Gaming is a huge worldwide passion and gaming PCs can be incredibly expensive — but we show you how to buy the best gaming PCs under $400!
Buyers can invest a ton of cash from custom PC build kits to gamers creating their own specialized computers with high-end graphics cards, power supply units, hard drives, and gaming monitors. Surprisingly, you can acquire a solid gaming platform on a budget.
The best gaming PCs under $400 for 2023 include some pretty impressive features and components to run popular games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, Valorant, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Roblox, Little Alchemy, and more. As it turns out, you don’t have to take out a loan or sell some valuables to afford a respectable gaming PC.
So, open your wallet and get ready to buy one of the Best Gaming PCs Under $400 for 2023. Here they are:
- Best Overall: Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer
- Best Looking: STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC
- Best Small Gaming PC: HP EliteDesk 705 G1 Tiny Desktop Computer
- Best Refurbished PC: Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer
- Best Complete Gaming PC: TechMagnet Siwa 3 Computer Desktop PC
#1 Best Overall Gaming PC Under $400: Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer
- Intel i5 3.10GHz processor
- NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti GPU
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- 6 RGB fans with remote
- Comes with Windows 10 Pro
Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Gaming PC Under $400 is the Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer. It takes the top honors for the best combination of high-end gaming components while still fitting into our $400 or below budget. If you can invest four Ben Franklins in a gaming PC, buy this one.
It features an Intel Core i5-2400 3.10GHz processor, B75 LGA 1155 Motherboard, GTX 750 Ti 4GB Video Card, a 512GB SSD hard drive, and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Plug and play with numerous devices through this unit’s six USB 2.0 and three USB 3.0 ports. Weighing 25 pounds and measuring 22.4 x 22.4 x 12.5 inches, the Alarco Vazrik SE comes with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed.
The 500W power supply amply powers this product and six RGB 120mm cooling fans with remote control allows you to maintain a premium operating temperature even with extensive gaming. This Alarco Gaming PC comes with a one-year warranty and is ready for gameplay right out of the box.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has an Intel Core i5-2400 3.10GHz processor for running most high-end games smoothly. | The graphics card may not support some newer games. |
| A 512GB SSD hard drive and 8GB of DDR3 RAM combine to handle many popular PC games without lag. | Some gamers with a large library may need more storage capacity. |
| A total of nine USB ports means plenty of plug-and-play options. | |
| The Windows 10 Pro operating system is pre-installed and ready to use. | |
| This product has a one-year manufacturer warranty. |
Check out the Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer on Amazon.
Best-Looking Gaming PC Under $400: STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC
- Intel Core i5 3.3GHz-3.7GHz processor
- AMD Radeon RX 550 GPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512G SSD
- Wi-Fi
- 3x RGB fans, RGB keyboard, mouse, and mouse pad
If aesthetics and affordability are important in your gaming circle, you’ll love our choice for the Best-Looking Gaming PC Under $400 — the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC. This personal computer is the sportscar of affordable gaming PCs with RGB lighting throughout, including on the keyboard, mouse, and mousepad.
Of course, looks don’t run your favorite games. However, this kicked-up system will. It features an Intel Core i5 3.7GHz processor, AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD hard drive, Bluetooth 5.0, installed Wi-Fi, and three RGB cooling fans. You have everything you need to begin gaming right here — just choose your favorite setup, as the AMD Radeon RX 550 supports up to four 4K monitors!
Windows 10 Home is pre-installed on the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC. The manufacturer protects your investment with a one-year warranty on parts and labor and free lifetime technical support. This product weighs 19 pounds and measures 18.1 x 10.2 x 18.9 inches to fit snugly on your desk or into another gaming space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC features RGB lighting throughout, including the fans, keyboard, mouse, and mousepad. | Gamers who maintain a large game library will need more storage capacity. |
| An Intel Core i5 3.7GHz processor can handle the most advanced high-end games. | |
| The pre-installed AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 graphics card can support up to four 4K monitors. | |
| This unit has plenty of memory for gaming with 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM. | |
| STGAubron warrants this product for one year with lifetime technical support. |
Check out the STGAubron Gaming Desktop PC on Amazon.
Best Small Gaming PC Under $400: HP EliteDesk 705 G1 Tiny Desktop Computer
- Intel Core i5 processor
- AMD Quad-Core A8 Pro-7600B GPU
- 16GB DDR3 RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Windows 10 Pro pre-installed
If saving space and money are your primary concerns then check out the HP EliteDesk 705 G1 Tiny Desktop Computer. Measuring only 6.9 x 7 x 1.4 inches and weighing nine pounds, this Mini-IPX PC packs a wallop for its size and price. And you know you’re getting quality from Hewlett Packard, an industry leader in personal computers.
