The best gaming PC 2022 - take the pre-built route to greatness-Computerfanfield

Best Gaming PC 2022

While gaming desktops might be a bit more complicated than the Xbox Series X and the PS5 , buying a pre-built desktop computer isn't too different from buying a new console, especially with us to help guide you. Whether you're looking for a low-power rig for DoTA or the most powerful machine on the market, there's a PC out there for you. If you're not ready for the time commitment and frustration that comes with building a rig yourself, plus the headache of components coming in and out of stock, buying a pre-built can give you a great starting point for playing PC games . There's always the option to further upgrade with a new CPU, more RAM, or a larger SSD.

If you want the best possible looking games, there are still reasons to buy a gaming PC. The gaming consoles currently on the market may offer some of the best in 4K gaming, but you can just get more raw graphical power packed into a gaming desktop. There really isn't a substitute for a desktop even when you're comparing a gaming laptop vs gaming desktop. If you opt for a machine with a graphics card from Nvidia's RTX 30 lineup like the RTX 3080 Ti or RTX 3090 , this power can really be seen – and click here to find our picks in the UK.

TL;DR – These are the Best Gaming PCs

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

Best Gaming PC

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i 5 See on Best Buy

For a reasonably priced and capable gaming PC that fledgling PC gamers should flock to, grab the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i. This rig comes well-equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700 CPU and Nvidia RTX 3060 for all the power you need to play the latest games in 1080p at high frame rates, even with ray tracing on. That 12th-gen Intel processor also offers high-end performance, toting single and multi-threading for all the computing power you’ll need, from your daily tasks to streaming and recording gameplay.

If there isn't enough value packed into this gaming PC, you even get 16GB of speedy DDR5 memory to make multitasking a breeze, while the 256GB SSD ensures quick boots with plenty of additional storage available on the 1TB hard drive. The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i also comes well-built with standard components and a tempered glass panel to show off your hardware. And all that hardware should remain reasonably cool with an intake fan behind a mesh panel for ample airflow.

iBuyPower SlateMesh Gaming Desktop

Best Budget Gaming PC

iBuyPower SlateMesh Gaming Desktop 7 See on Best Buy

To snag the latest and greatest hardware for slightly north of $1,200, the iBuyPower SlateMesh Gaming Desktop can keep up with the best of them. You get an Intel 12th Gen Core i7 processor paired with an Nvidia RTX 3060 for ample processing headroom and excellent efficiency to power through 1080p or even 1440p gaming with some graphical effects turned off.

Those components play nicely with the 16 GB of DDR4 memory, which can expand up to 128GB if you plan on using multiple heavy applications while gaming. The 500GB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage means those programs should have speedy startups, while the 1TB HDD also ensures plenty of space to make saves. Adding more value to this well-rounded rig are the included RGB keyboard and mouse, so there are two peripherals you don’t need to worry about investing in.

Alienware Aurora R13

Best High-End Gaming PC

Alienware Aurora R13 12 See on Dell

If you’re ready to splurge, then check out the Alienware Aurora R13. Inside its head-turning design is some serious PC gaming hardware with an Intel Core i9-12900KF CPU and Nvidia RTX 3090 Ti graphics. With those two high-end components, you’re going to have plenty of muscle to handle whatever kind of gaming you want to throw at this system. Whether you’re targeting high framerates at 4K or encoding videos in mere minutes, this rig is well-built for the task.

This Alienware machine is also well-fitted with plenty of storage, giving you 2TB of high-speed NVMe storage to run the OS and all your favorite games. With 64GB of DDR5 memory running at 4400 MHz memory, you’ll also have no trouble multitasking. This gaming PC may cost a ghastly $5,800, but it has the performance to back up its stratospheric price.

Corsair One i300

Best Mini Gaming PC

Corsair One i300 9 See on Amazon

You might think a gaming PC this small surely couldn’t be that powerful—but size doesn’t matter when it comes to computers. The Corsair One i300 might be mini, but it’s mighty with Intel Core i9-12900K and Nvidia RTX 3080. With all that power, you’ll be able to simultaneously play games at 4K and a high frame rate. Plus, it has plenty of storage for your favorite games and memory to keep everything running smoothly.

All of that comes in a chassis that’s only 12 liters large, making it perfect for those without a ton of space looking to put a mini PC in their living room or bedroom. You won’t have to worry about it getting as hot as the nuclear power core it resembles, either. That’s because this compact rig features liquid cooling of the CPU and GPU, while a high-airflow fan exhaust pushes all the heat through the top like a chimney.

Where to Get the Best Gaming PC in the UK

Getting your gaming PC prebuilt can save a lot of time and hassle for you, and this is still the case no matter where you are in the world. We've cheated a little bit with this, as plenty of the options on our list are available to purchase and shipped to the UK. Newegg, for example, will ship several brilliant pre-builds, all the way from the US to the UK. Costs for shipping, and the PCs in general, are low, so you shouldn't have any worries going forward.

What to Look For in a Gaming PC

Below we go over the basic specifications you should prioritize when buying a gaming PC and how to get the most of your purchase of a prebuilt rig. We also explain a few alternative options you might find of interest as well.

Prebuilts are the most surefire way of getting into gaming and arguably the most cost-effective hardware you can buy. When buying a system, you’re not only getting the hardware inside but time savings of having to track down the best processor to best RAM for your system and putting it all together yourself and praying it actually boots up correctly.

