Gaming computers can cost a small fortune, with customized rigs running into the thousands of dollars. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a capable gaming machine. There are affordable pre-built PCs that can run modern AAA games smoothly while staying under the $400 budget limit.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a great budget gaming PC, along with reviews of our top 5 picks under $400.
How to Choose the Best Gaming PC Under $400
When evaluating budget gaming PCs, you need to assess a few key components that determine gaming performance. These include:
Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card, also called the GPU, is the most important component for gaming. It handles all the complex graphical rendering in games. For smooth 1080p gaming, an entry-level GPU like the GTX 1050 or RX 560 is sufficient. Avoid integrated graphics cards and opt for a dedicated GPU.
Processor (CPU)
The CPU handles essential computational tasks tied to gameplay physics, enemy AI and more. A last-gen Intel Core i5 quad core processor provides enough horsepower for gaming within our budget. Newer 6-core CPUs are overkill.
RAM
Having enough RAM prevents game crashes and stuttering issues. 8GB is the bare minimum required, with 16GB being recommended for heavier games. Prioritize faster DDR4 RAM if possible.
Storage
For storing games, a 1TB hard drive is ideal. Alternatively, a smaller 256GB SSD offers faster load times. Budget gaming PCs rarely include both. Pick storage as per your priority between capacity and speed.
Cooling
Gaming generates a lot of excess heat, so thermal management is crucial. Ensure your PC has at least two cooling fans, ample ventilation and sufficient airflow clearance. Liquid cooling is unnecessary in this budget bracket.
With these parameters in mind, let’s look at five great pre-built gaming PCs under $400 currently available.
1. Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop
Best Overall
- NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB GPU
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU
- 500GB SSD
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- RGB lighting & 3 cooling fans
- Windows 10 Home installed
Priced just shy of $400, the Skytech Archangel nails that sweet spot between price and performance. It can handle 1080p gaming on high settings smoothly thanks to the GTX 1650 graphics paired with Ryzen’s latest quad core Zen 2 processors.
The 8GB DDR4 RAM is fast and sufficient for gaming, while the 500GB SSD offers quick boot & load times. This PC stays cool under load with 3 vibrant RGB cooling fans built into the rainbow-colored case featuring a transparent side panel.
For a plug-and-play gaming experience with great FPS, this is undoubtedly the best choice under $400 available right now.
Pros
- Powerful entry-level GPU and latest gen CPU
- Fast boot & load times with 500GB SSD storage
- Excellent thermals with 3 in-built RGB cooling fans
- Great gaming performance out of the box
- Rainbow lighting effects for style points
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM which could limit future upgradability
- SSD capacity may fill up quickly with large game libraries
Verdict: With a great blend of gaming prowess and aesthetics, the Skytech Archangel is the clear best overall choice under $400.
Check Price on Amazon
2. ADMI Gaming PC Computer Desktop
Runner Up
- Intel i5-3470 quad core CPU
- AMD Radeon HD 7470 GPU
- 16GB DDR3 RAM
- 500GB SSD
- 6 USB ports
- Windows 10 Professional
The ADMI gaming desktop offers exceptional performance by pairing a last-gen Intel quad core processor with a budget Radeon GPU, plenty of RAM, fast SSD storage and ample connectivity.
The older i5 CPU holds up well for gaming even today. Combined with 16GB RAM which allows for heavier multitasking, this PC provides a smooth overall experience. The dedicated GPU allows for light 1080p gaming, older titles and indie games.
While the GPU is dated, it‘s still very capable at running esports titles. Overall, you’re getting incredible specs for the price despite slightly outdated components.
Pros
- Intel i5 quad core CPU still decent for gaming
- Abundant 16GB DDR3 RAM for seamless multitasking
- Large 500GB SSD enables faster boot & load times
- Good connectivity with 6 USB ports
- Pre-installed Windows 10 Professional
Cons
- Older dedicated GPU limits newer game compatibility
- Lacks modern externals like RGB lighting
Verdict: With the right combination of cpu muscle, abundant memory and fast solid state storage, the ADMI gaming desktop delivers superb performance that outpunches its price tag.
