Best Gaming PC Options for $300: Budget-Friendly Gaming Rigs
Introduction
Finding a gaming PC under $300 can be a challenge, but with the availability of renewed and budget-friendly desktops, it's possible to build a decent gaming setup without overspending. While these PCs won't match high-end gaming rigs, they are great for casual gaming, esports titles, and older AAA games. In this article, we explore some of the best budget gaming PCs that offer good performance for the price. Whether you're looking for a system with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, GTX 1660 Super, GT 1030, or Radeon RX 560 GPUs, we've got you covered.
1. HP Desktop Computer, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, Intel Core i5-6500, GeForce GT 1030
This HP Desktop Computer is an excellent budget gaming PC that offers a good balance of performance and affordability. Powered by an Intel Core i5-6500 processor, it can handle general computing tasks and light gaming. The 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 512GB SSD provides ample storage space and fast boot times.
The GeForce GT 1030 2GB GPU is an entry-level gaming graphics card, capable of running older titles and esports games like CS:GO, League of Legends, and Minecraft at moderate settings. The included RGB keyboard and mouse add a gaming aesthetic, making it a solid choice for gamers who want a visually appealing setup on a budget.
2. Dell RGB Gaming Desktop PC, Intel Quad-Core i5, GeForce GTX 1660 Super, 16GB RAM, 2TB Storage
For those looking for better gaming performance within the $300 range, the Dell RGB Gaming Desktop PC is a strong contender. Featuring an Intel Quad-Core i5 processor with speeds up to 3.6GHz, it delivers adequate processing power for gaming and everyday tasks. The highlight of this system is the GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6 GPU, which is significantly more powerful than the GT 1030.
With 16GB RAM, the PC ensures smooth multitasking and gaming performance, while the combination of a 128GB SSD and a 2TB HDD provides fast boot speeds and ample storage for games, applications, and media. The inclusion of WiFi, Bluetooth, an RGB keyboard, and a mouse makes it a great plug-and-play gaming PC.
3. STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop, Radeon RX 560, Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
The STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop offers solid gaming performance within a tight budget. It is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor (up to 3.6GHz), providing enough processing power for entry-level gaming and general use. The Radeon RX 560 4GB GPU is an improvement over the GT 1030 and allows for better gaming performance, especially in games like Fortnite, GTA V, and Apex Legends at medium settings.
With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, the system provides quick load times and efficient multitasking capabilities. The inclusion of two RGB fans, a gaming mouse pad, and built-in WiFi & Bluetooth 5.0 makes this system a well-rounded package.
4. Dell Optiplex 24-Inch Desktop Computer, Intel i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
For users who want an affordable gaming setup with a large display, the Dell Optiplex 24-inch Desktop Computer is a viable option. This renewed system features an Intel Core i5 processor running at 3.2GHz, 16GB DDR3 RAM, and a 512GB SSD for storage.
While this PC does not come with a dedicated GPU, it can still handle light gaming and general computing tasks. For casual gamers, it can run older games and less demanding titles. Additionally, the package includes a 24-inch monitor, an RGB gaming keyboard, a mouse, and a headset, making it a complete solution for those starting their gaming journey.
5. HP G2 RGB Gaming PC Desktop – Intel i5 6th Gen, 16GB RAM, GeForce GT 1030, 24-Inch Monitor
The HP G2 RGB Gaming PC Desktop is another great budget gaming PC that comes with a 24-inch monitor. It is powered by an Intel i5 6th Gen processor and equipped with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD for faster performance.
The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 GPU enables this system to handle esports and light gaming, making it a reasonable choice for budget-conscious gamers. With Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, users get a fully functional PC that is ready to use straight out of the box.
6. Dell Optiplex 7020 Desktop PC, Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
If you are looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC with an Intel Core i7 processor, the Dell Optiplex 7020 is a strong option. Featuring an Intel Core i7 4th Gen 3.4GHz processor, this desktop offers superior performance compared to many other PCs in this price range.
The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB GPU is capable of running games at low to medium settings, making this system ideal for casual gaming. Additionally, the 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD ensure smooth operation and fast load times.
7. ACEMAGICIAN Ryzen 7 5825U Mini Gaming PC, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
For those interested in a compact yet capable gaming PC, the ACEMAGICIAN Ryzen 7 5825U Mini PC is an excellent choice. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, capable of handling both gaming and productivity tasks efficiently.
Although this mini PC does not include a dedicated GPU, the integrated Radeon graphics allows for smooth gameplay in light and older games. Its dual LAN support, 4K triple display compatibility, and small form factor make it an attractive option for those with space constraints.
8. Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core i5, GeForce GTX 1660 Super, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD + 3TB HDD
For those seeking a budget gaming PC with a powerful graphics card, the Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer featuring a GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB GDDR6 GPU is an ideal choice. This GPU is significantly stronger than the GT 1030 and allows for smooth gaming at 1080p resolution with high settings in most modern games.
The Intel Quad Core i5 processor, with speeds up to 3.6GHz, ensures that the system can handle both gaming and general computing tasks effectively. It also comes with 16GB RAM, making it capable of running multiple applications without slowdowns. The 256GB SSD allows for faster boot times, while the 3TB HDD provides extensive storage space for game libraries, media, and software.
Additionally, the system includes an RGB keyboard and mouse, built-in WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. With Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, this PC is a plug-and-play gaming solution for budget-conscious buyers looking for great performance at an affordable price.
9. Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core i7-6700, GeForce GT 1030, 16GB DDR4, 1TB SSD
The Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer is a solid choice for users looking for an Intel Core i7 processor within a $300 budget. The i7-6700 operates at speeds up to 4.0GHz, offering excellent processing power for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
This system is equipped with 16GB DDR4 RAM, which enhances performance and ensures smooth gameplay. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage space with fast read/write speeds, significantly reducing game load times. However, the GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 GPU is an entry-level card, best suited for esports titles and older games rather than modern AAA releases.
With 600M WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and an RGB keyboard & mouse, this PC is a great plug-and-play option for casual gamers who want a balance between performance and affordability.
10. Dell OptiPlex Desktop PC, 16GB RAM, 2TB HDD, 22-Inch Monitor, Intel Core i5
For gamers looking for an all-in-one desktop setup, the Dell OptiPlex Desktop PC is a great option. This renewed system comes with a 22-inch LED monitor, an RGB keyboard and mouse, and built-in WiFi, making it a complete package for gaming and everyday use.
Powered by an Intel Core i5 3rd Gen 3.2GHz processor, the system delivers decent performance for general tasks and light gaming. The 16GB RAM ensures smooth operation across multiple applications, while the 2TB HDD provides ample storage for games, software, and media files.
However, this PC does not come with a dedicated GPU, which means it relies on integrated graphics. While this limits its ability to handle modern high-end games, it is still suitable for older titles and browser-based games. For those seeking a basic gaming setup with a large display at a low cost, this system offers good value.
Gaming PC Comparison Table
| PC Model | Processor | Graphics Card | RAM | Storage | Monitor Included | WiFi & Bluetooth | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Desktop Computer | Intel Core i5-6500 (3.6GHz) | GeForce GT 1030 2GB | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| Dell RGB Gaming Desktop PC | Intel Quad-Core i5 (3.6GHz) | GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB | 16GB DDR4 | 128GB SSD + 2TB HDD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop | Intel Core i5 (3.6GHz) | Radeon RX 560 4GB | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| Dell Optiplex 24-Inch Desktop Computer | Intel Core i5 (3.2GHz) | Integrated Graphics | 16GB DDR3 | 512GB SSD | Yes (24-inch) | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| HP G2 RGB Gaming PC Desktop | Intel Core i5 6th Gen | GeForce GT 1030 DDR5 | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | Yes (24-inch) | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| Dell Optiplex 7020 Desktop PC | Intel Core i7 4th Gen (3.4GHz) | GeForce GT 1030 2GB | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer | Intel Quad-Core i5 (3.6GHz) | GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD + 3TB HDD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer | Intel Quad-Core i7-6700 (4.0GHz) | GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB SSD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| ACEMAGICIAN Ryzen 7 Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (up to 4.5GHz) | Integrated Radeon Graphics | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | No | Yes | Check on Amazon |
| Dell OptiPlex Desktop PC | Intel Core i5 3rd Gen (3.2GHz) | Integrated Graphics | 16GB DDR3 | 2TB HDD | Yes (22-inch) | Yes | Check on Amazon |
Conclusion
A gaming PC for $300 won’t provide high-end performance, but it can still be a great starting point for casual gaming and productivity tasks. Systems like the Dell RGB Gaming Desktop PC with GTX 1660 Super and HP G2 RGB Gaming PC with a 24-inch monitor offer excellent value, making them great choices for budget-conscious gamers.
Before purchasing, consider your gaming needs and potential upgrade options. Some of these PCs allow for GPU and RAM upgrades, which can enhance performance in the future. Whether you need a compact setup like the ACEMAGICIAN Ryzen 7 Mini PC or a gaming desktop with a dedicated GPU, the options listed above ensure you can find a system that meets your budget and performance expectations.
For more details, explore the best gaming PCs under $300 directly on Amazon:
By choosing the right budget-friendly gaming PC, you can enjoy smooth gameplay and efficient performance without spending a fortune.