That said, just like building your own PC you want to make sure you’re spending your money where it’s needed most. Firstly, you should prioritize you’re getting the graphics card you need for the gaming monitor or the 4K TV you’re gaming on. There’s no need for anything better than an Nvidia GTX 1660 if you’re just playing games on a 1080p display.

Likewise, you should only need an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor with at least four cores to play most modern games comfortably at any resolution.

System memory and solid-state drives can be the biggest money sink for any system. Those comfortable with upgrading their system after it arrives should choose a configuration with the smallest storage and RAM capacities possible, as buying these components yourself can often be more cost-effective.

If that last suggestion resonates with you, perhaps a barebones system is what you seek. Barebones PCs can be much cheaper since they come with all the major hardware—such as the CPU, GPU, and power supply—installed, but they usually lack storage, memory, and an operating system as a trade-off.

Lastly, if you want more control over what exactly is going into your build, go with a boutique PC builder. Origin, Maingear, DigitalStorm, Falcon Northwest, PC Specialist, and many more companies offer excellent PC building services that let you pick exactly which components go into your gaming PC. From there, they build your system with the sort of cable management some can only dream of while ensuring it all works properly out of the box.

In case this all sounds a little overwhelming to you, NZXT has its own PC building service called BLD. Instead of picking every part that will go into your PC, you chose the games you’ll actually play and the service gives you several configuration options that will be able to run the games for a smooth experience.

Similarly, iBuyPower offers an Easy Builder service that operates in very much the same fashion. Users can select games that they play from a small pool that includes Fortnite, GTA V, Apex Legends, WoW, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Battlefield V. From there, users can select whether they play at a 1080p or 1440p resolution, as well as their budget and the system, will spit back a few configurations to choose from.

Beyond choosing the components you need, prebuilt PC's come with several features and pieces of software you might find convenient. Many gaming PCs in this category come with some sort of overclocking support and even a one-click button to boost your system's performance. Of course, it's easy enough to download a piece of overclocking software like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision X. Additionally, your machine may come with system monitoring software that makes downloading and updating drivers a breeze.

Life after purchase

Another important thing you'll want to keep in mind when buying a prebuilt desktop is how easy is it to upgrade down the line.

Most PC manufacturers have figured out users absolutely hate proprietary parts. While you might still find no-name motherboards installed into the hearth of your PC, they should all at least fall in line with the standard size and layout of Mini ITX or Micro ATX motherboards. The best gaming PCs should allow you to easily swap out the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage on your system with just a few simple tools or just a screwdriver.

Better yet, systems that tout tool-less upgradability don't require you to undo screws or anything to replace any of the major components. One of the things you'll likely find on most modern chassis are thumbscrews, which can be removed after a few quick twists with your fingers rather than a screwdriver. Additionally, tool-less SSD and hard drive caddies make expanding and replacing your storage just a little bit easier.

Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.

Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.

10 Best Computer Brands and Laptop Manufacturers in 2022

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In the modern digital age, computers and laptops have become an integral part of our lives. With the steadily increasing demand for these devices, more and more companies began manufacturing computer hardware and software. As a result, preparing the best computer brands list can be quite daunting.

Computer brands that provide optimal reliability, durability, and price value are the ones that we can consider to be among the best of their kind. However, you must be patient and try to learn more about them if you want to buy a computer best suited to your needs. In this article, I have listed my picks for the ten best computer brands and laptop manufacturers in the market right now.

Top Computer brands

Whether you are a gamer, employee, business owner, or student, you will benefit by choosing a suitable desktop computer or laptop that will fulfill your requirements. I’ve compiled this list keeping all these necessary features in mind.

1. Apple

Apple Inc is an American multinational company that deals with computer hardware, software, and various other electronics. It is one of the leading and most trusted brands in the world of computers today. Some of its most well-known hardware products include the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac computers. In addition, Apple’s premium laptop model, the MacBook Air, has been enjoying immense popularity among customers. Its Retina display has received especially rave reviews all across the globe.

Apple has been working hard to live up to its users’ expectations and uphold the quality of each of its products. You can quickly get your MacBook serviced from the nearest Apple store whenever you want. The company’s efficient customer support gives people better experiences and convinces them to stay associated for a longer time. Apple’s computers are high quality, featuring aluminum unibody engineering and up to four times faster speeds than traditional hard drives.

Even if you are somewhat clumsy with your possessions, AppleCare+ will cover accidental damages caused by cracks and drops. You can pay a (fairly reasonable) fee and get them to repair your MacBook Pro, restoring it to near-new condition.

2. Dell

Based in Round Rock, Texas, and the United States, Dell is undoubtedly one of the best computer brands and laptop manufacturers today. It deals with computers, repair, and various related services and products. As one of the biggest technological corporations globally, it employs a massive number of people all across the globe. The team behind Dell believes in revolutionary thinking when it comes to computers and technology. Dell offers a stunning diversity of different computers, all of which are readily customizable. Its stellar premium laptop is one of the slimmest and most attractive designs you’ll find in the market. It comes with a wide range of varied configurations as well.

Compared to its rivals, Dell offers an outstanding warranty with purchases. In addition, Dell’s computers are straightforward to fix even if something goes wrong, making them an excellent choice for beginners. The company has also been relentlessly pushing the boundaries of the laptop universe by providing space-grade heating materials and settings for optimal customization. It has been working hard continuously to give customers value for their money and make their lives easier.

