 memory type. If you are a fan of 1080p gaming, then choose a low-budget gaming PC that features a GDDR5-type graphics card.
For optimal GPU performance, it’s essential to pair it with a compatible processor. In budget gaming PCs featuring processors like the Core i5, Ryzen 5, Core i3, or Ryzen 3, a suitable choice would be a graphics card from the Nvidia GTX 1600 series or the AMD RX 500 series. These combinations ensure that the CPU and GPU can work efficiently together, offering a balanced gaming experience without bottlenecks.
3: RAM Requirements
There’s a lot of debate on how much RAM do you need for a gaming PC. Let me get straight to the point, 16GB is enough for a smoother gaming experience. Even the toughest of PC games do not consume more than 10GB of RAM at maximum settings.
For low-budget gaming PCs, 8GB of RAM is a decent starting point, especially for playing games that aren’t resource-heavy. However, 16GB of RAM is generally considered the standard for modern gaming setups, ensuring smoother performance across a wider range of games.
While 8GB is the bare minimum required for a relatively lag-free gaming experience, upgrading to 16GB provides a more future-proof option, allowing for better multitasking and handling of newer, more demanding titles.
When it comes to RAM, I highly recommend to choose DDR4 over the outdated DDR3. DDR4 offers faster speeds, better energy efficiency, and greater bandwidth, making it ideal for modern gaming and multitasking.
4: Storage Options
The amount of storage you need for a gaming PC depends on how many games you install on your machine. For casual games, 500GB of storage space is enough whereas for hardcore gamers, it’s better to spend a little more budget on buying 1TB of storage space.
Modern games swap a lot of storage space, therefore, a 1TB shows up as a handsome space for installing multiple titles.
FAQs
Is $300 enough for a gaming PC?
For casual gaming or less intensive games, a $300 gaming PC is good. However, if you are streaming and playing AAA games at 1080p or higher settings, a $300 PC is not a good choice.
What is the lowest budget for a gaming PC?
There are no budget restrictions for building a gaming PC. Any budget would be enough for you to play games on your machine. However, your budget will decide your gaming PC’s overall performance. You can start from as low as $300 and up to $5000 to build a gaming PC.
Are these prebuilt $300 gaming PCs upgradable?
These low-budget gaming PCs offer a limited amount of upgrade options. You can upgrade to a better graphics card, more RAM, etc. However, older motherboard technology might limit you from upgrading to the latest-gen CPU on these gaming rigs.
Editor’s Recommendations:
Mosaab Jamal Ahmed is a seasoned technology enthusiast with a passion for gaming and PC upgrades. His journey began in 1998 with a Pentium 1 PC, igniting his lifelong fascination with computer hardware.
Over the years, Mosaab has honed his skills in upgrading and optimizing PCs with the latest components, ensuring peak performance for gaming and other demanding applications.
Through his insightful articles, Mosaab shares his extensive knowledge on building and enhancing gaming PCs.