1
Best Overall
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 8 Gaming Desktop Computer
1
Best Overall
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 8 Gaming Desktop Computer
If you have a few extra bucks to spend, this pre-built gaming PC from Lenovo comes fully loaded for optimal performance. Built with powerful specs including an Intel i9 Core processor and a 4080 RTX graphics card, this desktop has the internal power to put out a smooth, lagless, and beautiful experience even for more hardware intensive games.
While the high price (in comparison to other options with slightly lesser specs or less name recognition) is certainly worth keeping in mind, Reddit user Undergrad26 says, “Well, now that I’ve owned it for a month plus...man, it’s incredible! Can’t believe I quibbled over, like, $200 to finally pull the trigger.”
Key Specs
Processor | Intel Core i9 |
---|---|
Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 |
Storage | 128 GB RAM, 8 TB Solid State Drive |
2
Best Value
iBUYPOWER SlateMesh Gaming PC Computer Desktop
2
Best Value
iBUYPOWER SlateMesh Gaming PC Computer Desktop
At a cheaper price point than many gaming laptops, this gaming desktop is an incredibly affordable option that still stands up to the best AAA games.
Beyond the simple specs, this option from iBuyPower is a cost effective choice. Alongside the computer, each purchase comes with an iBuyPower gaming mouse and keyboard.
Another key point with this brand is customizability. If you want to spend a bit extra and upgrade your CPU or graphics card, you can buy the same base model with upgraded hardware built in.
When speaking on the quality of the brand, Reddit users Ghostspider1989 and TheGirthyOne both touted it as a go-to company for gaming PCs built to last and perform over time.
Key Specs
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 7600 |
---|---|
Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 |
Storage | 16 GB RAM, 500 GB Storage |
3
Best Hardware Longevity
Skytech Gaming Azure Gaming PC Desktop
3
Best Hardware Longevity
Skytech Gaming Azure Gaming PC Desktop
Now 10% Off
A gaming PC that offers power and long-term performance, the Azure from Skytech Gaming is a great choice for powerful hardware that lasts.
This desktop comes with an internal heat-spreading mechanism that disperses hot spots using cool air circulation to prevent overheating. This is key when playing games that demand high energy levels from your PC. Beyond this, the Nvidia deep learning program uses AI to render your screen, maximizing frames per second without compromising gameplay.
Like the iBuyPower computer, this purchase also comes with a free keyboard and mouse for a fully integrated, out-of-the-box gaming experience. While they may not be on par with options you’d buy on your own, they are a great combo for gamers just starting their journey.
Reddit user Away-Solution7781 spoke highly of both its performance as a gaming PC, and more specifically, its performance over time, with the Azure continuing to function well even after more than a year of use.
Key Specs
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
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Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti |
Storage | 16 GB RAM, 1 TB storage |
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4
Quietest Operation
Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop
4
Quietest Operation
Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop
Pros
- Quiet internal operation
- Optimized cable management for better internal airflow
Cons
- Many users report to finding PCs with better specs for less
While Alienware may have a controversial reputation with some Redditors who report subpar cooling mechanisms, this Aurora R16 is a particularly popular model among Alienware fans for its chic design, powerful specs, and low noise levels.
Many users found the setup to be incredibly easy and intuitive. Dell runs an automatic diagnostic when powering on for the first time to ensure your device is ready to game.
As for internal specs, the terabyte of internal storage is great for long-term use without an external hard drive, and you can expect the i7 processor from Intel to power through the newest generation of games without issue.
It was also lauded for its sound levels—Reddit user John_Wang says, “I received my R16...last Thursday. Booted up great and have had no issues at all. Upgraded from a PC I built 20 years ago and it is absurd how quiet the R16 is compared to that.”
Key Specs
Processor | Intel Core i7-13700F |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 |
Storage | 16 GB RAM, 1 TB storage |
5
Best Power for Price
Corsair Vengeance i7400 Series Gaming PC
5
Best Power for Price
Corsair Vengeance i7400 Series Gaming PC
Pros
- Synchronized RGB lighting
- Higher than average RAM
Cons
- Temps noticeably rise after long hours of gaming
For close to the same level of power without paying the same prices as a Lenovo Legion model, this Vengeance i7400 from Corsair offers a lot of horsepower for a few thousand dollars less.
The 32 gigabytes of RAM on this PC are more than double many of the options on this list. This added memory takes a lot of pressure off the rest of the computer when it is multitasking.
If you are gaming, but want to listen to some music, or have an added screen that’s playing a TV show in the background, have no fear—that added RAM handles all of these tasks and then some without slowing down your game.
In a mini review, Reddit user Peterpotamus says, “The price tag ends up being a bit more than I could have built on my own by maybe a couple hundred dollars, but the convenience/warranty/tech support is worth it given how my life is these days.”
While we won’t speak to the many troubles of the multi-faceted life of Peterpotamus, it’s clear this a great option for those of us who want to spend precious time gaming rather than tinkering with a PC.
Key Specs
Processor | Intel® Core i7 13700K |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 4070 |
Storage | 32 GB RAM, 1 TB storage |
6
Easiest Setup and Operation
HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop
Pros
- Powerful cooling system to keep temps down
- Comes with HP wired keyboard and mouse
Cons
- Many users have issues with the customer support and tech lines
Another brand with a controversial relationship among Redditors, with many users complaining about HP’s customer service and tech support, this HP Omen 45L has proven to be a shining spot for many. With an easy-to-assemble construction and quality specs across the board, this option has won over many skeptics.
What makes this option a great choice for many is the cooling system designed by HP. It’s built using a liquid cooler radiator which channels in cool air to areas that need it most. This is different than cool air circulation, which disperses heat away from high temperature areas as opposed to bringing cool air in.
When talking about the PC, Reddit user peeshivers243 says, “I just recently got the HP Omen 45L with a 4070 TI. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it (upgraded from a 1650 To laptop).”
Reddit user Detharon555 also heaped praise on this Omen, saying that the computer “doesn’t give me any issues on high graphic games.”
Key Specs
Processor | Intel Core i7-13700KF |
---|---|
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti |
Storage | 16 GB RAM, 1 TB storage |
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
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