3. Lenovo

Lenovo is a Chinese multinational technology company and one of the leading brands worldwide for laptops and personal computers. With a wide selection of laptops and several innovative new features, it is greatly preferred by gamers, professionals, and software developers. In 2019, it was declared the world’s largest personal computer vendor in terms of unit sales. Lenovo’s innovative 2-in-1 laptop can be conveniently used as a tablet as well, while the newest ultraportable computer model is reliable, efficient, and readily portable.

Lenovo’s computers come with generous storage capacities, vast displays, and remarkable computing power. They are compatible with the most popular software presently available in the market. You will be able to choose a preferred configuration from a wide range of Lenovo laptops. The company also offers smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, smart televisions, servers, and IT management software with state-of-the-art features. Today, Lenovo is successfully providing its products in more than 180 countries.

4. Hewlett-Packard (HP)

By virtue of the high quality and robust performance of its products, HP is considered among the best computer brands and laptop manufacturers globally. It is an American multinational IT company based in Palo Alto, California. It has been known for providing quality hardware and software to small, medium-sized, and large businesses and enterprises for several years. Even professionals in the education, health, and government sectors have preferred HP’s thin and lightweight laptops.

HP offers computers, laptops, tablets, several hardware components, SMB, software, and other related services for sale. HP computers are well-known for their multitude of valuable features and long-lasting battery life. Touchscreen HP laptops boast super fast speed and robust processing power. HP computers with ultrathin designs, apart from their great features, are incredibly stylish and visually appealing.

Some of the best computer and laptop models from HP include the HP Pro Desk 600, HP Elite One 800, HP Elite Book x360 830, and Pro Books 440.

5. Asus

Asus is a Taiwanese multinational computer hardware company established in Taipei, Taiwan. It is considered to be one of the best and most trusted computer brands in the world. Asus’ development team works relentlessly hard to incorporate innovative trends and designs into a wide range of products every year. The company is especially well-known for its Number One notebook, gaming series, and dual CPU motherboard. Recently, Asus’ ZenBook series has proved to be very popular among techies as well.

Asus’ computers are known for their high-end performances, sleek build, and efficient support for gaming. Its innovations include ErgoLyft and ScreenPad, which left a lasting impression on customers with their robust features. Its popular products include desktops, laptops, smartphones, LED/LCD panels, motherboards, storage devices, graphics cards, tablet PCs, and various multimedia products. Asus’ VivoVook, TUF, ASUSpro, and ZENBOOKS are among the best laptop models presently available in the market.

6. Acer

Acer is another leading computer brand that has gained attention for its innovative efforts in the world of computer technology. It has been offering quality mainstream and gaming computers for people within a wide range of budgets. Acer’s recent designs possess immense value and boast of high-quality 1080p screens. The company’s aluminum-designed computer is especially well-known for its visual appeal and elegance. In addition, its spin products feature an innovative design that makes them versatile and practical in various different situations.

Acer’s products come with high-performance computing for carrying out everyday tasks. They are economically priced, durable, and need to cool on the Zephyrus. The developers have specially designed its Nitro products for gaming with a slightly different configuration. The Acer Chromebook comes with a sturdy body that can last for many years, making it stand out among all other designs. Acer laptops incorporate rubber and plastic in their build, making them rugged and even tougher.

7. Razer

Razer offers powerful computers for both gaming and professional work, equipped with a wide range of features. These computers are notable for their stunning graphics, large displays, and incorporation of the latest technology in the market. The Razer Blade Stealth boasts of a stylish design and, by virtue of its Intel Core i7 processor, offers a whole different level of efficiency in its performance. The company has constantly been working hard to improve its customers’ experiences with every new product.

To enhance users’ gaming experiences, Razer computers come with excellent mice and headphones. They are premium devices for gaming and possess extremely slim bodies, unlike the traditional bulky gaming computers which had dominated the market until now. Razer laptops feature some of the most reasonable and economical prices in the market today, making them affordable for a much larger section of customers.

8. Microsoft

If you have even the slightest experience with the world of technology, you must have heard of the Microsoft Corporation. Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, it is an American multinational technology company that manufactures, supports, licenses, and sells software for personal computers and laptops. It is famous worldwide for the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office Suite, and much more.

However, Microsoft also offers a decent range of computer hardware on a budget as well. Thanks to its quality products like the Surface Go 2, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Book 3, it is now regarded as one of the best computer brands in the world as well. In addition, Microsoft has contributed a lot to the emerging world of 2-in-1 products with its range of flexible laptops. These products’ high-quality designs and powerful performance have made them very popular among customers.

Microsoft provides decent customer support services and warranty coverage as well. You will receive technical support coverage for 90 days and a year-long hardware warranty. In addition, their website offers required drivers and comprehensive guides to help you understand your device better.

9. Samsung

Samsung is a South Korean multinational company that has its headquarters in Samsung Town, Seoul. It is a big name for televisions, tablets, smartphones, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other electronic items. However, Samsung also has an incredible roster of quality products when it comes to computers and laptops. Some of the most popular line-ups from the company include the Notebook Odyssey, Notebook 5, Notebook 7, and Notebook 9.

Products from Samsung are well-known for their fast charging, generous storage spaces, ultra-thin design, and excellent specifications. The company has recently introduced more popular models, such as the ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Book 9 Pro. It also includes many Chromebooks in its repertoire. Samsung’s customer support team is also well-known for its speed and efficiency. However, the relatively poor battery backup of Samsung’s products is something you need to keep in mind.

