Based on our reviews, these are the best gaming PCs for every budget.
The best gaming PCs are the ones you can afford and have enough power to run the games you want to play. We test and review dozens of gaming PCs each year, and while they can quickly become very expensive if you opt for the best of the best, there are still excellent gaming PCs available in various sizes and price ranges.
Currently, our top recommendation for most people is the Alienware Aurora R16, which delivers outstanding performance in a relatively small and appealing tower. We also recommend the more understated Dell XPS 8960 for those looking for a gaming PC under $1,000, and the more powerful Corsair Vengeance i7500 if money is no object.
We test all new gaming PCs (both in our labs and at home) to see if they meet the mark, and we regularly update this page as systems become available. With new gaming PCs from brands like Alienware, HP, Lenovo, and more, we’re sure to add even more great machines to meet your gaming needs.
1. Alienware Aurora R16
The Alienware Aurora R16 delivers powerful gaming performance in a modest chassis.
This model is designed to run cooler and quieter than its predecessors, which our internal testing has confirmed. It’s also smaller than before, making it easier to fit on your desk. Unfortunately, some internal design choices make upgrading components more difficult than necessary. However, this ensures everything is neatly streamlined.
With a starting price of $1,599, this beastly gaming rig is relatively affordable—especially for those new to the PC gaming world. Of course, upgrades will increase the price, so keep that in mind.
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2. Dell XPS 8960
If you want a powerful gaming PC without draining your bank account, the Dell XPS 8960 is the perfect machine for you. Like its predecessors, this desktop looks more suited for an office than an RGB-filled gaming room. Don’t let its appearance fool you, though—this unassuming PC packs impressive gaming power.
There are plenty of configuration options if you’re not satisfied with the base model. For example, you can upgrade to a 13th-gen Intel Raptor Lake chip and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000-series GPU. That will increase the price (naturally), but the base configuration with an RTX 4070 GPU, Intel Core i7-13700 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD lets you effortlessly play even the most graphically demanding games.
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3. MSI Codex R2
If you’re looking for a gaming PC with solid performance at a great price, the MSI Codex R2 is an excellent choice. With just a few clicks, you can own a machine capable of running most games well at 1080p resolution for around $1,200.
Of course, the exact amount you’ll pay varies depending on how you configure it, and there are good power supply options for this mid-tower PC. Our review unit came equipped with a 14th-gen Core i5 CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GPU, and 16GB of RAM—powerful enough to handle PC games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Total War: Warhammer 3 at 1080p. You won’t get stellar frame rates with all settings maxed out, but with some tweaking and reliance on Nvidia’s DLSS technology, you can easily achieve great games running at 60 FPS on this machine.
There are some trade-offs to expect at this price point. Performance isn’t top-tier, the SSD is noticeably slow compared to competitors, and the included keyboard and mouse pale in comparison to the best gaming keyboards and mice.
That said, the streamlined chassis is easy to open, performance is solid, and the attractive price makes this our most recommended gaming PC for those seeking great value or an affordable entry into PC gaming.
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4. Geekom Megamini G1
At $1,899, the MegaMini G1 sits at a higher price point than most mini gaming PCs. But with what this product offers and its ability to replace your gaming rig while still looking stylish, it’s one you won’t be disappointed with.
That’s because the power of an Intel Core i9-13900H and RTX 4060 is dialed up to 11 for strong, consistent performance, thanks to its liquid cooling block. On top of that, Nvidia’s inclusion gives you DLSS technology—enabling blazing-fast frame rates even at 4K with all detail settings cranked up significantly.
So, while we wouldn’t call this the best mini gaming PC (that title goes to the more value-packed AtomMan G7 PT), it’s a premium option that certainly benefits from Nvidia’s future developments in AI frame generation and upscaling.
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5. Corsair One i500
The Corsair One i500 may be smaller than a traditional desktop, but it’s not a mini PC—not in terms of size and certainly not in terms of power. With a wooden front panel and fabric sides, it doesn’t look like a typical gaming rig, but we can assure you it’s got the goods inside. This compact PC delivers big gaming performance.
Thanks to its Intel Core i9-14900K CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super GPU, and 32GB of RAM, this pint-sized powerhouse can run your favorite games at max graphics settings without breaking a sweat. And that’s impressive considering how the Corsair One i500 stays cool to the touch and runs quietly, even when you’re playing a graphically demanding game like Cyberpunk 2077.
While this machine is fantastic, it’s not perfect. Currently, only two configurations are available. Although the price has dropped since our review was published, you’ll still need to shell out a significant amount for this rig. Additionally, while you can swap out its components, doing so isn’t easy due to the i500’s compact size. And if you want to change the GPU, you’ll have to ship the desktop to Corsair for the company to handle it.
The Corsair One i500 is expensive and tricky to configure, but it’s one of the best gaming PCs I’ve ever tested. If you’re looking for a powerful gaming rig that doesn’t take up much desk space (and looks great!), I can’t recommend this product enough.
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6. HP Omen 35L
The HP Omen 35L is not only stylish but also easily upgradable thanks to its industry-standard components, allowing you to swap out parts as you please. Above all, this mid-tower PC is fashionable and packs enough power to comfortably run games at medium to high settings at 1440p and 60 fps (or higher).
Despite its modest size, this elegant chassis hides a wealth of power within. Our review unit featured an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G APU, an Nvidia RTX 4080 Super GPU, and 32GB of RAM. As a result, it can handle the most graphically demanding games without any issues. And that’s not just empty talk—this rig stays cool to the touch and runs remarkably quietly.
The Omen 35L may not have the bold design of some other gaming PCs, but its simple boxy shape complements most gaming setups beautifully. The transparent glass panel on the left offers a stunning view of the internal components and the brilliant RGB lighting this rig produces.
Though it comes with an odd CPU/GPU pairing and some bloatware, the HP Omen 35L remains a winner thanks to its low starting price, numerous configuration options, gorgeous design, and easily replaceable industry-standard parts.
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