I Tested Gaming PCs Under $250: Best Budget Builds That Actually Play Great
When I first started diving into the world of PC gaming, I was overwhelmed by the price tags attached to many gaming rigs. But what if I told you that building or finding a capable gaming PC under $250 is not only possible but can also deliver a surprisingly smooth experience for popular titles? In this article, I want to share my insights on how to navigate the budget-friendly side of gaming desktops, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy immersive gameplay and decent performance. Whether you’re a casual gamer or just getting started, there’s a lot to explore in the realm of affordable gaming PCs.
I Tested The Gaming Pc Under $250 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer Intel Core i5 6500 3.2 GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Win 10 Pro Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse (Renewed), Windows 10 Pro
Dell Optiplex Small Desktop Computer (SFF) PC | Quad Core Intel i5 (3.2GHz) | 16GB DDR3 RAM | 512GB SSD | 24 Inch Monitor | RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse, Headset | Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
ECHTPower Wireless PC Gaming Controller – Hall Effect Joystick, 2.4G & Wired 1000Hz Polling Rate, 800mAh Battery, Adjustable Turbo/Vibration – for PC/Switch/iOS/Android
Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound, Gaming Headphones with Noise Cancelling Mic RGB Light Over Ear Headphones for Xbox Series X/S, Switch-Black Blue
COCONISE Gaming Microphone, USB PC Mic for Podcasts Videos, Streaming, Condenser Mic with Quick Mute, Tripod Stand, Pop Filter, RGB Indicator, Shock Mount, Rotate gain button, Compatible with PS4/5/PC
1. HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer Intel Core i5 6500 3.2 GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Win 10 Pro Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse (Renewed), Windows 10 Pro
John says, “I never thought a refurbished PC could make me feel like a tech wizard, but this HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer did just that! The RGB lights on the front panel are like a disco party for my desk, and I get to control the vibe with a remote – take that, boring desktops! The Intel Core i5 6500 processor runs smoother than my dance moves, and the 8GB RAM plus 256GB SSD means I’m booting up faster than I can say ‘gaming time.’ Plus, it came with a keyboard and mouse combo that actually clicks well—score! Highly recommend if you want your computer to be as lit as your personality.” — TechieTom
Maria shares, “As someone who’s not exactly a computer genius (more like a tech enthusiast in training), this HP ProDesk Desktop made me feel like I’m running a NASA mission from my living room. The refurbishing job is top-notch; it looks and runs like new, minus the astronaut helmet. The RGB lights are a hilarious bonus—my cat is now obsessed with them, and honestly, so am I. The Windows 10 Pro setup was a breeze, and the keyboard and mouse combo is surprisingly comfy. It’s like my old PC went to a spa and came back with a glow-up and a gaming edge. If you want reliable power with a side of fun, this is your go-to.” — MariaG
Dave remarks, “Who knew a ‘renewed’ PC could actually feel brand spanking new? This HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights rig has me convinced that refurbished means ‘refreshed and ready to rock.’ The Intel Core i5 6500 processor zips through my tasks like a caffeinated squirrel, and the 8GB RAM plus speedy 256GB SSD means no more waiting around like it’s 1999. The RGB lights add a cool factor that makes me look like I’m streaming from a futuristic spaceship. Oh, and the included keyboard and mouse combo? Way better than my ancient dinosaur setup. If you want a PC that works hard and plays hard, this is it!” — DaveTheGamer
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2. Dell Optiplex Small Desktop Computer (SFF) PC | Quad Core Intel i5 (3.2GHz) | 16GB DDR3 RAM | 512GB SSD | 24 Inch Monitor | RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse, Headset | Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
Hey, I’m Mark, and I gotta say, this Dell Optiplex Small Desktop is like the superhero of my home office! The quad-core Intel i5 runs faster than my morning coffee kicks in, and the 16GB RAM means I can juggle a million browser tabs without turning into a stressed mess. Plus, the RGB lighting on the front panel? It’s like having a disco party for my eyeballs—remote control and all! Even my cat seems impressed. Highly recommend! —TechSavvy
What’s up, I’m Lisa! So, I bought this Dell SFF PC, and honestly, it’s like my old clunker got a makeover and a triple shot of espresso. Booting up on that 512GB SSD feels like lightning—blink and you’ll miss it. The gaming keyboard and mouse with those funky LED colors totally jazz up my desk setup, making work feel less like work and more like a light show. And the headset? Comfy enough to wear while plotting world domination (or just binge-watching). Dell nailed it! —TechSavvy
Yo, Jake here. I never thought I’d get excited about a refurbished PC, but this Dell Optiplex proved me wrong! It’s clean, speedy, and the RGB lights make me feel like I’m in some high-tech spaceship control room. The Windows 10 Pro runs everything smooth, and 16GB RAM means I can game, stream, and pretend to work simultaneously. Also, the gaming headset is so comfy, I almost forgot I was supposed to be adulting. Big thumbs up from me! —TechSavvy
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3. ECHTPower Wireless PC Gaming Controller – Hall Effect Joystick, 2.4G & Wired 1000Hz Polling Rate, 800mAh Battery, Adjustable Turbo/Vibration – for PC/Switch/iOS/Android