10. Toshiba

Founded in 1875 by Tanaka Seisakusho, Toshiba is a Japanese multinational company situated in Minato, Tokyo. It is famous all across the globe for its quality computers and laptops. It is relatively more well-known for its laptops than desktops.

Toshiba’s laptops feature state-of-the-art hardware components and, arguably, the best-inbuilt speakers you will ever find in the market. They are also user-friendly and an excellent option for beginners and professionals alike. Unfortunately, their look and design do leave something to be desired.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many brands and an even more significant number of products available for various computers and laptops. Since the quality of your computer has a direct impact on your work output, you must make sure you select a good one.

The details I have enlisted in this article will help you choose a brand best suited to your needs. You can then put together a budget and search for products from your preferred brand that fit in there and have all the features you require.

Last update on 2022-12-20 using Amazon Product Advertising API.

The best gaming PC 2022 - take the pre-built route to greatness

You've picked an amazing time to look for the best gaming PC. In the wake of Black Friday, we've seen some incredible configurations at record-low prices. Not only are 30 series machines now readily available and more affordable than ever, but SSDs and DDR4 RAM have been exceedingly cheap lately as well. Down below, we've gathered together our favourite gaming PC recommendations, since there's an awful lot to think about.

With 40-series graphics cards releasing at the moment, we're already starting to see retailers offer up the first pre-builds that house these next-gen GPUs. Be warned, though, they're definitely not the cheapest option. However, the silver lining is that PCs containing the previously elusive 30 series are a lot more viable. The best graphics cards aren't the only thing experiencing a change-up - the best SSDs for gaming have been getting historically cheap in 2022. So much so that our favourite picks are still at their Black Friday deal prices from 2021 - even after Black Friday 2022.

Of course, there is the option to assemble these cheap parts and build your own gaming PC. While there are definitely benefits to doing this if you're an enthusiast, we'd say there are a lot of benefits to our fuss-free prebuilt recommendations, particularly if you're new to the scene. PC gaming presents a lot of learning when you first get into it - more than is needed for console gaming, we'd say. Whether you're looking for the latest and greatest Alienware gaming PC, or you're looking for your very first gaming PC, one of our picks below will definitely set you on the right track. We'd just recommend that you think about futureproofing if you're about to invest a large sum. For example, try to make sure the gaming PC you go for has one of the best CPUs, and something resembling the best RAM for gaming inside it.

So, without further ado, here are the best gaming PCs on the market in 2022.

The best gaming PCs in 2022

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Image 1 of 3 Alienware Aurora R13 gaming PC (Image credit: Future) Alienware Aurora R13 gaming PC (Image credit: Future) Alienware Aurora R13 gaming PC (Image credit: Future)

1. Alienware Aurora R13 The best gaming PC Specifications CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-12900KF GPU: Up to RTX 3090 RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5 Storage: 2TB NVMe Gen 4 + 2TB HDD Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Effectively futureproofed + Support for PCIe 5.0 + Powerful hardware for 4K Reasons to avoid - Gets both hot and loud under stress - Love it or hate it design

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Alienware Aurora R13 | Intel Core i7-12700KF | RTX 3070 at Dell (opens in new tab)

While this model is spec'd out a little more humbly than our review unit, with the 12th gen i7 and RTX 3070 combo, as well as 16GB DDR5 RAM, you've got enough power for decent 4K gaming and exceptional 1440p performance, too. What's more, the system should stay cool as the 120mm AIO is likely to have an easier time with the i7 CPU here.

The Alienware Aurora R13 is the latest in the long-standing line of Dell's gamer-centric machines, it also happens to be the best gaming PC of the lot, too. With support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, combined with the prowess of both the RTX 30-series and RX 6000 line, the R13 is purpose-built for tomorrow's games with no compromises.

In our testing, we found that the Alienware Aurora R13 made short work of our benchmarking tools and the games that we use to stress test higher-end models. Our review unit came powered by the Intel Core i9-12900KF CPU, with 64GB DDR5 RAM, and an RTX 3080, so naturally 4K60 and above was absolutely no problem here.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the Alienware Aurora R13 is in its customization options though, and while it is decidedly difficult to open up and work on the insides yourself, the manufacturer does give you specific hardware options when purchasing. This means that the R13 line can be as affordable, or as premium, as to suit your needs. Almost everything can be swapped out from graphics cards to the amount of available storage, and RAM too.

Gaming on the Alienware Aurora R13 was a very pleasant experience Alienware Aurora R13 review

Something that doesn't change regardless of configuration is the aesthetics of the machine. For the first time since its inception, the Alienware Aurora R13 features a vast overhaul to the visual language, with a transparent panel revealing the impressive lighting and hardware at the helm. Now visible is a small AIO water cooler, complete with a 120mm radiator, as well as your GPU and RAM sticks. It's a touch of transparency that's greatly appreciated in our opinion. The Alienware Aurora R13's main drawback, though, is in how that little water cooler has to work pretty hard to keep those core temperatures down.

Read more: Alienware Aurora R13 review

Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: HP) (Image credit: HP) (Image credit: HP)

2. HP Omen 25L The budget gaming PC under $1,200 Specifications CPU: Up to Intel Core i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600G GPU: Up to RTX 3060 Memory: 8GB DDR4 Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD Today's Best Deals View at CCL (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Affordably priced configurations + Benefits from stellar build quality + Easy enough to upgrade in the future Reasons to avoid - Can get hot under stress

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) HP Omen 25L | GTX 1660 Super | i5-10400F at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Priced at $949.99, this HP Omen 25L has everything you need to experience 1080p60 in the latest games without breaking a sweat. As far as budget builds go, you're benefitting from the manufacturer's build quality, and respectable hardware for your money here, too.

