These are the ten finest gaming PCs I’d advocate to anybody
We overview dozens of gaming PCs every year. In 2024, there are a ton of nice choices, however we have narrowed them right down to an inventory of the ten finest gaming desktops that deserve your hard-earned cash.
In 2024, we nonetheless advocate the Alienware Aurora R16 due to its improbable design, stable efficiency, and respectable worth. However, there are a number of different choices relying in your wants and finances. If you need a deeper look into how we consider gaming PCs, ensure to examine how we review desktops.
Alienware Aurora R16
The finest gaming PC
- Much smaller than earlier variations
- Cool and quiet throughout operation
- Several configuration choices
- Competitively priced
- Alienware Command Center is a bit annoying
- CPU lacks built-in graphics and overclocking help
Why you should purchase this: It’s an Alienware gaming PC constructed for the on a regular basis gamer
Who’s it for: PC avid gamers who need a whole lot of flexibility of their construct and need not service their PC.
What we considered the Alienware Aurora R16:
Alienware has a fame drawback, however the brand new Aurora R16 makes an attempt to repair that. It’s the primary time Alienware has deserted the angular Aurora design we have seen for the previous a number of generations, as an alternative counting on a smaller mid-tower chassis that is simply as highly effective, however takes up lots much less house.
It is available in cheaper, as effectively. Part of the explanation Alienware desktops have a little bit of a foul identify is their value, however the Aurora R16 begins at simply $1,300 for an Intel Core i7-13700F, RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 reminiscence, and a 1TB SSD. You can scale that up with the identical processor, reminiscence, and storage, however with an RTX 4070 Ti, for $1,950.
Alienware upgraded the internals lots, but it surely’s the outside of this machine that stands out. It’s round half the dimensions of the earlier model, all with out compromising energy or thermals. Alienware has scaled up the design, too. Now, you’ll find the RTX 4090 within the R16, in addition to Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super GPUs.
Alienware Aurora R16
The finest gaming PC
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
The finest gaming PC on sale
- Flagship 4K gaming efficiency
- Support for DLSS 3
- Fully upgradable
- Sleek, engaging design
- RAM runs at slower pace
- McAfee continues to bother
Why you should purchase this: It’s a fairly priced gaming PC with flagship {hardware}, and it is totally open for upgrades.
Who it is for: PC avid gamers who need a high-end expertise in 2024 and the chance to improve sooner or later.
What we considered the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i:
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is proof that purchasing a prebuilt gaming desktop would not need to imply sacrificing high quality. It packs in Nvidia’s RTX 4080 together with an Intel Core i7-13700KF processor, providing among the quickest {hardware} you should buy at present, and it performs in addition to its spec sheet would counsel.
In our overview, we discovered that the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i was a hair sooner than a {custom} PC with the identical parts, so you are not leaving any efficiency on the desk by going prebuilt. You’re free to swap out parts, too. Unlike desktops from Alienware and another distributors, the Tower 7i makes use of standard-sized elements so you’ll be able to swap out no matter you need.
That’s all nice, however the actual motive we’re recommending the Tower 7i is its value. The configuration we reviewed, which comes with an RTX 4080 and Intel Core i7-13700KF, prices $2,900. That’s costly, but it surely’s just a few hundred {dollars} greater than in case you purchased all of the elements your self and pieced them collectively by yourself. And for that upcharge, you are getting a yr of Lenovo’s Legion Ultimate help, which incorporates next-business-day restore, in addition to a 24/7 help contact.
Since our overview, Lenovo has launched some cheaper fashions as effectively. You can now get the machine for round $2,050 with an Intel Core i7-13700KF and RTX 4070 Ti GPU. Even higher, the RTX 4080 mannequin is being cleared out, and you may decide it up for an important value.
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
The finest gaming PC on sale
Starforge Navigator
The finest {custom} gaming PC
- Excellent construct high quality
- No bloatware
- Solid efficiency
- Two-year guarantee
- A bit costly
- Extra followers add further noise
Why you should purchase this: It’s a high-quality gaming PC backed by glorious help.
Who’s it for: PC avid gamers in search of one thing extra premium.
What we considered the Starforge Navigator:
PC builders are a dime a dozen as of late, however Starforge Systems stands out with stable construct high quality, nice buyer help, and improbable worth. Compared to constructing your personal PC, there is a modest construct price of round $200 to $300, which is backed up by a guaranty and among the finest {hardware} you should buy.
