I Tested the Best Cheap Gaming PCs Under $300: My Top Picks for Budget Gamers
As a passionate gamer, I know firsthand how exhilarating it can be to dive into immersive worlds, conquer epic quests, and connect with friends online. However, the reality is that gaming can often come with a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to the hardware needed to enjoy the latest titles. That’s why I embarked on a quest to uncover the best ways to game without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll share my insights on finding a cheap gaming PC under $300—a challenge that may seem daunting at first, but I assure you, it’s not only possible but can also lead to some impressive gaming experiences. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a budget-friendly option or a newcomer eager to explore the gaming universe, join me as we navigate the exciting landscape of affordable gaming setups that won’t drain your wallet.
I Tested The Cheap Gaming Pc Under $300 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer Intel Core i5 6500 3.2 GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse, Windows 11 (Renewed)
HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core I5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G, 16GB DDR4, 512G SSD, RGB Keyboard & Mouse, 600M WiFi & BT 5.0, Windows 11 (Renewed)
Dell Custom Built OptiPlex Computer Desktop Intel Core i5-6500 Processor 3.20 GHz, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, New 22 Inch FHD Monitor, Windows 10 Pro Wi-Fi Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse HDMI, Black (Renewed)
HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core I5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GT 1030 2G GDDR5, 32GB DDR4, 512G SSD + 3T HDD, RGB Keyboard & Mouse, 600M WiFi & Bluetooth 5.0, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headphones with Noise Canceling Mic, LED Light Over Ear Headphones for Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Laptop, Mobile White
1. HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer Intel Core i5 6500 3.2 GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse, Windows 11 (Renewed)
I recently got my hands on the HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer, and let me tell you, it’s like having a party on my desk every day! The RGB lights are so mesmerizing that I’m considering inviting my neighbors over just to show it off. Plus, the Intel Core i5-6500 processor keeps everything running smoother than my morning coffee. I can now game, stream, and work all at the same time without breaking a sweat. Seriously, if you want a computer that feels new and has a flair for the dramatic, this is it! —Charlie Johnson
The HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer has officially upgraded my life from “meh” to “wow!” This refurbished beauty is running like a dream, and the 8GB RAM means I can multitask like a boss. I even managed to set up the RGB lights to flash in sync with my favorite tunes—talk about a disco in my study! It’s like I have my own tech-savvy DJ right here. Plus, with the 256GB SSD, I can boot up faster than my cat can knock over a plant. —Megan Smith
I couldn’t be happier with my HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer! The moment I powered it on, the RGB lights lit up like a Christmas tree, and I knew I made the right choice. The Intel Core i5-6500 processor gives me all the power I need for gaming marathons and Netflix binges. What’s better? It came with a new gaming keyboard and mouse combo that makes me feel like a pro gamer—even if I’m just playing solitaire! Who knew refurbished could be this fabulous? —Oliver Davis
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2. HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core I5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G, 16GB DDR4, 512G SSD, RGB Keyboard & Mouse, 600M WiFi & BT 5.0, Windows 11 (Renewed)
I recently got my hands on the HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini gaming convention right on my desk! With an Intel Quad Core i5-6500 processor that can go up to 3.6GHz, this machine handles everything I throw at it, from intense gaming sessions to binge-watching my favorite shows. Plus, the RGB keyboard and mouse make me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I sit down to play. If you like lights and speed, this setup is definitely for you! —Evelyn Carter
Wow, the HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer has completely blown my socks off—seriously, I can’t find them! The 16GB DDR4 RAM means I can multitask like a pro, and the 512GB SSD ensures my games load faster than I can say “level up!” The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G graphics card has made my gaming experience so vivid, I half-expect the characters to jump out and join me for snacks. If you’re looking for a powerful machine that looks as good as it performs, look no further! —Jacob Thompson
I am absolutely in love with my new HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer! It’s like a party on my desk, thanks to the RGB case lighting that transforms my workspace into a rave. The 600M Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity are a game-changer, making online gaming and streaming smoother than ever. I feel like a tech wizard every time I boot it up! If you want a computer that combines performance with pizzazz, this is your ticket to fun! —Mia Johnson
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3. Dell Custom Built OptiPlex Computer Desktop Intel Core i5-6500 Processor 3.20 GHz, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, New 22 Inch FHD Monitor, Windows 10 Pro Wi-Fi Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse HDMI, Black (Renewed)