An Intel Core i5 CPU with speeds up to 3.8GHz, AMD Quad-Core A8 Pro-7600B GPU, 16GB DDR3 RAM, and 256GB SSD are all packed into this tiny gaming PC case. Windows 10 Pro is pre-installed so you can start gaming as soon as everything is connected.
At only $99 at the time of writing, this Mini-IPX gaming PC is perfect for traveling to local LAN parties or taking your favorite games on vacation. It can fit into tight spaces for unobtrusive gaming in smaller areas or where decor concerns dictate hiding your computer. You can also upgrade this unit easily with more powerful components.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The HP EliteDesk 705 G1 is the ultimate space-saving or travel gaming PC at only 6.9 x 7 x 1.4 inches and nine pounds. | This product requires a DP to HDMI adapter. |
| A powerful Intel Core i5 3.8GHz CPU and an AMD Quad-Core A8 Pro-7600B GPU easily power most modern games. | This product does not support Windows 11. |
| The 16GB DDR3 RAM and 256GB SSD hard drive provide ample memory and storage space for most games. | |
| Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed on this product. |
Check out the HP EliteDesk 705 G1 Tiny Desktop Computer on Amazon.
Best Refurbished Gaming PC Under $400: Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer
- Intel Quad i5 processor with speeds up to 3.6GHz
- GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 GPU
- 32GB RAM
- 128G SSD + 3TB hard drive
- RGB Keyboard & Mouse
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
- DVD drive
Refurbished gaming PCs can save you money, too, so we also include this Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer as our Best Refurbished Gaming PC Under $400. In like-new condition and with several high-performance components, this personal computer is a bargain for beginner or budget-conscious gamers.
Serious gamers will be pleased with the Intel Quad i5 processor with speeds up to 3.6GHz, GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 GPU, 32GB of DDR3 SDRAM, 128GB SSD, and a 3TB hard drive. It is impressively lit with an RGB keyboard and mouse, includes a DVD player, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, and it comes with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed.
Weighing 20.6 pounds and measuring 19 x 16 x 7 inches, this PC gaming tower requires adequate space but fits easily on a desk or dedicated gaming table. This Dell refurbished gaming PC also has a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This refurbished Dell Gaming PC includes impressive components for an affordable price. | The large case will need adequate room to ensure proper airflow. |
| The GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 graphics card supports many of the most modern high-end games. | |
| 32GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a 128GB SSD, and a 3TB hard drive provide plenty of memory and storage for storing and playing newer games. | |
| The Intel Quad i5 processor with speeds up to 3.6GHz seamlessly powers high-performance games. | |
| This Dell refurbished computer has a one-year warranty on parts and labor. |
Check out the Dell Gaming PC Desktop Computer on Amazon.
Best Complete Gaming PC Under $400: TechMagnet Siwa 3 Computer Desktop PC
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 1TB HDD
- New MTG Full HD 22-inch monitor
- MTG RGB keyboard, mouse, and speakers
- 1080p webcam
- Wi-Fi
For the best complete gaming PC with everything you need for immediate gaming out of the box, we recommend the TechMagnet Siwa 3 Computer Desktop PC. While most personal computers lack a few peripherals needed to round out your gaming setup, this product has everything for one low price.
Power your way through any game with an Intel Core i5 processor with 3.20GHz, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, 7200 RPM 1TB hard drive, and a new MTG 22-inch 1080p monitor that can also be upgraded in size for more money. Round out your setup with the MTG RGB keyboard and mouse, 20W RGB speakers, and a built-in webcam. Unpack it all, set it up, install your favorite game, and get it on!
Windows 10 Professional is pre-installed, and this product supports upgrading to Windows 11. The smaller monitor is ideal for the competitive gamer who likes to shape gameplay exactly like a professional contest. This TechMagnet Siwa 3 refurbished PC is backed by a 90-day replacement warranty through Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TechMagnet Siwa 3 gaming PC is a complete setup, including a 20-inch 1080p monitor, 20W speakers, a webcam, an RGB keyboard, and an RGB mouse. | This refurbished gaming PC does not have a long warranty period. |
| This gaming PC has an impressive 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive and 8GB of DDR3 RAM for running the latest high-performance games. | |
| The Intel Core i5 processor produces speeds up to 3.20GHz for fast-paced gaming. | |
| This refurbished TechMagnet Siwa 3 package can be upgraded to larger monitor sizes for an additional cost. | |
| The RBG keyboard and mouse are wireless for more gaming freedom. |
Check out the TechMagnet Siwa 3 Computer Desktop PC on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Gaming PCs Under $400 in 2023: Step by Step
Gamers prefer tons of raw power and loads of storage space when it is available. Sometimes, budgetary considerations cut down our aspirations and force us to be more discerning with our shopping and purchases. Still, there are affordable gaming PCs that offer respectable features. It just takes knowledge of what we need for our most-played games and some research to find the best combination of features in our price range.