Check Price on Amazon
3. Dell Optiplex 9020 MT Business Desktop
Best Compact Pick
- Intel i5-4590 quad core CPU
- Integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics
- 8GB DDR3 RAM
- 500GB HDD storage
- Ultra small form factor case
- Gigabit ethernet & WiFi
- Windows 10 Professional
The Dell Optiplex 9020 shows you don’t need a hulking tower case to house real gaming capabilities. This used corporate workstation crams some respectable computing hardware into a tiny 11” x 11” chassis.
The i5 processor and integrated graphics make this dwarf desktop able to play older AAA titles and modern indie games fairly well. It even outperforms other Optiplex models, thanks to 4 dedicated RAM slots allowing easy future upgrades.
While more graphically intense gaming is out of its scope, the Optiplex 9020’s diminutive size makes it perfect as a secondary rig or living room console. It’s also dead silent no matter how hard you push it!
Pros
- Space saving mini desktop form factor
- Surprisingly capable quad core Intel i5 CPU
- 4 RAM slots to easily upgrade memory later
- Fast wired networking with gigabit ethernet
- Fanless design enables silent operation
Cons
- Integrated GPU limits gaming capabilities
- No USB 3.0 ports
- HDD storage slower than SSD options
Verdict: Don’t judge this tiny terror by its size. The Optiplex 9020 packs a real punch thanks to a powerful Intel processor that can game reasonably well.
Check Price on eBay
4. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
Best Refurbished Pick
- Intel Core i5 CPU
- GTX 1650 graphics
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Built-in WiFi 5 & Bluetooth
- Windows 10 Home
- 1 year warranty
This refurbished gaming-grade PC from HP delivers ridiculous value at well under $400. Originally $900+ when new, this is an unmissable steal.
Outfitted like any modern gaming desktop, it rocks dedicated Nvidia GTX graphics, abundant fast DDR4 memory, speedy solid state storage and the latest connectivity. Performance is reliably smooth whether gaming, creative workloads or everyday multitasking.
Being professionally refurbished by HP themselves, this system‘s reliability shouldn‘t be a concern either unlike random used machines. Backed by a 1 year warranty, this pre-built tower leaves nothing to be desired.
Pros
- GTX 1650 GPU and i5 CPU perfect for 1080p gaming
- Lavish 16GB DDR4 RAM for maximum multitasking
- Large 512GB SSD enables quick access to games
- Reliable refurbished workstation-class system
- Full 1 year replacement warranty by HP
Cons
- Integrated WiFi 5 could be faster
Verdict: This HP refurb combines top shelf components with the assurance of warranty support. Easily the best sub $400 deal for a gaming ready PC from a leading brand.
Check Price on eBay
5. Monstargot Prestige Pro Gaming PC
Best for Esports & Online Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 CPU
- AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Micro ATX case w/ tempered glass
- 7 vivid RGB fans
- Windows 10 Home
While falling just outside our $400 budget cap, the Prestige Pro warrants inclusion for delivering phenomenal specs and cyberpunk aesthetics that resemble gaming rigs 2-3X the price.
It utilizes a Ryzen 5 processor with Zen microarchitecture, which combined with the Vega 8 iGPU produces comparable performance to an entry-level discreet GPU – perfect for popular competitive esports titles like Fortnite, Valorant, CS:GO, DOTA etc.
Abundant fast DDR4 RAM and NVMe SSD storage give you incredible speeds across the board. 7 addressable RGB case fans addeyecatching flair while keeping things ultra cool. Overall, a visually striking package hiding brute gaming power inside.
Pros
- Powerful 6-core 12-thread AMD Ryzen 5 CPU
- 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM for max fps during gaming
- Quick game load times with 256GB NVMe SSD
- 7 vivid addressable RGB cooling fans
- Tempered glass side panel shows off lighting
Cons
- Integrated GPU less suited for AAA gaming
- Slightly over $400 budget
Verdict: With its cyberpunk looks and esports gaming chops, the Monstargot Prestige Pro punches way above its weight class to provide stunning value just over $400.
