Whatever games you have at the top of you wish list this year, investing in a tricked-out gaming PC is crucial. Depending on your budget, getting one of the best gaming PCs as your main machine is not only beneficial in honing your skills, but can also serve as a multimedia powerhouse for years to come.
In fact, you may never have to purchase a new rig again, get one with enough real-estate, and throw in upgraded components once you feel its slowing down. We’re talking of 5-10 years from now, considering that we have components that are going to stay relevant for many years to come. Look at components like Nvidia’s Super RTX graphics cards, AMD’s Navi cards, intel’s 9th generation CPUs and Ryzen 3rd generation chips; these are going to be around for a while.
For now, it all depends on whether you want to save and buy a new rig in a few years, or splurge and get the best of what your money can buy, packed with future-proof components. All depends on your preferences and budget in getting the best gaming PC.
To help you out, we have curated a list of the best gaming desktop PCs available in the market, all of which we’ve interacted with and reviewed ourselves. The list covers machines from popular manufacturers like Alienware to custom-builders like CYBERPOWERPC, and this guide covers a wide array of use cases.
Gaming Desktop Buying Tips
For most gamers, budget plays the biggest role when shopping for a gaming desktop. While that’s true, there are other considerations that can help squeeze value out of your purchase.
- Mainstream or custom-built PC: Mainstream PC manufacturers like HP, Lenovo or Dell tend to get our trust, thanks to generous warranties and support, but you sometimes have to stick to the components chosen by the manufacturer. On the other hand, a custom-built PC gives you a chance to adjust the configuration until it suits your needs and budget. Lately, most of these builds come with standardised parts than ever before, meaning you can easily upgrade the machines later.
- A big tower isn’t always better: Gaming PC designs have shrunk over the years, and with the many alternatives in the market, you’ll only buy a chunky tower because you love it. And not due to lack of options. You can get a miniature gaming PC, but if you’re looking at installing future upgrades, a bigger tower offers enough room.
- You can’t go wrong with Intel or AMD: For as long as you single on the current generation chips, both companies offer comparable processing power. For games played at lower resolutions (1080p and below), Intel’s CPUs offer better performance. On the other hand, AMD’s processors deliver better performance on tasks like video editing and other intensive programs, thanks to their extra cores and threads. The recently launched Ryzen 3000-series processors alongside the newer Radeon 5700 and 5700XT GPUs are likely to revolutionize PC gaming all together. We’re hoping to see those in pre-build gaming machines soon.
- Simply buy RAM you absolutely need: Most gaming desktops come with 8GB RAM, which is OK, but 16GB is ideal for most users. The rule of thumb here is not to buy more RAM than you need. Serious game streamers and high-end media creators who work with large files might want more, maxing everything upto 64GB is possible, but will have to pay more for the options.
- Don’t buy a multi-card if you don’t need it: If you’re a pro-gamer, just get a best-performing single card your money can buy. Many games don’t significantly perform better on two or more cards in Crossfire or SLI, and some even perform poorly, forcing you to disable an expensive piece of hardware in order to get the best experience possible. Based on that, you should only consider a multi-card desktop if you’re after performance that can only be achieved by the very high-end graphics card.
- Yes, ports matter: Beyond the few connections you to hook up your monitor(s), mouse and keyboard, you’ll need more USB ports for plugging in peripherals and external storage. Front-facing ports come handy for thumb drives, card readers and other easy-access devices. To remain future-proof, look out for a system that offers USB 3.1 Gen. 2 and USB-C ports. Some of Nvidia’s RTX 2000 Series graphics card have ports to drive your VR (Virtual Reality) headsets.
Best Gaming Desktops 2019
Here are the best gaming PCs you can buy right now. In the list, you’ll definitely find one to match your gaming appetite and budget.
- Corsair One PRO i180 Gaming PC
Best Compact Gaming PC of 2019
CPU: Intel Core i9-9920X | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 960GB SSD + 2TB HDD
The Corsair One has been one of the best gaming PCs ever since it came into the gaming scene, and the Corsair One PRO i180 takes competition to the next level with the highest of specs around, and price as well. With a twelve-core Intel X-Series processor and an Nvidia Turing graphics card, this PC can handle 4K at the highest settings, but comes in a chassis that’s not much bigger than your average gaming console.
