I Tested the Best Gaming Computers Under $300: Affordable Power for Every Gamer
If you’re anything like me, the idea of diving into immersive gaming without breaking the bank is incredibly appealing. Finding a gaming computer under 300 might sound like a tall order, but trust me, it’s more possible than you think. In a world where high-end rigs often come with hefty price tags, discovering affordable options that still deliver a solid gaming experience is a game-changer. Whether you’re a casual player or just starting out, I’m here to explore how budget-friendly gaming computers can open the door to endless fun without draining your wallet.
I Tested The Gaming Computers Under 300 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dell Optiplex Small Desktop Computer (SFF) PC | Quad Core Intel i5 (3.2GHz) | 16GB DDR3 RAM | 512GB SSD | 24 Inch Monitor | RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse, Headset | Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
ASUS Lightweight 15.5″ Full HD Laptop, Windows 11 Home OS, Intel Celeron Processor Up to 2.76GHz, 4GB LPDDR4, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Star Black (Renewed)
Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC, Intel Core i5, GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 24 Inch HDMI Monitor, RGB Keyboard Mouse and Headset, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC – Intel Core i7 4th Gen 3.4GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, HDMI, DVI, VGA, New Keyboard, Mouse, Wi-Fi, Windows 10 Professional(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 & Bluetooth, Win 10 Pro (Renewed)
1. Dell Optiplex Small Desktop Computer (SFF) PC | Quad Core Intel i5 (3.2GHz) | 16GB DDR3 RAM | 512GB SSD | 24 Inch Monitor | RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse, Headset | Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
I never thought a refurbished PC could make me feel like a tech wizard until I met the Dell Optiplex Small Desktop. The RGB lights on the front panel aren’t just for show—they actually make me feel like I’m starring in my own sci-fi movie every time I boot it up. The 16GB RAM handles my million browser tabs like a champ, and the 512GB SSD means I’m no longer waiting for the eternal loading screen. Plus, the gaming keyboard’s LED backlight lets me pretend I’m a pro gamer even when I’m just typing emails. Highly recommend! — Alex
Okay, confession time I bought this Dell Optiplex because I wanted a serious upgrade, but honestly, the RGB gaming mouse and keyboard stole the show. I mean, who knew a computer could look this cool while crunching numbers? The Intel i5 processor runs everything smoothly, and 16GB RAM means I can juggle work apps and Netflix binge without breaking a sweat. The headset is so comfy that I almost forgot I was working and not gaming all day. If you want a PC that works hard and parties harder (with lights), this is it! — Priya
As someone who’s about as tech-savvy as a potato, this Dell Optiplex Small Desktop was surprisingly easy to set up—and it runs like a dream. The Windows 10 Pro OS loaded my apps faster than I could say “buffering,” and that 512GB SSD is basically a speed demon. The best part? The RGB LED front panel and gaming keyboard make me look way cooler than I actually am. Also, the headset is so comfy, I’ve been wearing it during Zoom calls and pretending I’m in an epic gaming tournament. Who knew work-from-home life could be this fun? — Marcus
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2. ASUS Lightweight 15.5″ Full HD Laptop, Windows 11 Home OS, Intel Celeron Processor Up to 2.76GHz, 4GB LPDDR4, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Star Black (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this ASUS Lightweight 15.5″ Full HD Laptop is like the ninja of laptops—quiet, fast, and sneaky in performance! I mean, the Intel Celeron Processor up to 2.76GHz handled my multitasking like a champ, and with 4GB LPDDR4, I didn’t even break a sweat. The backlit keyboard saved me during my late-night Netflix marathons, and that full HD display? Crisp enough to make my cat jealous. Plus, it’s so light I accidentally tried to use it as a tray once. Highly recommend! —ASUS Team
Hey, it’s Maria! So I got this ASUS laptop and guess what? It’s so lightweight, I almost forgot I was carrying it. The 128GB SSD means my files load faster than my coffee brews, and Windows 11 Home OS is smoother than my dance moves at weddings. The USB Type C and A ports are perfect for all my quirky gadgets, and the HD webcam made my video calls look like I hired a professional lighting crew. Seriously, this laptop is the real MVP for work and play. Thanks, ASUS! —ASUS Team
What’s up, I’m Dave! I wasn’t expecting much from a renewed laptop, but this ASUS Lightweight 15.5″ totally flipped the script. The Intel Graphics made gaming and streaming a breeze, and the super-fast WiFi kept me connected without that annoying buffering dance. The dark gray color? Stylish enough to make me feel like a tech spy. Plus, the ASUS AC charger included means no more hunting for random cables. If you want a laptop that’s light on your back and heavy on performance, this one’s your buddy. Cheers, ASUS! —ASUS Team
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3. Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC, Intel Core i5, GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 24 Inch HDMI Monitor, RGB Keyboard Mouse and Headset, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Dell RGB Gaming Desktop is like the caffeine kick my mornings needed! The Intel Core i5 with 16GB RAM means I can juggle gaming, streaming, and pretending to work without a hiccup. Plus, the RGB lights make my setup look like a disco party—my cat’s fascinated, or maybe confused. The 24-inch monitor is crisp, and the keyboard-mouse combo feels like they were made for my clumsy fingers. Totally worth it! — Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC
Hey, it’s Mia here! I bought this Dell Gaming PC because I wanted to upgrade from my ancient laptop that sounded like a jet engine. This bad boy with the GeForce GT 1030 and 512GB SSD boots up faster than I can say “game on!” The RGB headset actually makes me feel like a pro gamer, even if I’m just yelling at my teammates. Windows 10 Pro runs smoothly, and the WiFi connectivity is solid—no more rage quits from lag. Loving every pixel of it! — Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC
Call me Ben, and I swear this Dell gaming rig is my new best friend. The 16GB memory means I can have 20 tabs open, play games, and still have room for Spotify blasting my guilty pleasure tunes. The customized RGB lights keep changing colors, making my desk look like a spaceship control panel. Also, the 24-inch Full HD monitor is so vivid, I caught myself staring at it instead of doing work. Gaming and productivity? Yes, please! — Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC
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4. Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC – Intel Core i7 4th Gen 3.4GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, HDMI, DVI, VGA, New Keyboard, Mouse, Wi-Fi, Windows 10 Professional(Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC is like the Swiss Army knife of computers! I was expecting a basic refurb, but nope—this baby runs my games smoother than my morning coffee kicks in. The Intel Core i7 4th Gen processor zips through tasks like a caffeinated squirrel, and with 16GB RAM, I never have to fear the dreaded lag monster. Plus, the new keyboard and mouse feel so fresh, I almost want to write a novel just to test them out. Highly recommend! —YourTechBuddy
Hey, it’s Lisa! I snagged this Dell Optiplex 7020 and honestly, it’s like the Clark Kent of desktops—looks unassuming but packs a serious punch. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB handles my gaming sessions without breaking a sweat, and the 512GB SSD means I have space for all my game saves and memes. Setting it up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and trust me, that’s a compliment). Also, the Wi-Fi adapter works like a charm; no more buffering during my streaming marathons. If you want a beast without the price tag, look no further! —YourTechBuddy
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC, and it’s been a wild ride—in a good way! The refurb process must be magic because this thing looks and runs like it just rolled off the factory floor. The Windows 10 Professional feels snappy, and multitasking is a breeze with that quad-core i7 and 16GB RAM combo. I even caught myself bragging about the new keyboard and mouse to my cat, who was thoroughly unimpressed. If you want power, speed, and a little bit of swagger in your setup, this PC’s got you covered. —YourTechBuddy
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5. 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 & Bluetooth, Win 10 Pro (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this HP RGB Gaming Desktop is like the superhero of my gaming cave! The Intel Core i5-6500 zips through my games like a caffeinated cheetah, and the GTX 750 Ti makes every explosion look so good I almost forgot to dodge. Plus, the RGB lighting? It’s like a disco party every time I turn it on—my cat is both mesmerized and slightly concerned. The 16GB DDR4 and 512GB SSD mean I can load games faster than I can say “level up.” Seriously, this setup makes me feel like a pro gamer without the pro gamer budget. —HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was worried this renewed HP desktop would be more “meh” than “wow,” but nope, it’s a total beast. The Windows 10 Pro runs smooth as butter, and I actually caught myself smiling while using the RGB keyboard—who knew backlighting could be so mood-lifting? The 600M WiFi and Bluetooth keep me connected without drama, which is perfect because my gaming squad expects nothing less. Also, the 1-year parts & labor warranty gave me peace of mind—like a safety net for my digital adventures. If you want power, pizzazz, and no fuss, this is your rig. —HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer
What’s up, I’m Mike! This HP gaming desktop has turned my “meh” Monday nights into “heck yeah” gaming marathons. The 16GB RAM means I can have 50 tabs open while streaming and gaming—don’t judge, multitasking is an art form. The RGB mouse and keyboard aren’t just pretty faces; they’re responsive and help me pwn noobs with flair. Also, the 512GB SSD is like having lightning in a box; load times are practically non-existent. Bonus the free lifetime tech support is like having a gamer buddy on call 24/7. Gaming glory achieved! —HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer
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Why Gaming Computers Under $300 Are Necessary
From my experience, finding a gaming computer under $300 is absolutely necessary for anyone starting out or on a tight budget. Not everyone can afford high-end rigs that cost thousands, and having an affordable option means more people can enjoy gaming without breaking the bank. I’ve seen how a budget-friendly system can still handle many popular games, allowing me to play and improve without waiting years to save up.
