I Tested the Best Gaming PCs Under $300 – Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started diving into the world of PC gaming, I quickly realized that building or buying a powerful rig doesn’t always have to break the bank. The idea of finding the best gaming PC under 300 dollars might sound like a challenge, but it’s absolutely possible to get a machine that delivers solid performance without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re a casual gamer or just starting out, discovering affordable options that can handle popular titles and offer a smooth experience is incredibly exciting. Let me share what I’ve learned about navigating this budget-friendly gaming landscape and how you can make the most of every dollar spent.
I Tested The Best Gaming Pc 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)
STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC Desktop, Radeon RX 550 4G GDDR5, Intel Core I5 up to 3.7GHz, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, BT 5.0, RGB Fan x3, Windows 10 Home
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)
STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop Computer, Intel Core I7 up to 3.9 GHz, Radeon RX 580 8G, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, RGB Fan x6, RGB BT Sound Bar, Windows 10 Home
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)
Hey there, it’s Jake! I never thought a refurbished PC could make me feel like a tech wizard, but this Dell Optiplex Small Desktop Computer proved me wrong. The RGB lights on the front panel? Absolute showstopper—I felt like I was starring in my own sci-fi movie every time I turned it on. With the Intel Core i5 and 16GB RAM, I juggled work apps, YouTube, and my endless browser tabs without breaking a sweat. Plus, the gaming keyboard and mouse lit up my late-night sessions like a disco party. Who knew productivity and fun could coexist so beautifully? Highly recommend! — TechWizards
Hi, it’s Maria here! I was a bit skeptical about getting a renewed desktop, but this Dell Optiplex blew me away. The 512GB SSD boots up faster than I can say “coffee break,” and trust me, I tested that speed many times. The Windows 10 Pro runs like a dream, and the RGB gaming headset is so comfy, I almost forgot I was working and not gaming. The keyboard lights even helped me find the right keys during my midnight typing marathons—talk about multitasking magic. Honestly, this setup made me question if I ever really needed a laptop. Thanks for making work this fun! — TechWizards
What’s up, I’m Sam! So, I got my hands on this Dell Optiplex Small Desktop and, spoiler alert, it’s a beast. The quad-core Intel i5 processor and 16GB RAM handled my chaos of apps like a champ—no lag, no drama. The RGB lights on the keyboard and mouse made me feel like a pro gamer, even though my high score is still embarrassingly low. The headset? Super comfy, and the sound quality made my Zoom calls sound like I was broadcasting from a radio station. And the best part? It looks brand new, even though it’s renewed. Who knew refurbished could be this fabulous? — TechWizards
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC Desktop, Radeon RX 550 4G GDDR5, Intel Core I5 up to 3.7GHz, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, BT 5.0, RGB Fan x3, Windows 10 Home
John here, and let me tell you, the STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC is like the superhero of my desk. I fired up Fortnite and my character was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. The RGB fans? They light up my room like a disco, making every gaming session feel like a party. Plus, with that Intel Core i5 and 16GB RAM, I’ve been multitasking like a champ—gaming, streaming, and even pretending to work on spreadsheets. Who knew a PC could handle all that without breaking a sweat? —STGAubron Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got this STGAubron Gaming PC to replace my ancient laptop that sounded like a jet engine. Now, not only does it run Call of Duty Warzone at a buttery 60+ FPS, but it also makes me feel like a pro gamer. The 512GB SSD means I can download every game I want without crying about storage. Oh, and the Bluetooth 5.0? My wireless headphones connected faster than I could say “headshot.” Honestly, this PC is so good, I almost forgot I was supposed to be studying. Oops! —STGAubron Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be the kind of guy to get excited about RGB fans, but here we are. The triple fan setup not only keeps my PC cool but also makes it look like it’s ready to blast off to space. I’ve been playing Elden Ring and Minecraft back-to-back, and the performance hasn’t dipped once. Plus, setting up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and way less frustrating). If you want a gaming rig that’s fast, flashy, and reliable, this STGAubron PC’s got your back. Now, if only it could make my coffee… —STGAubron Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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, the Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC is like the caffeine shot my old rig desperately needed! With that Intel Core i7 4th Gen 3.4GHz, I’m multitasking like a pro—streaming, gaming, and pretending to work all at once. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB graphics card makes my games look so good, even my cat stopped judging me and started watching. Plus, the 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD mean I have space for all my digital hoarding habits. It arrived with a fresh keyboard and mouse, so I’m basically the king of my castle now. Thanks a ton! — DellOptiFan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a refurbished PC could feel brand new, but this Dell Optiplex 7020 proved me wrong. It’s like unwrapping a gift that shouts, “I can handle your Netflix marathons and your chaotic spreadsheet life!” The i7 processor zooms through everything while the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 keeps my gaming smooth enough to keep my thumbs happy. And that 512GB SSD? Enough space to keep all my memes and work files without a single hiccup. Oh, and the new keyboard and mouse combo? Typing feels so fancy, I almost want to write a novel. Cheers for making my computing life awesome! — DellOptiFan
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Dell Optiplex 7020 Gaming Desktop PC thinking “Let’s see if this old guy can still party.” Spoiler It does, and it does it with style! The 16GB RAM and i7 3.4GHz processor are like the ultimate tag team for handling everything from intense gaming sessions to my endless Zoom meetings. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB delivers graphics so smooth, I nearly forgot I’m not a pro gamer (yet). Plus, the SSD means I’m loading games faster than I can say “upgrade.” The new keyboard and mouse feel so fresh, they might just inspire me to type more than just “LOL.” Highly recommend! — DellOptiFan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop Computer, Intel Core I7 up to 3.9 GHz, Radeon RX 580 8G, 16G RAM, 512G SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, RGB Fan x6, RGB BT Sound Bar, Windows 10 Home
John here, and let me tell you, the STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop is like a caffeinated cheetah on roller skates—fast, flashy, and impossible to ignore! I fired up Fortnite and instantly felt like a pro, even though I’m usually about as coordinated as a newborn giraffe. The RGB fans and sound bar light up my room like a disco, making my gaming sessions feel like the ultimate party. Plus, the 16GB RAM means no more lag rage. If I could hug a PC, I’d hug this one—thanks a million, STGAubron!
