Updated March 24, 2022
Best Pre-Built Gaming PC
A pre-built gaming PC is almost always the quickest, most directroute to the latest graphics cards and processors around. Companies like Dell and Alienware who purchase thousands of chips in the midst of the current chip supply crisis system have a better chance of getting hold of CPUs and GPUs than individuals do of acquiring one at the local Best Buy.
Sure, it's satisfying building PCs from the parts you pick yourself, but trying to hunt down those bits at a price that makes sense, or that will ship this side of 2023, is one of the more frustrating PC gaming experiences you can have.
These days the best way to get a hold of a discrete graphics card is by ordering yourself a pre-built online. This beats standing in line outside a store at seven in the morning for an RTX 30-series GPU any day of the week. System builders like Corsair, Alienware, and Lenovo will have an easier time securing these much sought-after parts. Though, it would be best if you prepared yourself for some pretty long lead times, around 3-4 weeks on average.
There are exceptions, with the likes of iBuyPower offering its RDY prebuilt systems for same day shipping meaning you can get a whole new PC, with a GeForce RTX 3080 inside it, in your hands within a couple of days.
The systems below have all of the specs that strike the perfect balance of price and performance. Ideally, your gaming PC will have one of the best graphics cards and the best CPUs for gaming. Whether it's 4K gaming or a decent 1080p system that'll spit out a high frame rate for competitive gaming, there's something for everyone.
To keep you up-to-date with the latest updates and products, we're constantly testing the newest gaming PCs from most major brands and builders to see whose is the fastest, offers the best build quality, and delivers the best service.
Best gaming PCs
(Image credit: Alienware)
1. Alienware Aurora R10 Ryzen Edition
The best AMD gaming PC
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X–Ryzen 9 5950X
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1660 Super–Nvidia RTX 3090
RAM: 8GB–32GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB–1TB HDD + 1TB SSD
Warranty: 1 year (onsite)
REASONS TO BUY
+AMD CPU + Nvidia GPU combo+Ton of USB ports+After sales care
REASONS TO AVOID
-Sounds like it'll take off-Divisive case design
Our favorite Aurora R10 config:
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Ryzen 7 5800 | Radeon RX 6800 XT | 16GB DDR4-3200
If you thought Nvidia GPUs were tough to find, AMD's GPUs are even rarer. But this config delivers both the latest 8-core Zen 3 CPU and the Radeon RX 6800 XT. That's one of the best gaming processors around and probably the best graphics card AMD has ever created. Quite a combo if you're aiming to grab a brand new gaming PC during the chip crisis.
It took a while to come, but Alienware finally listened and created an AMD-focused line of its popular Aurora machines. The latest edition, the Aurora Ryzen Edition R10, delivers the Zen 3-powered AMD Ryzen 5000-series CPUs and either Nvidia's high-performance RTX 30-series or AMD's RX 6000-series graphics cards.
This is one of the few places you might be able to find yourself an AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, too—the red team GPU is actually capable of going toe-to-toe with Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3080.
The latest AMD Ryzen processors themselves are exemplary in terms of both performance and price, with the Ryzen 9 5900X, in particular, is a spectacular chip not just for productivity but also for gaming. That 12-core, 24-thread CPU shows just how far AMD has managed to push its smart chiplet-based Zen 3 architecture to deliver an actually affordable, seriously high core-count processor for a gaming PC.
Those used to purely be server-side specs.
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And where old AMD chips couldn't keep pace with Intel when it comes to gaming, the current Ryzen range absolutely can, especially when paired with one of the latest AMD or Nvidia graphics cards.
There are currently six different configurations on offer, though you can dig in and customize before you buy if you would prefer a different CPU or GPU, or more SSD capacity. Starting with the GTX 1660 Super and a six-core RX 5600X, going all the way up to the mighty GeForce RTX 3090 and the monstrous 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen 9 5950X.
It's worth noting that you should definitely take a look in the configuration options, because the lowest spec option only comes with a single stick of DDR4 memory, which will halve the available bandwidth compared with running a pair of them, even at the same capacity. That costs, however, and there aren't options, for example, to either have one 8GB stick or two 4GB sticks.
Take a look at the SSD on offer, too. Something with a 256GB SSD in 2021 is not going to get you much change out of having Windows 11 and Forza Horizon 5 installed at the same time.
Alienware is offering both the dark and light chassis options for the current lineup and, however you feel about the design, it does certainly make for a striking machine. It's worth stating that the Aurora cases are not necessarily the easiest to upgrade due to their bespoke design. They're awkward to dig into if you want to start upgrading yourself, and you will soon see why they don't offer tempered glass side panels yet once you look inside.