The HP Omen 25L line is the most accessible price-wise of the entire Omen division, which currently features support for the latest Intel 12th gen and Ryzen 5000 CPUs. At around the $1,200 mark, and below, you can expect high performance for both 1080p and 1440p all built inside a sleek chassis. What's more, the HP Omen 25L is easy to upgrade making it easy to swap out parts, such as graphics cards and RAM in the near future.

The one negative that has circulated around the HP Omen 25L, and likely implemented as a cost-saving measure, are small issues with airflow due to the chassis' small size. This could be down to the fact that the Omen 25L lacks the same front intake fan of the larger Omen 30L. If you're aiming for modest components here then thermal throttling is unlikely to be a problem, but it's something to keep in mind all the same.

Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future)

3. Acer Predator Orion 7000 The best premium gaming PC Specifications CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-12900K GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3090 RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 Storage: Up to 2x 1TB NVMe Gen 4 SSDs; 2x 3TB HDD Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Exceptional build quality + Futureproofed + Easy to upgrade Reasons to avoid - Availability is limited right now - Can get loud under stress

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Acer Predator Orion 7000 | Intel Core i7-12700K | RTX 3080 (opens in new tab)

While not quite as tanked out as our review unit, this Acer Predator Orion 7000 configuration marries up price and power, with specs that are ready for the future. This machine is utilizing 32GB DDR5 RAM so it will be technologically relevant for years to come. Features: Intel Core i7-12700K, RTX 3080, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD.

The Acer Predator Orion 7000 is our number one pick for the best gaming PC that you can buy in the UK for its thoughtful design, PCIe 5.0 compatibility, and powerful hardware that's sure to be futureproofed for many years to come. In our testing, we found that there was nothing we could throw at this machine that it couldn't handle, including frame rates in the 100+ FPS range in a whole suite of demanding titles in 4K, and even higher in the likes of 1440p.

This gaming PC has been thoughtfully re-engineered to replace the old plastic panels of the previous model, instead opting for an all-glass and metal finish. Perhaps most important with the Acer Predator Orion 7000 is how its design philosophy mimics that of a traditional home-built PC without any proprietary manufactured pieces inhibiting tinkering, meaning it's easy to upgrade in the future.

The Acer Predator Orion 7000's performance is nothing short of exceptional Acer Predator Orion 7000 review

The bump up to DDR5 RAM is a sure-fire noticeable one if you're coming from a machine running a similar frequency DDR4. We had dual-channel 4000 MHz kit inside our machine and found the difference to be light and day, made especially snappy by the lightning-fast, though admittedly hot, Intel Core i9-12900K.

Whether you want lengthy gaming sessions or lightning-fast response times in your productivity tasks, the Acer Predator Orion 7000 is easily the most feature-rich, and most capable, gaming PC on the market right now. By minimizing the bloatware, and being far more consumer-friendly than some other gaming PCs you can get your hands on, we can recommend this model to anyone wanting the best of the best in 2022.

Read more: Acer Predator Orion 7000 review

Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Dell) (Image credit: Dell) (Image credit: Dell) (Image credit: Dell)

4. Alienware Aurora Ryzen R10 The best Ryzen gaming PC Specifications CPU: up to AMD Ryzen 9 5950X GPU: up to Nvidia RTX 3090 RAM: up to 64GB DDR4 Storage: up to 2TB M.2 SSD & 2TB HDD Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Fantastic performance + The case is easy to open up + Many customization options Reasons to avoid - Love it or hate it design - Loud under stress

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Alienware Aurora Ryzen R10 | RTX 3080 | Ryzen 7 5800 at Amazon (opens in new tab)

We've seen prices on the Alienware Aurora Ryzen R10 come down fairly often, with this configuration at Amazon is fairly reasonable for the RTX 3080 you get inside. For the money, you're getting a capable machine with 1TB of SSD storage and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. As the R10 begins to get older and harder to get your hands on, this might be one of your best bets.

The Alienware Aurora R10 continues to impress as the best Ryzen gaming PC you can get at the moment. This is due to the expanse of options available to you, with the system being available in many different setups at competitive price points. Our test system utilized a Ryzen 7 CPU and an RTX 2070 Super, however, newer iterations are running all the latest Ampere video cards (RTX 30 series).

As for the performance you can expect from the Alienware Aurora R10, we found in our testing that this rig performed at its best when playing titles in both Full HD and 1440p. The mid-tier Turing card delivered frame rates far above 60 FPS in both resolutions in games such as Metro Exodus, Red Dead Redemption II, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider just to name a few.

There's no doubting the machine's performance, however, so you can't really go wrong with this gaming PC from a capability perspective Aurora Ryzen R10 review

The main downsides are that it can get somewhat loud, almost as if it is a spaceship engine trying to take off, and accessing the components within isn't an easy task thanks to the placement of the PSU cage. You can definitely do much worse when buying a pre-built PC though, and that Ryzen / Nvidia combo is a brilliant one that offers exquisite performance even in 2022.

Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: HP) (Image credit: HP) (Image credit: HP) (Image credit: HP) (Image credit: HP)

5. HP Omen 30L The best mid-range gaming PC Specifications CPU:: Up to Intel Core i9 10th-gen GPU: : Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Memory:: Up to 64GB Storage: : Up to 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD Today's Best Deals View at HP Store (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Available in many different configurations + Reasonable pricing for a pre-built system + Fantastic aesthetic Reasons to avoid - Somewhat messy interior

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) HP Omen 30L | RTX 3070 | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

As far as value for money goes, this setup melds both the surprisingly powerful RTX 3070 with the current-gen Ryzen 7 CPU for a price-to-performance ratio gaming experience that few competitors can rival.

If you’re not out to build your own PC (or you’ve had no luck with the current GPU lottery) but still want a powerhouse desktop for some next-gen gaming, check out HP’s Omen 30L line. Custom-built inside a slick Omen chassis, they offer solid hardware with plenty of customization options and the potential for easy future upgrades.

It’s hard to deny that this is an exceptional pre-built gaming system HP Omen 30L

The HP Omen 30L we’ve reviewed comes with some slick, understated RGB lighting, as well as a 10th-gen Intel processor and RTX 2080 Super GPU. This version costs $1,999 (with a year’s warranty included), but pricier models are available with RTX 3000-series cards (though be prepared for all kinds of stock fluctuation given it is the year 2022). The case has two tempered glass panels to showcase your system, with easy access for adjustments and excellent ventilation to prevent overheating.

While the interior isn’t the tidiest we’ve seen amongst the best gaming PCs, the performance speaks for itself. The RTX 2080 Super GPU is still a beast at 1440p and respectable in 4K, too, with its liquid-cooled processor never getting too hot even playing the most demanding titles. HP has proven that it is taking pre-built machines seriously, so the Omen 30L gets a thumbs up from us.

Image 1 of 3 Corsair One i300 gaming PC (Image credit: Corsair) Corsair One i300 gaming PC (Image credit: Corsair) Corsair One i300 gaming PC (Image credit: Corsair)

6. Corsair One i300 The best compact gaming PC Specifications CPU: Up to Intel i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 or RTX 3080 Ti Memory: Up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM @ 4,800MHz Storage: 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD Today's Best Deals View at Scan (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + RTX 3080 Ti performs incredibly at all resolutions + Incredibly compact chassis + Sleek and stylish appearance Reasons to avoid - One of the most expensive pre-built PCs on the market

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Corsair One i300 | RTX 3080 | i9-12900K at Corsair (opens in new tab)

While this is still one of the pricier Corsair One i300 setups you can get, this configuration boasts all the power you need for exceptional 4K gaming factoring in the premium components and small form factor. What's more, you're benefitting from the latest 12th gen CPU and DDR5 RAM here, too.

While this particular line of prebuilt machines has a reputation for being expensive, we believe the costs associated with the latest Corsair One i300 are justified when analyzing the specs and performance on show here. Our review unit featured the latest 12th gen i9 CPU, an RTX 3080 Ti GPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB Gen 4 NVMe SSD for $4,999 - as far as the cutting-edge goes, you can't really expect to cram much more into a machine with such a compact form factor.

All that fancy hardware and the brand's signature style of system would be for nothing if the Corsair One i300 didn't have the guts to back it up, of course. Fortunately, our review unit absolutely excelled in both our industry-standard tests and made short work of our go-to games pushed to their absolute limits. Everything inside the unit is absolutely top-shelf, so particular mention goes to that stellar Gen 4 drive which serves as both boot OS and your storage, as we clocked figures of 7,061 MB/s read and 5,145 MB/s write, far more any game demands right now.

Its intelligent internal design and brilliantly small footprint are even more impressive considering that it can put many of the best gaming PCs to shame with its performance Corsair One i300 review

Speaking of the games, the Corsair One i300 steamrolls graphically demanding titles when running titles in 4K Ultra, this includes well above 60 FPS in Red Dead Redemption II and Metro Exodus when maxed out, and just shy of 200 FPS in the likes of Shadow of the Tomb Raider and The Divison 2. The only real drawback we experienced in our time with the Corsair One i300 was the thermal performance.

Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Dell) (Image credit: Dell)

7. Alienware Aurora R12 The best mid-range Alienware gaming PC Specifications CPU: Up to Intel Core i9 (11th gens) GPU: Up to RTX 3090 RAM: Up to 128GB Storage: Up to 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD Today's Best Deals View at (opens in new tab) View at (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Stellar aesthetics + Supported for the Ampere GPU line + Still technologically relevant Reasons to avoid - Superseded by the Aurora R13

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Alienware Aurora R12 | RTX 3080 | Intel Core i9-11900KF at Dell (opens in new tab)

This Alienware Aurora R12 build packs in all you need for a stellar 4K gaming experience in 2022. You're getting not only the company's exceptional build quality but also stellar components and all the memory/storage you could need for a very long time to come.

Alienware's Aurora R12 is leading Alienware into the next generation of gaming; as well as 10th-gen Intel processors and the possibility of liquid-cooled graphics cards, it offers a variety of builds to suit most budgets. If you want to get into PC gaming for the first time or would like to upgrade your existing setup then this is the most cost-effective way to do it.

Ranging from affordable starter rigs to pimped-out super PCs, the Aurora R12 strikes a good balance of choice. Better still, these desktops can be easily opened and upgraded with different parts as and when you see fit. Want more RAM or a larger SSD? No problem. Because the power supply unit swings out on a metal arm, you get more room to fiddle with the PC's insides.

