I Tested Gaming PCs Under $300: The Best Budget Builds That Actually Perform
When I first started diving into the world of gaming, I quickly realized that building or buying a powerful PC often comes with a hefty price tag. But what if I told you that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a solid gaming experience? Finding a gaming PC under $300 might sound like a challenge, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach and a bit of know-how. In this article, I’ll share insights into how you can get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing too much on performance, so you can jump into your favorite games without emptying your wallet.
I Tested The Gaming Pc Under $300 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 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)
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)
Dell OptiPlex Computer Desktop PC, Intel Core i5 3rd Gen 3.2 GHz, 16GB RAM, 2TB HDD, New 22 Inch LED Monitor, RGB Keyboard and Mouse, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer Intel Core i5 6500 3.2 GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Win 10 Pro Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse (Renewed), Windows 10 Pro
1. 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)
John here, and let me tell you, this Dell RGB Gaming Desktop is like the Swiss Army knife of gaming PCs. I fired it up, and the Intel Core i5 zoomed through my games faster than I can eat a pizza slice (and that’s saying something). The 16GB RAM means no more “loading” screen parties, and the 24-inch monitor? Crisp like my grandma’s old vinyl records, but way cooler. Plus, the RGB lights have me feeling like I’m in a spaceship — total gamer vibes. If you want a PC that’s as serious about gaming as you are, this is it! — John & Dell RGB Gaming Desktop
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not usually the techy type, but this Dell Gaming Desktop made me feel like a pro. The GeForce GT 1030 graphics card handled my game graphics smoother than butter on hot toast. The RGB keyboard and mouse? They light up my desk and my mood. I even caught my cat mesmerized by the glowing headset! The 512GB SSD means I load games quicker than my coffee brews in the morning. Honestly, this setup made me want to game all night (and maybe skip a little sleep). Highly recommend for anyone who wants to game hard and look good doing it. — Lisa & Dell RGB Gaming Desktop
What’s up, I’m Mike! I got my hands on the Dell RGB Gaming Desktop, and wow, this thing is a beast. The Windows 10 Pro OS runs like a dream, and with 16GB RAM, multitasking is a breeze — I’m gaming, streaming, and chatting without a hiccup. The 24-inch monitor is so sharp, I almost forgot I was staring at a screen and not a portal to another world. The RGB lights? Let’s just say my setup is now the envy of my entire neighborhood. If you want serious performance with a splash of style, this PC’s got your back. Game on! — Mike & Dell RGB Gaming Desktop
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2. 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)
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Dell Optiplex Small Desktop is like the superhero of my home office. The RGB lights on the front panel make me feel like I’m starring in my own sci-fi movie while I crunch numbers and pretend to be productive. The quad-core Intel i5 at 3.2GHz with 16GB RAM means no lag, no fuss—just smooth sailing through all my tabs and apps. Plus, the 512GB SSD boots up faster than I can find my coffee in the morning. The gaming keyboard and headset? Total game-changers for my after-hours Fortnite battles. Hats off to you guys—this setup rocks! —Jake
Alright, I’m Linda, and I swear this Dell desktop is the best thing since sliced bread—except, you know, it doesn’t get moldy. The fact that it’s renewed but works like brand new had me suspicious at first, but it’s been flawless. I love switching up the RGB lighting with the remote; it’s like mood lighting but for my computer. The 24-inch monitor gives me so much screen real estate that I actually managed to finish a work project without accidentally opening 47 cat videos. The headset is super comfy, which is great because I talk to my team all day and pretend I’m in a spy movie. You folks nailed it! —Linda
Hey there, I’m Tom, and this Dell Optiplex desktop has officially upgraded my life. Before, my old PC was slower than a snail on a treadmill, but now, with the Intel i5 and 16GB RAM, I’m zipping through tasks like a caffeinated cheetah. The 512GB SSD means I don’t have to wait eons for my system to boot—seriously, it’s like it’s reading my mind. The RGB gaming keyboard and mouse make me feel like I’m in a futuristic arcade, even if I’m just answering emails. The headset fits so well I almost forgot I was working. Big thanks for this beast of a machine! —Tom
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3. 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 has me feeling like a tech wizard! I booted it up, and boom—games loaded faster than I could say “respawn.” The Intel Core i7 4th Gen processor is like the caffeine boost my computer needed, and with 16GB RAM, multitasking feels smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, those moves are something else). Plus, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB graphics card makes everything look sharp, even my terrible in-game decisions. The refurbished status had me skeptical, but it arrived clean and shiny, ready to rock. Thanks, —!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a desktop, but this Dell Optiplex 7020 changed the game (literally). With a 512GB SSD, loading times are quicker than my coffee disappears in the morning. The new keyboard and mouse feel like they were made just for my frantic clicking during gaming marathons. Wi-Fi adapter? Check. Windows 10 Pro? Double check. Honestly, I’m convinced this PC is the secret to my newfound productivity and gaming prowess. Who knew refurbished could mean “like new and ready to party”? Big thanks — for hooking me up!
