Best Gaming PC Under $500

Best Gaming PC Under $500
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Are you within a budget of $500 and need a gaming PC with firey performance? If that’s you, then you are in luck. Today, in this article, we’ll be unraveling the best gaming PC under $500. Thankfully, we have selected 7 Gaming PCs that can give you a good gaming experience with low resolutions and settings. After thorough evaluations, based on performance, the Acer Aspire TC-390-UA91 stands out as the best cheap gaming PC.

Below is a glance at the Best Gaming PCs Under $500 featured in this review.

Comparison Table For The Best Gaming PC Under $500

Click the image in the table below to get the best gaming PC under $ 500 on Amazon.

S/NProduct NameProduct ImageProduct Specification
1Acer Aspire TC-390-UA91Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

RAM: 8 GB

Storage: 12GB NVMe M.2 SSD,

Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8

OS: Windows 10 Home
2ViprTech Entry Level Gaming PCProcessor: Intel i5-2400

RAM: 8 GB

Storage: 1 TB HDD

Graphics: GTX 650 1GB

OS: Windows 10 Pro
3Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Processor: Intel Core i7-4770

RAM: 16 GB

Storage: 512 GB SSD

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1030 2GB

OS: Windows 10 Pro
4Gaming PC Desktop ComputeProcessor: Intel Core i5-2400

RAM: 8 GB

Storage: 1 TB HDD

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 1 GB

OS: Windows 10 Pro
5AVGPC Lite Gaming PCProcessor: AMD FX-9830P

RAM: 8 GB

Storage: 240 GB SSD

Graphics: AMD Radeon R7

OS: Windows 10 Pro
6Hp EliteDesk 800 G1 ToweProcessor: Intel Core i7-4770

RAM: 16 GB

Storage: 512 GB M.2 SSD

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 DDR5 2GB

OS: Windows 10 Pro
7HP Pavilion Desktop PCProcessor: AMD Ryzen 3 5300G

RAM: 4 GB

Storage: 256 GB SSD

Graphics: AMD Radeon

OS: Windows 11 Home

Compare The Top 7 On One Page

The Best Gaming PC Under $500; An Overview

The bitter truth is gaming PCs are costly.

However, you can get a gaming PC within $500 only if you will ready to compromise on its hardware.

And as a result, it will fail to give out satisfying results when you play certain games with it.

The little challenge here is finding Gaming PCs within a sub $500 budget is difficult.

This is because manufacturers may no longer have them in-store to pave the way for new stock.

Consequently resulting in a shortage in supply.

The latest Gaming PC models are gifted with incredible hardware, and people are willing to buy them.

Nonetheless, all hopes are not lost.

There is still a chance that you can find an original or renewed PC with low-end specifications.

Meaning, that there will be restrictions on resolution and gaming settings when you want to play some high-demanding games.

In summary, your sub $ 500 budget can get you a nice PC to play low-end games and take on other low-demanding tasks with ease.

In spite of the unavailability of the gaming PC under $500, we researched and discovered 7 Gaming PCs.

Particularly, 5 are new products, and the other 2 are renewed.

Before we dive into the listing properly, let’s look at the things to consider before buying. 

Important Features To Consider When Buying The Best Gaming PC Under $500

In this section, we will enlighten you on some essential things you have to look out for before buying.

The reason is that we want you to become smart buyers who will eventually buy the best-fitted product.

CPU/ GPU

The importance of the CPU, GPU, and other hardware components can not be overemphasized, so there will be no need for long talks.

In regards to that, we would like to head straight to the basic requirements.

Before that, keep in mind that higher numbers(hardware) simply means better performance when it comes to laptops or desktops.

So, if you intend to be more productive with your computer, it is better to opt for a PC with good specifications.

Hence, we suggest a processor of the 2nd-4th generation AMD 3 or Intel Core i3.

Better still, you could opt for a Core i5 processor or any AMD with equal strength.

Also, any of the processors should have multiple cores for multitasking and fast processing.

With a 500 dollar bill, you will not get excellent graphics.

The best option available within this price range is the Nvidia GTX in the 10 series or lesser than that.

You may also get a computer with an integrated graphics card, that’s still fine.

Overall, with these specifications, you can still enjoy some games and still do many more things with the computer.

RAM/ STORAGE/ OS

The basic requirement of RAM size for games is 8 GB, and fortunately for you, there are desktops out there with 8 GB RAM selling at $500 or less.

Consequently, you can open as many tabs and applications simultaneously without any lag.

Likewise, you should get a PC with a minimum of 256 GB and a maximum of 512 GB SSD storage.

Also, check to see if it comes with the latest operating system compatible with your games.

Lastly, look out for ports options.

The ports will be helpful for connecting with other peripherals.

It is time to talk about our 7 best cheap gaming PC.

