Gaming PC are excellent because of the flexibility they provide. You can handpick the components that best suit your preferences and the types of games you enjoy. While many enthusiasts love building their own systems like top custom PC builds, others appreciate the convenience of purchasing a prebuilt setup that’s ready to play right away.If you’re gaming at 1080p, you won’t necessarily need the most powerful CPU or GPU. However, stepping up to 1440p or 4K will require more robust hardware. Although the GPU is often seen as the main driver of gaming performance, the CPU also plays a key role, especially in multi-threaded tasks like video rendering, processing, and encoding.In our tests, the Core Ultra 7 265K paired with a GeForce RTX 4070 Super proved to be a well-balanced combo, though it’s not the best choice for 4K gaming. Corsair offers more powerful configurations for that level, such as systems featuring the Core Ultra 9 285K and GeForce RTX 4090 (with potential RTX 5090 options expected soon). Outside of benchmarks, F1 24 ran impressively smooth on this setup.
PC Gaming enthusiasts will likely always find the best option from a custom builder, as a high-end gaming rig offers extensive upgrade potential, an easily accessible design, and top-tier performance. Even many ready-made systems from custom builders provide excellent upgradability since they’re assembled using standard, off-the-shelf components. Velocity Micro, a nearly 30-year veteran in the industry, may not produce the flashiest gaming PCs — those looking for that might turn to Maingear, Origin PC, or iBuyPower — but it certainly knows how to deliver outstanding gaming performance. The Raptor Z95A model we reviewed features some of the fastest components available (the “A” denotes AMD, while the Z95 version uses Intel processors) and boasts a tidy interior layout that’s both easy to modify and visually appealing. The main drawback is the cost, as these systems tend to be pricier than prebuilt machines from major brands or DIY builds. Additionally, the limited number of front ports is a letdown — a common issue among desktops — especially disappointing for a system of this size. However, you can often make up for this by using a USB hub for peripherals that don’t require low latency.
Build a gaming computer that’s both a powerhouse and a visual masterpiece—it takes the right mix of planning and budget. We can’t help with the cash part, unfortunately, but after assembling and testing countless systems, we know exactly where to spend and where to save. Right now, you’ll get incredible value from two key areas—midrange graphics cards and eye-catching RGB lighting—and we’re pushing both to the limit for this build. Executive Editor John Burek and I have built many PCs together, and for this one, our mission was clear: create a stunning gaming rig for under $1,000 that delivers smooth performance at 1080p or 1440p. (Prices fluctuate with sales and part availability, so allow a bit of flexibility.) We’ve landed on one of the best component combinations available for roughly a grand, balancing powerful gaming performance with over-the-top RGB effects—and a few affordable extras that make it truly stand out.
Best gaming computer options depend on several key factors — starting with your budget, followed by performance, upgradability, aesthetics, and future-proofing potential. Navigating through all the choices can be challenging, but our TechRadar PC experts have tested hundreds of gaming rigs to help you find the right one. For those searching for an affordable gaming desktop that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank, the HP Victus 15L is a great pick. Though it’s been around for a few years, that works in your favor, as it’s now available at excellent prices while still offering dependable 1080p performance — ideal for popular competitive games like Counter-Strike 2 and Rocket League.
Gaming desktops have become the cornerstone of a nearly $30 billion industry. With more than 500 million players worldwide, competitive gaming has transformed into both a major business and a true spectator sport. Hundreds of professional eSports organizations now earn millions by participating in high-stakes tournaments. As the industry has expanded, the competition has intensified. To maintain peak performance and achieve consistent wins, players must operate at the highest level every day. Top-tier gamers invest thousands of dollars in advanced PC gaming setups designed to enhance speed, precision, and reliability. Collegiate and professional gaming teams often spend $50,000 or more on cutting-edge gaming gear. Power protection is an essential part of any serious gaming setup, making a UPS system a smart investment. The image below demonstrates the overall value of a typical gaming desktop rig. Acting like an insurance policy, a UPS system shields your equipment from power surges and interruptions—at just a fraction of your total setup cost. Safeguard your performance and valuable gaming hardware from unexpected power threats with a reliable UPS system.
