The Best Gaming Desktop Computers

  • Dani Rosewater

When we game, we game with the best gear. And many gaming desktop computers offer just that, with amazing hardware and smooth software that make our gaming adventures immersive and fun. But with so many prebuilt computers on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for you and your budget. That's why we decided to assemble this list of our favorite gaming desktop computers. For our in-depth reviews, keep reading.

What to Look For

There’s a lot to consider regarding gaming desktop PCs, so we focused on four main questions to guide our search: Does it have good specs for gaming? Is the hardware reliable and future-proof? Is the price fair for the quality? Can certain components be upgraded down the line? Our favorite option came from SkyTech, as their Chronos Mini offers gaming-ready specs at a bargain price. Plus, it has plenty of room for upgrades. But if your budget is higher and your gaming aspirations more competitive, then the liquid-cooled Glacier 360 from Thermaltake is an excellent choice. Now, let’s dive into more depth with our reviews of the best gaming desktop computers.

SkyTech Chronos Mini Gaming Computer PC Desktop

A beast at a bargain

This gorgeous gaming PC has everything you need to run games smoothly and comes at a great price.
Best Overall

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This PC might be called “mini” for its compact case, but its specs are far from dainty. With an Intel Core i3 processor that can hit 3.6GHz and a GTX 1650 graphics card, this baby runs most major titles on high to ultra settings without a problem. Add to that the 500GB SSD, and you have a computer with super-fast bootup times and ample space for storage. It also has 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be easily upgraded on your own and on the cheap.

Pros:

  • Accessible price point
  • Excellent performance
  • Easy to upgrade components down the line
  • Fans keep it well-ventilated and run quietly
  • Windows 10 Home is easy to set up
  • Solid-state drive for fast bootups

Cons:

  • The processor is the bottleneck, and upgrading can cost quite a bit

Thermaltake Glacier 360 Liquid-Cooled PC

The premium pick

This hardcore computer may not come cheap, but the quality and amazing specs are worth every penny.
Runner Up

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If you’re ready for the big leagues, get ready to spend the big bucks. But although this premium pick comes at a premium price, it actually offers great value, all things considered. The graphics card is an RTX 3060, so it’s a top-of-the-line piece of hardware that can run many AAA titles at high-resolution and high graphics settings. It also helps that the AMD Ryzen 5 processor can achieve a jaw-dropping speed of 4.6 GHz when overclocked, and the 16GB of RAM is more than enough. Indeed, if you want an all-in-one gaming PC that can do it all without upgrades, go with this one.

Pros:

  • Can easily achieve over 100fps on most games
  • High-capacity 1TB solid-state drive
  • Liquid cooling keeps the processor performing at its peak
  • Clean-looking case with cool LEDs and neat cable management

Cons:

  • Pretty pricey, though the value is high

TechMagnet Horizon+ Gaming PC Desktop (Renewed)

Pay less and game more

This beauty proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to score a computer that will deliver high-quality graphics and responsive gameplay.
Best On A Budget

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We couldn’t believe it when we saw the price of this PC from TechMagnet. Considering the Intel i7 processor and AMD RX-550 graphics card, you’d expect the price to be higher. Of course, in this price range, it may struggle to run AAA titles on ultra-high graphics settings, but it’s an excellent baseline model that you can upgrade down the line. Plus, the included keyboard and mouse ensure that this PC is ready to get to the gaming as soon as you set it up.

Pros:

  • Strong processor
  • Includes 16GB of RAM, so there’s really no need to upgrade the memory
  • Comes with Windows 10 Professional
  • The graphics card has 4GB of onboard DDR5 RAM

Cons:

  • The graphics card will need to be upgraded if you intend to run the latest AAA games on high settings

Alarco Gaming PC Desktop Computer

More bang for your buck

Although it's not inexpensive, this option boasts high-tier hardware for a modest price point.
Best Value

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If you’re just joining the PC gaming world, you don’t have to break the bank to get there. This gaming PC from Alarco is an excellent place to start, as the synergy of the hardware is powerful enough to run tons of popular titles. It’s also our top choice for those with limited budgets interested in upgrading the components in the future. Of course, everything is adequate, including the Intel i5 processor and GTX 650 graphics card, though the 8GB of RAM can be easily swapped for 16GB to boost the power to the next level.

Pros:

  • Fantastic value for the price
  • Can achieve over 60fps on popular games like Fortnight at medium graphics settings
  • Excellent processor doesn’t need upgrading
  • Customizable LEDs with remote control
  • Sizeable hard drive offers 1TB of storage
  • Fans run quietly and efficiently

Cons:

  • The graphics card isn’t amazing, but it gets the job done for 1080p graphics
  • The hard drive is HDD, so it doesn’t have the fast bootup times of SDDs

CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC

Extra points for style

Adorned with customizable LEDs, this computer case contains excellent components to deliver a gaming experience with flash and freedom.
Best LED Lighting

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Looks aren’t everything, but you can’t deny that this gaming PC from CyberpowerPC is a thing of beauty. Everything from the multi-colored LEDs to the transparent side panel makes it a fashion statement as much as a quality gaming rig. And with an Intel i5 processor, an RTX 2060 graphics card, and a classy 500GB SSD hard drive, it has all the power to prove its worth, appearances aside.

Pros:

  • Great choice for VR
  • Super high-end GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card with 6GB of onboard RAM
  • Well-designed cooling with whisper-quiet fans
  • Able to run many games on high and ultra graphics settings right out of the box

Cons:

  • We recommend installing more RAM since 8GB is a bottleneck to the performance of the other components

Frequently Asked Questions

What components are important to consider when shopping for a gaming desktop?

We strongly encourage folks to educate themselves on three pieces of hardware: graphics cards, processors, and RAM. These three components largely determine the performance of a gaming PC, so making sure you choose a recent generation or model is key. Fortunately, RAM is super easy to upgrade, and the vast majority of prebuilt computers have extra RAM slots. A quick web search can guide you through the process.

Should I build my own PC or buy a prebuilt computer?

Building your own PC can be time-consuming, and it isn’t always cheaper. Many prebuilt PCs may come at a lower price than it would cost to piece everything together on your own, though this depends on the particular product. Still, time is money and an important consideration.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.