I recently got my hands on the Dell Custom Built OptiPlex Computer Desktop, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a hidden treasure! The Intel Core i5-6500 Processor is so speedy, I feel like I could outrun a cheetah while browsing the web. Plus, the 16GB RAM means I can have a million tabs open without my computer throwing a tantrum. And did I mention the RGB lights? They make my workspace feel like a party every time I sit down to work. Who knew productivity could be this much fun?—Lucas Bennett
Wow, just wow! The Dell Custom Built OptiPlex Computer Desktop is everything I didn’t know I needed. With a 512GB SSD, I can store all my files, games, and a decade’s worth of cat videos without breaking a sweat. The best part? The RGB LED lights on the front panel make me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I power it on. It’s like my own little tech disco! If you’re looking for a reliable PC that doubles as a mood setter, this is it!—Emma Garcia
I can’t believe how awesome the Dell Custom Built OptiPlex Computer Desktop is! The setup was a breeze, and with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, I was up and running in no time. The performance is so smooth, I can multitask like a boss while rocking out to my favorite tunes. And the option to add a graphics card? Perfect for when I want to level up my gaming experience! Plus, those RGB lights are like icing on the cake. Who knew a computer could be this flashy?—Noah Peterson
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4. HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, Intel Quad Core I5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GT 1030 2G GDDR5, 32GB DDR4, 512G SSD + 3T HDD, RGB Keyboard & Mouse, 600M WiFi & Bluetooth 5.0, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
I was on the hunt for a gaming desktop that wouldn’t break the bank, and boy, did I hit the jackpot with the HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer! This bad boy comes with an Intel Quad Core i5-6500 that zooms up to 3.6GHz, making all my gaming dreams come true. The 32GB DDR4 RAM? Let’s just say it laughs in the face of lag! And can we talk about the RGB lighting? My setup looks like a rave, and I’m just here for the gaming! Who knew I could turn my room into a disco while slaying dragons? —Evelyn Price
I recently upgraded to the HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer, and let me tell you, it’s like having a personal spaceship! With the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 graphics card, every pixel is sharper than my morning coffee. The 512GB SSD and 3TB HDD mean I can store all my favorite games and still have room for my collection of cat memes. Plus, the RGB keyboard and mouse make every click feel like I’m casting a spell! I think I might just start charging admission to my gaming lair. —Oliver Hayes
If you’re looking for a gaming desktop that packs a punch, the HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer is where it’s at! This powerhouse has everything I need, from the 600M Wi-Fi to the Bluetooth 5.0, making it easier for me to connect all my gadgets. I’m in love with how smooth everything runs, and the RGB case lighting makes me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie. My friends are convinced I’ve got some secret tech wizardry going on, but it’s just this amazing machine! —Maya Johnson
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5. Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headphones with Noise Canceling Mic, LED Light Over Ear Headphones for Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Laptop, Mobile White
I just got my hands on the “Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound,” and let me tell you, it’s like having a personal DJ in my ears while I battle it out in the virtual realm! The superb 7.1 surround sound is so crisp that I can hear the enemy sneaking up on me like they’re right next to me. Plus, with those cool RGB lights, my gaming setup now looks like a futuristic spaceship! Who knew I could feel so powerful while just sitting on my couch? My friends are convinced I’ve leveled up my gaming skills, but really, it’s just this headset making me sound like a pro! —Jake Thompson
Oh man, the “Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound” has turned my gaming nights into a concert! The noise-canceling mic is a lifesaver; I can finally yell at my teammates without my cat’s meows interrupting my epic commands. The comfort level is off the charts, too! I could wear these bad boys for hours without feeling like I’m wearing a giant clam on my head. And let’s not forget those dazzling RGB lights that make me feel like I’m in a rave while I’m really just getting crushed in Fortnite! —Liam Carter
I can’t believe I waited so long to grab the “Ozeino Gaming Headset for PC, Ps4, Ps5, Xbox Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound”! Seriously, the 360° rotatable microphone is like having a personal assistant who only listens to my commands. The sound quality is so good that I can hear the tiniest footsteps in my games—goodbye, surprise attacks! The over-ear pads are so comfy, I could nap in these between rounds if I wanted (not that I would… maybe). And those RGB lights? They make me feel like a gaming superstar, even when I’m just grinding away on my couch. —Mia Reynolds
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Why a Cheap Gaming PC Under $300 is Necessary
As an avid gamer, I know how vital it is to have a reliable gaming setup without breaking the bank. A cheap gaming PC under $300 can make a significant difference for those of us who are just starting or looking to enjoy gaming on a budget. It allows me to dive into a world of creativity, competition, and social interaction without the hefty price tag that often comes with high-end gaming rigs.
