ErinGamers know how important it is to have a proper gaming computer to keep up with heavy streaming, HD graphics, and more. A gaming PC is a computer made specifically with PC gaming in mind. Serious gamers can spend hours playing intense online games, so it’s important to have a desktop that can keep up.
Whether you’re new to gaming or you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, choosing a gaming PC requires thorough research. Your gaming computer should match your specific needs, style, and the types of games you play.
We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Check out the best gaming PCs of 2020 to find a computer that fits your gaming needs and preferences.
Contents
- 1 Best Gaming Computers for 2020
- 1.1 MSI Trident X Plus Gaming Computer
- 1.2 HP Omen Obelisk Gaming Desktop Computer
- 1.3 Corsair One i64 Compact Gaming PC
- 1.4 SkyTech Shadow II Gaming Computer PC Desktop
- 1.5 CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
- 1.6 Alienware Aurora R9 Gaming Desktop
- 1.7 Dell G5 Gaming Desktop
- 1.8 Corsair Vengeance 5182 Gaming PC
- 1.9 HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
- 1.10 iBuyPower Gaming PC
- 2 Choosing the Best Gaming PC
- 3 FAQ
- 4 Final Thoughts
Best Gaming Computers for 2020
- MSI Trident X Plus Gaming Computer
- HP Omen Obelisk Gaming Desktop Computer
- Corsair One i64 Compact Gaming PC
- SkyTech Shadow II Gaming Computer PC Desktop
- CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
- Alienware Aurora R9 Gaming Desktop
- Dell G5 Gaming Desktop
- Corsair Vengeance 5182 Gaming PC
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
- iBuyPower Gaming PC
MSI Trident X Plus Gaming Computer
Features:
- Intel Core i7-9700KF Processor, 8-core, 3.6 GHz speed
- NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti 11G Graphics Card with true-to-life Ray Tracing Technology
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- 16 GB ddr4 RAM
- 2666 MHz memory speed
- 2000 GB Hybrid Hard Drive
- 3 USB 2.0 Ports
- 5 USB 3.0 Ports
- Tempered glass side panel
- Dedicated Cooling Chambers for GPU, CPU and PSU
- RGB Case Lighting
- Overclocking CPU
- Weight: 14.44 pounds
- 15.6 x 15.1 x 5.1 inches
Pros:
- Graphics card offers 40% performance increase compared to previous model
- Enhanced cooling for long-lasting performance
- Compact, sleek design
- Easy to upgrade
- Quiet fans
- Fast processor
- Works with nearly all games at max settings
Cons:
- No SSD, but one can easily be added
- Some complaints of buggy pre-installed software
Verdict
The MSI Trident X Plus is a top-notch gaming computer with plenty of premier features. The hardware is high quality, with a fast processor, state of the art graphics card, and dedicated cooling that will prevent your PC from overheating without the constant drone of loud fans. For gamers looking for a certain style, this sleek gaming PC has a cool glass side panel and RGB lighting. All in all, this is one of the best gaming PCs on the market today.
- Type: small form Factor PC With Mini-ITX MB | Operating System: Win 10 Home
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700KF Processor 8 Cores 3.6-4.9 GHz 12M Cache
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti 11G w/true-to-life Ray Tracing Technology
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz (16GB x 1), 2 x U-DIMM DDR4 2400MHz, Max 32GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (512GB x1) + 2TB 5400Rpm (2.5") HDD
- Special Features: real-time Ray tracing | Tempered Glass Side panel | RGB Case Lighting | dedicated cooling Chambers for GPU, CPU and PSU | overclocking CPU
HP Omen Obelisk Gaming Desktop Computer
Features:
- 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900K Processor, 8-core, 3.60 GHz
- NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) RTX 2080 SUPER Graphics Card with real-time ray-tracing technology
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- 1 TB SSD
- HyperX 32GB Memory
- Tuned and tested for optimal VR performance right out of the box
- HP OMEN Command Center software allows overclocking, task prioritization
- Weight: 29.2 pounds
- 20 x 19.5 x 12 inches
Pros:
- Ultra fast processor
- SSD included
- High quality GPU
- Easy to upgrade, toolless panel door
- Compatible with VR technology
- Customizable internal lighting (RGB), clear side panel
- Multi-monitor capable
Cons:
- Only 2 fans – tends to overheat depending on your level of gaming
Verdict
The HP Omen Obelisk is one of the best gaming computers on the market today, with top-of-the-line hardware and plenty of great features. It’s one major flaw is its cooling system, which is not as great as others, so it tends to overheat if you’re playing intense FPS games. The cooling component can easily be upgraded, however, as this gaming desktop is very upgradeable. It’s also VR-ready, has a cool and customizable design, and is all-around a great gaming PC.