Prebuilt gaming PCs from EK Fluid Gaming blur the boundary between high-performance machines and works of art, effortlessly becoming the centerpiece of any space they inhabit. All three models showcase intricately hand-bent tubing with minimal fittings, creating a clean, distinctive look. Each system includes dual drain ports for easier maintenance, matching fittings, extra thermal probes to fine-tune fan speeds based on coolant temperature, expertly managed cabling, and pre-configured fan and pump profiles for peak efficiency. With exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, these builds are more than just gaming rigs—they’re collector’s pieces. Every PC is thoroughly inspected and stress-tested for hours, with detailed performance logs ensuring flawless water block installation and hardware reliability.
Custom gaming PCs give owners the freedom to choose every component that goes into their setup. Unlike pre-built systems, which come with fixed hardware chosen by the manufacturer and are mass-produced for retail, custom gaming PCs let you decide exactly what performance level and features you want. These builds are often favored by tech enthusiasts who enjoy assembling their own machines and tailoring every detail to their preferences. While this approach offers maximum flexibility and performance customization, it does require hands-on knowledge of computer assembly. Fortunately, Allied provides an easy alternative—allowing you to design your ideal gaming PC by selecting your preferred parts, while their team handles the building process. With a wide range of hardware options and expert assembly, Allied makes it possible for anyone, regardless of technical experience, to enjoy the same level of customization and quality as a self-built gaming PC—delivered ready to play right out of the box.
Cheap gaming computer buyers should understand the key components that make up a PC before making a purchase. These specifications determine the kind of performance you’ll get, from graphics quality to refresh rates. If you plan to play modern esports games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive at 1440p resolution with high frame rates, you’ll need stronger hardware. On the other hand, if your goal is to enjoy older or less demanding titles like Skyrim or Minecraft, you can easily get by with the parts found in our Best Value or Work and Play builds. The three most important parts of any gaming setup include the GPU, CPU, and RAM. Alongside your graphics card, the central processing unit (CPU) plays a vital role. Built from millions of microscopic transistors, it handles all the computing tasks and directs the system’s operations. The CPU’s speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), represents how many calculations it can perform per second. However, higher GHz alone doesn’t always mean faster performance — you also need to consider the processor’s generation and number of cores.
Gaming computer price starts at around $2,220 for the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i, which we consider the best gaming desktop for its impressive 4K performance without the usual premium cost. While it has a few downsides — such as limited memory overclocking and minimal dust filters — this prebuilt system offers an excellent balance of power and value. The Legion T7i runs quietly, looks sleek, and delivers smooth 4K gaming performance even without upgrading to the latest RTX 50-series GPUs.
That said, in 2024, we’d hoped to see more than a single USB-C port, given how many gaming peripherals now rely on that connection, and improved dust protection would be a bonus. Overall, it’s a capable, future-ready gaming PC, and if you’re seeking a more affordable option, the RTX 4070 Ti configuration could be a smart, budget-friendly pick from a trusted brand.
Gaming computer specs start with preparing your case and installing standoffs or small brass spacers that line up with your motherboard screw holes. These spacers keep the motherboard from directly contacting the metal of the case. Your motherboard also comes with an I/O shield cover—carefully align it and snap it into place so it sits over the external ports. Handle the motherboard gently, as it’s a sensitive circuit board. When securing the standoffs, tighten them just enough to hold the board firmly without bending it. Once this is done, you’re officially on your way to building your very own gaming PC. It takes focus and patience, so don’t forget to pair your setup with the best, most affordable home internet from Comwave. Don’t compromise—get lightning-fast internet at unbeatable prices. Play without lag or interruptions and push your gaming to the next level. Optimize your setup with high-speed internet designed for top-tier gaming, only from Comwave. To elevate your gaming experience even further, explore Comwave’s best plans for high-performance gameplay at prices that won’t break the bank.