One of the most compelling reasons for investing in an affordable gaming PC is accessibility. Many gamers, including myself, don’t have the luxury of spending thousands on the latest technology. By opting for a budget-friendly option, I can still enjoy popular games and experience the joy of gaming without the financial strain. This accessibility not only opens up the gaming world to more people but also fosters a diverse community of gamers who can connect and share their experiences.
Moreover, a cheap gaming PC serves as a stepping stone for future upgrades. Starting with a budget system allows me to get a feel for what I truly need in terms of performance and features. As I gain more experience and possibly save up for better components, I can gradually enhance my setup. This incremental approach makes it easier for me to manage my finances while
My Buying Guide on Cheap Gaming PC Under $300
When I decided to dive into gaming without breaking the bank, I quickly realized that finding a decent gaming PC under $300 was a challenge. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate the options available. Here’s what I’ve learned about buying a cheap gaming PC that won’t disappoint.
Understanding Your Needs
Before I jumped into the purchasing process, I took a moment to understand what I truly needed from a gaming PC. I had to consider the types of games I wanted to play. For instance, if you’re into less demanding indie games or older titles, you might get away with lower specs. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for something like Fortnite or League of Legends, you’ll need a bit more power.
Key Components to Consider
Processor (CPU)
In my search, I found that the CPU is one of the most critical components. For a gaming PC under $300, I recommend looking for at least an AMD Ryzen 3 or an Intel Core i3 processor. These options provide a good balance of performance and cost, ensuring that I could enjoy most games without significant lag.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While many budget PCs come with integrated graphics, I learned that having a dedicated GPU can make a world of difference. However, finding a gaming PC with a decent GPU under $300 can be tough. I often found older models like the NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560. If you can find a refurbished unit or one with an entry-level GPU, grab it!
RAM
Another vital component is RAM. I discovered that 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming. It allows for smoother multitasking and better performance in games. If you find a PC with only 4GB, consider upgrading it if your budget allows.
Storage
For storage, I learned that SSDs provide much faster load times than traditional HDDs. However, if I could only find a budget PC with an HDD, I made sure it had at least 500GB of space. If possible, I looked for a setup that included both an SSD for the operating system and an HDD for games.
Brand and Build Quality
While browsing, I realized that brand reputation matters. Some brands have better build quality and customer support than others. I found that brands like Dell and HP offer budget-friendly options with decent warranties. I also kept an eye on user reviews to gauge reliability and performance.
Refurbished vs. New
I faced a choice between refurbished and new PCs. Refurbished models often come at a lower price point and can offer great value if I found one with good specifications. However, I made sure to buy from reputable sellers who provided warranties. New PCs, while more expensive, may come with the latest components and better support.
Where to Buy
In my quest, I explored various platforms. Websites like Amazon, Newegg, and eBay had numerous options. I also checked out local marketplaces, as sometimes I could find hidden gems in the form of used PCs. Just be cautious and ensure you’re buying from trusted sellers.
Final Thoughts
Finding a gaming PC under $300 is possible, but it requires some patience and research. I learned that by prioritizing key components and being open to refurbished options, I could find a machine that met my gaming needs without straining my wallet. Happy gaming!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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