There’s a lot that goes into any PC, but most especially gaming PCs. This can be a lot for newcomers to grasp, but fortunately, we’re here to help.
Regardless of your budget or your needs, there’s a gaming computer out there for you. What makes the best gaming computer will vary from person to person: some want the smallest gaming PC, others want fancy RGB lighting, and some just want the best gaming desktop for their budget— large or small. None of these approaches are wrong, which is why the top gaming computers in the gaming PC reviews below are all so different from one another.
For those of you who don’t understand spec sheets and the such, don’t worry: we’ll explain plenty about each of these PCs and how they perform. We’ve also written a buying guide that you can consult at the bottom of the article, just in case you aren’t sure about what to pick.
best budget
HP Pavilion Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 Edition)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
- RAM: 8GB DRR4 RAM @ 2666 MHz
- GPU: AMD RX 580 4GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- Size: Small (11 x 6.7 x 13.3 inches)
unique cube form factor
Lenovo YZ20 Cube 15 Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i5-7400
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: AMD RX 480 8GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- Size: Medium (15.5 x 12.4 x 9.9 inches)
Great gaming performance
iBUYPOWER Elite Desktop 065i
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2666 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 6GB
- Storage: 240GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
- Size: Large (17.21 x 8.00 x 18.70 inches)
best high-end
CYBERPOWERPC GXi VR Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 8GB
- Storage: 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Size: Large (18.5 x 8.5 x 18.6 inches)
best RGB
ZOTAC MEK ULTRA Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 8GB
- Storage: 240GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD
- Size: Very Large (22.1 x 9.6 x 22.6 inches)
best Mini ITX
CLX Set VR-Ready Gaming Desktop (i5 8400 Edition)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8400
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 6GB
- Storage: 120GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Size: Small (9.1 x 14.8 x 15.6 inches)
best SFF
Corsair ONE i140 Compact Gaming Desktop
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 RAM @
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 8GB
- Storage: 480GB M.2 SSD + 2TB HDD
- Size: Mini (7.9 x 6.8 x 14.9 inches)
Table of Contents
1. HP Pavilion Gaming PC (Ryzen 5 Edition)
The best budget gaming PC boasts a Ryzen 5 and an RX 580
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
- RAM: 8GB DRR4 RAM @ 2666 MHz
- GPU: AMD RX 580 4GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- Size: Small (11 x 6.7 x 13.3 inches)
- Much better pricing than most prebuilt gaming desktops
- Excellent for 1080p gaming at max settings; Good @1440p in some games
- Small size, ports, and peripherals included
- Limited VRAM hurts the RX 580
The HP Pavilion Gaming PC is our pick for top budget gaming PC, but don’t think that means it’s otherwise underwhelming; it’s still a good gaming desktop. While there are many, many cheap “gaming” PCs on Amazon, this is the cheapest that we were able to find that actually had acceptable specs for gaming in 2018. It also comes at a surprisingly fair price for a prebuilt-- currently retailing for around ~$640 on Amazon at time of writing (although, according to Honey, it has flirted with the mid-$700 range for awhile). At its current price, this desktop isn’t that much more expensive than a build you could make yourself.
The star of the show here is the AMD RX 580, which boasts incredible gaming performance. You’ll easily be able to play the latest games maxed out at 1080p and 60 FPS, and with some adjustments to texture detail, you’ll also be able to play many games in 1440p as well. If it weren’t for the fact that this PC uses the 4GB 580 instead of the 8GB version, it’d be a fairly potent 1080p killer and budget 1440p machine. As it is now, though, you will need to make smart settings adjustments for the latter.
In addition to the pure gaming performance on display here, you also have a fairly small form factor. This is one of the smallest gaming PCs on this list, and that doesn’t seem to have come at much of an extra cost to the consumer. With the addition of USB 3.1 ports upfront, a card reader, and even a DVD writer, we’d dare say that this is the best chassis we’ve seen in a budget gaming prebuilt.
Also, a basic mouse and keyboard set is included.
2. Lenovo YZ20 Cube 15 Gaming PC
Gaming power in a unique cube form factor
- CPU: Intel Core i5-7400
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: AMD RX 480 8GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- Size: Medium (15.5 x 12.4 x 9.9 inches)
- Decent pricing for a prebuilt gaming desktop
- Cube form factor, medium size, and handle make it easy to move
- 8GB RX 480 excels in 1080p and does decently in 1440p
- Only basic DDR4 RAM
The Lenovo YZ20 Cube 15 is one of those PCs that makes an impression. Its distinctive cube form factor includes a handle for easy carrying, making this an ideal LAN gaming computer for those who don’t feel like building or jerry-rigging their own solution. While this case is still a bit heavy at ~20lbs (especially when compared to, say, a console), the handle and form factor goes a long way in giving it some much-needed portability.