Check Price on Amazon
How to Pick the Best Budget Gaming PC
Looking to buy your own sub $400 gaming desktop? Keep these tips in mind:
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Set expectations accordingly: High FPS ultra settings gaming isn‘t possible at this price point. Focus on esports & older titles instead.
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Prioritize the GPU: The graphics card plays the biggest role for gaming perfomance. Get the best GPU possible.
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Don‘t neglect CPU either: While the GPU handles graphics, the CPU drives important gameplay elements and overall system responsiveness.
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Get at least 8GB RAM: With memory prices low, 8GB DDR4 RAM should fit within budget to prevent slowdowns.
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Pick SSD if within budget: A solid state drive massively boosts boot & load speeds compared to hard drives. Worth spending a bit extra on.
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Don‘t obsess over looks: RGB lighting and flashy exteriors drive up costs. Plain looking affordable PCs can pack serious gaming punch inside nonethless!
What to Expect from a Sub $400 Gaming PC
Gaming computers under $400 target smooth 60 FPS gameplay on 1080p monitors. They are best suited for playing competitive esports titles like Valorant, DOTA 2, League of Legends etc. at high settings.
For more visually demanding AAA single player adventure or action games, be prepared to dial down video settings to medium or low quality. Regardless, these systems still handle even the latest games on playable framerates without fully breaking the bank!
Given their entry-level gaming focus, these affordable pre-built PCs forego fancy features like liquid cooling or RGB bling. What you get instead are practical, performance-driven components handpicked to deliver the best gaming experience possible at this price point.
Used judiciously and managed wisely, a sub $400 gaming PC has the potential to serve as a trusty starter rig on your PC gaming journey over several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build a decent gaming PC for under $400?
Yes, it’s certainly possible to get a capable 1080p gaming desktop PC within a $400 budget. Pre-built systems with decent entry-level dedicated GPUs, older quad core CPUs and enough RAM can run modern games smoothly at lowered settings.
What games can a $400 PC play?
A good sub $400 gaming PC can reliably run popular competitive esports titles like Fortnite, Valorant, DOTA 2 etc at over 60 FPS on high settings. Many older AAA titles from 5-10 years ago are also fair game. Budget PCs may struggle with graphically demanding recent single player adventures though.
Is 8GB RAM enough for gaming?
8GB RAM is the recommended minimum required for a decent gaming experience today. While 16GB is ideal, 8GB remains sufficient for gaming if you monitor open background processes and browser tabs. Prioritize faster DDR4 RAM if possible.
Can you game on integrated graphics?
Lower end esports titles may runacceptably on latest generation integrated GPUs from Intel or AMD at lowered resolutions and settings. However, most modern AAA games require a dedicated entry-level graphics card at the very least.
Is a gaming PC under $400 worth it?
Considering that capable gaming desktops usually cost upwards of $800, getting one under $400 is great value. Affordable pre-built PCs can game reasonably well and their components can also be reused to build even stronger rigs later on.
Summary
While high end gaming PCs cost an arm and a leg, one doesn’t need to break the bank to get good 1080p gaming performance on a budget. Pre-built desktops under $400 can run popular competitive esports titles and older AAA games very well.
We evaluated several great options currently available based on gaming-centric features. The Skytech Archangel emerged as the best overall choice under $400 thanks to its new generation Ryzen CPU and GTX 1650 graphics.
The ADMI gaming desktop and ultra compact Dell Optiplex 9020 also impressed with their unexpected gaming brawn. Meanwhile refurbished deals like the HP Pavilion desktop offer unparalleled value for money from top brands.
At just over budget, the RGB loaded Monstargot Prestige Pro tempted buyers with its striking aesthetics housing capable esports-friendly innards. Each pick above has unique strengths catering to every kind of budget gamer.
While more demanding games require lowered settings, these affordable PCs deliver competent Full HD gameplay perfect for both fun gaming sessions with friends as well as amateur competitive play. Overall, getting a sub $400 gaming PC is easier now than ever before.
