In the quest for PC gaming, the budget is often the biggest hurdle. While top-tier rigs can cost thousands, a surprisingly capable and enjoyable experience is attainable for a fraction of that price. This guide is dedicated to one of the most popular and challenging budget points: finding the best gaming pc under $600.
This is the price point where smart strategies matter more than specific brand names. You won’t be playing every new release on “Ultra” settings, but you absolutely will be able to join your friends in the world’s most popular games and have a fantastic time doing it. We will explore the three most reliable methods for getting a great gaming PC, what performance you can realistically expect, and how to get the most value for your money in 2025.
What Can You Really Do With a $600 Gaming PC?
Managing expectations is key to being happy with your purchase, especially when searching for the best gaming pc under $600.. A $600 rig is a master of efficiency, designed to excel at specific tasks.
- The Sweet Spot (Esports Titles): This is where a $600 PC shines. You can expect to play games like Valorant, League of Legends, CS:GO, Rocket League, and Fortnite (on performance/medium settings) at a smooth 60 FPS or more at 1080p resolution.
- Older AAA Titles: Games from a few years ago that you never got around to playing will run beautifully. Think GTA V, The Witcher 3, and Skyrim.
- The Compromise (Modern AAA Titles): You can often run newer, demanding games, but you’ll need to be aggressive with settings. This means playing at 720p or 1080p with low settings and possibly using performance-boosting tech like AMD’s FSR.
- The Hardware: At this budget, the hero component is often an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) from AMD, like the Ryzen 5 5600G. An APU is a brilliant piece of technology that combines a capable CPU and a respectable graphics processor on a single chip, eliminating the need for an expensive, separate graphics card.
Three Paths to a $600 Gaming PC: Which Is Right for You?
At this tight budget, the “best” choice isn’t a single product, but the path that best fits your needs and comfort level. A core part of finding the best gaming pc under $600 is choosing your strategy first. We will explore the three most reliable methods.
Path 1: The “Safe & New” APU Build
Best for: The first-time buyer who wants a brand-new machine with a warranty, primarily for esports.
This is the most straightforward and reliable option. It involves buying a new, pre-built PC centered around an AMD APU like the Ryzen 5 5600G. This all-in-one chip allows builders to create a balanced system that performs admirably without the high cost of a dedicated graphics card. You will find many small builders on Amazon selling these types of systems, and for many people, this is the safest path to the best gaming pc under $600.
- What to Look For:
- CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G or Ryzen 7 5700G
- RAM: 16GB of DDR4 RAM is essential. Do not settle for 8GB.
- Storage: At least a 512GB NVMe SSD for fast boot and load times.
Path 2: The “Smart Upgrade” Refurbished Office PC
Best for: The savvy DIYer who wants the most gaming performance-per-dollar.
This is the classic, time-tested method for ultimate budget performance. The strategy is brilliant in its simplicity:
- Buy a cheap, refurbished office desktop from a top brand like Dell, HP, or Lenovo. These are built like tanks, are widely available, and have capable Intel Core i5 or i7 CPUs.
- Buy a new, low-profile dedicated graphics card that gets all its power from the motherboard slot, requiring no extra power cables.
- Install the graphics card yourself. It’s as easy as opening the case and plugging a card into a slot—a perfect first-time PC upgrade project.
The result is a PC that can significantly outperform a new APU build, often forThe result is a PC that can outperform a new APU build by a wide margin, making this a very compelling strategy if you want the best gaming pc under $600 with the highest possible frame rates.
- What to Buy:
- PC: A refurbished Dell OptiPlex, HP EliteDesk, or Lenovo ThinkCentre with at least an Intel Core i5 (6th gen or newer) and 16GB of RAM.
- GPU: A new, low-profile NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 6400.
- Check for Refurbished Office PCs on Amazon
- Check for Low-Profile GTX 1650s on Amazon
Path 3: The “Local Deal” Used Gaming PC
Best for: The experienced buyer willing to take a risk for the absolute best deal.
The used market can be a goldmine if you know what to look for. On sites like Facebook Marketplace, you can often find a 3-4 year old gaming PC that was once a $1500 machine for under $600. This path will offer by far the best raw performance. However, it comes with significant risks that beginners should be aware of.
- The Pros: Unbeatable performance for the price. You can get a much stronger CPU and GPU.
- The Cons: Absolutely no warranty or returns. There is a risk of scams or failing components, and you must test the PC in person before buying.
This method is not for the faint of heart, but it can yield incredible results. Always ask to see the PC running a demanding game before you hand over any money.
Completing Your Budget Gaming Setup
A great PC is only one part of the equation. To have a truly great experience, you’ll need the right gear to go with your new rig.
- The Desk and Chair: Comfort is crucial. Instead of a cheap “gamer” branded chair that will fall apart, focus on finding a supportive, ergonomic office chair. Pair it with a simple, sturdy desk that has enough space for your setup. Our guide on the best gaming chairs for long sessions explains what to look for in terms of long-term support.
- The Peripherals: Your new PC won’t come with a high-end mouse or keyboard. While any basic set will get you started, planning for a quality mouse is a wise first upgrade. Since many will use this PC for competitive shooters, our review of the best gaming mouse for Valorant covers options that are perfect for landing those crucial headshots.
Conclusion: Is the Best Gaming PC Under $600 Worth It?
After a thorough review of the market and the different approaches, the answer is a resounding yes. A budget of $600 is more than enough to get started in the world of PC gaming, as long as you have realistic expectations and choose the right path for your needs. For a new player focused on enjoying the most popular esports titles with their friends, a brand-new APU build is a fantastic and reliable choice. For the value-seeker willing to do a tiny bit of DIY, the refurbished office PC route offers unbeatable performance-per-dollar.
While this guide focuses on the budget tier, for a complete overview of how components scale with budget, be sure to read our ultimate guide to the best gaming PCs. For excellent video reviews of budget hardware and build guides, the YouTube channel Tech By Matt is a fantastic and trustworthy resource.
The best gaming pc under $600 is not about having the most powerful machine on the block; it’s about getting the absolute best value and opening the door to countless hours of fun.