Unlike a whole lot of PC builders, Starforge has a no-nonsense method. Your PC arrives freed from bloatware, and with some helpful apps put in just like the Nvidia App and Google Chrome. Performance can be nice, matching what you will get with a custom-built desktop.
Despite the affordable pricing, Starforge’s construct high quality could be very excessive. In addition to a {custom} liquid cooler with Starforge’s brand, the Navigator features a ton of followers and cable combs, protecting your construct wanting clear.
Starforge Navigator
The finest {custom} gaming PC
Falcon Northwest Talon
The finest high-end gaming PC
- Immaculate construct high quality
- Stunning degree of element
- The newest and best elements
- God tier guarantee and help
- Great thermals
- Niche attraction
- Shockingly costly
Why you should purchase this: It’s a pure showcase of PC craftsmanship.
Who’s it for: PC fans with loads of money to spare.
What we considered the Falcon Northwest Talon:
No one builds PCs like Falcon Northwest, which is why it is the one firm that occupies two slots on this record. It’s one of many few PC builders left that occupies the boutique area of interest, placing on show pure craftsmanship in its PC builds — assuming you’ll be able to abdomen the worth.
At hundreds of {dollars} relying in your specs, the Falcon Northwest Talon is just for these with loads of money to burn. You’re not solely getting the highest-end CPU and GPU presently out there but additionally a high-end mom board, energy provide, and arduous drives. Falcon Northwest maximizes each side of the Talon.
Performance is improbable, but it surely’s the eye to element with the Talon that stands out. Every system is validated by means of a protracted collection of exams, and Falcon Northwest contains that paperwork within the field. You’ll additionally get a bag of Falcon’s personal espresso and a mug. Everything screams premium.
Although you may get these identical parts for cheaper elsewhere, nobody can match Falcon Northwest’s high quality, help, and a focus to element.
Falcon Northwest Talon
The finest high-end gaming PC
Falcon Northwest Tiki
The finest gaming PC for the lounge
- Blazing 4K gaming efficiency
- Fantastic thermal design
- Top-notch construct high quality
- Accessible upgrades
- Standard three-year guarantee
- Limited fan noise
- Limited Intel configurations
Why you should purchase this: It’s smaller than a gaming console and packs high-end PC {hardware}.
Who’s it for: Living room avid gamers in search of a high-end gaming PC that does not take up a whole lot of house.
What we considered the Falcon Northwest Tiki:
The Falcon Northwest Tiki is the right small type issue gaming PC. Just just like the Talon, the Tiki stands out with distinctive construct high quality, clear consideration to element, and help that places main PC producers to disgrace. It’s costly, however Falcon Northwest makes each penny really feel price it.
For dimension, the Tiki is the smallest gaming PC you should buy totally configured. But Falcon Northwest would not sacrifice efficiency within the course of. The newest model helps as much as a Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel Core i9-14900, together with an RTX 4080. You can even add as much as 8TB of NVMe storage, which is insane contemplating the Tiki’s dimension.
Usually, a smaller dimension comes at the price of thermals and noise, however not with the Tiki. It manages to remain cooler and quieter than many mid-sized desktops (learn our Asus ProArt PD5 review for an instance of dangerous thermals on a desktop).
Falcon Northwest is likely one of the few boutique PC builders left, and the Tiki is an ideal showcase for what that mannequin can obtain. It’s an exception PC general, and it is much more spectacular contemplating it is smaller than a PlayStation 5.
Falcon Northwest Tiki
The finest gaming PC for the lounge
Dell XPS Desktop (8960)
The gaming PC for distant employees
- Flagship efficiency
- Understated, engaging design
- Relatively quiet
- Solid port choice
- Limited improve potential
- Expensive
Why you should purchase this: The Dell XPS Desktop 8650 would not appear to be a gaming PC, but it surely comes with the appropriate {hardware} to run the newest titles.
Who’s it for: Remote employees who want an expert PC throughout the day and a gaming PC at night time.
What we considered the Dell XPS Desktop 8960:
If you need to decide up a gaming desktop, however you are not serious about studying about upgrading or tricking it out with RGB, the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop is a good choice. It’s a stealth gaming PC that appears like an workplace desktop on the skin, however hides among the strongest parts you should buy inside.