But as a first machine, the Alienware Aurora R10 will not do you wrong. And given the general component drought right now, the fact that you can bag an all-AMD Alienware machine with just a few months lead time is pretty great.
(Image credit: Alienware)
(Image credit: Alienware)
2. Alienware Aurora R12
The best Intel gaming PC
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i5 11400F–Core i9 11900KF
GPU: Nvidia GTX 1650 Super–RTX 3090
RAM: 8GB DDR4-3200–128GB DDR4-3400
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD + 2TB SATA HDD
Warranty: 1 Year (onsite)
REASONS TO BUY
+Toolless access+Upgradeable+Solid after-sale support
REASONS TO AVOID
-Pricey higher end configs-Case starting to show its age
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Our favorite Aurora R12 config:
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Core i5 11600KF | RTX 3060 Ti | 16GB DDR4-3200
This specific configuration of the Alienware gaming PC will get you the impressive RTX 3060 Ti for a sub $2,000 price tag. You'll also get a Rocket Lake Core i5 11600KF; that's an impressively speedy gaming chip that doesn't demand either crazy cooling or a heap of power. This pairing will deliver seriously high-end gaming performance without breaking the bank.
While the extra-terrestrial styling may not appeal to everyone, the performance of Alienware's Aurora R12 gaming PCs remains undeniable. The latest Aurora R12 uses the same compact design as its R9 and R10 forebears and gives the current Intel 11th Gen processors and Nvidia RTX 30-series GPUs a home in Alienware's classic chassis.
Like the Aurora R10 Ryzen Edition, Alienware offers the choice of both Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, but you have to dig into the customization options if you want to pick from either the Radeon RX 6800 XT or RX 6900 XT cards. Outside of that, Alienware offers eight discrete configurations on its site, from low-end gaming rigs, sporting the GTX 1650 Super and Core i5 11400F, all the way up to RTX 3090 gaming monsters.
That gives you a range of Alienware gaming machines from reasonably affordable 1080p gaming right up to blistering 4K workload-smashing performance, and the Alienware AIO cooling system will help keep the cozy interior of the case at a reasonable temperature too.
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While the actual configs Alienware offers are great starting points, like with the Ryzen Edition, it's absolutely worth digging around in the customization options when it comes to picking the right rig for you. Our favorite setup, boasting the Core i5 11600KF and RTX 3060 Ti GPU, only comes with a 256GB SSD, and is sold with a single 16GB stick of DDR4 by default.
The memory thing is something you have to watch Alienware for specifically. In the customization options you can choose to change that to a pair of 8GB DDR modules, running at the same speed and total capacity, for free. That will automatically double your memory bandwidth, and it's a bit off that it's otherwise sold with the weaker solitary stick.
Now, we're not entirely sold on the high-end Rocket Lake 11th Gen CPUs, but the fact that Alienware is now offering the Core i5 11400F and 11600KF in its Intel range is a great shout. Thanks to their Cypress Cove core architecture, the new Intel Core i5 chips make great gaming CPUs and would definitely be our picks if you're looking for a new Aurora R12 build.
We have played with the RTX 3090 version of the last-gen Aurora R10, sans liquid chilled GPU, and in gaming terms, you're not going to get a lot higher frame rates than you would with the RTX 3080 build. That's not a massive surprise given our testing of the RTX 3090 at launch; it only makes sense if you need that 24GB frame buffer for creative work.
The unconventional design of the case exploits every inch of its limited space but initially feels a bit awkward to tinker with. However, access to nearly every part of the PC without tools is a definite plus and expedites upgrades and maintenance. So long as you're familiar with the design. There's an obvious priority on providing a convenient, premium product with some potential for upgrades, and the Aurora design just about accomplishes that goal.
The issue with all gaming PCs and parts right now is availability. And that's currently hitting Alienware as hard as the rest. Picking up a new Aurora R12 rig today means you're not going actually to receive it for a month at best.
(Image credit: Corsair)
3. Corsair Vengeance
The best PC for streaming
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to AMD 5900X | Intel 10850K
GPU: Up to AMD RX 6800 XT | Nvidia RTX 3090
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200
Storage: 2x 2TB SSD
Warranty: 2 year
REASONS TO BUY
+Solid Performance+4K Capture Card+Cool Case
REASONS TO AVOID
-No such thing as an entry-level offering-Desperately needs a larger SSD
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Our favorite Corsair Vengeance config:
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Ryzen 5 5600X | RTX 3070
The Vengeance a7200 machine comes with the latest hardware from AMD and Nvidia and will make for one supremely powerful gaming PC straight out of the box. This configuration comes with the outstanding hex-core Ryzen CPU, and Nvidia's outstanding RTX 3070. You'll also find 16GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, properly configured in dual channel mode, and a 1TB SSD.