- Hyper-realistic graphics: NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) RTX 2080 SUPER (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated memory). Enjoy new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency and immersion with real-time ray-tracing technologies
- Cutting-edge gaming performance: Geared with the latest hardware and easy to upgrade, so you can crush the latest and most demanding games including Fortnite, PUBG, and Overwatch
- Ultra-fast processor: 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900K Processor, 8-core, 3.60 GHz
- HP OMEN command center: Included software lets you customize RGB lighting, prioritize gaming network traffic, and stream your PC games on your big screen TV with OMEN Game Stream (a free remote gaming service)
- Solid state drive and memory: 1 TB PCIe(R) NVMe(TM) M.2 Solid State Drive and HyperX(R) 32 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (upgradable to 64 GB). Load up your favorite games in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and enjoy a more powerful and immersive experience than a standard hard drive
Corsair One i64 Compact Gaming PC
Features:
- Intel Core i9-9900k 8-Core Processor, 3.6 GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics
- Corsair 32 GB DDR4 RAM Memory
- 32 GB Mechanical Hard Drive and SSD
- 2666 MHz Memory Speed
- Assisted convection liquid cooling system
- Customizable RGB lighting
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- 6 USB 3.0 Ports
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- Weight: 16.27 pounds
- 13.2 x 11.5 x 19.2 inches
Pros:
- Fast processor
- Great graphics
- Quiet liquid cooling system
- Easy wireless compatibility
- VR ready
- HDD and SSD
- Compact enough to sit on top of desk
Cons:
- Buggy software complaints – fixed by a fresh install of Windows 10
- Expensive
Verdict
The Corsair One i64 Gaming Computer is another top pick for gamers. It is VR ready, has a fast processor and top NVIDIA graphics card, and boasts easy to use wireless technology. The Corsair One i64 uses a state of the art liquid cooling system, so it is fanless and nearly silent. The only issues are that it’s more expensive than our other top gaming computers, and some customers complained of software bugs. Still, this is one of the best gaming PCs out there today.
- Corsair One i164 redefines what you can expect from a high performance PC. Incredibly fast, amazingly compact, and quiet, With a sophisticated design that lives on your desk, not under it.
- Corsair One i164 boasts the latest in performance PC technology, with an Intel Core i9-9900k Eight-Core Processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics and award-winning Corsair DDR4 memory.
- Clad in a 2mm thick bead-blasted aluminum shell. Corsair ONE i164’s minimalist ultra-small form factor is crafted to sit on top of your desk, not under it.
- Zero RPM mode allows for quiet fanless operation when idle. Form Factor Mini-ITX
- Corsair One i164’s processor and graphics card are cooled using a patented assisted convection liquid cooling system, achieving higher clock speeds, lower temperatures, and minimal noise.
SkyTech Shadow II Gaming Computer PC Desktop
Features:
- Ryzen 7 2700 8-Core 3. 2GHz (4. 1 GHz Max Boost) CPU Processor
- NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
- 16 GB gaming Memory DDR4 3000
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- 500GB SSD hard drive
- B450M Motherboard
- 3 RGB Ring Fans for maximum cooling
- VR ready
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- 4 USB 3.0 Ports
- Weight: 19.4 pounds
- 19.3 x 18.6 x 7.9 inches
Pros:
- Great graphics card
- 1 year warranty on Parts and Labor, Lifetime Free Technical Support
- Can play most games on highest frame rate and resolution
- Compatible with HD+, 4K, and VR
- SSD is up to 30x faster than HDD
Cons:
- RGB fans are actually red, but can be modified later
- Poor cable management inside of computer
- Product listing states no bloatware, but comes with some software downloaded
Verdict
The SkyTech Shadow II Gaming Computer is a solid choice for gamers, with great features. Some of what is listed on the product description is incorrect, like the RGB fans that are actually only red without modification. Regardless, this gaming PC works very well and, with the right gaming monitor, can play almost any game at the highest settings, with great resolution and frame rates.
