Gaming PC desktops outperform gaming laptops in nearly every performance metric. Desktop CPUs are stronger than their mobile counterparts, and with more room and no power restrictions, desktop graphics cards deliver far greater performance. Desktops also support multiple GPUs, allowing for dual, quad, or even six-monitor setups with technologies like SLI for an ultra-immersive gaming experience. Upgrading components is much simpler on desktops; most only require removing a single screw to access the interior, and parts are socketed rather than soldered, making replacements straightforward. This makes desktop PCs ideal for long-term upgrades, whereas gaming laptops usually allow only storage and RAM improvements. The trade-off is that desktops occupy significantly more space and are not portable. Additionally, users must invest in peripherals like monitors and keyboards and handle setup themselves, whereas gaming laptops come with everything integrated and ready to use.
PC Gaming are best chosen based on what you can afford and the performance needed to run the games you enjoy. Each year, we evaluate and review dozens of systems, and while the top-tier options can become very costly, there are excellent gaming PCs available at a range of sizes and price points. Right now, our leading recommendation for most users is the Alienware Aurora R16, which delivers impressive performance in a compact and stylish tower. For gamers on a budget under $1,000, the understated Dell XPS 8960 is a solid choice, and for those with unlimited funds, the Alienware Area-51 equipped with an RTX 5090 is unmatched. Gaming PCs undergo thorough testing in both our lab and real-world environments to ensure they meet our standards, and this guide is updated regularly as new models from brands like Alienware, HP, and Acer arrive. When building a gaming PC, it’s crucial that all components are compatible. Check each part carefully—for instance, your motherboard should support your CPU socket, and your power supply should handle the total wattage of your system. Additionally, consider future-proofing your build by choosing a motherboard with extra memory slots, a slightly higher-wattage PSU, and a case with good airflow and room for upgrades. Planning for future needs can save money and keep your system relevant as new games and technologies emerge. Gaming PCs that are thoughtfully chosen, budgeted wisely, compatible, and future-ready will provide an outstanding gaming experience now and continue to perform well for years to come.
Build a gaming computer by starting with a strong CPU, as it serves as the main processor and greatly influences your system’s overall performance. When selecting a pre-built gaming PC, ensure it comes with a CPU capable of handling your gaming and multitasking needs. A reliable choice is to go for the latest generation Core processors available. For instance, the 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-11900K processor is currently one of the newest Intel models, featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 5.30 GHz, delivering excellent frame rates for high-end gaming. When evaluating the CPU, pay attention to details such as the number of cores, clock speed, and supported technologies. It’s also useful to consider whether the processor supports overclocking, which can boost its performance. For Intel CPUs, a “K” in the model name indicates that the chip is overclockable. Another key point is that not all gaming PCs offer the same ports and connectivity options. Be sure to review the full specifications of the system to confirm it supports your preferred connections. This includes video outputs, USB ports, audio jacks, networking interfaces, and Bluetooth capabilities.
Best gaming computer builds often spark the age-old debate: Intel or AMD processors? For years, Intel was the go-to choice, but with AMD’s Ryzen lineup—both past and current generations—you now have genuine options. Both brands deliver outstanding performance, and much of the decision comes down to personal preference. Choosing your processor is crucial because it determines which motherboard you’ll need. Whether you go with the latest Intel chips or AMD Ryzen CPUs, both offer top-tier hardware that can handle modern gaming with ease. And keep in mind, you don’t always need the newest generation. Previous-generation processors often go on sale for much less, yet still provide excellent performance and can support several years of gaming without issue.
Gaming desktops come in a variety of sizes and designs. The HP Pavilion gaming desktop is relatively compact, standing just over 13 inches tall, so it won’t take up much room. It’s also lightweight, at approximately 13 lbs, whereas some gaming rigs can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 lbs depending on their components. Larger gaming towers can occupy more than twice the space of the HP Pavilion, with the biggest models reaching nearly two feet in height. In short, gaming desktops aren’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to consider the physical dimensions when reviewing a system’s overall specifications. While HP offers high-end gaming PCs with premium price tags, there are plenty of mid-range options as well. The HP Pavilion gaming desktop stands out as a cost-effective choice, providing all the performance you need to play current-generation games right away. To help you determine if it’s the right fit, here’s our full review of the HP Pavilion gaming desktop.