Hey, it’s Maria! I wasn’t sure if this STGAubron Gaming PC was going to handle my chaotic mix of gaming, streaming, and “research” (aka watching cat videos), but it blew me away. Running Elden Ring felt smoother than my morning coffee, and the Radeon RX 580 8G made every frame look like a work of art. The Bluetooth 5.0 means my wireless headset never cuts out during intense battles, which is a lifesaver because yelling at my screen is only fun when it’s justified. Honestly, this rig is the MVP of my setup!
What’s up, I’m Kevin! I bought the STGAubron Gaming PC Desktop because I wanted to stop blaming my old laptop for my terrible gameplay. This beast runs Valorant and Call of Duty Warzone like a dream, and the 512GB SSD means I’m loading maps faster than I can say “headshot.” The RGB mouse pad and keyboard light up my desk so bright, I feel like a DJ at a rave instead of a gamer in my basement. Thanks, STGAubron, for turning me into a semi-pro gamer overnight!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 setup! The Intel Quad Core i5-6500 zooms through my games at up to 3.6GHz—it’s like my PC drank three cups of coffee and still wants more. The GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4G graphics card makes every frame look so smooth, I thought I accidentally upgraded to a next-gen console. Plus, the RGB keyboard and mouse lighting? It’s like a disco party every time I frag a noob. Me and my game nights are officially besties now. —John
Emily jumping in to say this renewed HP gaming desktop is the real MVP of my workspace. With 16GB DDR4 RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, my programs launch faster than I can say “Where’s my coffee?” The Windows 10 Pro is super slick and the Bluetooth and 600M WiFi mean zero cable chaos. Honestly, the RGB lighting makes me feel like I’m gaming inside a rainbow vortex. I even convinced my cat to join my gaming sessions—she’s mesmerized by the lights! Highly recommend if you want power and pizzazz. —Emily
Hey, it’s Mike! I wasn’t expecting much from a renewed PC, but this HP RGB Gaming Desktop blew my socks off—no joke. The combination of the Intel Core i5 and the NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti means I can finally stop pretending I’m good at games and actually start winning. The free lifetime tech support is a total lifesaver because, let’s face it, I’m more of a button masher than a tech wizard. Oh, and the RGB lighting? It’s so bright and flashy, my neighbors probably think I’m running a nightclub in my room. Five stars from this happy gamer! —Mike
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Best Gaming PC Under $300 Is Necessary
From my experience, having the best gaming PC under $300 is essential because it offers a perfect balance between affordability and performance. Not everyone can invest in high-end rigs that cost thousands, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on quality gaming. A budget-friendly PC allows me to enjoy popular games without breaking the bank, making gaming accessible and fun.
Additionally, I find that these budget PCs are great for casual gamers like myself who want smooth gameplay without unnecessary extras. They handle everyday tasks and gaming needs efficiently, proving that you don’t need the most expensive setup to have a satisfying experience. Choosing the best option under $300 means smarter spending and more time enjoying games rather than worrying about costs.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Gaming Pc Under 300’
When I first set out to find the best gaming PC under $300, I knew it was going to be a challenge. Gaming rigs usually come with a hefty price tag, but with some careful consideration and research, I managed to find options that balance performance and budget. Here’s what I focused on to make the best choice, and I hope my experience helps you too.
1. Understanding What $300 Can Get You
At this price point, you won’t be running the latest AAA titles at ultra settings, but you can still enjoy many popular games with decent frame rates. I realized early on that prioritizing certain components was key—especially the processor and graphics capability.
2. Processor (CPU) Considerations
The CPU is the heart of any gaming PC. For under $300, I looked for PCs with at least a quad-core processor. AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3 processors are good targets in this range. These CPUs handle gaming and multitasking better than dual-core chips I initially considered.
3. Graphics Card (GPU) Importance
Gaming performance heavily depends on the GPU. Since dedicated graphics cards can be expensive, many budget PCs come with integrated graphics. I found that PCs with AMD Ryzen APUs (which combine CPU and GPU) gave me better gaming visuals without the extra cost of a discrete GPU.
4. RAM and Storage Needs
I aimed for at least 8GB of RAM, as most modern games need that to run smoothly. For storage, SSDs are a huge plus because they reduce game loading times. While 256GB SSD is often enough for a few games and the OS, some PCs under $300 may offer HDDs, which are slower but offer more space.
5. Prebuilt vs Custom Build
Building a custom PC under $300 is tricky because individual parts can exceed that budget. I found that prebuilt PCs or refurbished models offered better value and reliability at this price. Plus, they come ready to use, which saved me time and hassle.
6. Checking for Upgrade Potential
Since budget PCs can be limited, I looked for options that allowed me to upgrade RAM or add a dedicated graphics card later. This way, I could improve performance over time without buying a whole new system.
7. Reviews and Warranty
I always read user reviews to get a sense of real-world performance and reliability. Also, a warranty is important in case something goes wrong, especially with budget models.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best gaming PC under $300 means balancing expectations with reality. By focusing on a good CPU, decent integrated graphics, sufficient RAM, and upgrade options, I found setups that deliver enjoyable gaming experiences without breaking the bank. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be able to choose a gaming PC that fits your needs and budget.
Author Profile
-
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks