The cheapest gaming PC: where to save and where not to
In 2026 the cheapest sensible gaming PC comes in two forms: a computer without a dedicated graphics card, with a Ryzen 5 8600G or 5600G processor for esports in Full HD, or a budget build with an RTX 5050 or RX 9060 XT 8 GB card that can also handle new games. You can save on the processor, the case and a platform with DDR4 memory. On the other hand, it does not pay to save on the power supply, the SSD and the second RAM module. A PC without a graphics card is cheaper, but it is not enough for demanding new games.
Summary
- For CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2 or Valorant at 1080p on low settings, a processor with integrated graphics is enough. Newer games, however, need a dedicated card.
- As of 10/2026, PC Gamer recommends the GeForce RTX 5050 as the best budget card; according to the magazine, the Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB offers the best price-to-performance ratio.
- Memory became significantly more expensive in 2026. A platform with DDR4 (AMD AM4) is therefore interesting again for budget builds.
- The most expensive mistake in a budget build is a cheap power supply. When it fails, it can take other parts with it.
Which cheapest gaming PC to choose: two routes
| PC without a graphics card | Budget build with a card | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen 5 8600G (DDR5) or Ryzen 5 5600G (DDR4) | Ryzen 5 5600 (DDR4) or Ryzen 5 7600X (DDR5) |
| Graphics | integrated in the processor | GeForce RTX 5050 or Radeon RX 9060 XT 8 GB |
| RAM | 16 GB (2 × 8 GB) – two modules are a must | 16 GB (2 × 8 GB) |
| SSD | 500 GB–1 TB NVMe | 1 TB NVMe |
| What it can handle | esports at 1080p on low to medium settings | esports at high FPS, new games at 1080p on medium to high settings |
We do not give specific prices because in 2026 they change very quickly due to the memory shortage. Add the monitor, peripherals and a Windows licence to the price of the build.
With a computer without a card, it is important to know that integrated graphics use system RAM as video memory. A single memory module slows it down significantly – always buy two.
Where to save and where not to
| You can save | Do not save |
|---|---|
| Processor – six cores from a cheaper line are enough for gaming. Models with 12 or more cores add little in games. | Power supply – buy an established brand with 80 PLUS Bronze or Gold certification. An unknown power supply with a “big number on the box” is a risk. |
| Motherboard – a cheaper chipset is enough (B650 or B550 for AMD). You do not need overclocking on a budget build. | SSD – games take up over 100 GB and some directly require an SSD. On a conventional hard drive the system is slow and games stutter. |
| Case – it does not need glass or lighting; good airflow and two fans are enough. | Second RAM module – 2 × 8 GB is noticeably faster in games than 1 × 16 GB. |
| DDR4 platform – AM4 with a Ryzen 5 5600 and DDR4 memory can work out cheaper than a new platform with DDR5. | Graphics card under 8 GB – older cards with 4 GB are no longer enough for new games and are gradually losing support in new drivers. |
DDR4 or DDR5 platform?
According to Tom's Hardware (10/2026), DDR5 memory is very expensive because of the memory shortage, and a DDR4 platform can save money in budget builds. In June 2026, Digital Citizen reported that the cheapest 16 GB DDR5 kit had become roughly four times more expensive in the USA.
A Ryzen 5 5600 on the AM4 platform is therefore a sensible choice for the cheapest build. Bear in mind, however, that AM4 is an older platform: Ryzen 7000 and newer require AM5 and DDR5. If you plan to upgrade only the processor in two or three years, AM5 with DDR5 has better prospects. For a future upgrade, buy a power supply with headroom for a stronger card.
How many FPS to expect from a cheap PC
FPS is the number of frames per second. For turn-based strategy games and slower RPGs, 30–45 FPS is enough. In action games and online shooters you need a stable 60 or more, otherwise you react more slowly than your opponent.
If you have a 60 Hz monitor, you will not see a difference in the picture above 60 FPS, although the response will be slightly better. A budget build with a card therefore shines most with a 144 Hz monitor in esports games. For new open-world games, expect medium settings and upscaling (DLSS or FSR).
You will find the requirements of specific games in our articles on World of Tanks and Fortnite.
Are used parts worth it?
A used graphics card or an entire used computer can save you the most money. The risk is an unknown history and a shorter warranty or none at all. When buying from a private individual, you do not have the same protection as with a shop.
- Before buying, ask to see the computer under load – run a game or a stress test for at least 15 minutes and watch the temperatures.
- With a graphics card, check that the fans run quietly and evenly and that the card shows no signs of having been taken apart.
- Avoid second-hand power supplies and SSDs. With a power supply you do not know the condition of the capacitors, and with an SSD you do not know the wear.
What next
- Have a bigger budget? We describe the whole selection process from the monitor to the power supply in our guide How to choose a gaming computer.
- Bought a used computer? At PC Praha’s PC service we will check it and repair any faults.
- Gaming PCs from PC Praha are in preparation – keep an eye on the Gaming PC collection.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can you game without a graphics card?
What is the cheapest graphics card for gaming?
Is DDR4 still worth it in 2026?
Should I buy a used graphics card?
This text was prepared with the help of AI. Facts, figures and procedures were checked by Yegor.