Fact CheckedThe Best Gaming Desktops for 2023
Discover peak gaming performance with top-tier hardware. From powerful processors to cutting-edge graphics, these desktops redefine your gaming experience.
Introduction to Gaming Desktops
- Definition and Purpose: Gaming desktops are specialized computers designed to deliver high-performance capabilities for running graphics-intensive video games. They excel in handling the computational demands of modern games, offering an immersive gaming experience that laptops often struggle to match.
- Key Components: Gaming desktops typically feature high-end processors, dedicated graphics cards, ample memory, and fast storage to ensure smooth gameplay and exceptional graphics quality.
Reviewing Popular Gaming Desktops
Versatility of Gaming Desktops
- Balancing Performance and Aesthetics: While some gaming desktops prioritize raw performance, others focus on aesthetics, featuring stylish cases with customizable RGB lighting. This allows gamers to personalize their setups according to their preferences.
- Customizable RGB Lighting: Gaming desktops often come with RGB lighting options, providing a visually appealing experience and allowing users to create unique lighting effects to match their gaming environment.
- Storage Options for Game Installation: To cater to the ever-increasing size of modern games, gaming desktops now offer fast solid-state drives (SSDs) in addition to high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs). This ensures quick boot times and game loading for an optimal gaming experience.
Finding the Right Gaming Desktop
- Options for Different Budgets and Needs: Gaming desktops are available at various price points, offering options for both budget-conscious gamers and those looking for high-end systems.
- Affordability for Entry-Level Gaming: For beginners or casual gamers, entry-level gaming desktops provide a cost-effective way to enjoy gaming without compromising on performance.
- Power for Competitive Esports and VR Gaming: Enthusiast gamers and those interested in competitive esports or virtual reality gaming can find powerful gaming desktops that deliver exceptional performance for smooth gameplay and immersive experiences.
Quick Summary
| Image | Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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1
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OMEN 30L Gaming Desktop PC
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A powerful gaming PC with up to an Intel i9 CPU and RTX 3090 GPU. It has a stylish tempered glass case, customizable RGB lighting, up to 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. It runs Windows 10.
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Buy on Amazon |
|
2
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MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Gaming Motherboard
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A high-performance motherboard for gaming and overclocking. It supports 10th Gen Intel CPUs, up to 4600MHz memory, PCIe 4.0 for new graphics cards, multiple M.2 slots for fast storage, and Mystic Light RGB sync.
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Buy on Amazon |
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3
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Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Business Class Desktop
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A compact business desktop with an Intel i5-4570 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and Windows 10 Pro. Good for office work, web browsing, and light gaming.
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Buy on Amazon |
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4
 |
Gaming DELL Optiplex Tower Computer Desktop PC
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A powerful gaming PC with an Intel i7-7700 CPU, GTX 1060 graphics, 16GB of RAM, 2TB HDD and 256GB SSD storage, running Windows 10 Home. VR-ready for immersive gaming.
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Buy on Amazon |
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5
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Alienware R10 Gaming Desktop
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A high-performance gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU, RTX 3070 graphics, up to 64GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. It has a stylish
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Buy on Amazon |
The Research
How we tested?
To determine the best gaming desktop options, we analyzed technical specifications of popular models across various brands and price points. The key factors we considered were:
- Processor: A powerful CPU is essential for running graphics-intensive games. We looked for desktops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
- Graphics card: A dedicated graphics card, especially from NVIDIA or AMD, is necessary for playing modern PC games with high frame rates and graphics quality.
- Memory: 8-16GB of RAM is good for most gaming needs. More memory allows for better performance, especially when multitasking.
- Storage: An SSD or a combination of SSD and HDD provides fast boot and load times for an optimal gaming experience.
- Operating system: Windows 10 or 11 is the standard for gaming desktops and offers broad compatibility with games and gaming software.
How we picked?
Based on these factors, here are our recommendations:
- OMEN 30L Gaming Desktop PC: A stylish, customizable desktop ideal for gaming at high settings. With up to an Intel Core i9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3090 graphics, it offers incredible performance for playing the latest games.
- Alienware R10 Gaming Desktop: A high-end gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics. It’s built for playing graphics-intensive games at high frame rates and streaming gameplay. The premium design and Windows 11 also provide an immersive experience.
- MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Gaming Motherboard: For DIY PC builders, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for a powerful gaming rig. It supports fast memory, multiple M.2 SSDs, and the latest graphics cards for high performance at a lower cost.
- Gaming DELL Optiplex Tower Computer Desktop PC: offers a powerful gaming experience with its Intel Core i7-7700 CPU and NVIDIA GTX 1060 graphics card. With 16GB of RAM, a 2TB HDD, and a 256GB SSD for storage, it provides ample space for your gaming library and fast loading times. Additionally, it runs on Windows 10 Home
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Business Class Desktop: for budget-conscious gamers and users looking for a reliable desktop for everyday tasks and light gaming. With its Intel Core i5-4570 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p offers solid performance and quick storage access, making it suitable for office work, web browsing, and casual gaming.
Who should get this?
These gaming desktops and components are ideal for:
- Serious gamers who want to play modern AAA games at high graphics settings.
- Streamers and content creators who need powerful PCs for gameplay capture and video editing.
- Those looking for a premium, high-performance desktop with a stylish design.
- DIY PC builders seeking a feature-rich motherboard to pair with a powerful CPU and graphics card.
Best Gaming Desktops
OMEN 30L Gaming Desktop PC
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What We Like?
Powerful components including 10th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3090 graphics. Stylish design with tempered glass side panel. Customizable RGB lighting. Fast storage with up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD.