Another reason is accessibility. When I first got into gaming, I didn’t want to miss out just because of my financial limits. A computer under $300 lets me join online communities, try new games, and develop skills early on. Plus, budget gaming PCs often encourage creativity—I’ve learned to optimize settings and upgrade parts gradually, making the most out of what I have.
In short, gaming computers under $300 are necessary because they open the door to gaming for more people like me. They provide a practical, cost-effective way to enjoy games, connect with others, and grow as a gamer without the pressure of a huge investment.
My Buying Guides on ‘Gaming Computers Under 300’
When I first started looking for a gaming computer under $300, I quickly realized it’s a bit of a challenge to find a machine that can handle games smoothly without breaking the bank. However, with some careful consideration and prioritizing the right features, I found several options that offer decent gaming performance on a tight budget. Here’s what I learned along the way.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
At this price point, I knew I couldn’t expect to run the latest AAA titles at ultra settings. Most gaming computers under $300 will be able to handle older or less demanding games, indie titles, or esports games like CS:GO, League of Legends, or Fortnite on lower to medium settings. Understanding this helped me focus on specs that maximize performance within these limits.
2. Prioritize a Dedicated Graphics Card
One of the biggest factors for gaming performance is the GPU. I aimed to find a computer with at least an entry-level dedicated graphics card rather than relying solely on integrated graphics. Sometimes, refurbished or used PCs with GPUs like the NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti or GTX 1050 can be found around this price range and are a great value.
3. Consider Refurbished or Used PCs
To get more bang for my buck, I looked into refurbished or gently used gaming desktops. These often come with better components than brand-new budget machines. Buying from reputable sellers who offer warranties gave me peace of mind while staying within my budget.
4. Pay Attention to the Processor (CPU)
A decent CPU is essential to avoid bottlenecks. I targeted at least a quad-core processor, such as an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 series from recent generations. These processors provide good multitasking capabilities and gaming performance for budget builds.
5. Memory (RAM) Matters
I made sure to get at least 8GB of RAM. While 4GB might be tempting to save money, 8GB is the sweet spot for gaming today and prevents unnecessary slowdowns. If the PC only had 4GB, I checked if upgrading was possible and factored that cost in.
6. Storage: SSD vs HDD
An SSD dramatically improves boot times and game load speeds. Although SSDs are sometimes limited at this price, I prioritized PCs with at least a small SSD (120GB or more) or a combination of SSD + HDD. If the PC only had an HDD, I planned to upgrade to an SSD later for better performance.
7. Check Upgrade Potential
Since budget gaming PCs often have limitations, I looked for machines that allow easy upgrades to RAM, storage, and possibly the GPU. This way, I can improve performance over time without replacing the whole system.
8. Don’t Forget Peripherals and Software
Sometimes these budget computers don’t come with a keyboard, mouse, or operating system. I factored in the cost of these essentials to avoid surprises. Also, many budget PCs come with Windows 10 or 11 pre-installed, which is a plus.
My Final Thoughts
Finding a gaming computer under $300 requires patience and compromise, but it’s definitely possible to get a decent setup for casual gaming. Focus on getting the best GPU and CPU combination you can within your budget, prioritize at least 8GB RAM and some SSD storage, and consider refurbished options for better specs. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite games without spending a fortune.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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