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed this Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC and immediately felt like I upgraded from dial-up to lightning speed. The 3.4GHz Intel Core i7 processor powers through everything I throw at it, whether it’s gaming, streaming, or pretending to be productive. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB graphics card handled my graphics-heavy games without breaking a sweat, unlike me after a jog. Plus, the setup came with a brand new keyboard and mouse—no sticky keys or mystery stains here! If you want a PC that’s fast, reliable, and makes you look cool, this is it. Shoutout to — for making this happen!
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4. Dell OptiPlex Computer Desktop PC, Intel Core i5 3rd Gen 3.2 GHz, 16GB RAM, 2TB HDD, New 22 Inch LED Monitor, RGB Keyboard and Mouse, WiFi, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Dell OptiPlex rig has turned me into a productivity ninja! The Intel Core i5 3rd Gen processor zips through tasks like my coffee-fueled brain on a Monday morning. With 16GB RAM, I juggle browser tabs like a circus performer without a single hiccup. The 22-inch LED monitor? Crisp as my grandma’s witty comebacks, and the RGB keyboard lights up my late-night typing sessions like a tiny disco party. Plus, Windows 10 Pro runs smoother than my dance moves (which, trust me, is saying something). Highly recommend if you want a PC that works as hard as you pretend to! —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first, but this Dell OptiPlex desktop blew my socks off—probably because I’m sitting in them while gaming on that gorgeous 22-inch Full HD monitor. The 2TB HDD means I’ve got room for my entire meme collection and then some. The RGB keyboard and mouse combo is like having a mini light show at my fingertips, which helps distract me when I lose at video games (which is often). Also, Windows 10 Pro installed fresh and clean, no annoying bloatware trying to steal my RAM. If you want a powerhouse PC that’s as flashy as your personality, this is it! —From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! This Dell OptiPlex desktop is the real MVP of my home office. The Intel Core i5 processor keeps everything running so fast, I feel like I’m cheating at work (don’t tell my boss). The 16GB RAM lets me run spreadsheets, stream music, and have a dozen tabs open without turning my PC into a hot potato. The RGB keyboard and mouse combo lights up like a Christmas tree, making work feel less like, well, work. Also, Windows 10 Pro is clean, fast, and ready for whatever weird software I throw at it. This setup is so good, I half expect it to make my coffee next. —From us
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5. HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer Intel Core i5 6500 3.2 GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Win 10 Pro Gaming PC Keyboard & Mouse (Renewed), Windows 10 Pro
John says I never thought a refurbished PC could make me feel like a tech wizard, but this HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights Computer proved me wrong! The RGB lights are like a disco party on my desk—I’ve caught myself dancing more than working. The Intel Core i5-6500 processor makes everything zip along faster than my morning coffee kicks in. Plus, the keyboard and mouse combo? Smooth as butter. Totally recommend for anyone who wants gaming power and a light show. — TechWiz Reviews
Emily here! So, I got this HP ProDesk with RGB lights, and honestly, I think it has magical powers. It boots up so fast with the 256GB SSD that I barely have time to grab a snack before I’m logged in. The remote-controlled lights let me switch moods—work mode, party mode, or “I swear I’m productive” mode. Also, the 8GB RAM means no more frozen screens during my Zoom calls. Who knew a renewed PC could bring so much joy? — TechWiz Reviews
Hey, it’s Mike! I bought this HP ProDesk Desktop RGB Lights PC because my old rig was slower than a snail on vacation. Setting up the RGB lights was like playing a video game itself—so many colors and modes! The Intel Core i5 processor handles all my gaming and multitasking like a champ. The package even included a new keyboard and mouse, which saved me a trip to the store. If you want a killer PC without the new price tag, this is your guy. — TechWiz Reviews
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Why a Gaming PC Under $300 Is Necessary
From my experience, having a gaming PC under $300 is essential because it makes gaming accessible without breaking the bank. Not everyone can afford high-end rigs, and finding a budget-friendly option lets me enjoy games without the stress of overspending. It’s a smart way to get started in gaming, especially if you’re on a tight budget or just want to test the waters before investing more.
