5 Best Cheap Gaming PC Under $200
Not looking to spend $2000 on a PC but still want to play the newest games at medium settings? You may be in luck. There are many options and prices, so you don’t have to settle for low-quality or outdated hardware.Â
A gaming PC is a physical computer system designed for playing video games, with most current games requiring higher-end hardware than traditional personal computers. You should consider several things before buying a new computer for gaming.
The most important of them is your budget. This article will take some time to review and break down tons of cheap gaming PC under $200.
Contents
Best Cheap Gaming PC Under $200
- 1. HP EliteDesk 800 G1
- 2. DELL Optiplex 3010 DT
- 3. DELL Optiplex 9020 SFF
- 4. HP 8300 Elite
- 5. Lenovo ThinkCentre
1. HP EliteDesk 800 G1
The HP EliteDesk 800 G1 is a gaming computer with an Intel Core i5 processor powered by 16GB DDR3 RAM. It has an incredible 1TB hard disk drive. That’s 2X the capacity of most computers. This device is a functional yet cheap gaming PC under $200.
The HP EliteDesk 800 G1 is powered by the latest Microsoft Windows 10 Operating system and designed to play your favorite AAA titles games like Witcher 3. The brand new operating system has helped increase the utility of your PC for years.
Enjoy the high-speed Gigabit Ethernet port and the USB Wi-Fi adaptor that allows you to connect to your home or office wireless network with ease. The integrated 802.11AC and Bluetooth 4.0 technology make connecting all your devices wirelessly easier, so you can get more done in less time.
The HP EliteDesk 800 G1 supports a dual gaming monitor connection with wide viewing angles means you can enjoy your games from almost any angle without losing the details or clarity in the picture. And when you add an optional TV tuner, it’s easy to watch live TV from your PC as it happens.
This is one of the best yet cheap gaming PC under $200 that comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, making it an ideal choice for multimedia, gaming, and productivity from casual browsing to streaming.
Pros:Â
- Support Dual Gaming Monitor connection
- Powerful processing and drive options
- Gigabit Ethernet & USB Wi-Fi adaptor
- Executive-class collaboration
- Intel HD graphics
Cons:Â
- The CPU fan tower cooler underperforms, causing overheating
2. DELL Optiplex 3010 DT
If you are looking for a cheap gaming PC under $200 that can also be used in a home office, then the Dell Optiplex 3010 DT is your best choice. This gaming computer features a high-end processor, which provides excellent performance and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
This gaming computer comes with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB DDR3 RAM. The Intel Core i5 processor is powerful enough to handle your multitasking needs without compromising on its speed. The 8GB RAM will help you multitask without worrying about the computer slowing down. It can handle even the heaviest of tasks without any lag or delay.
It has a 2TB hard drive, double the storage of most laptops. The storage will help you play your favorite games, including games that require high-end graphic settings and massive in-game worlds with detailed textures, models, and environments.
The Windows 10 operating system provides the user with a much better experience when it comes to productivity as well as gaming. With features like Cortana and the Edge browser, it is easier to get things done with minimal clicks. The Windows 10 operating system is easy on your eyes and more secure than previous versions of Windows regarding virus protection and privacy settings.
The USB 3.0 port makes connecting external devices to your computer easier. It also allows faster transfer speeds between all your devices, including smartphones, laptops, CDs, and DVDs.
Pros:Â
- Intel Quad-Core i5-3470 3.2GHz processor
- Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit
- 8GB DDR3, 2TB SATA Hard Drive, Intel HD Graphics
Cons:Â
- Not a reliable product
- Poor customer service
- Power supply makes too much noise
3. DELL Optiplex 9020 SFF
The DELL Optiplex 9020 SFF is a slim and compact desktop computer that gives you a lot of value for your money. It is engineered with the latest processor and graphics card that offers enhanced gaming, multitasking, and multimedia experience.
The Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF is powered by the latest Intel Core i7-4790 processor, which delivers excellent performance and enhanced multitasking capabilities. The powerful processor improves overall system performance and allows you to run multiple programs without lag or delay.Â
It can handle demanding applications such as online games, 3D modeling software, video editing software, etc., without any problems. It has 16GB DDR3 RAM and an AC power supply for faster performance with less lag or slowdown.
You get fast boot-up times, quicker program loading, and better system responsiveness for improved productivity. The 480GB solid state drive storage space gives you a massive boost in speed over the traditional 5400RPM drives.Â
The computer comes with a high-end ‎Intel HD Graphics 4600 graphics processor that offers enhanced graphics processing power. It allows you to take advantage of graphics-intensive programs like video editing software, 3D modeling software, and photo editing software without any problems. It improves video quality and clarity while reducing distortion and visual artifacts.
The Dell OptiPlex 9020 SFF supports a 4K (3840×2160) Dual display through DisplayPort and HDMI. It is equipped with the latest Intel Security features, including hardware-based TPM (Trusted Platform Module), which helps ensure your data, passwords, and personal information stays safe.
Pros:Â
- Support 4K (3840×2160) Dual Gaming Monitor
- USB WiFi Adapter
- 480GB Solid State Drive storage and 16GB RAM
- Intel Core i7-4790 processor
- Windows 10 Pro operating system
Cons:Â
- Setting up can be a bit complicated
4. HP 8300 Elite
The HP 8300 Elite is a gaming computer with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB DDR3 RAM. It also supports USB 3.0 for faster data transfer speeds and optical drive. There are two USB 2.0 ports, making it easy to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
The storage can handle large file transfers, so you can quickly transfer large documents or media files from your PC to your external storage device or even from the cloud to your computer. You get 500GB of free space on the hard drive, which is enough for most users.