You cannot improve main parts within the Dell XPS Desktop, which is nearly all the time a draw back. But you’ll be able to no less than trick out this PC with as much as an Intel Core i9-13900 and Nvidia RTX 4080. You may even configure it with liquid cooling.
Configurations begin as little as $750, with the primary configuration with a discrete graphics card coming in at round $1,100. You’re giving up the entire trimmings that make a gaming PC appear to be one, however in case you’re content material to recycle your PC and improve just a few years down the road, that is not an enormous deal.
Although the XPS Desktop can match into any workplace setting, we’re recommending it particularly for distant employees. You may not need to ask your boss to invoice an RGB-ridden gaming behemoth; the XPS Desktop is way more affordable, and it nonetheless has sufficient muscle for gaming after hours.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960)
The gaming PC for distant employees
NZXT Streaming Plus BLD Kit
The finest DIY gaming desktop
- Powerful
- Inexpensive
- Includes all of the instruments it is advisable construct your personal PC
- PC constructing is not for everybody
- Limited customization choices
Why we selected this: The NZXT BLD Kit means that you can dip your toes into constructing a {custom} gaming PC and avoid wasting cash within the course of.
Who’s it for: Hobbyists who need to get into constructing PCs however do not know the place to begin.
What we considered the NZXT BLD Kit:
NZXT has a distinct method to gaming desktops. Instead of transport you a prebuilt machine, you get the entire parts, instruments, and an instruction handbook to construct the PC your self. And don’t be concerned – you get all of that at a reduction in comparison with getting a machine already constructed for you.
The BLD kits provide nice worth, and NZXT has a number of out there. We’re recommending the Streaming Plus equipment, which comes fitted with an eight-core Ryzen 7 5700X processor, an Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. Overall, the equipment is about $200 than looking for the most cost effective elements your self, relatively than the anyplace from $500 to $1,000 that manufacturers often cost as a constructing price.
If you’ll be able to’t be bothered, NZXT additionally affords its {custom} BLD program. Unlike most system builders, NZXT prices a flat $110 constructing price. Otherwise, you are paying the very same value for the parts that you’d in case you purchased them individually.
PC constructing is not for everybody, however NZXT’s BLD program affords an economical and easy option to get into the passion.
NZXT Streaming Plus BLD Kit
The finest DIY gaming desktop
MSI Aegis RS 14
The finest gaming PC for rookies
- Cheaper than constructing your self
- All MSI parts
- Dense, vivid RGB lighting
- Excellent gaming and processor efficiency
- Fantastic connectivity and growth choices
- Poor cable administration
- Twist ties used for some cables
- Case is not the perfect
Why we selected this: It’s a no-fuss, highly effective gaming PC that will not break the financial institution.
Who’s it for: PC avid gamers who need a highly effective PC and need not fiddle with upgrades.
What we considered the MSI Aegis RS 14:
You get a whole lot of PC to your greenback with the MSI Aegis RS 14. The design of this desktop has stayed the identical the previous couple of generations, however the newest model combines as much as an Intel Core i9-14900KF with as much as an RTX 4080 Super, providing you with entry to among the strongest {hardware} cash should purchase.
Pricing is what actually stands out for this desktop, although. Our really helpful configuration comes with a Core i7-14700KF and an RTX 4070 Super, which you’ll be able to seize for about $2,150. It’s a stable value contemplating the {hardware} inside, particularly once you think about the truth that MSI makes use of a 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler for the processor.
On high of that, MSI features a stable mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse within the field. They aren’t top-tier peripherals, however they’re greater than sufficient to get rookies began with PC gaming.
MSI Aegis RS 14
The finest gaming PC for rookies
CLX Hathor
The finest twin gaming PC
- Beautiful design and construct high quality
- Two PCs within the dimension of 1 case
- Flagship {hardware} help
- Very costly
- Dual PCs aren’t required for most individuals
Why we selected this: It’s a monster gaming PC that pulls double responsibility.
Who’s it for: Streamers who want a twin PC setup however do not have the house for 2 PCs.
What we considered the CLX Hathor:
What’s higher than one monster gaming PC? Two, clearly. The CLX Hathor is insane, packing two full PCs right into a single case. One if a high-end gaming rig match with one of many newest CPUs from AMD or Intel, together with one of many newest graphics playing cards from AMD or Nvidia. The second is an Intel NUC that pull light-weight responsibility so you do not have to bathroom down one machine.