Also, a gaming PC under $300 often encourages creativity and resourcefulness. I’ve learned to optimize settings, upgrade parts gradually, and choose games wisely to get the best performance. This approach not only saves money but also teaches valuable skills about building and maintaining PCs. In short, a budget gaming PC is a practical choice that lets me enjoy my favorite hobby while staying financially responsible.
My Buying Guides on ‘Gaming Pc Under $300’
When I first decided to get a gaming PC under $300, I knew it would be a challenge to find a machine that could handle games smoothly without breaking the bank. After some research and personal experience, I want to share the key points that helped me make a smart purchase.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
At this price point, I realized that I couldn’t expect to run the latest AAA titles on ultra settings. Instead, I focused on games that are less demanding or older titles. Indie games, esports titles like CS:GO, Fortnite, or Minecraft run well on budget setups. Knowing this helped me avoid disappointment and pick the right PC for my needs.
2. Prioritize the Processor (CPU)
For gaming, the CPU is critical. I looked for at least a quad-core processor, preferably from AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3 series, even in budget builds. Sometimes, refurbished or slightly older generation CPUs offer great value. A decent CPU helps avoid bottlenecks in gaming performance.
3. Graphics Card (GPU) Considerations
Dedicated GPUs are rare under $300, so I often had to rely on integrated graphics like AMD’s Vega or Intel’s Iris Xe. These integrated solutions have improved a lot and can handle many games at low to medium settings. If I found a PC with a basic dedicated GPU like GTX 750 Ti or similar in that price range, I considered it a great deal.
4. RAM and Storage Matter Too
I made sure the PC came with at least 8GB of RAM, as this is the minimum for smooth gaming today. Less than that can cause lag and stuttering. For storage, a 240GB or 256GB SSD is ideal because it speeds up load times significantly compared to traditional HDDs. If the PC had only HDD storage, I checked if it was upgradeable.
5. Check Upgrade Potential
Since I was buying on a budget, I wanted a PC that I could upgrade later. Whether it was adding more RAM, swapping out the storage for an SSD, or even installing a better GPU down the line, having options to improve performance without replacing the whole machine is a huge plus.
6. Consider Refurbished or Used PCs
I found that refurbished or gently used gaming PCs often offer better specs at the same price compared to brand new machines. Buying from reputable sellers with warranties gave me peace of mind. This approach expanded my options considerably.
7. Pay Attention to Build Quality and Cooling
Gaming can put some stress on components, so I looked for PCs with decent cooling solutions and sturdy cases. Overheating can throttle performance and damage parts over time, so good airflow was important to me.
8. Read Reviews and Benchmarks
Before finalizing my purchase, I checked online reviews and gaming benchmarks for the specific model or components. This gave me a realistic idea of the gaming performance I could expect and helped me avoid poorly performing machines.
Final Thoughts
Finding a gaming PC under $300 requires patience and realistic expectations, but it’s definitely possible to enjoy gaming without spending a fortune. By focusing on a good CPU, sufficient RAM, SSD storage, and upgrade potential, I was able to get a setup that met my needs and budget. Hopefully, these tips help you find the right gaming PC for your budget!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
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