Around $300 you are shopping for older refurbished office PCs with a basic graphics card added, so expect esports-level gaming, not modern releases. Of the best prebuilt gaming PCs under $300, the Dell i5-7500 GT 1030 has the newest processor and the Dell OptiPlex GTX 750 Ti has the stronger GPU.
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Dell Core i5 GT 1030 Gaming Tower
- Includes 16GB DDR4 RAM
- SSD storage supports responsive everyday use
- Comes with WiFi, Windows 11 Pro, and RGB keyboard and mouse
- Dell tower format offers a familiar desktop setup
- GeForce GT 1030 is an entry-level graphics card for lighter gaming rather than demanding modern games
- 256GB of storage may fill quickly with larger game libraries
- The listing does not specify ports, power supply, or upgrade options
Dell OptiPlex Core i5 16GB 512GB SSD
- Strong CPU and GPU combo for office work and light gaming
- Generous 16GB RAM and fast SSD storage
- Refurbished pricing makes it budget-friendly
- Traditional desktop design with accessible internals
- Sixth-generation Core i5 is aging compared to current models
- Limited information on testing, warranty, and cooling details
- No peripherals or accessories specified in the listing
Dell Core i5 GT 1030 Gaming Tower
- Complete desktop package with RGB keyboard and mouse included
- 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD are clearly listed
- Built-in WiFi avoids the need for a separate wireless adapter
- Windows 11 Pro is included
- GeForce GT 1030 is an entry-level graphics card rather than a modern high-performance GPU
- The listing does not specify the tower model, ports, or upgrade options
- As a renewed desktop, exact cosmetic condition is not described in the provided data
Dell OptiPlex i5 Gaming PC 16GB 512GB
- Plenty of RAM and storage for general computing tasks
- Windows 11 Pro with full feature set
- Includes peripherals - no extra purchases needed
- Entry-level discrete GPU beats integrated graphics
- Renewed condition means previous use and potential cosmetic wear
- GTX 750 Ti is dated; not suitable for modern AAA gaming
- Specific Intel Core i5 generation not listed in product data
BTO BX8G2 RGB Gaming PC i5-6th Gen
- Entry-level gaming capability at 1080p resolution
- Fast SSD storage reduces game and application load times
- Complete bundle with peripherals included
- Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and ready to use
- Older 6th Gen Intel processor limits performance in modern demanding games
- 256GB storage fills quickly with multiple AAA titles
- Renewed unit status may lack original warranty details
What a Gaming PC Around $300 Can Do
At this price point, you’re working with older silicon. Most systems use Intel Core i5 processors from the 6th or 7th generation, which are still quad-core chips but lack the efficiency and performance of modern CPUs. Graphics are either a GT 1030 or GTX 750 Ti, both entry-level dedicated cards. Together, they handle 1080p gaming well for esports titles, older AAA games, and indie releases, especially at medium or lower settings. Modern AAA games at high settings or 1440p resolution are out of reach.
The real strength of these systems is reliability and value. A renewed Dell or HP gaming PC at this price is professionally inspected and cleaned, comes with Windows 11 Pro, and often includes RGB keyboard and mouse. You get a functioning gaming machine right away without building one yourself. For more on whether a prebuilt makes sense for your budget, read our prebuilt worth it.
What to Expect at This Price
Here’s the typical breakdown of components at this price:
| Component | What You Get |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5, 6th or 7th generation, quad-core |
| GPU | NVIDIA GT 1030 or GTX 750 Ti (2GB to 4GB VRAM) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB to 512GB SSD |
Every system here is renewed, meaning it’s been refurbished by a third-party seller. Condition and included accessories vary by listing. Some bundle a monitor, keyboard, and mouse; others sell the tower only. Check the seller’s return window and warranty terms before buying, especially since these are older units. For clarity on what renewed means and how warranties work, see our warranty guide.
How to Choose a Budget Prebuilt
Picking the right system at this price depends on what matters most to you: gaming performance, storage, extra features, or brand. Here’s what to consider:
Check the Graphics Card
The GPU is your gaming bottleneck at this price, not the CPU. A GTX 750 Ti outperforms a GT 1030 and will handle more demanding games better at 1080p. If gaming is your main goal, prioritize the GPU tier over the processor generation. Integrated graphics alone is not gaming hardware, so any system without a dedicated card should be skipped entirely.
The difference between a GTX 750 Ti and GT 1030 is real. Older games and esports run smoother on the 750 Ti, while the 1030 is entry-level and better suited for very light gaming or productivity. Look at which card each listing includes and match it to the games you want to play.
