The world of gaming PCs is vast, with countless options available. Every year, we meticulously review dozens of gaming desktops to uncover the best of the best. In 2024, the competition is fiercer than ever, but we’ve meticulously curated a list of the top gaming desktops, regardless of your budget.
For most users, the
Alienware Aurora R16
emerges as the top contender. It strikes a perfect balance between affordability and versatility, offering a multitude of configuration options. However, we’ve identified eight additional gaming desktops that excel for different types of gamers, catering to diverse purposes and budgets.
Alienware Aurora R16:
This Alienware gaming PC is crafted for the everyday gamer who seeks flexibility in their build and desires a PC that requires minimal maintenance. While Alienware has faced some reputation challenges, the new Aurora R16 aims to rectify those issues. It marks the first time Alienware has abandoned its signature angular Aurora design, opting for a smaller mid-tower chassis that retains power while minimizing footprint. The price point is also more attractive, with starting prices at $1,300 for an Intel Core i7-13700F, graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD. You can further enhance this configuration with the same processor, memory, and storage, but with an RTX 4070 graphics card, for $1,950. Alienware has significantly upgraded the internals, but the exterior is truly captivating. It’s nearly half the size of its predecessor, without compromising power or thermal performance. Alienware has also expanded design options, now offering the R16 with an RTX 4090, along with Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super GPUs. It’s a high-quality gaming PC backed by exceptional support.
Starforge Systems Navigator:
Ideal for PC gamers seeking a more premium experience. The PC building landscape is brimming with options, but Starforge Systems stands out with its robust build quality, exceptional customer support, and remarkable value. Compared to building your own PC, there’s a modest build fee of around $200 to $300, which is backed by a warranty and top-tier hardware. Unlike many PC builders, Starforge adopts a no-nonsense approach. Your PC arrives free of bloatware and includes useful pre-installed apps like Nvidia App and Google Chrome. Performance is equally impressive, mirroring what you’d expect from a custom-built desktop. Despite the reasonable pricing, Starforge’s build quality is exceptionally high. In addition to a custom liquid cooler bearing Starforge’s logo, the Navigator boasts an abundance of fans and cable combs, maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic. It’s a testament to PC craftsmanship.
Falcon Northwest Talon:
Tailored for PC enthusiasts with substantial budgets. No one crafts PCs like Falcon Northwest, which is why it’s the only company to hold two spots on this list. It’s one of the few remaining PC builders that occupies the boutique niche, showcasing pure craftsmanship in its PC builds – provided you can afford the price tag. At thousands of dollars, depending on your specifications, the Falcon Northwest Talon is reserved for those with deep pockets. You’re not only receiving the pinnacle of CPUs and GPUs available, but also a premium motherboard, power supply, and hard drives. Falcon Northwest meticulously optimizes every aspect of the Talon. Performance is phenomenal, but it’s the attention to detail that truly sets the Talon apart. Each system undergoes a rigorous series of tests, and Falcon Northwest includes the documentation in the box. You’ll also find a bag of Falcon’s own coffee and a mug, solidifying the premium experience. While you might find similar components at lower prices elsewhere, no one can match Falcon Northwest’s quality, support, and meticulousness.
Corsair One i500:
This is one of the smallest PCs on the market, packing the most potent hardware available. It’s perfect for gamers who want high-end components without sacrificing space. The Corsair One i500 shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. Corsair has managed to cram the most powerful PC hardware money can buy, namely the Intel Core i9-14900K and Nvidia RTX 4090, into a PC that’s barely larger than a game console. Despite its compact design, the One i500 barely compromises performance. A key factor in the Corsair One i500’s stunning performance is its thermal design. Corsair tightly packs everything in, with fans strategically placed on nearly every inch of the One i500. More importantly, Corsair utilizes liquid cooling for both the CPU and GPU, significantly reducing the temperature of these power-hungry components. Externally, the One i500 exudes a premium feel. The metal frame is substantial, and Corsair adorns the front of the case with a wooden finish. While the Corsair One i500 comes at a premium price, this prebuilt machine convincingly justifies every penny.