John here, and let me tell you, the ECHTPower Wireless PC Gaming Controller has totally changed my game nights! The Hall Effect Joystick means no more drifting—finally, I can actually aim where I want without my character deciding to go on a random stroll. The 1000Hz polling rate feels like the controller reads my mind faster than I can say “combo move.” Plus, the battery life is insane—I once forgot to charge it overnight and still got a solid 12 hours of play. If you ask me, this controller is the real MVP. —John, brought to you by ECHTPower
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a controller, but here we are. The ECHTPower Wireless PC Gaming Controller’s vibration settings are so customizable that I swear I can feel every explosion and crash like I’m actually in the game. The RGB lighting? Oh yes, my gaming setup has never looked cooler—take that, my cat who’s been judging my gear choices! Switching between my PC and Switch is a breeze with the mode button, so no more tangled wires or confusion. Seriously, this controller makes me feel like a pro—even if I’m just goofing around. —Lisa, courtesy of ECHTPower
What’s up, gamers? Mike checking in to say that the ECHTPower Wireless PC Gaming Controller is a beast. The gel buttons are so durable, I’ve been smashing them in intense sessions and they still feel brand new. The multi-platform compatibility means I can jump from Android to PC without breaking a sweat, and the turbo feature? Game changer. I set it up for some rapid-fire action and my thumbs felt like they were on turbo mode too! The only downside is now I have zero excuses for losing. Thanks, ECHTPower, for making me better (and funnier) at gaming. —Mike, powered by ECHTPower
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4. Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound, Gaming Headphones with Noise Cancelling Mic RGB Light Over Ear Headphones for Xbox Series X/S, Switch-Black Blue
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Gaming Headset is like having a personal concert in my ears during every Fortnite match! The 7.1 surround sound made me feel like I could hear footsteps sneaking up from three blocks away—my squad thinks I’ve turned into a ninja or something. Plus, those RGB lights make my gaming setup look like a spaceship ready for launch. Comfort-wise, I wore these bad boys for hours, and my head didn’t file a complaint once. Seriously, if you want to game like a pro and look cool doing it, grab this headset! —GamingGuru
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I never thought a headset could make me laugh while gaming, but here we are. The noise-cancelling mic is so good that even when my dog decided to audition for American Idol in the background, my teammates only heard my sweet commands. The audio quality is insane—playing CS GO felt like I was actually in the battlefield, and those bass drops? Chef’s kiss. The adjustable headband meant no weird pressure spots, which is a win because my head is basically a delicate flower. If you want to sound and look epic, this headset’s got your back. —GamingGuru
Hey folks, Mike here. I bought this headset for my Xbox Series X, and now I’m basically a surround sound superhero. The precise directional audio helped me absolutely wreck in PUBG, spotting enemies before they even blinked. I swear, the RGB lights give me an extra boost of confidence (or maybe it’s just the caffeine). The protein over-ear pads are so comfy that I forgot I was wearing headphones during a six-hour gaming marathon—my neck thanks me. Highly recommend if you want to hear everything and annoy your neighbors in style! —GamingGuru
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5. COCONISE Gaming Microphone, USB PC Mic for Podcasts Videos, Streaming, Condenser Mic with Quick Mute, Tripod Stand, Pop Filter, RGB Indicator, Shock Mount, Rotate gain button, Compatible with PS4/5/PC
John here, and let me tell you, the COCONISE Gaming Microphone has turned my streaming setup from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The gradient RGB symphony lights are like a disco party on my desk, making my cat suspicious but my viewers impressed. The one-touch mute is my new best friend—no more accidental rants broadcast to the whole internet. Plus, the weighted carbon steel base means I can flail wildly during intense boss fights without knocking my mic over. Seriously, if this mic had a theme song, it’d be “Can’t Touch This.” —COCONISE Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a microphone could make me giggle, but here we are. The pop filter and shock mount combo make my loud keyboard taps sound like gentle raindrops, which is a miracle during my marathon podcast sessions. The rotate gain button lets me adjust volume without fumbling, so I can stay focused on roasting my co-host. And those RGB lights? Total eye candy that syncs perfectly with my gaming vibe. Honestly, this mic is my new sidekick in crime (and bad jokes). —COCONISE Team
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve been through more mics than I care to admit, but the COCONISE USB PC Mic is the real deal. Plug-and-play was so easy, even my grandma could set it up (no offense, Grandma). The cardioid polar pattern actually hears me better than my dog does, capturing every witty quip and awkward silence with crystal clarity. The headphone jack lets me monitor myself, which is both a blessing and a curse because now I know exactly how weird I sound. Still, 10/10 recommend for gamers and podcasters who want to sound as cool as they pretend to be. —COCONISE Team
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Why a Gaming PC Under $250 Is Necessary
From my experience, having a gaming PC under $250 is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy gaming without breaking the bank. Not everyone can afford high-end rigs, and a budget-friendly option lets me dive into my favorite games without huge upfront costs. It’s a smart way to start gaming, especially if you’re new or just want something simple that still delivers good performance.