There's a reason Razer is desperate to follow Corsair's lead; it's one of the biggest names in PC gaming hardware right now. Through continual product expansion, and some super smart acquisitions, Corsair now has its fingers in pretty much every facet of our hobby.
In fact, CPUs, motherboards, and GPUs are the only places you won't find a Corsair logo, but with its impressive line of premium gaming PCs that logo will still contain all three; the very finest of all that technical jazz.
And, if you're looking to kick start your career as the next big Twitch streamer, Corsair's integration of Elgato streaming tech in its PCs means they're a great option for the budding stream-star.
Likewise the powerful AMD CPU/Nvidia GPU combo means that you'll be able to play and stream most games without much trouble. What makes this system stand out is the optional inclusion of an Elgato 4K60 Pro capture card in the specific 'Streaming' machines. This allows for delay-free 4K gameplay footage capture from your gaming PC, consoles, or 4K camera via HDMI.
Sure, you can just use OBS Studio, or Nvidia's Shadowplay (or whatever it's calling itself these days) but there will always be some overhead to deal with. Using a professional capture card can really take the load off. And that's especially good for broadcasting a live stream.
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Since Corsair acquired Elgato, it now has access to some of the world's best streaming hardware for its Vengeance rigs. Pair that with Corsair's classic component quality, and you have a recipe for not only great gaming PCs but fantastic streaming rigs too. You've got to hand it to Corsair; it sure knows how to build a fine PC.
We've played with its more bespoke Corsair One PCs, the ones that look like the Mac Pro or softer Series X, and they're great little machines. But the Vengeance gaming PCs are more straightforward, and that means they're also far easier to upgrade down the line.
Corsair's chassis are among the best around, and the most accessible when it comes to getting all DIY yourself, which makes the Vengeance machines a great first PC with a view to getting into the upgrade game later on down the line. The only issue with that is Corsair doesn't really lend itself to the more affordable end of the PC spectrum.
You're not going to get a $1,000 Vengeance rig as an entry-level PC and build from there, so don't expect to hit the budget builds here—Corsair's machines are most definitely premium PCs for the enthusiast.
Read our full Corsair Vengeance A4100 review.
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(Image credit: HP)
(Image credit: HP)
(Image credit: HP)
(Image credit: HP)
4. HP Omen
The best gaming PC around $1,500
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i7 8700
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080
RAM: 16GB DDR4-2666
Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD, 2TB HDD
Warranty: 1 year
REASONS TO BUY
+Powerful components +Designed to remove needless frills and keep costs low
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited Software -Not the most optimal airflow
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Our favorite HP Omen config:
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Core i5 11400 | Nvidia RTX 3060
For under $1,200 you can grab this six-core, 12-thread Rocket Lake gaming PC, one that comes with a robust little Nvidia RTX 3060 with 12GB GDDR6 memory. The standard config comes with 8GB dual-channel memory, and a 256GB SSD, but there are configuration options galore to tweak, and we'd recommend taking a look at a 16GB memory spec with a larger SSD if you can afford it.
Hewlett Packard has been around since before the Second World War, and that historical expertise is evident in the design and construction of the Omen Obelisk. The Obelisk is highly customizable, starting with a GTX 1660 Super and Ryzen 5 3600 and reaching some top-class parts, including the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080. We received the original review unit packed an RTX 2080 and an 8th Gen Core i7 8700, but we've come a long way since then.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the Obelisk is the price tag. Despite the high-end RTX card and that rock-solid CPU (as well as 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and 2TB HDD), the Obelisks comes in just under $2,000. This is primarily due to HP trimming off all the non-essential frills that tend to pad out the price of several similarly specced machines.
You won't find an over-elaborate liquid cooling system or a massive suite of spectacular RGB lighting; the Obelisk is an appropriately named dense black block of computing power. If you value smooth lines and compact design over the flash and spectacle of RGB, you'll appreciate the dark, slightly brooding aesthetic of the Obelisk.
It's similarly configured to the slightly more expensive Corsair Vengeance, but it comes in a much smaller frame. While on the one hand, there's less space to muck around in the case if you do decide to upgrade in the future, the Obelisk can slip easily into much tighter spaces than a larger case and is easier to transport. It's the epitome of function over form and is available at a great price.
Read our full HP Omen Obelisk review.