Prebuilt gaming PC options became increasingly appealing as I realized that sourcing individual components, even from major retailers, couldn’t keep the build under my $900 budget. My goal was a midrange system capable of smooth video editing and rendering, high-frame-rate 1080p and 2K gaming, and room for future upgrades. I compared prices with holiday specials from brands like iBuyPower and HP—nothing as high-end as Origin or Alienware—but no matter how I calculated it, buying parts individually, including taxes, ended up $200–$275 more expensive than the prebuilts. The ready-made systems suddenly offered better savings and a much faster way to get up and running. I ultimately snagged a CyberPowerPC deal at Best Buy, knowing that I could always return it if needed. One common concern with prebuilts is the lack of control over specific component brands or models. While the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage specs are listed, the exact brand or version depends on the factory and the batch used when your PC was assembled.
Custom gaming PC are built from scratch according to your specific preferences. Unlike pre-built machines from well-known brands, you have full control over every component, ensuring there’s no unnecessary bloatware or extra software that slows down performance. While popular brands often charge a premium for high-end pre-designed systems, and smaller companies may offer cheaper options with limited hardware choices, custom PCs allow you to select exactly what you want. Additionally, custom builds are generally easier to upgrade or replace parts in the future, making them a more cost-effective option over time for gamers who don’t mind learning a bit about their system’s inner workings.
Cheap gaming computer builds revolve around one key component: the graphics processing unit (GPU). This large piece of hardware inside your PC handles all graphic rendering. A more powerful GPU ensures smoother gameplay and sharper visuals, delivering detailed textures and higher frame rates. The GPU’s capabilities also affect video editing, gaming performance, and machine learning tasks. Budget-friendly systems can usually handle most games at 1080p, but features like ray tracing for realistic lighting and 4K gaming are typically out of reach at this price point. Popular lower mid-tier GPUs, such as the GTX 1660 and AMD RX 5600, provide performance that rivals higher-end models. Currently, component prices are soaring due to high demand and a global chip shortage. One of the smartest ways to save money is by opting for a pre-built PC. While building your own system using tools like PC Part Picker can be rewarding and potentially cheaper, manufacturers often purchase parts at lower costs, making pre-built PCs surprisingly cost-effective. For those looking to cut expenses, the pre-built options listed below are our top recommendations.
Gaming computer prices in Japan saw notable attention between 2018 and 2021. Research from KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories indicates that the country’s PC market expanded during this period to 131.3 billion yen (around $896 million), nearly twice its size in 2018 (according to KantanGames). Alongside this market growth, the number of PC gamers in Japan also climbed significantly, rising from 11 million in 2015 to 16 million by 2021. Several factors likely contributed to this trend. Kantan Games highlighted the global pandemic as a driver of the overall gaming market, which in turn fueled the growth of the PC gaming segment.
Gaming computer specs should ideally include DDR5 RAM, as Intel’s 14th generation processors support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. While DDR4 is still functional, it delivers slightly lower performance compared to the faster, more modern DDR5 modules.
Most current games run smoothly on 16 GB of RAM, but highly demanding titles like Starfield require 32 GB when running at ultra graphics settings. Enabling features such as ray tracing increases memory demands, making 16 GB insufficient. For optimal gaming performance, a PC should be equipped with at least 32 GB of RAM.
RAM frequency also impacts performance, as higher speeds allow quicker data exchange between the CPU and memory, boosting overall processing power. For DDR5 memory, a frequency of at least 5600 MHz is recommended for maximum performance. Additionally, the number of RAM sticks matters: using a single module can limit CPU performance in games. Installing two sticks enables dual-channel mode, increasing memory bandwidth, improving FPS, and ensuring smoother gameplay.