- Ryzen 7 2700 8-Core 3. 2GHz (4. 1 GHz Max Boost) CPU Processor | 500G SSD – Up to 30x Faster Than Traditional HDD | B450M Motherboard
- NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 Video Card | 16 GB gaming Memory DDR4 3000 with heat Spreader | Windows 10 Home 64-bit. Dimensions (H x W x D)-19.3 x 18.6 x 7.9 inches
- Pie AC Wi-Fi with antenna | No bloatware | 1 x HDMI, 4 x USB 3. 1 Gen1 Ports, 1 x USB 3. 1 Gen2 Type-A port, 1 x USB 3. 1 Gen2 Type-C port, 2 x USB 2. 0 | HD Audio and Mic | Free RGB Keyboard & Mouse
- 3 x RGB Ring Fans for maximum air flow | Powered by 80 Plus Certified 650 Watt Power Supply | Thermaltake case
- 1 Year on Parts and Labor | Lifetime Free Technical Support | Assemble in the USA | This Powerful Gaming PC Capable to Run Any of Your Favorite Game at 1080P High to Ultra Resolution with 60+ FPS Such As Apex Legends, Fortnight, Player Unknown Battleground (PUBG), Over watch, CS: GO, Battlefield V, Anthem, The Division 2, and More.
CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
Features:
- Intel Core i9-9900k 3. 6GHz 8-Core Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super 8GB Video Graphics Card
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1 TB SSD
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- VR Ready with HTC VIVE and Oculus Rift
- DirectX 12 Gaming Optimized
- Window side panel with custom ARGB lighting
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- 6 USB 3.0 Ports
- Weight: 32 lbs
- 18.5 x 8.2 x 18.7 in
Pros:
- Fast processor
- Quality graphics card
- SSD is faster than HDD
- VR compatible
Cons:
- Bulky
- Complaints of poor heat management and GPU throttling
Verdict
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC has a lot to offer for gamers. With a good processor and GPU and quality features throughout, this is a solid option for anyone looking for a new gaming computer. It’s VR ready, so if you’re looking to expand into virtual reality gaming you won’t need to make any upgrades. This gaming PC is bulkier than others on the list, however, and it could use some help in terms of cooling. All around, it’s a solid gaming PC.
- System: Intel Core i9-9900k 3. 6GHz 8-Core: Intel Z390 Chipset, 16GB DDR4, 1TB PCI-E NV Me SSD: Genuine Windows 10 Home 64-bit
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super 8GB Video Card, 1x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort
- Connectivity: 6 x USB 3. 1, 2 x USB 2. 0, 1x RJ-45 Network Ethernet 10/100/1000, 802. 11AC Wi-Fi: Audio: 7. 1 Channel: Keyboard and Mouse
- Special Feature: window side panel: Custom ARGB case Lighting: RGB 7 Colors Gaming mouse
- 1 Year Parts & Labor | Free Lifetime Tech Support
Alienware Aurora R9 Gaming Desktop
Features:
- 9th Gen Intel Core i7 9700 Processor, 8-core, up to 4.7GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 OC Graphics
- 512GB SSD plus 1TB HDD
- 16GB Single Channel HyperX DDR4 XMP RAM at 2933MHz
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- WiFi plus Bluetooth 5.0
- Upgraded chassis for efficient airflow
- VR compatible
- Easy access side panel
- Alienware Command Center: intuitive overclocking, thermal control, customizable lighting
- Weight: 39.7 pounds
- 33.5 x 22.5 x 17.4 inches
Pros:
- Fast processor and good graphics card
- SSD and HDD options
- Great wireless/Bluetooth connections
- Easy access side panel for upgrades
- Supports full RGB values with 16.8 million colors
Cons:
- Some customers say cooling fans are loud, others say they’re silent
- No CD slot
Verdict
Alienware is a well known brand among gamers, and for good reason. The Alienware Aurora R9 Gaming Desktop is one of the best PCs for gamers out there today, with great product specifications and even better performance. Some customers complained of loud cooling fans, but others refuted the claim. While this gaming PC is a slightly larger model than others, it has a sleek design.
