Best desktop for games

Building your own PC is also a great option if you want to make it yourself and upgrade it over time, but for everyone else, these are the best gaming desktops we've tested at WIRED. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Sometimes you just need something small and speedy. For anyone who doesn't have the extra space for a gaming setup or the desire to dedicate a corner of your hangar bay to housing a big old desk, look no further than the MSI Trident X.

It's the perfect size to slip beside your TV or into an entertainment center. Despite its compactness, the Trident X is a powerful gaming machine that can play most anything without trouble.

Alienware's design language used to be all about making computers look like angular space artifacts; cursed objects half-hidden beneath the sands of Mars, humming with indescribable power. More recent Alienware products, like the Aurora R12, embrace a smoother, more organic-looking exterior design, and I couldn't be happier. The Aurora R12 is a powerful gaming desktop, but it's also a conversation piece.

It's smooth, rounded exterior makes it look like a big speaker or some kind of air purifier, and I mean that in the best way. Those design flourishes aren't just for show—that sleek chassis is designed to maximize heat distribution and ensure that cool air is well distributed among internal components.

Going through the configuration tool, you'll want to choose at least an Intel Core i7 processor i3 and i5 are weaker , which will also come with a graphics card from the RTX 30XX lineup, which will give you ample power for your money. Finally, make sure you have enough money for quality peripherals as well. After all, a gaming PC is only as good as its peripherals. Only when coupled with the best gaming monitor and the best gaming keyboards will yours be the stuff of legends.

Testing gaming PCs is always a comprehensive undertaking for us, using it to play not only the latest or hottest games, but also older yet still demanding titles as well, noting things like performance — especially in gaming — and cooling efficiency. Furthermore, we take a look at its design, things like availability of ports, expandability and upgradability, RGB lighting, and accessibility that its chassis offers.

She is fat, queer and extremely online. Computers are the devil, but she just happens to be a satanist. If you need to know anything about computing components, PC gaming or the best laptop on the market, don't be afraid to drop her a line on Twitter or through email. North America. Included in this guide: 1. Invest in one of the best gaming PCs to keep up with all your gaming needs. Reasons to avoid - USB ports selection could be better.

Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R Reasons to avoid - Still very expensive at highest configurations. Lenovo Legion Tower 5i. Connect to large and multiple monitors thanks to onboard Display Port technology Genuine Windows Software:Help keep your business data safe when you buy used Windows computers, preinstalled with genuine Microsoft software from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, MAR.

Play your favorite music files with stereo sound. Easily connect to large and multiple monitors through the installed onboard video connections. Features Intel Core 4th Gen. Following strict requirements and standards established by Microsoft, MAR providers ensure superior quality and a like-new professionally refurbished computer. Your computer will come with a legal Certificate of Authenticity C. How do I know if my computer can handle certain games? How much should a gaming computer cost?

This varies, based on brand, accessories, and technical specs. Best Gaming Computers Updated December BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

Bottom Line. Best of the Best. Check Price. Stellar Performance Bottom Line. Best Bang for the Buck. Trusted Brand Bottom Line. Powerful Graphics Bottom Line.

Portable Convenience Bottom Line. Click here for testing insights. Models Considered. Consumers Consulted. Hours Researched. Updated December Written by Peter McPherson. Table of Contents Buying guide for Best gaming computers What is a gaming computer? Laptop or desktop? Features to consider FAQ.