Top Picks For The Best Gaming PC Under $500

1. Acer Aspire TC-390-UA91

First on this list is the Acer Aspire TC-390-UA9.

This amazing PC delivers more than its price tag.

If you buy this PC, then there will not be a need to spend extra cash on a keyboard or a mouse because it already has those gadgets in its package.

Furthermore, this PC is primarily not meant for gaming because of its graphics card.

However, it can still play modern games at low settings, thanks to its AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics processor.

Away from that, there are available port options for external connection.

They are; 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports (2 Front and 2 Rear),  2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports (Rear),  2 USB 2.0 Ports (Rear).

Also, there is 1 HDMI Port (Rear)  and 1 VGA Port (Rear).

Then, it measures 13.78 x 6.42 x 13.39 inches and weighs 15.22 pounds.

Hardware Components

This PC gives out an impressive performance with the Ryzen 3 3200G(4.20 GHz max boost) processor stacked with AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics.

In addition, it features 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage.

The perfect blends of these specs make this PC the ideal workhorse to tackle any task thrown at it.

It will execute all your daily computing needs and minor games perfectly.

Operating System

It functions on the Windows 10 Home OS.

Pros

  • It has sound build quality.
  • It has Wi-Fi 5, 3x faster than the previous generation.
  •  There is an extra space if there is a need for expanding.
  • Good processor.
  • It comes with an HD 5.1-Channel Surround Sound.

Cons

  • It isn’t good enough for serious gaming.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

2. ViprTech Entry Level Gaming PC

Next on the list for the best gaming PC under $500 is the ViprTech Entry Level Gaming PC.

Unlike the previous PC, this entry levy desktop takes the traditional gaming design.

Its chassis is covered with RGB light, particularly the front and side panels.

Furthermore, the side panel is covered with tempered glass, showcasing neatly arranged cables and other components.

Meanwhile, the rear of this PC houses the ventilation hole and other available ports/ connectivity options.

Speaking of ports, you will see 6 USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports on the rear.

On its weight and dimension, it measures‎ 15 x 8 x 18 inches and weighs ‎15 pounds.

Hardware Components

This PC features a dual-core Intel i5 processor having a 3.40GHz clock speed.

You can rely on this PC to play games like Fortnite, CSGO, Overwatch, and many other games but at a low setting.

Or better still, check for the base requirement to see if this PC is compatible.

More so, you can multitask and run programs efficiently without any slow down, thanks to the RAM size of 8 GB DDR3.

Then it has a 1 TB HDD with 7200 RMP for storage.

Lastly, the graphics processor is the Nvidia GTX 650 with 1 GB video memory.

Operating System

The ViprTech Entry Level Gaming PC runs on the Windows 10 Pro with 64 bits.

Pros

  • It has been tested to play recent games.
  • It has an attractive RGB case.
  • Good processor.

Cons

  • It does not come with additional peripherals.
  • HDD storage.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

3. Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming

The 3rd contender on the list is the Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Computer.

It comes with a beautiful customized RGB light case.

These lights can be controlled by the use of a remote controller.

You will see an Infinity LED panel alongside an LED strip on the front panel.

More so, it comes with its own keyboard and mouse.

Furthermore, it has various video output ports; DVI, HDMI, and VGA.

Above all, it weighs 16 pounds and measures ‎19 x 16 x 7 inches.

One would not suspect it to be a renewed PC with all these specifications.

Hardware Components

This computer carries the 4th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with 3.4 GHz processor speed and 16 GB RAM.

Consequently, multitasking will go smoothly at a fast rate.

Additionally, it has the Nvidia GTX 1030 backed up with 2 GB of video cards.

This video card will support most games better than the previous desktop.

However, you may not get accurate ray tracing.

Plus, it has 512 GB of SSD to store all your games, application, and multimedia.

Operating System

It uses the Microsoft Windows 10 professional with 64 bits.

Pros

  • High-performance processor.
  • Excellent graphics processor.
  • It is compatible with most games.
  • It comes with a gaming keyboard and mouse.

Cons

  • It does not have a USP Type C.
  • Small storage.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

4. Gaming PC Desktop Computer 

 Taking the 4th spot on this list is the Gaming PC Desktop Computer from the Alarco brand.

This gaming PC packs a beautiful RGB lightbox revolutionary specifications to deliver outstanding performance.

Not only does it have good specifications, but it also houses a good amount of ports options for wired connection of mouse, keyboard, monitor and so on.

Moving on.

This sleek and compact PC has 4 RGB cooling fans that keep the processor cool and enhance its performance.

Additionally, it has a DVI port, VGA, and HDMI ports for an external screen connection.

Also, it has 3 USB 3.0 ports and 4 USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet plus Wi-Fi.