- 9th Gen Intel Core i7 9700 (8-Core, 12MB Cache, up to 4.7GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
- 16GB single channel HyperX DDR4 XMP at 2933MHz
- 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD (Class 40) + 1TB 7200Rpm HDD
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 OC with 8GB GDDR6
- Killer AX1650 2x2 802.11Ax Wi-Fi wireless + Bluetooth 5.0
Dell G5 Gaming Desktop
Features:
- Intel Core i7-9700 Processor, 8-core, 4.7GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Graphics
- 16 GB DDR4 RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- VR ready
- Blue bezel LED lighting on front of case
- Easy to remove side panel
- Three bays for extra storage
- Alienware Command Center
- Weight: 18.5 pounds
- 20 x 16.5 x 14 inches
Pros:
- Good processor and graphics card
- Easy to upgrade
- SSD is faster than HDD
- Compatible with VR technology
- 4 thermal mode options
- Dell warranty and support
Cons:
- Fan is basic, not enough airflow
- Can’t handle as much as other gaming PCs
Verdict
The Dell G5 Gaming Desktop is a solid choice for gamers who don’t do as intense gaming as others. It may not keep up as well as some of the other gaming computers on this list. It is, however, a great choice for beginners that are new to gaming, and the Dell brand offers great customer support and warranties on products. All in all, this is a good budget gaming PC for those new to the sport.
- Tool-less upgrade-ability the side panel can easily be removed to access internal components and upgrade CPU, GPU, RAM, or hard drives
- Vr-capable Graphics supports NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card to ensures powerful gameplay.
- Killer speedkiller Gigabit Ethernet + Killer Wireless ensure Blazing-fast speed and smooth network traffic
- Keep your coolant G5 stays cool during intense gaming sessions Thanks to optimal airflow powered by 360W PSU fans.
- Windows 10 Home 64bit English
Corsair Vengeance 5182 Gaming PC
Features:
- Intel 9th Gen Core i7-9700 Eight-Core CPU, up to 4.7GHz
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Graphics card
- Corsair VENGEANCE RGB Pro 16 GB RAM DDR4 2666MHz
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- 125 individually addressable RGB LEDs
- Corsair iCUE software controls lighting and cooling
- 480GB SSD, 2TB HDD
- B360 Micro-ATX Motherboard
- Tempered glass chassis
- Liquid cooling
- Gigabit ethernet port
- Weight: 40 pounds
- 15.6 x 11 x 14 inches
Pros:
- Fast processor and graphics
- Lots of RGB lighting options
- SSD and HDD
- Silent liquid cooling
- Customizable
Cons:
- No keyboard or mouse included
- May be difficult to set up for inexperienced gamers
Verdict
The Corsair Vengeance 5182 Gaming Computer is another great option from a well-known gaming company. The specs speak for themselves, with plenty of high quality components and great features. For gamers who love a cool looking setup, the glass side panel and extra RGB lighting is an added benefit. This model is slightly bulky, however, and unlike most other gaming PC setups it does not come with a gaming mouse or keyboard included.
- An Intel 9th Gen Core i7-9700 Eight-Core CPU delivers lightning-fast performance with clock speeds up to 4 7GHz
- A powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Graphics card utilizes revolutionary Turing architecture for incredibly lifelike graphics and smooth frame rates
- Equipped with 16GB of Corsair VENGEANCE RGB Pro DDR4 2666MHz high-performance Memory lined with stylish RGB LEDs
- 125 individually addressable RGB LEDs throughout the system create dazzling light shows fully customizable and synchronized
- Powerful Corsair iCUE software allows you to monitor your system's performance and instantly Sync RGB lighting across all your icue-compatible Corsair RGB products including coolers fans DRAM and more
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
Features:
- Intel Core i5-9400F Processor, 6-core, 2.90 GHz base clock, up to 4.10 GHz max boost clock
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics card
- High-bandwidth 2666MHz DDR4 16GB RAM
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD
- 802.11ac WiFi
- Distinct angular bezel, brushed finishing, and green LED lighting
- Weight: 11.35 lbs
- 13.3 x 11 x 6.7 inches
Pros:
- Affordable
- SSD and HDD
- Compact
Cons:
- Not as powerful as other gaming PCs
- Not as customizable
- Loud fans
Verdict
For beginners or those looking for a budget gaming PC, the HP Pavilion Gaming Computer is a great option. At under $1000, this computer comes with great value features and good components, especially at its price. It’s also compact and lightweight. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you may need a faster and more advanced set up, but for those just getting started this is a great option.
