Impressive, both in its capabilities and its aesthetic design, this Dell Gaming PC does not disappoint.
Impressive, both in its capabilities and its aesthetic design, this Dell Gaming PC does not disappoint.
The case has a stunning, minimalist design. There are 11 available USB ports. The fans run so quietly, its hard to tell if the computer is even turned on. There was little to no bloatware pre-installed on the computer. The case opens with simple latches instead of screws – making future upgrades easy. The i7-8700 processor and 8GB of RAM ensure the computer runs quickly and efficiently.
The monitor connects with HDMI, with no VGA option, so older monitors may not be usable.
An excellent choice for a novice gamer – quality build at a slightly lower price point.
An excellent choice for a novice gamer – quality build at a slightly lower price point.
We were impressed by this PC's performance, especially at the slightly lower price point. It runs Battlefield on the Ultra settings at around 70 FPS (frames per second). Fans run quietly. The computer comes with 8GB of RAM, with 4 additional RAM slots, should you feel the need to add more. Set up was quick and simple. Windows was up and running quickly with no issues.
The case is quite difficult to get into, making future upgrades more difficult.
With it's easily upgradeable design, this high-performing PC is built to last.
With it's easily upgradeable design, this high-performing PC is built to last.
Set up is simple. Tower boots up faster than the average PC. The tower is quite large, but still has a simple, sleek design. New games, and demanding programs such as Photoshop run seamlessly on this device. There are 8 USB slots in total. Multiple memory slots make adding more memory easy. You can put up to 32GB of RAM. With the removal of just one screw, you have access to the inside of the case. The computer is easily up-gradable.
There was some bloatware on the PC, but it was easy enough to uninstall.
If you want to run all your favorite games at impressively high FPS, this is the PC for you.
If you want to run all your favorite games at impressively high FPS, this is the PC for you.
The addition of bright blue lights on the sides and the logo of the case is beautiful, especially at night. We love having the option to upgrade from an air cooler to a liquid cooler. Set up is straightforward. Arguably most impressive is how effortlessly this PC runs most modern games. Battlefield 4 on Ultra settings runs at around 200 FPS. There are 16GB of RAM, and an impressive graphics card (GTX 1070).
The fan can get quite loud, especially during strenuous tasks.
A quality gaming PC at a low price point. Perfect for anyone who's tight on space.
A quality gaming PC at a low price point. Perfect for anyone who's tight on space.
We loved the look and feel of this mini tower. It's lightweight and can easily fit under, or on top of any desk. The PC operates smoothly and with minimal noise. There is a total of 10 USB ports. The SSD (solid state drive) ensures everything on the PC runs quickly. The computer sits at a fraction of the price of most gaming PC's.
Aesthetically not the most appealing PC.
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If you’re into gaming, you might focus your attention on gaming consoles, but don’t forget to think about a gaming desktop computer. You want a desktop computer with plenty of processing power and the capability to handle the demands of even the toughest games, and Dell has just what you need.
Dell is one of the most trusted brand names in the desktop market. If you’re looking for a gaming computer, Dell has several models available at a variety of price points, so you can find just the right setup for your game room. And one of the best reasons to select a Dell desktop computer as your gaming device is that you can also use it for work when you aren’t gaming.
But shopping for a Dell gaming desktop can be a challenging process. Understanding all the jargon is an important starting point. You can then figure out which components are important for your gaming needs. Continue reading our buying guide to find out more about gaming computers from Dell, and take a look at some of our favorites too.
Dell gaming desktops have basically the same components as standard work computers. The gaming machine just has more power and more processing memory and storage than a typical work computer. Here are some of the components to know when shopping for a Dell gaming computer.
The central processing unit (CPU) in gaming computers should have a fast clock speed, measured in gigahertz. A clock speed of 4 gigahertz is a good starting point for a CPU in a Dell gaming desktop.
The processor should have multiple cores to allow for multitasking. Four cores works as a starting point, but gaming computers often have eight.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) and graphics card should have a lot of memory (GDDR), usually at least 8 gigabytes. Some computers may include 24 gigabytes of graphics memory on the card for better performance.
Gaming computers need a large amount of random access memory (RAM) to process the large amounts of data needed for gameplay and graphics rendering. A good starting point is 64 gigabytes of RAM, although some less expensive gaming machines from Dell start with 16 gigabytes. RAM is one of the easiest components to upgrade in a gaming computer, and you can always add more memory later.
For permanent hard drive storage, Dell gaming systems often use solid state drive (SSD) technology. This is a fast-performing type of storage, but it costs more than hard disk drive (HDD) technology. Look for at least 512 gigabytes of SSD storage as a starting point. Some Dell gaming desktops may have as much as 2 terabytes of SSD, or they may use a combination of SSD and HDD technology.