Hardware Components

It runs on the 2nd gen intel core i5 processor with a speed of 3.10 GHz.

More so, it features the Nvidia GTX 650 1GB graphic processor.

Furthermore, this video card is compatible with some modern games at a decent frame rate.

Specifically, it can play Fortnite at 100 FPS on low settings, and on medium settings, it delivers 60 FPS.

 Also, it runs both PUGB and GTA5 at 30 FPS on a low setting.

For better performance, multitasking, and fast boot-up, you have 8 GB RAM and 1 TB HDD for boot drive and actual storage.

Operating System

This PC is powered by the Windows 10 professional with 64 bits.

Pros

  • It has a beautiful design.
  • Overall good performance.
  • Good graphics performance.

Cons

  • Its graphics cannot run 4K games.
  • No USB TYPE C.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

5. AVGPC Lite Gaming PC

Still on the list of the best gaming PC under 500 dollars, standing in the fifth position is the AVGPC Lite Gaming PC.

This lite gaming PC features excellent components to handle school and office work.

At first glance, you might mistake this PC for a speaker because of the net-like appearance of the front and top panel. 

Further, the side panel house a few ports and the power button.

Hardware Components

This pre-built gaming PC comes equipped with a Quad-core  AMD FX-9830P having up to 3.0 GHz speed.

In addition, it has a RAM size of 8 GB DDR3 and a 240GB SSD for rapid storage.

Even more, it uses the AMD Radeon 7 R7 integrated graphics processors, which can be used for games with low demands and competitive esports.

Operating System

And lastly, it is powered by the Windows 10 operating system.

Pros

  • It is good for low-demand games.
  • Good for daily computation and productivity tasks.

Cons

  • It doesn’t have a wireless connection to the internet.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

6. Hp EliteDesk 800 G1 Tower Computer

We have the Hp EliteDesk 800 G1 Tower as our number 6 best on this list.

This budget-friendly PC  has a great off-the-shelf performance that will give the best entry-level gaming experience.

More so, it has enough ports for connectivity and data transfer.

This port includes 6 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.0, 2 Display Ports, VGA, Serial Port, Audio Ports, Optical Drive, RJ-45 (Ethernet Port), HDMI port.

For wireless internets connection, there is a Wi-Fi adapter and Bluetooth.

Hardware Components

This desktop comes equipped with the 4th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor, 3.20 GHz, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD for rapid storage.

Therefore you can rest well on this desktop for reliable, fast, and consistent performance at work, school, or home.

What’s more?

It is equipped with the Nvidia GTX 1030 graphics processor to play games like Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket, and more.

Additionally, this PCs storage is expandable with the available slots and bays; 1 low-profile PCI Express x16 Slot and 2 low-profile PCI Express x1 slots.

The bays include 1 external 5.25″ drive bay, 1 internal 3.5″ drive bay, plus 1 external 3.5″ drive bay.

Operating System

The Hp EliteDesk 800 G1 Tower Computer functions with the brand new Microsoft Windows 10 Home operating system free of bloatware.

Pros

  • It has good graphics.
  • It comes with a keyboard and mouse.
  • Overall excellent performance.

Cons

  • There is no USB type C.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

7. HP Pavilion Desktop PC

We deem it right to mention the last desktop on this list- the HP Pavilion Desktop PC.

This budget-friendly PC has good specifications.

You can expect average performance in daily activities and entry-level gaming experience.

First of all, it comes with many ports for easy transfer of data from one device to another.

These ports include 4 superspeed UCB Type A, 1 Superspeed USB Type C, and 4 USB 2.0 Type-A.

Hardware Components

Moving on, this PC is suitable to play the latest game(at low settings), photo editing, and many more.

It has an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD for storage, and an AMD Radeon Vega 3 as its graphics processor.

The perfect combination of these specs will give the best entry-level gaming experience and efficient execution of tasks.

Operating System

Finally, it comes with a Windows 11 Home operating system.

Pros

  • It has a solid build quality.
  • There is a USB Type C.
  • Wi-Fi 5
  •  Come with its own keyboard and mouse.

Cons

  • It has a cramped keyboard.

Click on the Image link to buy the best gaming PC under $500 on Amazon.

Conclusion On The Best Gaming PC Under $500

Finally, we have come to the end of this review.

If you are a gamer on a tight budget and you want a gaming PC within 500 dollars, we have 7 cheap gaming PCs listed in this article.

We went further to give tips on how you can easily know which gaming PC is the best for under 500 dollars.

So, all you have to do now is pick any one of your choices and enjoy a smooth entry-level gaming experience.

However, if you are still haven’t settled for one yet, we suggest you opt for our overall best, the Acer Aspire TC-390-UA91. 

Click on the link above to buy it now on Amazon.