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Nowadays, there are plenty of ways a person can enjoy gaming: on a tablet, on a gaming console, on a smartphone. But there’s still a place that serious gamers go to get the very best gaming experience possible: a gaming desktop computer.
Shopping for a gaming desktop PC can be a daunting task. After all, there’s a lot you need to know to make the right choice, and because it’s an investment, you want to do it right the first time. Understanding a computer’s processing power, graphics card and memory will give you an idea of what it’s capable of. It will also give you a clear picture of what you would need to buy when it’s time for an upgrade. In that same vein, knowing a particular machine’s compatibility features and the elements of its tower design can give you an idea of what it could do for you.
Our top pick, the mighty MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop, has serious muscle to keep up with the needs of the most demanding gamers.
Editors' Favorite
GPU: GeForce RTX 5070 | CPU: AMD R7-8700F | RAM: 32 GB | SSD Capacity: 2 TB
The MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop is built for high-performance gaming and heavy multitasking. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 8700F processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, delivering ultra-smooth gaming at stable frame rates.
Its 32GB of memory allows it to handle graphics-intensive games and streaming without noticeable performance dips, and a 2TB drive provides enough storage for thousands of applications, files and videos. It’s VR-ready and comes loaded with Windows 11 Home, providing access to the latest features, optimizations and updates right out of the box.
With USB Type-C and multiple USB ports for easy connectivity and a compact design, this desktop is an excellent choice for smaller gaming areas. Additionally, efficient cooling ensures stable performance during long gaming sessions, and the chassis supports upgrades and customization.
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB (Dedicated) | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6 GHz (4.2 GHz Turbo) | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200 MHz | SSD Capacity: 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
The Skytech Archangel is a real diamond in the rough if you're after a budget-friendly gaming desktop that still packs a punch. With its Ryzen 5 processor and RTX 3050 graphics card, it handles modern titles like a champ at 1080p, keeping frame rates smooth and gameplay crisp.
Setup is a breeze, and the sleek white case with glowing ARGB fans gives it just the right amount of flair without looking like a spaceship. While some users have mentioned occasional noise or rare hiccups out of the box, most agree it's a rock-solid performer for the price.
Trusted Brand
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 265F | RAM: 32GB | SSD Capacity: 1TB
The Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop is one of the best choices for hardcore gamers who want more customization and high performance. It boasts the advanced Intel Core Ultra 7 265F and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card to handle power-intensive games and applications with ease.
It features a modern design with a matte-black finish, an optimized chassis, and customizable AlienFX lighting, including striking stadium lighting. Gamers will love the Alienware Command Center as it provides a single place to customize AlienFX lighting, monitor and adjust performance modes for different power states, and create custom profiles for every game. Plus, the hexagonal side vents improve airflow, resulting in smoother, quieter performance.
Designed for true gamers seeking an edge, the Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop delivers everything needed for a superior gaming experience. With its minimalist design yet powerful graphics and system processor, it's a no-brainer for any gamer looking to upgrade their setup.
The lifeforce of your gaming desktop is its Central Processing Unit (CPU). How powerful it is will determine how well your machine performs. The power of your video card, or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), affects the quality of the video and images you see on your screen. Technology advances every year, so you’ll want to find a machine that meets your needs now and one that could be upgraded later as needed.
The gaming PCs we recommend feature either AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, both of which offer strong performance for gaming. In recent years, AMD Ryzen chips have earned a reputation for excellent multitasking and value, especially in mid-range and high-end builds, while Intel CPUs often excel in single-core performance — a factor that still matters for some games. However, both brands are highly competitive, and real-world gaming performance is often very close, especially in the latest models.
For a smooth gaming experience, we suggest choosing a processor with at least four cores — labeled as "quad-core" — though many modern games and applications can take advantage of six or more cores. Opting for a CPU with higher core counts can also help your PC stay relevant as new, more demanding games are released.
Gaming PCs are equipped with dedicated graphics cards — also called GPUs — that handle the demanding task of rendering video game graphics. Unlike integrated graphics, which are built into the CPU and designed for everyday tasks like browsing or streaming, a separate GPU significantly boosts performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications.
