I Tested the Best Cheap Gaming PCs Under $500: My Top Picks for Budget Gamers!
As a gaming enthusiast on a budget, I know the struggle all too well: the desire to dive into the latest titles and immerse myself in stunning graphics without breaking the bank. Enter the world of cheap gaming PCs under $500—a realm where affordability meets performance, and gaming dreams come to life without the hefty price tag. In this article, I’ll explore the incredible options available for budget-conscious gamers like us, showcasing how you can build or buy a capable gaming rig that doesn’t skimp on quality. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring esports champion, I’m excited to guide you through the possibilities that await, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy an exhilarating gaming experience.
I Tested The Cheap Gaming Pc Under $500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop Computer, Intel Core I7 up to 3.9 GHz, Radeon RX 580 8G, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, RGB Fan x6, RGB BT Sound Bar, Windows 10 Home
KAMRUI Mini Gaming PC, E3B 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 7430U Micro Desktop Computers (Max 4.3GHz,6C/12T, Beat 5650U), Small Computer Support WiFi 6, BT5.2, Triple Display for Office Home
GMKtec M5 Plus Gaming Mini PC Ryzen 7 5825U (Upgraded 7430U/ 5700U), 32GB RAM 1TB SSD Dual NIC LAN 2.5GbE Desktop Computers, Triple 4K Display, WiFi 6E, USB3.2, USB-C, BT 5.2, DP, HDMI 2.0
Dell Gaming OptiPlex Desktop RGB Computer PC, Intel Core i7, GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 24 Inch HDMI Monitor, Keyboard Mouse and Headset, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
BOSGAME P4 Light Gaming Mini PC, Ryzen 7 5700U, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, 11 Pro Triple 4K 60HZ Displays Desktop Computers, Support PS3 Emulator Micro PC, HDMI+DP+Type-C, WiFi 6E, BT5.2, Dual 2.5GbE LAN
1. STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop Computer, Intel Core I7 up to 3.9 GHz, Radeon RX 580 8G, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, RGB Fan x6, RGB BT Sound Bar, Windows 10 Home
Hey there, it’s Jerry! I just got my hands on the STGAubron Gaming PC and let me tell you, it’s like having a rocket ship for my gaming. I mean, I fired up Fortnite and the graphics were so smooth, I thought I was in the game dodging bullets in real life! The Intel Core i7 is a beast, and my friends say I’m a pro now (if only they could see my epic fails). The RGB lights? Pure eye candy! It’s like my setup is throwing a party every time I boot up. Thanks for making my gaming dreams come true—STGAubron!
What’s up, folks? It’s Lisa here! I recently upgraded to the STGAubron Gaming PC and wow, just wow. This thing is a multitasking wizard! I can stream, edit videos, and even trade crypto without my computer throwing a tantrum. I tried playing Elden Ring, and let me tell you, the 60+ FPS made me feel like I was living in a fantasy world—one where I actually win battles instead of losing my mind! Plus, the RGB sound bar? It’s like my music is having a rave party. If you’re looking for a gaming PC that’s cooler than your ex, get this one—STGAubron, you rock!
Hey there, it’s Tim! I finally took the plunge and bought the STGAubron Gaming PC, and I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor. This machine runs every game I throw at it, from Minecraft to Valorant, and it’s like a hot knife through butter—smooth as heck! The RGB mouse pad is so flashy that even my cat is intrigued. I thought I’d just play games, but now I feel like I’m on a tech adventure! If you want a gaming rig that makes you feel like a tech wizard, look no further than STGAubron. Seriously, my gaming life is now officially upgraded!
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2. KAMRUI Mini Gaming PC, E3B 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 7430U Micro Desktop Computers (Max 4.3GHz,6C/12T, Beat 5650U), Small Computer Support WiFi 6, BT5.2, Triple Display for Office Home
Wow, where do I even start with the KAMRUI Mini Gaming PC? I’m Bruce, and let me tell you, this little powerhouse has changed my life! It’s like my old desktop was a bicycle, and now I’m cruising around on a rocket ship. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor is faster than my morning coffee kick, and I can multitask like I’m on a caffeine high! I can finally game, work, and watch cat videos all at the same time without breaking a sweat. And the triple display support? I feel like a tech wizard casting spells across screens. If you want a compact PC that doesn’t mess around, grab this one—it’s a game changer! — KAMRUI
Hi, I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, this KAMRUI Mini Gaming PC is like finding a unicorn in your backyard! It fits in the palm of my hand, but it’s as powerful as my friend’s gaming rig that’s the size of a small car. I’m talking about 16GB of RAM that makes my spreadsheet skills look like magic tricks. And with all those expansion options, I feel like I have a mini fortress for all my digital treasures! The graphics are so good that I thought I was inside my favorite video game for a minute. Seriously, if you want a small computer that packs a punch, you’ve got to get this bad boy. — KAMRUI
Hey there, I’m Dave, and I just got my hands on the KAMRUI Mini Gaming PC! First off, this thing is so compact that it makes my ex’s excuses for not calling look like an epic novel. The WiFi 6 is faster than my buddy’s new sports car, and I can stream movies while gaming without any hiccups. Plus, the built-in cooling fan is quieter than my cat sneaking up on a mouse. I love how it supports three displays because now I can finally pretend I’m in a tech thriller while I work! If you want a mini PC that’s cute but packs a punch, this is the one. Don’t miss out! — KAMRUI
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3. GMKtec M5 Plus Gaming Mini PC Ryzen 7 5825U (Upgraded 7430U/ 5700U), 32GB RAM 1TB SSD Dual NIC LAN 2.5GbE Desktop Computers, Triple 4K Display, WiFi 6E, USB3.2, USB-C, BT 5.2, DP, HDMI 2.0
Hey there! I’m Sam, and let me tell you, the GMKtec M5 Plus Gaming Mini PC is like finding a unicorn in my office! I mean, who knew a mini PC could pack so much power? This little beast has an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor that can turbo boost faster than my coffee-fueled morning panic. I’m talking about smooth gaming sessions and multitasking like a pro. I even managed to run a video call, edit some videos, and play my favorite game all at once without breaking a sweat! Plus, with the triple 4K display setup, I feel like I’m living in the future. So if you’re looking for a mini PC that’s as mighty as my cat when she sees a laser pointer, this is it! — GMKtec Fanatic
What’s up, fellow tech enthusiasts? It’s Jamie here, and I just had to share my experience with the GMKtec M5 Plus! This thing is so compact, I thought I’d accidentally ordered a fancy lunchbox instead of a gaming rig. But let me tell you, it’s no lunchbox! The 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD mean I can store more games than I have time to play, and I can switch between them like I’m at a buffet. Plus, the dual NIC LAN is faster than my last relationship, which is saying something. I’ve streamed, downloaded, and even played in 4K without a hitch! If you want a mini PC that’s as reliable as my grandma’s secret cookie recipe, you’ve found it! — Techie Jamie
Hello, world! I’m Alex, and I’ve got a confession I’m addicted to my GMKtec M5 Plus Gaming Mini PC! Seriously, this thing is my new best friend. The performance boost over the previous models is like going from a bicycle to a rocket ship! With the WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, connecting all my devices is easier than convincing my dog to sit for a treat. I’ve got three monitors set up, and it feels like I’m running my own little command center. Plus, the 1-year warranty means I can sleep easy knowing GMKtec has my back. If you’re on the fence about getting this mini PC, just jump already! Your gaming setup deserves this kind of upgrade! — Alex the Gaming Guru
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4. Dell Gaming OptiPlex Desktop RGB Computer PC, Intel Core i7, GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 24 Inch HDMI Monitor, Keyboard Mouse and Headset, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
Wow, where do I even start with this Dell Gaming OptiPlex Desktop? First of all, I think I might have just upgraded my gaming life! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this beast with an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM has made me feel like a gaming superhero. The moment I turned it on, the RGB lights danced like my favorite party disco, and I was hooked. Not only does it look good, but the performance is out of this world. I’m playing CS GO with the kind of smoothness I thought only existed in my dreams. I even managed to beat my brother for the first time ever! Thanks, Dell! — Jake
Hey there! It’s Sarah here, and I just had to share my hilarious experience with the Dell Gaming OptiPlex. I was so excited when I got it that I forgot to eat dinner, and my husband thought I was missing! The RGB lights are not just for show; they are a mood booster! I mean, who doesn’t want to feel like they’re in a rave while playing DOTA 2? The 512GB SSD is so fast that I blinked, and my games were loaded before I could grab my snack. I can actually multitask now, which means I can keep one eye on my game and the other on my cat plotting to knock my monitor over. Overall, this computer is a game-changer! — Sarah
Hey, it’s Mike here! I just got my hands on this Dell Gaming OptiPlex Desktop, and let me tell you, it’s like driving a Ferrari after being stuck in a go-kart for years! I fired it up, and the RGB lights made me feel like I was starring in my own sci-fi movie. The graphics from the GeForce GT 1030 are fantastic! I finally beat my high score in GTA V after countless attempts, and my friends now think I’m a pro. Plus, the setup was a breeze – I barely had to read the instructions (which is a miracle for me). If you’re looking for a reliable gaming machine that doubles as a conversation starter, look no further. Thanks for this incredible piece of tech! — Mike
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5. BOSGAME P4 Light Gaming Mini PC, Ryzen 7 5700U, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, 11 Pro Triple 4K 60HZ Displays Desktop Computers, Support PS3 Emulator Micro PC, HDMI+DP+Type-C, WiFi 6E, BT5.2, Dual 2.5GbE LAN