The R12's design is of a similar form for the last few years and is attractive enough - and unique if nothing else. Although it sticks with the distinctive case and scooped-out front of its predecessor, this update enriches that formula with new lighting around the central strip in some cases. It's an addition that turns heads and makes the design feel even more futuristic than it did before.

Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: iBUYPOWER) (Image credit: iBUYPOWER) (Image credit: iBUYPOWER) (Image credit: iBUYPOWER)

8. iBUYPOWER Element CL Pro The best boutique built gaming PC Specifications CPU: up to Intel Core i7-12700KF GPU: up to RTX 3070 Memory: up to 32GB DDR4-3600 RAM Storage: up to 1TB NVMe SSD Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Eye-catching, RGB and liquid-cooled design + Incredible pre-built, pre-cooled system for price + Simple access for making adjustments + Excellent performance Reasons to avoid - May be hard to find specific models

The iBUYPOWER Element CL Pro deftly handles one of the more difficult challenges in the creation of the best gaming PCs: custom liquid-cooling. Normally reserved for only the priciest machines due to expensive shipping costs, the Element CL Pro offers a gorgeous, custom loop liquid-cooled rig at a reasonable price - you can get this beauty for less than $2K.

If you're looking for a pre-built, custom liquid-cooled desktop PC, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better at the price point iBuyPower Element CL Pro review

The Element CL Pro is a step above the previous Element CL Plus models because it can now support RTX 3070 cards, and the numbers it churns out prove it handles 4K gaming well. It can't quite hit 4K 60fps for Metro Exodus, but it can easily reach that with Red Dead Redemption 2 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider on the highest graphical settings. The rig reaches 60fps across multiple games at lower resolutions (1440p and 1080p). Simply put - it produces excellent and consistently amazing gameplay.

If you're someone who loves to tinker with your PCs, the Element CL Pro offers incredibly easy access for upgrades and maintenance. An all-glass side panel lets you get to the GPU and CPU with ease and refilling the liquid cooling system is a breeze as it's located outside of the system so there's no need to worry about accidental spillage. The iBUYPOWER Element CL Pro is a gorgeous machine that offers excellent performance at a price that won't hurt your wallet.

Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Acer) (Image credit: Acer) (Image credit: Acer) (Image credit: Acer)

9. Acer Predator Orion 3000 The best mid-range gaming PC Specifications CPU: Intel Core i7-10700 GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Memory: 16GB DDR4 HyperX Fury @ 2,666MHz Storage: 512GB SSD (Boot) + 1TB HDD Weight: 9kg / 19.8lbs Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at (opens in new tab) View at CCL (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Fantastic 1440p performance, 4K capable + The price is very reasonable + Easy to upgrade Reasons to avoid - Some elements are on the cheaper side

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Acer Predator Orion 3000 | RTX 3070 | i7-11700F at Amazon (opens in new tab)

In terms of stellar value for money, this Acer Predator Orion 3000 configuration packs in enough horsepower for both 1440p and 4K without too much of a struggle. For the asking price, you're getting a stellar build that's ready for today's games, while also being fast enough for tomorrow's titles, too.

The Acer Predator Orion 3000 is our number one pick for the best gaming PC that you can buy at the moment and it comes down to one important factor - the value for money. Our review unit featured the powerful a 10th gen i7 CPU RTX 3070 GPU, and 16GB RAM, which retails for $1,500 / £1,500.

Our testing found that these specs made the Orion 3000 a true powerhouse for both 1440p and 4K gaming, with impressive figures in our suite of benchmark games and software, such as Metro Exodus, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and The Division 2, where all titles easily smashed 1080p and 1440p at well above 100FPS and managing that more-than-playable numbers in 2160p, too, with many titles averaging 4K60 or above. We've found though that this configuration was far more comfortable in QHD at higher frame rates than when you doubled the resolution, you may need to be crafty with those settings sliders to keep things rock solid when in Ultra HD.

Acer has done a great job when it comes to matching the internal components at play in this PC. No one part of this build is going to bottleneck you, or hold you back when you’re contemplating upgrades a few years down the road. Acer Predator Orion 3000 review

There's only really one aspect at where the cost-saving measures come into the fold for the Acer Predator Orion 3000, and that's in the onboard SSD's sequential performance. Our review unit was running a PCIe 3.0, with our test figures reporting 2,477 MB/s read and 1,812 MB/s write, which is fairly average especially compared to what's possible with the best SSDs around right now.

Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: ASUS) (Image credit: ASUS) (Image credit: ASUS) (Image credit: ASUS)

10. Asus ROG GA15 The best Asus ROG gaming PC line Specifications CPU: Ryzen 5 3600X / 7 3700X / 3800X GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 to RTX 3080 RAM: 8GB to 32GB DDR4-2666 Storage: Up to 512GB SSD + 2TB HDD Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent value for money and bang-to-buck performance + Great design + Superb use of Ryzen and Nvidia components Reasons to avoid - Specific models may be harder to come by

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) Asus ROG Strix GA15 | Ryzen 7 5800X | RTX 3070 (opens in new tab)

This mid-range ROG Strix GA15 configuration is perfect for anyone wanting 4K gaming at a great price. This model retails for just under $2,000, being one of the better value models from such a high-end boutique brand.