In terms of performance, you have something fairly decent here. While the RX 480 doesn’t reach the same performance peaks as an RX 580, this 480 actually has 8GB VRAM, which will help it handle higher resolutions and HD textures just a little bit better. Overall, this prebuilt should perform slightly better at 1440p than our top budget pick, and slightly worse at 1080p. This is still a class of gaming far beyond that of the base PS4, though, and of the best gaming desktops under $1,000.
The real downside we’ve found that’s worth noting here is the standard DDR4 RAM inside this machine. You’d think with all the glowing LEDs that they would at least step it up to 2666 MHz, but nope-- we’re stuck with 2400 MHz on this one. At this point, though, we’re just nitpicking.
3. iBUYPOWER Elite Desktop 065i
iBUYPOWER’s 065i is the best gaming PC for the money
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2666 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 6GB
- Storage: 240GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
- Size: Large (17.21 x 8.00 x 18.70 inches)
- Strong midrange value pricing
- Great gaming performance in VR and 1440p
- Peripherals included
- Large and heavy
The iBUYPOWER Elite Desktop 065i is a behemoth of a gaming PC, standing tall and proud alongside its competitors. This isn’t the highest-end prebuilt PC on this list, but it is definitely the best gaming PC for the money, especially when compared to competitors in the same price range.
The RTX 2060 competes on par with the last-gen GTX 1070 Ti, which means that it excels in 1440p and VR. In some games with settings adjustments, you’ll even be able to push native 4K, though this obviously won’t fly with the more cutting-edge titles.
The Nvidia RTX series also has the benefit of real-time ray-tracing and DLSS in supported titles. Unfortunately, this support is… sparse and doesn’t have the best performance yet. In games that support ray-tracing, you’re probably only going to be able to push 1080p60 with the feature enabled. In its fledgling outing, it’s still quite the hitch on performance.
In terms of raw gaming performance, though, you can’t do better in the $1000 gaming PC price range. This is the best you’ll find for hundreds of dollars to come, and so we highly recommend it for those who want to make the most of their money. There is also a hybrid storage solution here-- the 240GB SSD ensures fast boot times and better loading times on your most-played games while the 1TB HDD gives you bulk storage.
There’s also a mouse and keyboard set included, for those who don’t already have peripherals.
Gaming performance and pricing definitely aren’t problems with this prebuilt, but the size and weight (~34lbs) of it might be. If you’re new to PC gaming, beware: this is one of the larger and heavier options on this list, so make sure you have room for it.
4. CYBERPOWERPC GXi VR Gaming PC
The best high-end gaming PC is an overclockable beast
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 8GB
- Storage: 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Size: Large (18.5 x 8.5 x 18.6 inches)
- Strong high-end value pricing
- Great gaming performance in VR, 1440p, and 4K
- Peripherals included
- Large and heavy
The CYBERPOWERPC GXi VR Gaming PC is a top of the line gaming PC. Its pricing undercuts competition from Alienware and Corsair with ease, and overall it seems to be fairly well built.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the graphics. This desktop is packing an RTX 2080, which is made for 4K gaming and absolutely trounces 1440p and VR games. It’ll also provide some of the best experiences you’ll get with Nvidia’s ray-tracing tech in games like Battlefield 5… though you’re going to have to wait a bit longer for that to show up elsewhere. Even without RTX-exclusive features, the specs in the GXi VR gaming PC are incredible, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a good experience.
Aside from pure gaming performance, we also feel the need to point out that this PC has a hybrid storage solution. Specifically, there is now a 240GB SSD inside this prebuilt. This SSD is used to hold your operating system and main programs, as well as a few of your most-played titles. Everything on the SSD load in seconds or less, while the 1TB HDD can be used for less-played games and media, which doesn’t benefit from high read speeds.
Peripherals are also included. That being said, if you’re spending $1,600+ on a single gaming computer, we seriously recommend browsing for some better peripherals from Logitech or Corsair if you’re serious about this whole PC gaming thing.
Last up, let’s talk about its size and weight. As far as gaming towers go, this one is about as hefty as you’d expect-- but as long as you have room for it, you’ll be fine.