- Intel Core i5-9400F Processor plus NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 (2.90 GHz base clock, up to 4.10 GHz max boost clock, 9 MB Cache, 6 Cores) with an enhanced thermal solution—you’ve got the power to hone your skills anywhere. With advanced NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics, lag and slowdowns are a thing of the past
- Substantial high-bandwidth 2666MHz DDR4 RAM RAM with solid state drive (SSD) combo lets you smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications. as well as multiple programs and browser tabs at the same time
- 5.1 Surround Sound output.With all the necessary ports for true 5.1 surround sound, give your favorite movies, shows, or music more nuanced, immersive sound quality, just by hooking up a Surround Sound speaker setup
- 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, 1x HP 3-in-1 Media card reader; 17 x 27.7 x 33.8 cm; 5.15kg
- Stay connected to 802.11b/g/n/ac (1x1)WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 combo with wireless technology, which gives you a different and fast web-browsing speed. Distinct angular bezel, brushed finishing, and green LED lighting. Bundle with USB wired keyboard + USB wired optical mouse.
iBuyPower Gaming PC
Features:
- Intel Core i7-9700F, 8-Core, 3. 0GHz (4. 70 GHz Max Turbo)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB Dedicated Gaming Video Card
- 16GB DDR4-2666 RAM
- 240GB SSD and 1TB HDD
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- VR Ready
- Tempered Glass RGB Gaming Case
- 802. 11AC Wi-Fi Included
- 1 Year Parts & Labor + Free Lifetime US Tech Support
- Weight: 31.3 pounds
- 21.8 x 20.5 x 12.6 inches
Pros:
- Great processor and graphics
- Fast frame rate
- SSD and HDD
- No bloatware comes pre-installed
Cons:
- Complaints of poor packaging from Amazon
- Poor cable management
Verdict
This gaming computer from iBuyPower is a solid choice, and it’s more afforable than most at just under $1000. It has good specs and performs well, with fast frame rates across different styles of gaming. Reviews complain about unsafe packaging from Amazon, so if you order this product be sure to report any packaging issues before you start the computer, in case of any damage.
- System: Intel Core i7-9700F 8-Core 3. 0GHz (4. 70 GHz Max Turbo) | 16GB DDR4-2666 RAM | 1TB HDD | 240GB SSD | Genuine Windows 10 Home 64-bit
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB Dedicated Gaming Video Card | VR Ready | 1x DVI | 1x HDMI | 1x Display Port
- Connectivity: 4 x USB 3. 0 | 2 x USB 2. 0 | 1x RJ-45 Network Ethernet 10/100/1000 | Audio: 7. 1 Channel
- Special Add-Ons: Tempered Glass RGB Gaming Case | 802. 11AC Wi-Fi Included | 16 Color RGB Lighting Case | Free Gaming Keyboard & RGB Gaming Mouse | No Bloatware
- : 1 Year Parts & Labor + Free Lifetime US Tech Support | Assembled in the U. S. A
Choosing the Best Gaming PC
Buying a gaming computer is a big purchase, especially for serious gamers. The best gaming PCs are typically expensive compared to normal desktop computers, and gamers need certain specifications and standards to enhance their gaming experience. Many pro gamers even make their own gaming PCs so that they can customize them exactly as they want.
If you’re new to gaming or don’t know what features to look for, there are a few important factors to consider when buying a PC for gaming. Look for the following specifications and consider the type of games you’ll be playing on your gaming computer.
Processor/CPU
The processor, or central processing unit (CPU) is one of the most important parts of any computer. The CPU is the core of your computer that processes basic tasks and sends others to different parts of the computer to complete. It runs programs, processes inputs and returns the appropriate output.
The best processors for gaming computers today typically come from Intel or AMD. The best CPUs are the newest models, typically with 8-core performance. A higher number of processing cores means faster performance. The speed of your CPU will affect your gameplay.
CPU clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A good speed for gaming is from 3.5 to 4 GHz, but comparing processors across different brands and models is not straightforward, as some will be able to get more done per clock cycle.
Graphics Card
The graphics card or graphics processing unit (GPU) is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing between the best gaming PCs. The graphics card is what transmits the image that appears on your monitor; when building a gaming computer, the monitor is connected to the GPU. The GPU converts data from your game into a signal that the monitor understands.
Your graphics card will determine the quality of the visuals in your game, as well as how smoothly it’s presented. Without a good graphics card, you may experience lag or stuttering in your game. The quality of your graphics card should match that of your gaming monitor, since the two must work together to produce a good resolution for your game.