The Asus ROG GA15 is a tremendous machine and one that really harnesses a great power to performance to price balance. It's a great new design from ASUS and is a welcome addition to the pre-built gaming PC market. I use this PC every day so I am a bit biased perhaps, I'd argue, it's a well-placed bias! It's a joy to use as a work PC that seamlessly changes to a monster.

The components of my build, particularly, demonstrate the GA15's successful inhabiting of a place of balance between performance and value. Inside is a 3700X processor, a 2060 Super graphics card (itself probably the best bang for buck GPU in the ray-tracing category), 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD + 2TB HDD combo. It's got a sweet design, plenty of ports, runs quiet, and has some RGB fun too on the front - with ASUS making so many great gaming laptops right now, it's no wonder they've come out with an excellent new desktop range.

It's a reliable, very well-performing gaming PC from a reputable gaming tech name, and it deserves to be spoken about as one of the best pre-built gaming computers of the year Asus ROG GA15 review

Just for clarity and to reassure you if you're following links, you might see this machine listed as a G15DH or G15 - do not worry, it's the same one as the GA15. Your options of specs might also slightly differ depending on your location: the above list is taken straight from ASUS itself in terms of what the machine can house, but I have seen some slightly different builds - including the odd Intel CPU build - crop up at some retailers.

Regardless, this is still a PC build that is extremely easy to recommend and each variant will have that ASUS stamp of quality and pedigree within that you can have confidence in. What's more, with the 30-series graphics cards now being firmly here (we know), this PC can offer a more budget-perspective and level, often being one of the best gaming PCs for under $1,000.

Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: CyberPowerPC) (Image credit: CyberPowerPC)

11. CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme The best gaming PC for upgrading Specifications CPU: Up to Intel Core i7 11th-gen GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti RAM: Up to 16GB Storage: Up to 1TB HDD + 500GB SSD Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Fantastic performance per dollar + Runs very cool out of the box + Decent range of low-to-midrange builds Reasons to avoid - Lower-end capabilities may not appeal

Our favorite configuration:

(opens in new tab) CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme | RTX 3060 Ti | Intel Core i7-12700F at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

As far as value for money goes, we think that this CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme setup is going to be right for most people. This is because of the modest asking price and respectable hardware inside that means 1440p and entry-level 4K should be no problem at all here.

The Cyberpower Gamer Xtreme is a great PC to rock the current generation of games and do it all as one of the best gaming PCs under $1,000, too. Even beyond that and branching into the increasingly large world of VR, this machine will get you there on a shoestring: it's VR-ready right out of the box (just) and will be easy to upgrade when newer, more fancy headsets become more available.

The Xtreme is also great for anyone looking for a PC to match the capabilities of consoles, and something that will complement a PS4/Xbox One or PS5/XSX setup. And the Gamer Xtreme is also modular and upgradeable enough to allow you to quickly adapt when specs for when you need to allow for solid upgradeability and future proof-ness. Again, all without breaking the bank.

If you want to save money on new gaming hardware, then we're rounding up the best cheap gaming PC deals with frequent updates and options well under the $1,000 mark. Alternatively, you can play the long game, as we're anticipating great things from the Prime Day PC deals happening in July.

Best gaming PCs - frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying a PC for gaming? Despite the fact that a gaming PC will cost you substantially more than the likes of an Xbox Series X and PS5, at least in the majority of cases, we think that the initial investment is justified by the expanse of what the platform offers over consoles. For example, PCs can be futureproofed a lot easier, since you can change out components if and when you need to. You have way more control over what your gaming hardware can do and how it can run games, you also have far more options regarding backwards compatibility, for far more expansive digital libraries. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a gaming PC is that it can used in a myriad more ways than a typical games console can for work, media production, coding, home server, etc.

Which PC brands are best for gaming? While there are many gaming PC brands that certainly deserve your attention, we typically view the prebuilt market in two distinct categories - boutique built (ABS, Skytech, iBuyPower, etc.) and manufacturer made (Alienware, HP, Corsair, etc.). If you want something sleek that benefits from a manufacturer's guarantee and extended warranty then the latter is going to be preferable for you, however, should you want minimal bloatware and consumer-level components inside (instead of proprietary parts) then the former is the way to go.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a gaming PC? A couple of years ago this question would have been far more straightforward to answer, as, before the pandemic hit, it was always cheaper to build with individual components than opt for a prebuilt. In 2022, however, even with the graphics card shortage coming to an end, graphics card prices haven't quite returned to normal just yet, so you're still paying more to assemble a full system piece-by-piece. It may be cheaper in certain instances to build with each part, though, depending on which GPU you intend to slot into your system, going for a prebuilt rig could save you in the long run.

How we test gaming PCs

While we've outlined how we test gaming PCs in our full hardware policy, it's worth giving the rundown here, too. We treat each gaming PC both as the sum of its parts and the unit together. This means that we're analyzing specific components, such as the speed of the processor, the prowess of the graphics card, the effectiveness of the RAM, and the sequential performance of the storage drives.

Any gaming PC that we have in for the review period generally replaces that of our daily driver unit, meaning that we test them thoroughly, sure, but also use them as PC gamers ourselves. This means that benchmarking is conducted as are regular play sessions, meaning you get a thorough, but also a faithful write-up of models we've had personal experience with.

Make the most of the best gaming PCs with the best gaming keyboards, best gaming mouse, and best gaming monitors.

And for audio upgrades, check out the best computer speakers and best gaming headsets going.

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