(Image credit: Origin)
5. Origin Chronos
The best AMD-powered small form factor PC
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
GPU: Up to RTX 3080 Ti
RAM: Up to 32GB 3,000MHz
Storage: Gen4 PCIe SSD up to 2TB
Warranty: 1 year
REASONS TO BUY
+Powerful Micro gaming rig+Vertical or horizontal positioning+Huge choice of components
REASONS TO AVOID
-Wifi not great-Limited storage options
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Our favorite Origin Chronos config:
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Ryzen 9 5900X | RTX 3080
Configure the Chronos with our favorite Zen 3 CPU from AMD and the mighty RTX 3080 GPU from Nvidia, and this small form factor Chronos v2 machine can be both a stunning gaming rig and a hell of a workstation machine too. Especially if you're after something that isn't the size of a house too.
Origin PC's Chronos machine is a slight form factor build that can house the most powerful gaming components around. And, to be honest, the fact you can squeeze a 12-core Ryzen 9 5900X and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 in there means you could have yourself one hell of a powerful workstation too. That next-gen hardware is now available in the Chronos V2 design.
But that way lies supreme expense. Origin PCs aren't cheap, but they are well-built, super customizable, and you could still create a far more affordable gaming machine from a Ryzen 5 5600X and an RTX 3060 pairing. If you're not sold on the actual Origin Chronos chassis and maybe fancy a little more Perspex in your build, you can go for the lovely Fractal Define Nano S instead. There's also the Fractal ERA if you're the serious type.
That will negate any potential thermal issues you might encounter, dropping super high-end components into the smaller confines of the Chronos case.
Best gaming keyboard | Best gaming mouse | Best gaming chair
Best VR headset | Best wireless gaming mouse | Best CPU for gaming
(Image credit: Corsair)
6. Corsair One A200
Our special pick
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 / Intel Core i7–i9
GPU: Up to RTX 3080 Ti
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4 3200
Storage: Gen4 PCIe SSD up to 2TB
Warranty: 2 year
REASONS TO BUY
+Unfettered performance for 4K gaming+Simple and easy to use+Surprisingly quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
-CPU runs a little hot-Not easily upgradeable
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Our favorite Corsair One config:
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Corsair One A200 | RTX 3080 + Ryzen 9 5900X
While we do love an overpowered machine, the savvy combination of Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5900X means this machines runs quietly and still offers extreme gaming and creative performance.
BEST GAMING LAPTOPS
(Image credit: Future)
If you prefer gaming on-the-go, you'll want to take a look at our best gaming laptop guide.
Corsair has overhauled its compact One gaming PCs with the latest parts from both AMD and Nvidia—and we're here for it.
The Corsair One A200 delivers top-of-the-line gaming performance, which is perhaps unsurprisingly considering its credentials: up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. It's wild what you can stuff into such a small chassis nowadays and have it run reasonably cool and quiet too.
The Corsair One achieves this by using two compact liquid coolers, one for the CPU and one for the GPU. You'll have to adjust your expectations for CPU temperatures perhaps a little above your comfort zone during intense operations, but nothing these chips aren't built to handle day in, day out.
It's an impressive PC given its small stature—you could happily sit this PC on your desktop and still leave plenty of room for your gamer drinks and tinted glasses.
Read our full Corsair One A200 review.
Best Gaming PC FAQ
Why buy a pre-built gaming PC?
One of the most significant advantages of building your PC is the ability to hand-pick every single component in the system. This allows you to take your time shopping around for deals and finding the perfect combination of parts to fit your budget and performance needs. The downside for most inexperienced builders is that this process can take some time and cause quite a headache if something goes wrong. You only get warranties on the individual components, not your finished build, and this is where the best pre-built gaming PCs shine.
What do you get for your money in a pre-built PC?
When you pay the premium to configure or purchase a pre-built PC, you pay for more than just the parts. You pay for warranty service, support, and peace of mind that professionals put your system together. These are some of the things we value highly when considering what the best gaming PC is. We also look at other unique selling points like design, upgradability, and anything you wouldn't be able to do when building it yourself.
What sets a pre-built machine apart from a DIY build?
One of the most significant factors that make PCs stand apart from the competition is the design. Pre-built systems like the Alienware Aurora R11 or Corsair One use unique in-house chassis designs you wouldn't be able to purchase when building it yourself. You can take some comfort in knowing that these systems were designed and built specially to house your configuration, though that can make upgrading more awkward later on down the line.
When we set out to choose our top choices of pre-built gaming PCs, we look at almost every major manufacturer and system integrator to find the best combination of value, reliability, customer feedback, design, and performance for various budgets and needs.
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