The power supply units in Dell gaming desktops are extremely powerful. They manage the power for a computer's components, enabling them to run safely and efficiently. Large power supplies of 500 watts or more are necessary for high-end gaming machines.
Dell sells some computers that work for gaming under its own brand name. It also sells gaming desktops under the Alienware brand and the Aurora name. Here are some of the features specific to Dell gaming desktops that can help you find just the right machine for your needs.
Dell gaming computers ship with special cooling components, such as copper heat pipes and vapor chambers. These items, combined with efficient airflow, help keep the computer’s components from overheating.
Overclocking means the RAM, CPU, and GPU can run at a faster clock speed than the manufacturer recommends. Gamers appreciate the ability to overclock, which is possible thanks to the built-in software in Dell gaming computers.
Dell offers large amounts of high-speed RAM to allow gamers to play their games and stream their own video at the same time on a platform like Twitch or YouTube. These computers can handle multiple tasks efficiently and without lag.
Dell gaming computers take advantage of multiple Radeon graphics-processing technologies to improve overall performance. These include the following:
Image Sharpening: This uses an algorithm to create details in the final rendering of the graphics that would be missed in a computer not built for gaming.
Anti-Lag: This is a technology that allows the CPU and GPU to work in sync, reducing the possibility of one chip going faster than the other and creating lag.
FreeSync: This technology smooths the movement of graphics data from the GPU to the display monitor, reducing choppiness and lag.
Dell gaming computers nearly always come with the Windows operating system preloaded.
Gaming keyboard: Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Many Dell gaming desktop computers come with a high-quality keyboard that’s made for gaming. But this Corsair keyboard is a comfortable piece of hardware that has up to 15 hours of battery life for long gaming sessions.
Gaming mouse: Razer DeathAdder Elite
This Razer mouse is great for gaming because it has a rubbery edge coating to help the player maintain their grip. This is a highly accurate mouse, which is vital for success when gaming. It’s a little bigger than average, but the buttons are responsive and well positioned.
Gaming mouse pad: Razer Firefly V2 Gaming Mouse Mat
Gamers can use any mouse pad they like, and this Razer mouse mat offers maximum accuracy for the movement of the mouse and cursor. It also has custom LED lighting that adds to the atmosphere for high-end gaming.
Gaming monitor: HP Omen X 27 Gaming Monitor
The Dell gaming computer may not come with a display monitor, so add this 27-inch HP unit to your gaming setup for excellent results. It has a native refresh rate of 240 hertz, which is perfect for fast-moving games.
Remember that these computers rarely come with a monitor, headset, or audio speakers, so you’ll need to purchase them separately. Some units don’t come with a keyboard or mouse either. You could end up spending from $100 to $1,000 or more for extra items.
Inexpensive: The least expensive gaming desktops from Dell cost $300 to $750. Although these desktops are called “gaming” computers, they won’t provide the optimal features and components for high-end gaming. Beginning gamers might want to start with a computer in this price range.
Mid-range: These Dell gaming desktops cost $750 to $1,500. These are powerful computers that deliver the results most gamers want. One of these computers should give you a few years of strong performance before you need an upgrade or replacement.
Expensive: The most expensive Dell gaming desktops cost $1,500 to $2,500. These units contain powerful processors, the most RAM, lots of fast SSD storage, and the best GPUs. These desktops will deliver outstanding performance for several years.
Because gaming computer CPUs and GPUs must run at fast speeds, they generate a lot of heat. The Dell gaming computer has multiple cooling systems built into it to counteract that heat. To ensure the best performance from your Dell gaming desktop, it’s important to keep an eye on the following items related to heat generation.
A. If you purchase the game on an optical disc (like a DVD), it needs to be a game specifically for computers, not consoles. Check the specifications for the game and make sure the Dell computer has the power to match or (preferably) exceed those specifications.
A. If you want to play games somewhere else, a desktop computer is difficult to move around. It’s far easier to carry a smaller gaming console to a friend’s house for the day.
A. Yes. Many Dell desktops have Bluetooth support built into them. However, Bluetooth can sometimes have a slight lag versus a wired connection, which can affect your gaming success. The lag may not be a huge deal on wireless headsets, but it could be the difference between winning and losing if it happens with a wireless keyboard or mouse.
A. If you want to be able to carry your computer easily to other locations, you’ll appreciate the portability of a laptop for gaming. However, a desktop computer makes it far easier to swap out components. Upgrading the hardware is a good way to give a desktop gaming computer a longer useful lifespan versus a gaming laptop.
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