It’s pricey – in fact, one of the most expensive around – but with that much power it has to be. Yet, it’s certainly worth every penny if you’re looking for a small form factor machine without cutting corners. It makes it to the top of our best gaming desktop 2019 list for superb performance, sleek design and unmatched power for modern AAA games.
- CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme GXiVR8060A8
A superb pre-built gaming PC for DIYers
CPU: Intel Core i7-9400F | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 240GB SSD, 1TB HDD
The days of building own PCs with custom parts may soon be behind us. The 2019 edition of the CYBERPOWERPC Gamer GXiVR8060A8 takes a simple premise and adds a few upgrades: a gaming desktop from an OEM with standard parts, but now with a new chips, graphics and reasonable price.
It packs standard parts and tower, meaning you won’t have issues upgrading this unit, but CYBERPOWERPC’s decision to add a transparent glass side panel means that major upgrades will be easy as one would hope.
Without the unnecessary need to build your own rig from scratch (you might end up spending more), you can ultimately depend on the choices that CyberPowerPC made. With this Gamer, you’re getting a handsomely designed, VR-ready system that packs ample performance to get you started.
Read full review here: CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme GXiVR8060A8
- HP Omen 880-191 Gaming PC
Top-notch power for hardcore gamers
CPU: Intel Core i7-9700k | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD
HP always has something for everyone – whether you’re a casual gamer on a budget on a pro-gamer willing to shell bucks for a souped up rig – you’re well covered. With the HP Omen 880, you’re getting one of the best PCs to hit the streets, with incredible features alongside an easily upgradeable and highly customizable chassis set in a tool-less design
Th2is gaming PC definitely stacks well against the most powerful gaming machines on the market, but cost fairly less as compared to similarly configured rigs. Need we say more? How about that stellar RGB lighting?
- iBUYPOWER Trace2 9250
Tricked out gamer for the enthusiast gamer
CPU: Intel Core i7-9700f | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD
How much power do you need for esports? Last time I checked, some PC gamers were playing at 1080p or less, but iBUYPOWER Trace line gills with up to an Intel Core i9-9900K CPU and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX graphics card. Certainly, a machine like the iBUYPOWER Pro Element 047i is branded for high-end gaming, for along as you can afford it. If you have a modest budget, the new iBUYPOWER Trace2 9250 is something you should be looking at.
It’s billed as a gaming machine, but its’s a powerhouse you can use for just anything. For around one grand, you get some of the bets pack-in peripherals we’ve seen in a very long time. For the price, it performs as it should, and comes at a sweet price considering the components inside. The only thing you’ll miss here are the joys of building your own, if that’s your thing.
Read full review here: iBUYPOWER Trace2 9250
- Alienware Aurora R8
An overclockable beast for 4K gaming
CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
The Alienware Aurora is among the most easily upgradeable gaming PCs out there, thanks to a unique internal design that allows you snap the power supply and swap out the GPU, storage and RAM without lifting a screwdriver.
The new Aurora R8 adds support for a Turing Nvdia RTX 2080 graphics, and the system’s slick backlighting can be customized in all kinds of ways via the Alienware Command Center app.
If you’re in the market for a gaming PC that’s ready for today’s most demanding games and is readily future proof for tomorrow, the Aurora R8 is as good as it gets. it easily gets a spot in the best gaming computer hall of fame for its power and upgradeable chassis design.
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop 790
It doesn’t look the part, but plays well
CPU: Intel Core i5 8400 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD
The HP Pavilion 790-0020 is an entry-level gaming PC, that is better suited for the graphic artist more than it is for a budding gamer. Still, it can do both. For the creatives whose needs are primarily video and media creation, audio encoding and consumption, this Pavilion is an excellent choice. When not playing, the 8th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 will get you playing some of your modern titles without much fuss.
This system is what you’d describe as a high-end multimedia PC (that was almost six years ago), nowadays they simply call them mainstream desktop PCs. Of course, the HP Pavillion 790 comes with features that you couldn’t find at this price range a few years back, including a dedicated GPU, a peppy CPU chip a solid-state drive (SSD) storage option. If you’re looking at replacing an aging laptop or a $3000 tower and not spend much, you can as well start here.