Most gaming GPUs are powered by chipsets from companies like NVIDIA or AMD. For example, you might see cards labeled as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, but these are manufactured by various brands such as ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte, each offering their own cooling solutions and features. If a PC’s specifications list only integrated graphics and not a dedicated GPU, it means the system relies on the processor for graphics tasks — this usually results in noticeably weaker gaming performance and limits your options to less demanding or older games.
There are two types of memory you’ll need to look at when choosing a gaming desktop; both types play a role in the performance of the machine.
This is basically how much storage space your computer has for games and files. If you’re a serious gamer and plan on downloading lots and lots of games, think big here. Increasing HDD storage is straightforward and can be done internally or externally. HDDs used to store more data than SSDs, but they were slower to access or load. However, most modern gaming desktops feature SSDs with storage capacities of 1 or 2TB, which is more than enough for most users.
Random access memory, or RAM, is your computer’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores data and files that your system and programs are actively using, so your computer can quickly retrieve information without waiting on the slower hard drive or SSD.
Having enough RAM is crucial for fast load times, smooth gameplay, and efficient multitasking; especially when running demanding games or switching between applications. If your PC runs low on RAM, it may slow down or struggle to keep up during intense gaming sessions.
Your tower or casing will house, protect, and preserve all your computer's main hardware components. Because gaming desktops are highly customizable, you’ll want to understand how to access your towers and where components are stored. Important units like fans and cooling systems rely on having the proper space within the tower, especially if they are being added on later.
Keep an eye on your computer’s components and how much power they demand. A good power supply should provide enough energy for everything. For most gaming computers, you’ll need roughly 500 watts. As you add more parts, you’ll likely need to increase the power supply.
Your gaming desktop motherboard is where the internal components connect and communicate with each other. The motherboard plays a vital role in your machine’s potential to grow. Make sure that it can support all the hardware you think you’ll want, including memory slots and peripheral ports.
Gaming PCs are some of the most powerful computers on the market. Because of this, you’ll need to keep your system cool as it processes information. A cooling system is key to protecting your internal parts from overheating. Some cooling systems include multiple fans that are installed in the tower; others use more advanced solutions like liquid cooling. The size and construction of your system casing can help you determine which options are best.
You can find a great starter system in the $800 to $1,000 range, but bear in mind that you’ll be limited to entry-level parts, such as processors and graphic cards. Also, note that a computer in this range would need to be upgraded in the future if you want to keep up with growing tech.
If you’ve got a bit more cash to spend, you can get yourself off to a good start and do a bit of future-proofing with $1,000 to $1,500. Look for a machine that focuses on solid processing power (quad-core to six-core) and a decent graphics card. Pricier components, such as expandable memory and additional drives, can be added later.
If you’re willing to spend $1,500 to $3,000 or more on a gaming desktop, you can get one of the most future-proof machines available. These gaming PCs are usually VR-ready and provide all the components needed to run the biggest and most complex games. They will also likely be able to support 4K and 5K gaming.
Gamers require desktops with sophisticated CPUs, graphics cards and other specs to ensure a stable, optimal gaming experience. We considered models with the latest processors, graphics cards and memory capabilities to provide gamers with multiple options for their primary gaming setup. Based on reviews, the best models offer high performance even during extended gaming sessions and offer plenty of customization to future-proofing.
A. Many gaming desktops are packaged with a compatible keyboard and mouse. While these devices would work adequately, a serious gamer may want to purchase a higher-quality keyboard and mouse to get the most out of their machine.
A. Many, but not all, gaming PCs come with a DVD read/write drive. Since games today are often downloaded directly to the machine from the internet, however, you might not need this feature. If it turns out you want something like a Blu-ray player, you could always purchase it separately and install it yourself.
A. Yes. Most modern gaming desktops are HDMI compatible, so as long as your TV or monitor has an HDMI input, you’ll be fine. Gaming desktops typically support display port connections as well, so most monitors are also compatible.
