Buying Guide

The Cheapest Gaming Desktops Worth Buying

Five of the cheapest gaming desktops, from RTX 3050 to RX 6500 XT, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

An assembled desktop PC with the side panel open
Illustrative image

These are the lowest-priced towers that still name a real graphics card and every other core part. Below them, listings start hiding parts or dropping the graphics card entirely.

We compared the parts each listing names: CPU, graphics card and VRAM, memory, storage and, where stated, the power supply and warranty. We did not test these systems, and we skipped listings that leave a core part vague.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Solid Alternative

    STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB)

    STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 512GB SSD.

    Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 3050 graphics card.

    Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Worth Considering

    STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 1TB)

    STGAubron 3050 1TB pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.

    Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 3050 graphics card.

    Check price for STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 1TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Largest Listed PSU

    ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB)

    A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold.

    Best for: A bigger graphics card later.

    Check price for ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Solid Alternative1 of 5

STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB)

STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 512GB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want a rtx 3050 graphics card.

Skip if

Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p is a problem.
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 512GB)

Why we like it

It also comes with the lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On SSD capacity it sits mid-pack at 512GB: the Evounic RX 580 is rated for 1TB, and the MEK RTX 3050 comes in at 500GB.

It shares an RTX 3050 graphics card with the STGAubron 3050 1TB and MEK RTX 3050; the HELLOLAND King White goes with an RX 6500 XT graphics card. It shares a DDR4 memory type with the STGAubron 3050 1TB; the MEK RTX 3050 goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.

With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. At 6GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 3050
VRAM
6GB
Processor
Ryzen 5 5500
Memory
16GB
Memory type
DDR4
SSD
512GB

Pros

  • A RTX 3050 graphics card
  • The lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing
  • Ryzen 5 5500 six-core processor
  • VRAM of 6GB, ahead of the HELLOLAND King White

Cons

  • 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games

The catch

What it gives up: VRAM of 6GB, behind the Evounic RX 580 (8GB); by contrast, the Evounic RX 580 offers 8GB.

Most VRAM2 of 5

Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB)

Inside the Evounic RX 580 are a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

Best for

High texture settings at 1440p and above.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Evounic Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 580 8GB)

Why we like it

Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Nothing else here matches its 8GB VRAM; the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 comes closest at 6GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the HELLOLAND King White and the STGAubron 3050 1TB at 1TB.

An RX 580 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the HELLOLAND King White uses an RX 6500 XT graphics card. Check the Evounic RX 580's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.

Key specs

Graphics card
RX 580
VRAM
8GB
Processor
Ryzen 5 5500
Memory
16GB
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A RX 580 graphics card
  • Older RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM
  • Most VRAM of the picks (8GB)
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050

Cons

  • 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing

White Build3 of 5

HELLOLAND King White Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 6500 XT 4GB)

Inside the HELLOLAND King White are a Ryzen 5 5500 and an RX 6500 XT with 4GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.

Best for

Matching a white desk setup.

Skip if

Pass on it if 4GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p rules it out for your setup.
HELLOLAND King White Prebuilt Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RX 6500 XT 4GB)

Why we like it

It also comes with a white case with five RGB fans. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it trails the group at 4GB, while the Evounic RX 580 offers 8GB.

On SSD capacity it ties with the Evounic RX 580 and the STGAubron 3050 1TB at 1TB. You get an RX 6500 XT graphics card here, which sets it apart from the MEK RTX 3050 and its an RTX 3050 graphics card. It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the MEK RTX 3050; the STGAubron 3050 1TB goes with a DDR4 memory type.

It also comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty. Check the HELLOLAND King White's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. It was priced above the Evounic RX 580 and below the STGAubron 3050 1TB at the time of writing.

Key specs

Graphics card
RX 6500 XT
VRAM
4GB
Processor
Ryzen 5 5500
Memory
16GB
Memory type
DDR4-3200
SSD
1TB
Warranty
1 year parts and labor
Case colour
White

Pros

  • A RX 6500 XT graphics card
  • White case with five RGB fans
  • One-year parts and labor warranty
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050

Cons

  • 4GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • VRAM trails the Evounic RX 580 (8GB)

The catch

It gives ground on VRAM, where the Evounic RX 580 offers 8GB.

Worth Considering4 of 5

STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 1TB)

STGAubron 3050 1TB pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want a rtx 3050 graphics card.

Skip if

Pass on it if 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p rules it out for your setup.
STGAubron Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB, 1TB)

Why we like it

It also comes with an RTX 3050 and a 1TB SSD near $750 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On SSD capacity it ties with the Evounic RX 580 and the HELLOLAND King White at 1TB.

It shares an RTX 3050 graphics card with the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and MEK RTX 3050; the HELLOLAND King White goes with an RX 6500 XT graphics card. It shares a DDR4 memory type with the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050; the MEK RTX 3050 goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the STGAubron 3050 1TB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.

With 16GB installed, check for free memory slots before adding more. At 6GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 3050
VRAM
6GB
Processor
Ryzen 5 5500
Memory
16GB
Memory type
DDR4
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A RTX 3050 graphics card
  • RTX 3050 and a 1TB SSD near $750 at the time of writing
  • Ryzen 5 5500 six-core processor
  • VRAM of 6GB, ahead of the HELLOLAND King White

Cons

  • 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • Costs more than the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 at the time of writing

Largest Listed PSU5 of 5

ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB)

MEK RTX 3050 pairs a Ryzen 5 5500 with an RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM, plus 16GB of DDR4-3200 and a 500GB SSD.