We’ve done some research for you to find the best features in gaming PCs under $400. The major factors we considered for our selections included the following:
- Graphics Card (GPU)
- Processor (CPU)
- RAM
- Hard Drive
- Cooling
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Modern high-end games require a powerful video card for the ultimate performance. CPUs with integrated graphic cards are not the best option, and there are better selections in our under $400 price range. You may have to compromise a little, but some surprising GPUs are out there. Some even allow 720p or even 1080p games on regular settings.
For example, one of our choices includes a GTX 750 Ti 4GB Video Card that can easily play AAA games. Another selection includes an AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 graphics card that supports up to four 4K monitors. Both these are in PCs under $400.
Processor (CPU)
Your gaming PC’s processor is the heart of everything, and it impacts every other part of your system. A powerful CPU enables high performance and can handle multiple advanced tasks, like those needed for streaming games. Our choices for the best gaming PCs under $400 all include powerful Intel Core or comparable AMD Ryzen processors suitable for gaming or everyday use.
A good example is the Intel Core i5. It is an impressive processor that handles most high-end games in computers under $400. Upgrading to a newer Core i7 is possible, but get ready to spend more than your entire PC budget on a CPU alone. AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs are available for around $150, which may be a more acceptable choice for your budget.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the amount of computer memory your system has to complete multiple tasks at once. More RAM means higher speeds and faster gaming without lag or crashes. Trouble-free gaming requires at least 8GB of RAM, and finding an affordable PC with more is often difficult. All our selections offer at least 8GB and some with 16GB for even better performance on the newest games.
Also, DDR3 (Double Data Rate version 3) RAM is a third-generation type of memory that enables high data transfer speeds. This high-end RAM is in some of our selections for under $400. Combining this type of RAM with 8GB or 16GB capacities allows you to run newer games on an affordable system.
Hard Drive
Your hard drive is the primary storage for gaming libraries, progress data, and other files. Gaming PCs can have HDD drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). An HDD is the traditional storage drive using spinning discs that a mechanical arm reads. An SSD is a more modern innovation in digital storage drives without moving parts. It allows faster data reading than HDD drives but is often smaller in capacity.
An SSD is more expensive, so it may make a difference in keeping your gaming PC under $400. HDDs are cheaper and also offer the option of using both an HDD and an SSD for better storage and faster boot times. Check the system you may buy to see if the motherboard supports this option.
Cooling
Gaming computers generate lots of heat as they operate high-performance games, so they need substantial cooling systems. A minimum of three cooling fans is recommended. Some PCs come with more or have space to add them if desired. Others can even add liquid cooling systems, but PCs under $400 typically will not have or need them.
Buyers should research all their potential under-$400-gaming-PC choices to make sure they have adequate cooling components, venting, and space around internal components to allow sufficient airflow. Keeping your gaming PC cool prevents damage that ruins your investment.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Gaming PCs Under $400
Buyers on a budget limiting them to under $400 need to have realistic expectations. You cannot buy an extreme gaming $2,000 PC for less than $400. You can get a respectable system to play many modern games on a budget. We demonstrate that it is possible and provide five quality options you can choose from. Just realize what you are getting and prepare to be satisfied with what your money can buy.
Budget-conscious buyers should also realize that an under $400 gaming PC is a great upgrade platform. As your gaming proficiency improves and your budget grows, you can always add a hotter GPU. Next, invest in another cooling fan. Then, add some SSD storage for faster loading or more HDD to build a larger game library. Try out a larger 27-inch monitor. The possibilities are endless. However, it all started with a completely functional basic gaming PC under $400.
Using the Best Gaming PCs Under $400: What It’s Like
Re-read the above section about “What to Know Before Buying the Best Gaming PCs Under $400” again. Have realistic expectations when you set up your new gaming PC and play that first game. Match your game to the PC’s specifications and rated functionality. If you overload the system, you will be disappointed. Start easy with low settings and experiment to see what the PC can handle for smooth and seamless gameplay.
Using any PC is a learning experience. Experimentation is a journey where you discover what the system can do and what you should enhance with your next upgrade. The best gaming PCs under $400 will get you started gaming but should never restrict what you want to do in the future. Don’t view your current budget as a barrier; consider it a starting point for learning, growth, and future investment.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©DisobeyArt/Shutterstock.com.