Modern GPUs also contain some RAM memory, separate from the standard RAM on your computer. This improves resolution, especially for games with large texture packs. Gamers should look for high quality graphics cards that also feature at least 1GB of graphics RAM.
Today, the best graphics cards come from Nvidia or AMD. All of our best gaming PC choices feature a Nvidia GeForce graphics card, some of the best on the market today. Look for the different models, however – the newer, higher models are typically faster and more powerful. RTX graphics cards have ray-tracing, which is an advanced way to render light for more complex imagery.
Cooling System
You can have all the best hardware in your gaming desktop, but if there isn’t an effective cooling system it will overheat and shut down regularly. A good gaming PC must be powerful, but all that computing power generates extra heat in the system. You’ll need a solid cooling solution to combat that heat.
Traditionally, cooling is done by fans within the computer. Now, there are also liquid cooling systems available. Some gaming PCs use fan-based coolers, others use liquid cooling. Liquid coolers are generally more expensive, but they are silent compared to the drone of fans.
When choosing a gaming PC, be sure to check out the specs on its cooling system. If it uses fans, look for reviews that mention how loud they are, how well they work, and their placement. If the cooler is far from important components, they may overheat. Liquid cooling tends to work better and faster than air-based cooling, since water transfers heat more effectively.
RAM
RAM, or random access memory, is the memory storage on your PC. RAM is not just about saving information permanently, however – it saves temporary info as you go, which helps your computer perform more tasks at the same time. Without enough RAM, your gaming performance may be hindered.
Look for a gaming PC with at least 8GB of RAM. 4GB may work, but serious gamers will want at least 8, if not more. Our top picks have at least 16GB of RAM.
Hard Drive
All computers have a hard drive, and a gaming computer needs a strong hard drive to store the large files that bring your favorite games to life. Gaming PCs need a large, fast hard drive to efficiently store all the data that goes into PC gaming. Standard hard drives use rotating disks, so the faster the rotation, the faster your computer can find and read that data.
There are two main types of hard drives: HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid state drive). HDD is the old standard, and in previous years it was known for better, larger storage capacity. SSD is a newer form that doesn’t rotate, and they’re much faster. In recent years, SSDs have improved dramatically, so they better compete with HDDs.
SSDs are becoming the preferred hard drive, especially for gamers. Many of our picks for the best gaming PC include an HDD and SSD hard drive, so you don’t have to sacrifice speed or storage space.
Price
With any purchase, price is always a factor. Some gamers believe it is cheaper and more effective to build their own gaming PC, but those without the technical know-how are better off buying. A gaming computer will be expensive, but there are great budget options on our list that are under $1000.
When considering price, look at everything you get with your gaming desktop. Most come with a mouse and gaming keyboard, which adds value. A quality gaming PC should last a few years, so consider it an investment and aim for a high quality system over one that will end up breaking.
Your Gaming Preferences
Finally, consider your gaming preferences when you buy a PC for gaming. Certain games will require more power than others, so look into the streaming needs of your game, its graphics, speed, and more. Different styles of gaming require different specifications, so consider what games you’re playing and the factors that are most important to you.
FAQ
Are gaming PCs worth it?
If you’re serious about gaming, then yes, gaming PCs are worth it. A normal computer may be able to play some games, but your performance will be hindered by a slow computer, poor graphics, lag, and more.
How much does a good gaming PC cost?
A good gaming PC will likely run you about $1000 to $2000 dollars. We have two budget options that fall below this price range, but generally speaking a solid gaming computer will be in the four-digit range of cost. The best gaming PCs can be expensive, but offer quality and lasting value.
How long do gaming PCs last?
Gaming PCs, when properly maintained and cared for, should last at least 3 to 5 years. They can last longer, especially if you update the technology. While most quality gaming computers shouldn’t break after 3 years, they will more likely fall behind in terms of technology. The gaming industry is constantly growing and evolving, so to keep up with trends and technology, you’ll have to update your equipment roughly every five years.
Should I buy a gaming laptop or PC?
Your choice of a gaming laptop or PC depends on a few things. Gaming desktops are generally more powerful, as they allow more room for better parts and technology than a slim laptop. If you need the portability of a laptop, however, there are great gaming laptops available.
Final Thoughts
A good gaming PC is an investment, so find the best one for your gaming needs! You can find all your gaming gear here on iDapt, including gaming routers, ergonomic gaming chairs, and more.
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