Dell XPS Desktop 8960:
This PC doesn’t look like a gaming PC, but it boasts the necessary hardware to run the latest titles. It’s ideal for remote workers who require a professional PC during the day and a gaming PC at night. If you’re seeking a gaming desktop without the complexities of upgrades and customizations, the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop is an excellent option. It’s a stealthy gaming PC that maintains the appearance of an office desktop but houses some of the most powerful components available. You’re limited in terms of major component upgrades with the Dell XPS Desktop, which is generally a drawback. However, you can still personalize this PC with an Intel Core i9-13900 and Nvidia RTX 4080. You even have the option to configure it with liquid cooling. Configurations start as low as $750, with the first configuration featuring a dedicated graphics card starting at around $1,100. You’re forgoing the bells and whistles that give a gaming PC its signature look, but if you’re content with recycling your PC and upgrading every few years, it’s not a significant concern. While the XPS Desktop seamlessly blends into any office environment, we specifically recommend it for remote workers. You might not want to present your boss with a garishly RGB-laden gaming behemoth; the XPS Desktop is a much more sensible choice, still packing enough power for after-hours gaming.
NZXT BLD Kit:
The NZXT BLD Kit allows you to experiment with building a custom gaming PC and save money in the process. It’s perfect for hobbyists eager to delve into PC building but lacking a starting point. NZXT takes a unique approach to gaming desktops. Instead of shipping a prebuilt machine, you receive all the necessary components, tools, and an instruction manual to assemble the PC yourself. And don’t worry – you benefit from a discount compared to purchasing a pre-built machine. The BLD kits offer exceptional value, with NZXT offering several options. We recommend the Streaming Plus kit, which features an eight-core Ryzen 7 5700X processor, an Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. Overall, the kit is roughly $200 cheaper than buying the cheapest individual parts, compared to the usual $500 to $1,000 building fee charged by brands. If building isn’t your thing, NZXT also offers its custom BLD program. Unlike most system builders, NZXT charges a flat $110 building fee. Otherwise, you pay the exact same price for components as if you bought them individually. PC building isn’t for everyone, but NZXT’s BLD program provides a cost-effective and straightforward way to explore the hobby.
MSI Aegis RS 14:
This is a hassle-free, powerful gaming PC that won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for PC gamers who prioritize power and don’t need to fuss with upgrades. The MSI Aegis RS 14 delivers exceptional value for your money. The design has remained consistent across the past couple of generations, but the latest version combines an Intel Core i9-14900KF with an RTX 4080 Super, granting access to some of the most powerful hardware available. The pricing is truly remarkable. Our recommended configuration includes a Core i7-14700KF and an RTX 4070 Super, available for approximately $2,150. It’s a solid price considering the internal hardware, especially when you factor in MSI’s inclusion of a 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler for the processor. To top it off, MSI bundles a reliable mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse. While not top-tier peripherals, they’re more than sufficient for novice PC gamers.
CLX Sets Hathor:
This is a monstrous gaming PC that doubles as a streaming powerhouse. It’s ideal for streamers who require a dual PC setup but lack the space for two separate PCs. What’s better than one powerful gaming PC? Two, of course. The CLX Sets Hathor is an extraordinary feat of engineering, packing two full PCs into a single case. One is a high-end gaming rig equipped with the latest CPUs from AMD or Intel, alongside the newest graphics cards from AMD or Nvidia. The second is an Intel NUC, handling lighter tasks so your main PC isn’t bogged down. CLX offers customization options for nearly every aspect of the PC. You can tailor the core components like your GPU, CPU, and RAM, but you can also fine-tune the cooler, select multiple storage options, and even personalize the Lian Li case the PC comes in. It’s an exceptional PC, assuming you need the immense power it provides. The Hathor starts at $4,100, and the price only goes up from there. This is a high-end PC for high-end streamers who require a secondary PC dedicated to streaming duties, allowing their main PC to focus on gaming.
Asus ROG Ally:
This is a top-tier handheld gaming device with a special connection that transforms it into a desktop PC. Perfect for gamers seeking a flexible setup that never compromises performance. The Asus ROG Ally doesn’t resemble a gaming desktop, true, but it can seamlessly fulfill that role. The Z1 Extreme chip within the handheld gaming PC is more than capable for portable gaming, but the ROG Ally truly excels as a desktop with the XG Mobile external GPU. This accessory utilizes a proprietary connector, enabling you to connect an external GPU with extensive connectivity to the ROG Ally. With a single cable, it transforms the handheld into a full-fledged gaming desktop, delivering performance that matches its name. It’s one of the most adaptable PC setups currently available for gaming, but it’s not without its challenges. The XG Mobile can cause unusual behavior, particularly when connecting and disconnecting the cable, and the setup comes at a considerable price. However, for many gamers, there’s no better alternative.
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