5. ZOTAC MEK ULTRA Gaming PC
The MEK ULTRA is the best RGB gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 8GB
- Storage: 240GB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD
- Size: Very Large (22.1 x 9.6 x 22.6 inches)
- Superb 1440p/VR performance and decent 4K performance
- Superb RGB lighting solution
- Fairly high price
- Fairly large and heavy
ZOTAC’s MEK ULTRA is our pick for best RGB gaming PC. For those of you who love RGB and the customization it provides (but don’t want to go through all the hassle of setting it up yourself), this is the gaming prebuilt for you. The case, the GPU, the cooler-- everything is synced up via the Spectra 2.0 RGB solution, and with it you’ll be able to customize your lighting pretty much any way you want to.
Moving past aesthetics and into gaming performance, you have a solid RTX 2070 in here. While not quite as powerful as the RTX 2080, the RTX 2070 will still trounce 1440p/VR titles and work well in most 4K scenarios. You may need to compromise on 4K here and there, though, especially if you choose to enable ray-tracing in a supported game.
So, you have a superb lighting setup and pretty respectable performance-- what’s the issue, here?
Well, first, that RGB came at a pretty price. This PC usually retails for just under $2000, and unlike PCs in this price range that manage to stuff in an RTX 2080, a sacrifice had to be made somewhere down the line. With this desktop, you’re essentially trading off performance for RGB, though unless you’re a feverish 4K fanatic, you’ll probably be fine.
That being said, this is also by far the largest and heaviest gaming tower on this list. Make sure you have room for this in your setup, and don’t buy it if you plan on moving it often.
6. CLX Set VR-Ready Gaming Desktop (i5 8400 Edition)
Our pick for best Mini ITX gaming PC is also a strong value
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8400
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM @ 2400 MHz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 6GB
- Storage: 120GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Size: Small (9.1 x 14.8 x 15.6 inches)
- Strong mid-range value pricing
- Great gaming performance in VR and 1440p
- Small size
- Smaller SSD than competitors in price range
The CLX Set VR-Ready Gaming Desktop may come from a lesser-known boutique builder, but its Mini ITX form factor and excellent performance-per-dollar has earned it a place on this list. The specs are mostly similar to our top value pick-- the only difference is that the included SSD is only 120GB, which means you really only have room for your OS and one favorite game, at best.
Aside from that downside, you have all the gaming performance you’d expect out of a prebuilt $1,000 gaming desktop. An RTX 2060 ensures that you’ll have a superb 1080p, 1440p, and VR gaming experience. Add that to plentiful onboard RAM and 1TB HDD, and you have a fairly solid gaming rig already.
The biggest benefit of this prebuilt gaming PC is its size, though. It actually utilizes a Phanteks Mini ITX chassis as a base, and what you get in return is one of the best mini PCs for gaming without paying a load extra for it. This PC is particularly ideal for those with small playing spaces or those who plan on moving their PC a lot.
All that being said… if the smaller size doesn’t appeal to you, you’re probably better off going for one of our picks above. If you want something smaller and money isn’t an object… well, scroll on down to our last pick.
7. Corsair ONE i140 Compact Gaming Desktop
Corsair’s ONE is the best SFF gaming PC… and the most expensive
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 RAM @
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 8GB
- Storage: 480GB M.2 SSD + 2TB HDD
- Size: Mini (7.9 x 6.8 x 14.9 inches)
- Superbly high gaming performance
- Excellent small form factor
- Runs quiet and cool
- Extremely expensive
Last, but not least, is the aptly-named Corsair ONE i140 Compact Gaming Desktop. We’ve crowned it as the best SFF gaming PC, and truth be told there isn’t really any competition for that yet. Nobody has pulled off a gaming computer like this before. The closest precedent has been the Alienware X51, but even that had anemic specs in comparison to the dominant PCs of the time, and the X51 died off relatively quickly.
The Corsair ONE i140 is simultaneously the most expensive, the tiniest, and the most powerful gaming PC on this list. In addition to the RTX 2080 and its top-of-the-line 4K performance, you also have a full-blown, liquid-cooled, unlocked i7-9700K. With full liquid cooling, one of the best desktop GPUs on the market, overclocking support, and the small form factor, the Corsair ONE i140 may actually be one of the best gaming desktop ever made.
If it weren’t for the price.
While the price is really the only downside, it is truly brutal. The model we’ve selected for this article is the best one (retailing for ~$3K), but the cheaper options aren’t much better as they provide less value. They are saddled with last-gen GPUs at inflated prices, unfortunately, which means we can’t really recommend them just yet.
If money is no object and you want nothing but the best, go ahead and get this one. Otherwise, take another look over the list and find which one is right for you.