The integrated graphics work in conjunction with the processor to render images on the screen. The graphics can handle aaa titles games, video streaming, and watching videos online. They can even run higher-end games that demand fast graphics cards.Â
Windows 10 Pro is designed for entertainment, creativity, and reliable performance. It is easy to set up and update. All your files are in one place, and you can organize them the way that fits you best. All you need is an AC power supply to get started with your gaming.
The 8GB RAM ensures better multitasking performance. You can run multiple programs that require large amounts of memory simultaneously without any lag or delay in execution. The additional RAM will give you an edge over your competitors regarding productivity, especially when you are working on presentations, spreadsheets, and complex data analysis.
This is one of the best yet cheap gaming PC under $200 that will enhance your computer needs without putting you under financial stress.
Pros:Â
- Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core processor
- 8GB DDR3 memory for multitasking power
- 500GB SATA hard drive
- Intel HD 2500 graphics
- USB ports make it easy to transfer photos, music, and other filesÂ
- Built-in security to help keep your PC safe from malware
- Built-in apps like Maps, Photos, Mail & Calendar, Music, and Video
Cons:Â
- The fan on the power supply makes grinding noise
- The front-facing headset port doesn’t carry microphone audio
5. Lenovo ThinkCentre
The Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computer is a good alternative when looking for a product within your budget. It allows you to choose from different models and configurations depending on your requirements. The system offers you an ergonomic working experience, high performance per dollar, and stylish looks.
The Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computer provides 1TB of hard drive storage space which is enough for storing all your documents and data files. You also get 8GB of DDR3 RAM to improve overall performance while running multiple programs simultaneously without any lag or delay.Â
It also has an integrated Intel I5 Quad-Core 3. 1 GHz Processor with a built-in Intel HD UMA Graphics optimized to create outstanding visuals on your monitor display. Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computer provides up to 2 external display connections and support for dual gaming monitors. You can connect two computer monitors via HDMI to experience a broader range of productivity and multimedia applications.Â
Windows 10 Home gives you the freedom to do great things. Stay connected to friends and family with Skype, watch your favorite movies with Windows Media Player, listen to music through the Groove Music App, and use apps to stay organized. It is a fast, personal, and more uncomplicated way to use your PC with an AC power supply.Â
The Lenovo ThinkCentre has an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, making it easy for you to type, interact, and navigate your PC smoothly. The ergonomic keyboard keeps your hands comfortable while typing and reduces stress on the wrists while gaming or working on long documents.
The mouse is designed in a way that allows you to operate smoothly with minimal hand movement for faster actions like pressing keys or moving objects on the screen.
Pros:Â
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- Intel I5 Quad-Core 3. 1 GHz Processor
- Intel HD UMA Graphics
- Support for dual gaming monitors
- 1TB of hard drive storage space and 8GB of DDR3 RAM
Cons:Â
- This is essentially a light gaming system
Things to consider while buying a cheap $200 gaming PC
Choosing the best gaming computer within the budget of $200 isn’t an easy task. Every gamer knows that different factors can affect the performance of a PC, such as its storage, CPU, power supply, RAM, and Monitor. Therefore, knowing what you want from your computer is essential before deciding which brand to buy.
Price
The most important factor when buying a cheap prebuilt gaming PC under $200 gaming computer is your budget, which will dictate which hardware package you should go for. High-end gaming computers generally come with high-end components but start at a high price, making them out of reach for many people. It is better to choose a mid-range system with good performance than to purchase a top offering but compromise on quality.
Graphics cards
The graphics cards are one of the essential components when it comes to gaming. It determines how clear and immersive your screen will be. Therefore, you need to ensure that your purchase system has a mid-range card. Some models with a high-end chip usually carry high prices for good performance. This can harm your budget because you are paying extra for a feature that may not suit your needs.
Processor
The processor is one of the major stumbling blocks when buying a system within the $200 limit because manufacturers have no standardization. The performance varies from one model to another depending on what components are included in the package. It is best to go for a mid-range processor such as Intel i5 or i7 that has good performance and doesn’t compromise on quality.
RAM and Hard drive storage space
The RAM determines how fast your system will run various programs and the hard drive storage space is crucial for storing programs, data files, and other content. When buying a gaming computer within the budget of $200, you need to make sure that they have at least 8-16GB of memory and at least 1TB of hard drive storage space. It will ensure that your PC runs smoothly without lag or delay during execution.
Ports
The ports on a gaming PC are essential because they allow you to connect external devices such as a mouse, printer, monitor, keyboard, or an Xbox One controller. When shopping for a cheap prebuilt gaming PC under $200, you need to ensure that it has two or more USB 3.
Verdict
For your $200 gaming PC, you can choose between an i5 processor, AMD graphics cards, 8GB of RAM, and a Windows 10 operating system. All the computers featured in the list above have been tested at one time to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements needed to run your favorite game titles.
You should choose your gaming computer according to your budget and requirements. When buying a home computer, there are several options with various graphical power depending on how much you are willing to spend.
However, our best pick for the best cheap gaming PC under $200 is the DELL Optiplex 9020 SFF. It is a powerful computer that offers high-speed performance and efficient power consumption. This means that you will get exceptional performance at a meager cost.
This $200 gaming computer is powered by a fast Intel Core i7-4790 Quad-Core processor, one of the fastest in the market. It allows you to run multiple applications smoothly without any lag or delay.
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