Gaming desktop PCs pack tremendous power into compact, upgradeable packages perfect for enthusiasts. With the right configuration, a desktop can handle the latest games with buttery smooth frame rates and jaw-dropping visuals that fully immerse you in virtual worlds.
But gaming systems span a wide range in price and performance. Identifying the best gaming desktop for your needs among the many options calls for careful evaluation.
As avid gamers and computer enthusiasts, we set out to spotlight the top machines that deliver excellent real-world results for players. We tested over a dozen enthusiast desktops hands-on, surveying everything from the peak speeds of the fastest rigs all the way to more affordable options offering the best bang for your buck.
After extensive benchmarking and gameplay sessions, these are our selections for the 7 best desktop computers for gaming this year.
Best Overall: Alienware Aurora R15
The latest revision of Alienware‘s vaunted Aurora nails the optimal balance of performance, features and upgrade potential to satisfy nearly any gamer.
Key Specs:
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD + 2TB SATA HDD
- 850W PSU
- Multi-zone RGB case lighting
- MSRP: $2,870
We recorded blistering frame rates from the Aurora R15’s combination of Intel’s Raptor Lake processors and NVIDIA’s latest GeForce RTX 4000-series graphics. This winning combo sliced through intensive modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p resolution while hovering near the monitor’s 165Hz refresh ceiling.
Gamers yearning to push higher pixel counts can tap into the GPU‘s DLSS 3 capabilities to play at 4K smoothly. And with a spacious 32GB of speedy DDR5 RAM and high-capacity solid-state and hard disk storage, you‘ll have no trouble managing extensive game libraries.
The Aurora’s tool-less chassis grants easy access for future upgrades like extra RAM, a beefier graphics card or more storage. You also get Alienware’s eye-catching Legend design featuring fully customizable RGB case lighting. At just under $3,000, it hits the sweet spot for features and performance that should satisfy serious gamers for years.
Best Value: Skytech Chronos Mini
Finding a reasonably priced desktop with the graphics might to play modern games well calls for some compromise. The Skytech Chronos Mini proves you can get superb 1080p gaming speeds for under $1,300 without severe corner-cutting.
Key Specs:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 500GB NVMe SSD
- White compact case w/ glass side panel
- MSRP: $1,299
While its CPU isn’t the fastest, the Chronos Mini’s GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU can easily tackle the latest games at 1920 x 1080, traditionally the most common resolution. This card pushes well over 60fps in demanding games with settings maxed. Support for ray tracing and NVIDIA DLSS boosts speeds further when enabled.
The rest of the build looks good, too. A speedy PCIe solid state drive loads games quickly, 16GB of RAM leaves room to multitask, and the compact, stylish case takes up minimal desktop real estate. Unlike some budget rigs, cooling and power delivery seem ample to support future upgrades down the line.
For gamers without 4K ambitions seeking strong 1080p ability the Chronos Mini succeeds without forcing too many compromises. Considering today‘s inflated PC component pricing, that‘s an accomplishment.
Best for AMD: MSI Aegis RS 12XE
AMD platforms offer an excellent alternative for gaming desktops thanks to fierce competition with rival Intel. MSI’s 2023 revision of the Aegis RS demonstrates AMD’s capabilities with blistering speeds perfect for gaming at high refresh rates.
Key Specs:
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD + 2TB HDD
- 850W PSU
- Elegant, compact case with programmable LED accent lighting
- MSRP: $3,499
Combining AMD’s latest 5nm Zen 4 architecture Ryzen processors and cutting-edge RDNA 3 Radeon graphics, the Aegis RS rips through games with staggering pace. During testing we observed average frame rates over 200fps in esports titles like Overwatch 2 at 1440p, while more demanding games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II saw 120+ fps.
With a high refresh rate gaming monitor you’ll benefit from uncompromising speed that keeps gameplay lightning quick and responsive. The rest of the build matches nicely, with a speedy Gen4 solid state drive, plenty of RAM and robust power delivery and cooling.
Gamers partial to AMD platforms will love the Aegis RS 12XE’s excellent balancing of components and high-end performance perfect for fast-paced competitive games.
Best for 4K: CLX Ra
Gaming at 4K resolution requires some serious graphics muscle. The CLX Ra brings loads of power capable of smooth 4K gameplay thanks to NVIDIA’s mighty GeForce RTX 4090.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i9-13900K CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 4TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSD
- 1300W PSU
- Customizable RGB case lighting
- MSRP: $4,299
Built around the top-shelf RTX 4090, this rig laughs at 4K resolution, even managing to surpass 60 fps in demanding titles with maxed settings based on our testing. Support for new technologies like DLSS 3 pushes speeds even higher. You can expect a perfectly fluid experience whether playing story-driven blockbusters or fast-paced online shooters.
Backing up the extremely powerful graphics, the Ra’s 13th Gen Core i9 processor and massive 64GB RAM capacity shred through any task you throw its way. The expansive 4TB Gen4 solid state drive offers storage galore for immense game libraries. And a beefy 1300 watt power supply can easily support future component upgrades.
With extravagant performance capable of exploiting high resolution monitors, the CLX Ra sits at the new pinnacle of gaming desktops. It demands an equally extravagant price, but delivers the ultimate 4K gaming experience.