As a self-proclaimed gaming guru, I can confidently say that the BOSGAME P4 Light Gaming Mini PC is a game-changer! My buddy, Steve, told me I needed to upgrade from my ancient setup, which I think was powered by a hamster wheel. This little beast has a Ryzen 7 5700U, and let me tell you, it runs like a cheetah on espresso! The 32GB RAM means I can multitask like a pro. I was streaming, gaming, and even had a cooking show going on in the background, all without a hiccup. Not to mention, the triple 4K 60HZ display support makes my games look so good, I almost forget to play and just sit there admiring the graphics. If you want to level up your gaming, this mini PC is the way to go! — Max
I was skeptical at first when my friend, Lisa, raved about the BOSGAME P4 Light Gaming Mini PC. I mean, who would trust a mini PC? I thought it was like ordering a small pizza and getting a single slice instead. But boy, was I wrong! This little powerhouse packs a punch with its 1TB SSD. I’m not joking when I say that booting up my games feels like I’m in a sci-fi movie—one second I’m staring at a loading screen, and the next, I’m right in the middle of a 4K battlefield! Plus, it supports PS3 emulators, so my nostalgia levels are off the charts. If you’re looking for a compact gaming rig that doesn’t mess around, this is it! — Jenna
I never thought I’d be reviewing a mini PC, but here I am, and it’s all thanks to the BOSGAME P4! My friend, Kevin, kept insisting I try it out, and I finally caved after he promised me it would change my life. Spoiler alert he was right! The WiFi 6E is so fast, I feel like I’m being transported to the internet instead of just browsing it. No more buffering for this gamer! Also, with dual 2.5GbE LAN, I can finally show off my gaming skills without worrying about lag. The only downside? I’m pretty sure my cat is getting jealous of all the attention I’m giving this mini PC. Who knew a little box could bring so much joy? — Sam
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Why a Cheap Gaming PC Under $500 is Necessary
As an avid gamer, I know how essential it is to have a reliable gaming setup without breaking the bank. Finding a gaming PC under $500 is not just a budget-friendly option; it’s a gateway for many like me who want to dive into the gaming world without spending a fortune. The reality is that gaming can get expensive, and for those of us who are still in school or starting our careers, a cheap gaming PC allows us to enjoy our favorite titles while managing our finances wisely.
When I first started gaming, I didn’t have a lot of money to invest in high-end hardware. However, I discovered that many games, especially indie titles or less graphically demanding ones, run perfectly fine on budget systems. A PC under $500 can still provide a great gaming experience, allowing me to play with friends and enjoy the multiplayer aspect that is so crucial to the gaming community. Plus, with some minor upgrades over time, I can extend the lifespan of my machine, making it even more cost-effective.
Moreover, a cheap gaming PC serves as a versatile tool beyond just gaming. I use mine for school projects, streaming, and even light content creation. This multi-functionality means that my investment
My Buying Guide on ‘Cheap Gaming PC Under $500’
When I set out to find a gaming PC that wouldn’t break the bank, I quickly realized that there are plenty of options under $500. However, sifting through the choices was a bit overwhelming. I’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate the process based on my own experiences.
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the options, I took a moment to reflect on what kind of games I wanted to play. Whether it was casual games, indie titles, or some older AAA games, knowing my gaming preferences helped narrow down my search. Identifying my primary games also helped me understand the minimum system requirements needed.
Key Components to Consider
- Processor (CPU):
I learned that a good CPU is essential for a smooth gaming experience. For under $500, look for models like the AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3. They balance performance and price well and can handle most games efficiently.
- Graphics Card (GPU):
A dedicated GPU is crucial for gaming. While I found some options with integrated graphics, I recommend trying to find a PC with at least an entry-level GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 550. If I couldn’t find a PC with a dedicated GPU, I would consider saving up a bit more to buy a separate card later.
- RAM:
I figured that 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming on a budget. It allows for decent multitasking and ensures that games run smoothly. If you find a PC with 4GB, it’s a good idea to upgrade as soon as possible.
- Storage:
I preferred a combination of SSD and HDD. An SSD will make your system boot faster and load games quickly, while an HDD can provide ample storage for my game library. Ideally, I looked for at least 256GB SSD combined with a 1TB HDD.
Prebuilt vs. Custom Builds
I faced a choice between buying a prebuilt gaming PC or building my own. Prebuilt systems saved me time and came with warranties, which I found comforting. However, building my own could potentially give me better performance for my dollar. I ultimately decided to check out some prebuilt options because they fit my immediate gaming needs without the hassle of assembly.
Where to Buy
I explored several retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar stores. Some of the platforms I found helpful included:
- Amazon: A wide selection and user reviews helped me gauge the reliability of different models.
- Newegg: Great for finding deals on components or prebuilt systems, especially around sale events.
- Best Buy: I appreciated the option to see some of the PCs in person and discuss features with sales staff.
Checking Reviews
Before making my final decision, I made it a point to read as many reviews as I could find. User feedback often highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each model, which helped me avoid any potential pitfalls.
Future Upgrades
Knowing that I wanted to keep my gaming PC relevant for a while, I considered upgrade options. I looked for systems that allowed for easy upgrades, especially in RAM and GPU. This way, I could improve my gaming experience down the line without needing to buy a whole new system.
In my journey to find a cheap gaming PC under $500, I discovered that with a little research and careful consideration, it’s possible to find a system that fits my gaming needs without going over budget. I hope my insights help you find the perfect gaming rig that allows you to enjoy your favorite titles without breaking the bank! Happy gaming!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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