Best Cheap Gaming PC Under $100: Is It Worth It?

Building or buying a gaming PC on a budget can be challenging, but what if your budget is only $100? While it may sound impossible to get a fully functional gaming PC under $100, with some creativity and smart choices, it can actually be done though with limitations.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether a $100 gaming PC is worth it in 2025, how you can build or buy one, and what kind of performance you can realistically expect.

Can You Really Get a Gaming PC for $100?

The short answer: Yes, but with compromises.

At this price point, you won’t be able to buy new components or modern hardware. Instead, you’ll need to rely on:

• Used PCs from second hand markets.
• Refurbished office desktops upgraded with basic GPUs.
• DIY builds using older components.

The goal here isn’t to play the latest AAA games at ultra settings, but rather to create a system that can handle light gaming, esports titles, and older games.

Where to Find Cheap $100 Gaming PCs

1. Refurbished Business PCs – Dell OptiPlex or HP EliteDesk machines can often be found for under $100.
2. Online Marketplaces – eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are full of second hand PCs.
3. Local Electronics Shops – Sometimes offer bundles of used components.
4. Community Giveaways – Tech enthusiasts often sell older builds cheaply when upgrading.

Example $100 Gaming PC Build

Here’s a practical configuration for a budget friendly build in 2025:

• Base PC: Dell OptiPlex 9020 (refurbished)
• CPU: Intel i5-4590 (included with system)
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti (used)
• RAM: 8GB DDR3 – included with system
• Storage: 256GB SSD

Total: ~$110 (slightly above $100, but realistic).

This system can run:

• Esports titles like CS:GO, Valorant, League of Legends, and Fortnite (low settings).
• Older AAA games like GTA V or Skyrim (medium settings).
• Modern games? Only on very low settings and at 720p resolution.

Pros of a $100 Gaming PC

• Ultra-low cost: Perfect for beginners or casual gamers.
• Upgradeable: You can slowly upgrade GPU, RAM, or storage later.
• Good for esports/retro gaming: Great for lighter titles.

Cons of a $100 Gaming PC

• Limited performance: No 8K gaming, no ray tracing, struggles with new AAA games.
• Older hardware: Higher power consumption, less efficient cooling.
• Not future proof: May become obsolete in just a couple of years.

Alternatives to a $100 Gaming PC

If you’re hesitant about investing in outdated hardware, consider:

1. Cloud Gaming Services (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Boosteroid) – No need for powerful hardware.
2. Consoles – A used PS4 or Xbox One often costs around $100–200 and performs better for modern games.
3. Saving Up for a $500 Build – A more balanced option. See our guide on Best Gaming PC Under $500.

Who Should Buy a $100 Gaming PC?

A cheap gaming PC under $100 might be perfect for:

• Casual gamers who only play lightweight games.
• Kids/teens getting their first PC.
• Retro enthusiasts who enjoy older titles.
• Tinkerers who want a fun project.

But if you want to stream, play 8K, or use ray tracing, you’ll need a much stronger system. Check out our guides on How to Optimize a Gaming PC for Streaming and How to Optimize a Gaming PC for Ray Tracing.

Performance Expectations

Let’s be realistic:

• 720p gaming with low settings is the norm.
• 30–60 FPS in older or esports games is achievable.
• Don’t expect high FPS in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield.

In other words: a $100 PC is a starting point, not a long term solution.

So, is a $100 gaming PC worth it in 2025?
✅ Yes, if you’re on a strict budget, enjoy esports/retro games, and don’t mind upgrading over time.
❌ No, if you want to enjoy modern AAA games at high settings.

A $100 gaming PC is best seen as a stepping stone something to get you into PC gaming until you can afford a more powerful setup.

If you have the budget, we recommend checking out our guide to Best Gaming PC Under $500 for a more future proof investment.