Renewed vs New
Renewed hardware is refurbished, but it is still secondhand. All systems in this price range are renewed or refurbished office machines retrofitted with gaming components. That’s the only way to hit this price. Renewed is a legitimate way to buy, but always check the seller’s warranty terms.
Heads up: Every PC in this range is renewed hardware, so verify the seller’s return window and check warranty length before committing. A clear return policy protects you if something goes wrong.
Power Supply and Upgrades
Older office-class cases often have small, basic power supplies rated for low wattage. This limits your ability to upgrade the GPU later. If you plan to swap components down the road, check whether the listing mentions the PSU wattage. A higher-quality, higher-wattage supply opens the door to modest upgrades.
Most systems at this price are not designed for easy swapping, but some have better upgrade potential than others. If future upgrades matter, factor that into your choice. Read our article on upgrading prebuilts to understand what’s realistic at this tier.
Included Extras
Some listings bundle a 24-inch monitor, RGB keyboard, mouse, and headset. Others include only the tower and basic peripherals. The monitor and accessories can represent real value if you need them, sometimes worth more than a modest hardware upgrade. Compare total package value, not just specs.
RGB lighting is a cosmetic feature found on many budget gaming PCs here. It’s a nice touch if you care about aesthetics, but it doesn’t affect performance. Focus on the core components first, then decide if RGB extras justify your choice.
Who Should Buy Which System
- Best overall: Dell i5-7500 GT 1030. Newest processor and a solid all-rounder for 1080p gaming and multitasking.
- Strongest GPU: Dell OptiPlex GTX 750 Ti. More graphics power than the rest, ideal if gaming performance is your priority.
- Extra storage and RGB: Dell i5-6500 GT 1030. 512GB SSD and RGB features for a customized look.
- Best RGB value: Dell RGB GTX 750 Ti. Strong GPU paired with RGB lighting and gaming peripherals.
- Best alternative brand: BTO BX8G2. Solid GT 1030 system with RGB accessories and a different brand if you prefer variety.
Final Thoughts
A gaming PC under $300 is achievable, but expectations matter. You’re getting renewed, older hardware that excels at 1080p gaming on medium settings, esports, and lighter workloads. The Dell i5-7500 GT 1030 offers the newest processor and solid all-around performance. If raw gaming power matters more, the Dell OptiPlex GTX 750 Ti delivers a stronger GPU. Both are reliable, complete systems ready to game out of the box.
More Options to Consider
- Dell Precision Gaming Desktop PC Tower Computer. This 6th-gen i5 system combines 256GB SSD plus 1TB HDD for extra storage space, making it ideal if you need room for a large game library.
- HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer. HP’s entry with a GTX 750 Ti, strong GPU performance, and lifetime tech support for added peace of mind.
- Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer PC. Bundles a 24-inch monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset, making it a complete starter setup if you need everything.
FAQs
1. Can you get a gaming PC for under $300?
Yes, but it requires buying renewed or refurbished hardware. Every system in this price range is a reconditioned office or business PC retrofitted with a dedicated graphics card. Warranty terms vary by seller, so check the listing. They’re legitimate gaming PCs, not defective machines, and they deliver solid performance for the money.
2. Are renewed gaming PCs worth buying?
Renewed gaming PCs are a smart budget choice if you’re willing to accept older hardware. Warranty length varies by seller, so read the listing before you buy. The main trade-off is age: processors and components are several years old. For casual gaming and esports, they’re absolutely worth it. Check the seller’s return policy before buying to protect yourself.
3. What games can a GT 1030 or GTX 750 Ti run?
A GT 1030 and GTX 750 Ti handle many older esports-style titles at 1080p. They also run older AAA games and many indie releases at medium settings. Newer demanding AAA games are hit or miss and often require lower settings or resolution. Test specific games on YouTube to see real-world results before buying, since performance depends on the exact game and your settings.
4. Is it better to build a PC for this budget?
Building a new PC from scratch at $300 is nearly impossible because you’d have to skip a dedicated GPU entirely or go used. A prebuilt renewed system gives you a complete package: GPU, CPU, RAM, storage, and Windows, with Windows already installed. Building is an option if you can spend more, but at this budget, a prebuilt is the smarter route. For context, read our article on prebuilt vs custom PC.
5. Can I upgrade a cheap prebuilt gaming PC later?
Upgrading is possible but limited. Most budget prebuilts use small power supplies and proprietary components from their original office-class design. RAM and storage upgrades are straightforward, but GPU upgrades are risky without knowing the PSU wattage. Before buying, check if you might want to upgrade and ask about power supply specs. For a full breakdown, see our guide on proprietary parts in prebuilts.