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What We Don’t Like?
Higher-end configurations can get expensive. Limited upgrade options for CPU and graphics card.
Product Specification |
|
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i9-10900K processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 graphics |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home OS |
Pros
- Fast performance. Highly customizable. Stylish design.
Cons
- Can get pricey. Limited upgradability.
Our Verdict
The OMEN 30L is a stylish and powerful gaming desktop with high-end specs for 4K and VR gaming. It offers great performance for the price.
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Gaming Motherboard
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What We Like?
Supports 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs. Fast DDR4 memory up to 4600MHz. Next-gen PCIe 4.0 support. Multiple M.2 slots for fast NVMe SSDs. RGB lighting with Mystic Light Sync.
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What We Don’t Like?
No onboard Wi-Fi. Limited rear USB ports. BIOS can be tricky to navigate.
Product Specification |
|
|---|---|
| Processor | LGA 1200 socket for 10th Gen Intel Core processors |
| Graphics | 4 DDR4 DIMM slots for up to 128GB memory |
| RAM | 3 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
| Storage | 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports, 2 M.2 slots |
| Operating System | Realtek ALC1220 audio codec |
Pros
- 10th Gen Intel support. Fast memory and storage. Next-gen PCIe 4.0. RGB lighting.
Cons
- No Wi-Fi. Limited rear USB. Tricky BIOS.
Our Verdict
The MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus is an affordable motherboard with solid features for gaming and overclocking 10th Gen Intel CPUs. It offers great performance and value for the price.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Business Class Desktop
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What We Like?
Compact and versatile business desktop. Still capable with Intel Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM. Fast 256GB SSD. Windows 10 Pro for business use.
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What We Don’t Like?
Dated processor and DDR3 memory. Limited storage and upgrade options. Lackluster graphics for gaming.
Product Specification |
|
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-4570 processor |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3 RAM |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro OS |
Pros
- Compact size. SSD storage. Windows 10 Pro.
Cons
- Older CPU and memory. Limited storage. Weak integrated graphics. Few upgrade options.
Our Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p is a compact and affordable desktop well-suited for basic office and productivity tasks. However, its older components show their age and limit its versatility. For most users, a newer system would likely be a better option.
Gaming DELL Optiplex Tower Computer Desktop PC
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What We Like?
Capable gaming performance with Intel Core i7 CPU and GTX 1060 graphics. 16GB of RAM. Dual storage with fast SSD and large HDD. VR-ready. Windows 10 Home.
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What We Don’t Like?
Proprietary motherboard and power supply limit upgrades. Dell bloatware. No USB-C ports.
Product Specification |
|
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700 processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB graphics |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 256GB SSD + 2TB HDD storage |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home OS |
Pros
- Capable gaming performance. SSD and HDD storage. 16GB of RAM. VR-ready.
Cons
- Proprietary motherboard and PSU. Dell bloatware. No USB-C ports. Limited upgradability.
Our Verdict
The Gaming Dell Optiplex Tower desktop provides solid performance for most modern games at 1080p, as well as VR experiences. However, its proprietary components and pre-installed bloatware are downsides. For the price, you may be better off with a custom gaming PC from another brand.
Alienware R10 Gaming Desktop
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What We Like?
Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU and RTX 3070 graphics for high-end gaming. Stylish design with RGB lighting. Fast storage and memory. Windows 11 Home. Great for streaming and content creation.
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What We Don’t Like?
Very expensive, especially higher-end configs. Proprietary components limit upgrades. Gets loud under load.
Product Specification |
|
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB graphics |
| RAM | 64GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home OS |
Pros
- Powerful AMD CPU and RTX 3070 graphics. Fast storage and memory. Stylish design with RGB lighting. Windows 11 Home. Great for gaming and streaming.
Cons
- Extremely expensive. Proprietary components limit upgradability. Loud fans under load.
Our Verdict
The iPad Air (2022) is a powerful and versatile tablet that can handle productivity and creative tasks.
While expensive, it’s a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a tablet that can do it all.
Comparison Table
| Product | Image | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OMEN 30L Gaming Desktop PC |
|
Intel Core i5-11400 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 16GB | 512GB SSD |
| MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Gaming Motherboard |
|
Intel Core i7-10700K | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti | 16GB | 1TB SSD |
| Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Business Class Desktop |
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Intel Core i5-4570 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti | 8GB | 500GB HDD |
| Gaming DELL Optiplex Tower Computer Desktop PC |
|
Intel Core i5-9400 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 | 8GB | 1TB HDD |
| Alienware R10 Gaming Desktop |
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Intel Core i7-10700K | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | 16GB | 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Tablet
Performance and Hardware
Graphics Card
Storage Options
Pre-built vs. Custom Build
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best gaming desktop requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a seamless gaming experience. High-performance hardware, including a powerful processor and graphics card, combined with ample RAM and fast storage, will contribute to smooth gameplay and reduced loading times. Adequate cooling and upgradeability options allow for future-proofing your system.
Ultimately, the decision between a pre-built gaming desktop and a custom-built one depends on your preferences and technical expertise. Whichever option you choose, prioritize good warranty coverage and customer support for peace of mind.
By following these guidelines and conducting thorough research, you’ll be well-equipped to select the best gaming desktop that aligns with your gaming preferences and budget, providing you with hours of immersive gaming enjoyment.
Further Reading
Best Business Desktops for 2023: Efficient and Reliable
Updated : Jan 30, 2024
2023’s Best Budget-Friendly Desktop Computers
Updated : Jan 31, 2024
The Best Keyboards for 2023
Updated : Jan 31, 2024