Most importantly, the best gaming PCs are strong enough to run the most demanding games in minor and elegant forms. Of course, these gaming PCs also tend to be the most expensive. A powerful gaming PC is a big investment, but it pays off. You may use your high-end PC for graphic design, animation, streaming movies in stunning 4K to your TV, or just to get work done.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X are robust consoles, but they can’t beat one of the best gaming desktops. Instead of waiting for these consoles to come back in stock, you can get the best gaming desktops.
Unlike consoles, PCs can be upgraded as new components become available. Make no mistake: current PCs are easier to upgrade than ever, and the time you invest will pay off with outstanding performance when playing the best PC games available.
10 Best Gaming PCs Of 2022
As new gaming PCs come out, we test them to see if they meet our standards. Continue reading to locate your next amazing gaming machine.
1. Corsair Vengeance i7200
The Corsair Vengeance i7200 isn’t as expensive as some of its rivals, but it still offers some of the most powerful hardware available. The Vengeance i7200 comes in a simple case with no accessories. But if you value performance overlooks, this is the gaming PC for you. You can build a beast with a Core i9 CPU and a GeForce RTX 3090 GPU if you can afford it.
The Vengeance i7200 also has gorgeous RGB lighting, a stylish glass side panel, and whisper-quiet fans. It’s a superb productivity tool as well as a gaming powerhouse. Whether you game in QHD or 4K, there’s probably a Vengeance i7200 build for you.
2. Acer Predator Orion 3000
The Acer Predator Orion 3000 ($829 starting, $1,949 reviewed) is a mid-sized gaming PC that looks well and performs well in 1080p to 1440p.
It’s not ideal for 4K gaming, and the included keyboard and mouse are mediocre at best. The Orion 3000 also performed slightly lower than several similarly priced gaming PCs, possibly due to our review unit’s lack of RAM.
3. Maingear Turbo
The Maingear Turbo ($2,162, reviewed $7,199) is a juggernaut. The bespoke PC provider has put the most powerful (and expensive) technology into this single system, resulting in blistering speeds and a dizzying price tag.
Maingear packs premium components into a small chassis that offers performance while saving space to make it even better. You might get more bang for your buck by choosing another option or creating your own. In addition to the APEX cooling system, Maingear can outfit the Turbo with the latest and best components.
The Turbo’s compact, sleek casing isn’t simple to dig about after a cooling system, a massive GPU, and storage discs are installed. It’s not the most affordable gaming PC, but it’s certainly the sleekest and most silent.
4. Origin PC Millennium (2022)
In a sleek, physically imposing (if technically mid-sized) chassis, the Origin Millennium gives you the chance to tailor your gaming setup. Despite a configurator that allows you to construct a computer within your budget, Origin charges a premium for its services. There’s plenty to like here for those who must have the latest and greatest and are ready to pay for it.
Having someone else do the job and be accessible for support if something goes wrong is sometimes worth the price tag. And if you have the funds, the Origin PC Millennium provides a compelling case for outsourcing.
5. Corsair One i300
The Corsair One i300 shows that you typically get what you pay for with the best gaming PCs. This stunning computer will set you back at least $4,000 (at the time of review), and users can expect to pay significantly more for top-notch hardware. You get a sleek, compact chassis with plenty of connections and hardware strong enough to run the latest games at high settings.
While the One i300 isn’t for everyone, it’s worth considering if you can afford it. Users can save money by choosing the Alienware Aurora, though it will take up more space.
6. Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10
The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is a powerful pre-built gaming PC without Intel or Nvidia components. This gaming PC is big and hefty, yet it has top-notch AMD CPUs and GPUs. Without the ridiculous price tag, you get full HD, QHD, or even 4K gaming power.
The Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is no exception. Its software also tends to confound rather than enhance the experience. The Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is one of the most comprehensive systems available for high-fidelity gaming using AMD components.
7. MSI MEG Trident X
The MSI MEG Trident X is, first and foremost, a stunning piece of hardware. This tiny, angular machine is excellent for desktop or living room gaming setups. The second thing you’ll notice is how well it runs games in full HD, QHD, or UHD. With so many processors, GPU, and RAM options, you can build a computer that works for your games and monitor.
The MEG Trident X will be pricey no matter how you build it. The MSI Clutch GM11 Mouse and MSI Vigor GK30 Keyboard that come with it are both poor at best and dismal at worst. Still, the MEG Trident X is one of the most beautiful and functional gaming PCs available today.
8. HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop
The HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop has one major advantage over its rivals: Quiet. It starts with a moderate buzz and provides background white noise while gaming. Compared to other recent gaming rigs’ jet engine sounds, the Omen 30L has a lot going on as a daily productivity computer.
The HP Omen 30L’s powerful hardware and silent cooling system make it a great gaming PC. But it’s pricey and comes with many extra software and accessories. Still, the HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop is a beautiful, powerful gaming PC.
9. Dell XPS 8940
The Dell XPS 8940 doesn’t appear like a gaming PC, but it is. This modest Dell PC is small, quiet, simple, and economical, with all the components you need to play the latest games smoothly.
This isn’t a system you’ll buy to max up every graphical option. Instead, it’s the system that looks right at home in the boardroom but has enough power to play your favorite games after hours. The Dell XPS 8940 embodies work-life balance; if you want an economical gaming PC with no frills, this could be the PC for you.
10. Dell G5 Gaming Desktop 5090
The Dell G5 5090 is one of the best gaming PCs available in terms of value for money. If you want to play more intensive games, you may upgrade to a Core i7 CPU and an RTX 2080 GPU.
The G5’s sleek, failsafe design is one of its main selling points, and it’s very easy to open up and swap out components. We found Dell’s desktop to be stable for playing AAA games at 1080p and 60 fps and devoid of bloatware. Overall, the Dell G5 5090 is a wonderful pick for a nice, economical desktop that can be upgraded over time.
How to pick the best gaming PC
Price: If price is a factor, most decent gaming PCs start at $700-1000. Socket i3, i5, and Nvidia 1660 and 1660 Ti GPUs are available for that price.
Performance: Consider your desired gaming experience. While Google Stadia can deliver decent performance, a system with a Core i5 processor and a GeForce 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 GPU will deliver solid 1080p/60fps gaming. Cards like the Radeon RX 5700 and GeForce 2080 offer reliable 1440p gaming. 4K? You’ll need an RTX 3080 or AMD RX 6800.
Upgradeability: The best gaming PCs are easily upgradeable as gaming PC components evolve. Even non-techies can open up machines like the Alienware Aurora and Dell G5. Compact devices like the Corsair One can be difficult to open. So keep this in mind if you plan to upgrade your investment.
VR-readiness: Want to VR game? The Oculus Rift S and HTC Vive require an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 GPU, an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a DisplayPort 1.2 or mini DisplayPort. Before you buy a machine, make sure it satisfies this criterion.
How we test the best gaming PCs
To determine the best gaming PC, we put each model through a series of real-world and benchmark tests to see how it performs as a gaming and everyday computer.
Our framerate benchmark programs run at 1920 x 1080 with graphics maximized, 2560 x 1440 with 4K if a system allows it, and 2560 x 1440 with 4K if a system allows it. We also play many graphics-intensive games to see how these gaming desktops hold up in real-world use.
We use 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra (graphics) and Geekbench 4 and 5 for simulated tests (for processor performance). We run the SteamVR Performance Test on all our machines for virtual reality readiness testing. To test a system’s hard disc, we copy 4.97GB of multimedia files.