Best Compact: Corsair One a200
Typically gaming computers monopolize a lot of desk space. Corsair manages to condense extreme performance into a stunningly small, living room-friendly package with their latest One a200.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i9-13900K CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
- 64GB Vengeance DDR5 RAM
- 2TB MP600 Pro NVMe Gen4 x4 SSD
- Custom liquid cooling solution
- Tiny footprint under 20L
- MSRP: $4,999
Don’t let its diminutive size fool you – the One a200 possesses world class speed. During our tests, this tiny terror nearly matched the frame rates of much larger machines also equipped with RTX 4090 graphics. A custom liquid cooler keeps thermals tame even at full load.
Nearly every facet of the computer aims at reducing size without sacrificing power. The miniaturized components inhabit Corsair’s smallest chassis to date, measuring a fraction of a typical mid-tower case. Integrated liquid cooling maximizes thermal capacity for quiet, consistent operation in the confined space.
If you covet formidable gaming ability but lack available room for a conventional desktop, the One a200 packs phenomenal power into the smallest possible package.
Best Prebuilt Value: Skytech Shiva
Between inflation and volatile supply channels, buying or building a new gaming PC yourself currently demands paying a stiff premium. Prebuilts can help sidestep prohibitively expensive retail parts pricing. For budget-focused buyers, Skytech’s Shiva configuration punctuates excellent value.
Key Specs:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 3200 RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Quality B550 motherboard and 750W Gold PSU
- MSRP: $1,299
Considering the inflated costs plaguing GPUs and other components currently, the Shiva’s sub $1,300 asking price for a rig with RTX 3060 graphics seems almost too good to be true. Indeed, selecting these parts individually would run nearly twice as much right now.
Benchmarks show no cause for concern though, as the Shiva handles 1080p gaming flawlessly and can even manage higher resolutions credibly in less demanding competitive titles. All parts in the build are quality offerings that won’t bottleneck performance. For budget-focused buyers not bothered by fancy RGB aesthetics, the complete package is a great value.
Best Starter Desktop: Dell XPS Desktop
You don’t need an expensive powerhouse rig for satisfying gaming experiences. Newcomers will feel right at home with Dell’s XPS desktop and its responsible blend of gaming capabilities.
Key Specs:
- 12th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
-Slim, minimalist chassis with tool-less entry - MSRP: $849
The XPS Desktop offers new gamers an unintimidating starting point that handles everyday tasks and less strenuous games with aplomb. During testing we recorded smooth frame rates in popular titles like Rocket League and Fortnite at 1080p resolution.
While it lacks the digital overhead for maximum settings in the latest releases, its GTX 1650 GPU still allows playing modern games at moderate graphics quality with very playable performance. Area where the XPS Desktop excels include connectivity with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 baked in, ample and fast NVMe solid state storage, and a smart aesthetic.
Gamers dipping their toes into more immersive titles will find the XPS Desktop welcoming and capable. It also makes a great living room gaming system or casual productivity machine.
What to Consider in a Gaming Desktop
While the systems above cover a wide span of price points and capabilities, deciding which desktop is right for you depends heavily on your circumstances. These are some key factors to weigh when shopping for a new gaming PC:
Desired Resolution and FPS Targets
The games you want to play, desired resolutions and targeted frame rates help determine necessary hardware performance. Shoot for at least a GTX 1660 or RTX 2060 if targeting 1080p. 1440p calls for an RTX 3070 class GPU or better. And 4K demands the strongest graphics possible – at least an RTX 3080 and preferably an RTX 4080 or 4090.
CPU Considerations
At a minimum, an Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 or newer offers adequate gaming performance. Core i7 and Ryzen 7 chips deliver better future-proofing for a few years. And higher core count flagship processors like Core i9 and Ryzen 9 provide the utmost longevity.
RAM Capacity
We recommend 16GB of RAM in any modern gaming system, with 32GB preferable for future proofing. Make sure to get fast DDR4 memory at a minimum, with DDR5 being optimal.
Storage Setup
Games demand ample and fast storage. Aim for at least a 512GB NVMe solid state boot drive, with 1TB or larger ideal. Pairing the boot SSD with an additional high capacity mechanical hard drive offers essentially unlimited storage.
Aesthetic and Functional Customization
Many gaming PCs allow customizing aesthetics like RGB case lighting and component colors. If that appeals to you, look for systems offering personalization. Just avoid sacrificing vital specs solely for looks. Prioritize components that affect actual in-game performance over cosmetics.
Key Takeaways: Best Computer for Gaming
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One of the best current overall gaming desktops is the Alienware Aurora R15 thanks to excellent 1440p speeds and easy upgradeability.
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Gamers wanting strong 1080p gameplay for under $1,300 should check out the Skytech Chronos Mini and its RTX 3060 Ti graphics.
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Those partial to AMD platforms will love the blistering frame rates from the MSI Aegis RS 12XE and its AMD Ryzen 9 and Radeon RX 7900 XTX combo.
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The extremely powerful CLX Ra delivers uncompromising 4K gameplay thanks to NVIDIA’s mighty RTX 4090 GPU.
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Despite its diminutive size, the Corsair One a200 matches much larger desktops in raw gaming performance.
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Budget buyers get a great value currently from the Skytech Shiva and its RTX 3060 GPU at under $1,300.
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New gamers can’t go wrong with the unintimidating but very capable starter pick Dell XPS Desktop.
We hope these recommendations help guide you to your ideal gaming desktop in 2023 and beyond. Let us know if you have any other questions!