Are you a casual gamer looking for a plug-and-play solution? Maybe you’re an enthusiast who wants to play the latest games but doesn’t need to max out their settings. Or, you might be more interested in getting competitive and need a rig that can deliver power and performance. No matter the type of gamer you are, there are some PC options that are better than others. Here’s how to decide on the best gaming computer that will meet your needs.
For the Casual Player
So, you enjoy playing games but you’re not necessarily buying the newest releases the day they drop. You know that you want a gaming PC but you’re not sure that you want to spend the time (or the money) building your custom rig. In that case, the best gaming computer for your needs is likely a pre-built PC. Many of these are specially crafted to offer solid performance (no, you won’t be maxing out settings on the upcoming Doom game) without requiring you to take out a loan or max out a credit card.
A good option for you might be the Dell G5 Desktop. It starts around $600 and gives you plenty of options to scale upwards with customizable component options. Storage can go up to a terabyte and RAM can hit 32gb. While the memory is respectable and will last for several years, this isn’t a PC that is going to last forever, especially if you’ve got your eye on some newer games. However, it is a solid, entry-level gaming PC that provides an immense amount of value for the price. It could be the perfect path towards a higher-end PC sometime down the road.
For the Enthusiast
This is where things get a little more complicated. Sure, a ready-to-play gaming system might have all the bells and whistles you need to run graphic-heavy games. You might also want to learn how to build a computer so you can customize each and every component. There’s no wrong answer but, especially if it’s your first outing with a gaming PC, your best bet might be a mid-tier or higher quality pre-configured gaming setup. At around $1,300 (though some savvy buyers have scored amazing deals) the iBUYPOWER i7 9700k combines sheer performance with more affordability. You’re still able to customize components but even the base rig is quality.
If you’re more interested in how to build a computer, the best option for you is to select components that respond directly to your gaming needs. Do you want immense processing power? The AMD Ryzen CPU series packs a punch as do many Intel CPUs. Looking to max your settings to get crisp graphics? Nvidia has you covered. There are plenty of options out there so do some research beforehand to determine what fits your needs.
For the Hardcore Player
While there are ready-built gaming PCs that can handle even the most demanding games, hardcore players are almost certainly going to want to build their own PC. Use tools like PC Part Picker to find components that meet the specs you require. When in doubt, choose one of the most taxing new releases, like Red Dead Redemption 2. Pick parts that not only meet the game’s requirements but also surpass them. This way, you’ll have a fully customized rig that will carry you well into the future.
There is no one “best” gaming PC for everyone but there are plenty of amazing options out there. Whether you’re new to the gaming scene or are a pro with a mouse and keyboard, you’re bound to find something to suit your tastes.