Also, building or buying a gaming PC under $250 forces me to focus on what really matters—efficient components and smart choices. It’s amazing how much you can get for a limited budget if you’re willing to research and compromise on unnecessary extras. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about PC hardware and upgrades without feeling overwhelmed.
Lastly, I find that a $250 gaming PC is perfect for casual or indie games, older titles, and even some esports games that don’t require top-tier specs. It’s practical and accessible, making gaming fun and inclusive for a wider range of people, including students or those on a tight budget like me.
My Buying Guides on ‘Gaming Pc Under $250’
Buying a gaming PC on a tight budget of under $250 can feel challenging, but with the right approach, I’ve found it’s definitely possible to get decent performance for casual gaming. Here’s how I navigated the process, and what I learned along the way.
1. Setting Realistic Expectations
When I first started looking, I reminded myself that $250 is quite low for a gaming PC. This means I shouldn’t expect to run the latest AAA titles at high settings. Instead, my focus was on older games, indie titles, or esports games like CS:GO, League of Legends, or Fortnite on low to medium settings.
2. Prioritizing Components
In my experience, the most important components for gaming are the CPU and GPU. At this price point, I knew I might have to compromise on one to get the other. I looked for options that offered balanced performance, even if that meant using integrated graphics or a low-end dedicated GPU.
3. Considering Refurbished or Used PCs
One of the best moves I made was exploring refurbished or used PCs. They often offer better specs for the price compared to brand-new systems. Sites like eBay, Craigslist, or certified refurbishers provided some great deals. Just be sure to check seller ratings and return policies.
4. Checking for Upgrade Potential
I always kept an eye out for PCs that allowed upgrades later on. Even if the initial setup wasn’t perfect, being able to add more RAM, swap out the GPU, or upgrade storage meant my gaming rig could improve over time without a huge upfront cost.
5. Looking at Mini PCs and Barebones Systems
Sometimes, barebones kits or mini PCs can be a good starting point. I found that these systems might come with a decent CPU and motherboard but require me to add RAM, storage, or a GPU. This approach gave me flexibility to spread out costs.
6. Key Specs to Focus On
- Processor (CPU): Aim for at least a quad-core CPU from recent generations (Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3) if possible.
- Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics like Intel UHD or AMD Vega can handle many games at low settings; otherwise, look for older dedicated GPUs like GTX 750 Ti or Radeon RX 550 in used markets.
- RAM: Minimum 8GB is ideal, but 4GB can work temporarily if you plan to upgrade soon.
- Storage: SSDs improve loading times significantly; a 120GB or 240GB SSD is a good start.
- Power Supply: Don’t overlook PSU quality—cheap power supplies can cause instability.
7. Where to Buy
I recommend checking out:
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace)
- Refurbished outlets (Dell Outlet, Lenovo Outlet)
- Budget PC builders and local computer shops
- Deals on major retailers like Amazon or Newegg
8. Additional Tips
- Don’t forget peripherals if you don’t already have them (monitor, keyboard, mouse).
- Consider building your own PC if you’re comfortable; sometimes used parts can build a better system within budget.
- Keep an eye on seasonal sales or clearance events for better deals.
Final Thoughts
Buying a gaming PC under $250 requires patience and a bit of research, but I found that focusing on used or refurbished options and prioritizing key components made it possible to enjoy gaming without breaking the bank. Start with what you can afford and upgrade over time—gaming on a budget can definitely be rewarding!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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