CLX means that you can customise nearly each side of the PC, as effectively. There are the core parts like your GPU, CPU, and RAM, however you’ll be able to even tweak your cooler, a number of storage choices, and even customise the Lian Li case the PC ships in.
It’s a wonderful PC, assuming you want the entire energy it affords. The Hathor begins at $4,100, and it solely goes up from there. This is a high-end PC for high-end streamers, who want a secondary PC holding the work of streaming so your essential PC can give attention to gaming.
CLX Hathor
The finest twin gaming PC
Asus ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme)
The finest moveable desktop PC
- Solid efficiency
- Acceptable battery life
- Beautiful, 120Hz display screen
- Flexible management scheme
- Support for principally any PC recreation
- Turbo mode drains battery shortly
- Windows has a whole lot of quirks
- Armoury Crate is a utility, not an OS
Why we selected this: It’s a top-tier handheld with a particular connection that turns the moveable gaming machine right into a desktop.
Who’s it for: Gamers who need a versatile setup that by no means compromises efficiency.
What we considered the Asus ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme):
The Asus ROG Ally would not appear to be a gaming desktop, certain, however it could actually play the position of 1 effectively. The Z1 Extreme chip inside the hand-held gaming PC is succesful sufficient for moveable gaming, however the ROG Ally actually shines as a desktop with the XG Mobile exterior GPU.
This accent makes use of a proprietary connector, permitting you to attach an exterior GPU with a number of connectivity to the ROG Ally. With a single cable, it transforms the hand-held right into a full-fledged gaming desktop, and with efficiency to match that identify.
It’s one of the vital versatile PC setups you may get proper now for gaming, but it surely’s not freed from points. The XG Mobile may cause unusual habits, significantly when connecting and disconnecting the cable, and the setup is pricey. For a whole lot of avid gamers, although, there’s nothing higher.
Asus ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme)
The finest moveable desktop PC
Frequently Asked Questions
PC vs. laptop computer for gaming
While you’ll be able to play on the go along with a gaming laptop outfitted with a discrete graphics card, a gaming desktop will ship extra flexibility, energy, and efficiency for critical avid gamers. With more room inside a desktop tower, thermal administration is usually higher, which ends up in stronger graphics and processing efficiency with out the worry of throttling.
Another good thing about going with a desktop is that there’s more room to carry out upgrades sooner or later, so you’ll be able to add extra reminiscence or storage, swap out your graphics card, and improve your motherboard and processor down the street. When looking for a gaming desktop, you must search for key options like upgradability, expandability, and help for the newest protocols, like Thunderbolt 3, which may assist prolong the lifetime of your funding.
What’s the perfect gaming PC for rookies?
The finest gaming PC for rookies is the HP Omen 30L or 45L. These two machines stay in the identical household, and the 30L is barely smaller than the 45L. We advocate them for rookies as a result of they arrive with the newest, strongest parts, they’re available, they usually’re simple to improve.
For configurations, you need to take note of the GPU and CPU. For rookies, we advocate the Nvidia RTX 3060 for 1080p gameplay, paired with both an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel Core i5-12600K.
Gamers may also need to have enough RAM — we propose no less than 16GB of reminiscence — and quick storage. Moreover, taking the dual-drive route means you need not put money into an costly solid-state drive with giant storage. This means that you can pair a extra modest-capacity SSD with a bigger arduous drive to retailer all the massive media libraries to your recreation.
Can gaming PCs be used for work?
Most undoubtedly. Manufacturers like HP acknowledge that avid gamers do not simply play video games — workplace employees need to keep entertained throughout their downtime, too. All that is wanted to play video games is a succesful processor, a powerful sufficient discrete graphics card, and sufficient reminiscence to maintain your complete system operating easily.
If you are wanting to economize through the use of one desktop for gaming and to your productiveness duties, you will need to select a PC or among the finest laptops with extra understated aesthetics that may mix in higher together with your workplace decor. Once you have got the appropriate PC chosen, simply select just a few video games and have enjoyable.
Is PC gaming dying?
Absolutely not. With gross sales of general-purpose desktops stagnating in recent times, producers like HP and Lenovo are investing extra sources into their gaming manufacturers to gas progress.
With new {hardware} options supported on gaming PCs — from VR and augmented actuality to real-time ray tracing — builders can have loads of new applied sciences to leverage to be able to inform visually partaking tales by means of their video games.