Best for

A bigger graphics card later.

Skip if

Worth skipping when 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p is a problem.
ZOTAC MEK (Ryzen 5 5500, RTX 3050 6GB)

Why we like it

It also comes with a 650W Gold PSU near $800 at the time of writing. On SSD capacity it trails the group at 500GB, while the Evounic RX 580 is rated for 1TB. It shares an RTX 3050 graphics card with the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and STGAubron 3050 1TB; the HELLOLAND King White goes with an RX 6500 XT graphics card.

It shares a DDR4-3200 memory type with the HELLOLAND King White; the STGAubron 3050 1TB goes with a DDR4 memory type. Check the MEK RTX 3050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The 650W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. Only the STGAubron 3050 1TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.

Key specs

Graphics card
RTX 3050
VRAM
6GB
Processor
Ryzen 5 5500
Memory
16GB
Memory type
DDR4-3200
SSD
500GB
Power supply
650W
PSU rating
80 Plus Gold
Warranty
1 year system, 3 years GPU

Pros

  • A RTX 3050 graphics card
  • A 650W power supply
  • An 80 Plus Gold power supply
  • 650W Gold PSU near $800 at the time of writing

Cons

  • 6GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • A 500GB SSD fills quickly with modern games

The catch

It gives ground on memory, where the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 offers 16GB.

How We Chose These Cheapest Gaming Desktops

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting
The figures behind the order
We compared five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out memory type.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 to the MEK RTX 3050, state graphics card, VRAM and processor and share Ryzen 5 5500 processor.
Where the specs have gaps
The Evounic RX 580 gives no memory type; the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050, the Evounic RX 580 and the STGAubron 3050 1TB give no warranty.
Price range
From the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 to the MEK RTX 3050, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.

What to Look for in a Cheapest Gaming Desktop

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. How much VRAM you need

    The Evounic RX 580 tops VRAM at 8GB and the HELLOLAND King White sits lowest at 4GB. The Evounic RX 580 is the pick for VRAM.

  2. SSD capacity across these picks

    Across these 5 picks SSD capacity spans 500GB (the MEK RTX 3050) to 1TB (the Evounic RX 580). If SSD capacity is your first filter, the Evounic RX 580 sets the ceiling at 1TB.

    A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk
    A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk
  3. Memory type

    The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and the STGAubron 3050 1TB list DDR4; the HELLOLAND King White and the MEK RTX 3050 list DDR4-3200. Sort out memory type before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2 and 2.

  4. What to check at home

    Check the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.

    A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk
    A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk
  5. Features beyond the spec table

    The Evounic RX 580: an older RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM. The HELLOLAND King White: a one-year parts and labor warranty. The MEK RTX 3050: a 650W Gold PSU near $800 at the time of writing.

How to Choose a Cheapest Gaming Desktop

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
High texture settings at 1440p and aboveEvounic RX 5808GB of VRAM on the RX 580
Matching a white desk setupHELLOLAND King WhiteA white case
A bigger graphics card laterMEK RTX 3050A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The Evounic RX 580 leads on VRAM at 8GB, ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 at 6GB.

Prebuilt PCGraphics cardVRAMProcessorMemory
STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050RTX 30506GBRyzen 5 550016GB
Evounic RX 580RX 5808GBRyzen 5 550016GB
HELLOLAND King WhiteRX 6500 XT4GBRyzen 5 550016GB
STGAubron 3050 1TBRTX 30506GBRyzen 5 550016GB
MEK RTX 3050RTX 30506GBRyzen 5 550016GB

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Evounic RX 580 ahead of the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 on VRAM?

The Evounic RX 580 tops VRAM at 8GB; the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 follows at 6GB, 33% apart. The HELLOLAND King White is at the other end of this group with 4GB.

Is the MEK RTX 3050 worth paying more than the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050?

The MEK RTX 3050 matches or trails the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 on VRAM and SSD capacity. The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 leads on SSD capacity (512GB). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.

What makes the HELLOLAND King White the White Build?

The label rests on a white case. It gives up VRAM (4GB against 6GB) to the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050, the cheapest pick. It suits matching a white desk setup.

Do the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and the Evounic RX 580 differ on graphics card?

The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050, the STGAubron 3050 1TB and the MEK RTX 3050 use RTX 3050; the Evounic RX 580 uses RX 580; the HELLOLAND King White uses RX 6500 XT.

What should I check before buying the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050?

Check the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks first of 5, and second of 5 on VRAM (6GB).

Beyond the specs, what sets the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050 and the Evounic RX 580 apart?

The STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050: the lowest price among the listings we considered at the time of writing. The Evounic RX 580: an older RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM. The HELLOLAND King White: a white case with five RGB fans.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the STGAubron R5 5500 RTX 3050. Look at the HELLOLAND King White for a white case and the MEK RTX 3050 for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold if those matter more to you.

The cheapest picks here suit esports and older games at 1080p; plan a GPU upgrade for newer titles.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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