Read full review here: HP Pavilion Gaming 790
- CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme SLC10220CPGV2
Ease of use meets a pretty chassis
CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD + 2TB HDD
Some gamers want unbridled muscle for modern titles and productivity. The CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme SLC10220CPGV2 fills that role nicely. However, the size and price may be a concern, but when you look at the components and feature set, you’ll appreciate everything in this liquid cooled rig.
At its not-so-affordable starting price, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme gives you Intel’s updated 9th-gen Core i7 processor, alongside Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2080 Super graphics card – over last year’s base RTX 2080 graphics card, meaning that it can be used as a PC for high-end gaming and professional creatives.
It offers liquid cooling in an appealing aesthetic and a design that gives you more options to configure your desktop. This liquid-cooled gamer stands out as an excellent option for anyone seeking something personalized out of the box.
Read full review here: CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme SLC10220CPGV2
- iBUYPOWER Trace 9230
A great gaming PC for configuration options
CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD
iBUYPOWER has long been known for high performance gaming PCs for less money, offering better value than most custom builders. Now, it’s back with a powerful gaming desktop for the eSports enthusiasts or professional. The iBUYPOWER Trace 9230. This powerful gaming desktop comes with equipped with the latest technologies around, the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 (8GB) and the fresh Intel i7-9700K (8-core).
Any gamer would enjoy its power, but it’s beautiful, easy access chassis, and top-notch components are aimed at the esports world and those who don’t move their towers often.
These are the latest components around, making this system ready for whatever games you throw its way across the spectrum of resolutions, even 4K. With a reasonable price considering what’s packed inside, and performance top match, the Trace 9230 is among our top picks for midrange gaming desktops.
Read full review here: iBUYPOWER Trace 9230
- SkyTech Legacy II Mini
The best mini gaming PC
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 2700 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD
This Mini-monster is definitely worth of its moniker as it boasts a small chassis (at least by gaming standards), but boasts lots of power…more than enough, in fact for most gamers’ needs. When you’ve the money for an upper-tier configuration, you’ll get a sure powerhouse. Also, budget minded buyers won’t have to settle for gameplay at medium settings, the RTX 2060 Super version handles 1080p gaming pretty well.
Still, there are lots of aspects to love about the Legacy Mini. It offers a smooth experience in day-to-day tasks, multitasking and best frame rates in gaming. All of this make it part of the best gaming pc 2019 wish list, especially if you prefer a bit of gamer theme on the design, then the Legacy II is a miss. But if you’re more interested in performance and gaming muscle, the AMD processor and RTX 2060 graphics card won’t let you down.
- Dell XPS Tower Special Edition
Best for work and play
CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 2700 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 2TB HDD
Do you prefer a sleep gaming PC? One that gets you into gameplay with an unassuming design, the Dell XPS Tower is what you really need. It packs powerful gaming hardware into a sleek-but-plain chassis, so no one will know you’re not using it for work. The Dell XPS 8930-740BLK Tower comes with a six-core CPU and a capable GTX 1050 Ti that will get you play modern titles at 1080p.
The XPS tower will handle basic gaming just fine, but Dell lets you customize your rig to include the latest CPU and GPU chips. An upgraded version will run you a few bucks more, but there are lots of options in between, including 4K and VR-ready configurations.
The case is surprisingly compact, but still boasts good connectivity, including USB 3.1 ports and the tool-less chassis makes for easy upgrades. If you want a gaming PC for work and play, the reserved Dell XPS Tower line is a great option.
More Tips
Want more suggestions? Check out our list of the Editors’ Choice 2019
Need something for college? Read our Best Laptops for College 2019
On a tight budget? See our Best Laptops under $500
Fancy a desktop? Take a look at our Top picks for Gaming Desktop PCs in 2019
Recommended Configuration
CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, Intel Core i5-9400F 2.9GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 6GB, 8GB DDR4, 240GB SSD, 1TB HDD, WiFi Ready & Win 10 Home (GXiVR8060A8, Black)
3 used from $899.90
Something for work and school? See our Best Laptops Under $1000