How To Buy The Best Gaming PC For You
If you’re new to the PC hardware space, chances are all these spec sheets and the such don’t make a lot of sense to you. In this section, we’ll go over the basic info you need to know to pick the best prebuilt gaming PC for you. That being said, don’t expect a full rundown on every PC component; just enough info to understand what separates a good gaming computer from the best gaming computer.
Popular CPUs and What You Need Them For
In past years, the differences between AMD and Intel processors were severe, especially in terms of single core performance. Back then, you couldn’t have a top gaming PC if you were running an AMD CPU; however, since the launch of Ryzen processors, AMD is only marginally behind Intel in single-core, and has generally taken a lead in multi-core workloads (especially in the streaming and rendering space).
For the most part, something like a Core i5 and a Ryzen 5 will be generally-interchangeable from a performance perspective. The former will be slightly better for games, and the latter will be better for streaming.
Here’s a breakdown of the current CPU tiers:
- Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 – Decent gaming performance, and middling streaming/rendering performance. Budget gamers go here.
- AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i5 – Great gaming performance, and arguably the sweet spot for gamers. Decent streaming/rendering performance.
- Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 – Slightly better for gaming versus i5/R5 chips. Most of the benefits here are increased boosts in streaming and rendering workloads.
- Intel Core i9 (desktop) – A bump up from i7 chips, adding hyperthreading in addition to physical cores. Minor improvement in gaming performance, more reasonable improvements in streaming/rendering/etc.
- Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen Threadripper – Server-tier chips with completely massive core and thread counts. Worse gaming performance than standard i7/R7 desktop chips.
Popular Resolutions and What GPU You Need
In this section, we’re going to list popular resolutions and recommended GPUs for those resolutions.
- 1080p Full HD – Standard Full HD. Base PS4 and Xbox One target this, but generally have to scale below it. For native 1080p gameplay, you’ll want cards like the GTX 1050 Ti and the RX 470/570.
- 1440p Quad HD – Further improved HD quality. PS4 Pro and Xbox One X are usually running closer to this than actual 4K, but using upscaling to achieve a better image. For native 1440p gameplay, you’ll want cards like the GTX 1060, RX 480/580, and the RTX 2060.
- 4K Ultra HD – Aside from a few titles on the Xbox One X, completely out of the range of modern consoles. Cards like the RTX 2070, RTX 2080, AMD Radeon VII, and RTX 2080 Ti excel here.
For those interested in VR gaming, aim for the 1440p tier if using the standard Oculus Rift/HTC Vive. The 4K tier will be necessary for higher-resolution VR headsets like the HTC Vive Pro.
How Much RAM You Need
Below, we’ll give you a quick rundown of RAM capacities, as well as a brief word on RAM speed.
- 8 GB – Standard. All you need for gaming and light multitasking.
- 16 GB – Extra. More than enough for gaming and heavier multitasking.
- 32 GB – Ridiculously extra. More than enough for heavy gaming, heavy multitasking, and whatever else you can throw at your PC.
RAM speed doesn’t generally have a massive effect on average FPS. However, it does improve minimum FPS, which means faster RAM will help alleviate framerate drops where they occur. Most DDR4 RAM is just fine for this already, though.
SSDs, HDDs, and Storage
Now, we’ll break down the differences between SSDs and HDDs.
- SSD (Solid State Drive) – No moving parts. Smaller. Less power consumption, virtually no heat generation. Much faster storage speed, making overall system responsiveness better when the OS is installed on this drive. Greatly shortens in-game loading times, but is generally only recommended for a few of your favorite multiplayer titles. Much more expensive.
- HDD (Hard Disk Drive) – Moving parts. Larger. More power consumption and heat generation. Slower storage speed, but much more storage per dollar. Ideal for large media libraries and Steam backlogs.
Size Matters
If you’re used to console or laptop gaming, chances are you may not be ready for the massive machines in PC-land. Most desktops on this list (even our “Medium” Tier), will be much larger and heavier than your standard gaming console, which makes them more difficult to move around on a frequent basis. In the PC space, making a rig smaller and lighter will raise the cost of performance dramatically, and this rule applies especially to laptops.
We’ve provided size measurements in the spec sheets of each of our review. Our scale is like so:
- Mini – Console size or smaller.
- Small – 2 large consoles taped together. Generally much easier to move around than the larger sizes.
- Medium – 2.5 large consoles taped together. Okay for moving around, but may be heavy depending on what’s inside.
- Large – A full-on computer tower. Big and heavy, not ideal for moving around regularly.
- Very Large – Even bigger. If you plan on attending LANs or you move around a lot… don’t get one of these. Or always be the host.