Are you a passionate PC gamer looking to take your gaming experience to the next level? Investing in one of the best gaming desktop computers can provide a huge leap in performance, immersion and overall enjoyment compared to gaming on a standard PC or laptop. Desktop gaming rigs equipped with the latest CPUs, GPUs and other cutting-edge components deliver unrivaled power for playing the newest AAA games at high resolutions and frame rates.
Whether you‘re an eSports competitor seeking every possible edge, a virtual reality enthusiast, or just a casual gamer who wants to max out the graphics settings, a proper gaming desktop is the way to go. But with so many options on the market at various price points, configurations and form factors, choosing the best machine for your needs and budget can feel daunting.
To help you find your ideal battle station, we‘ve compiled this list of the top 10 best gaming desktop computers available in 2023. We‘ve selected a range of rigs to suit different budgets, space constraints and performance requirements, from affordable entry-level systems to monstrous high-end PCs. For each pick, we‘ll break down the key specifications, features and overall value proposition.
One important decision to make upfront is whether to opt for a pre-built machine from a major manufacturer or vendor, or to construct your own custom PC from individually selected components. Building your own rig can be a fun project that provides more performance for your money, but it requires some technical know-how. Prebuilt systems cost a bit more but offer convenience, warranty coverage, and technical support.
Another key choice is between Intel and AMD processors. As of 2023, AMD‘s Ryzen CPUs have a slight edge in terms of performance per dollar, but Intel‘s 13th-gen chips are highly competitive, especially for gaming. For GPUs, it‘s Nvidia vs AMD, with Nvidia‘s RTX 40-series holding the overall performance crown.
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the 10 best gaming desktops you can buy in 2023, starting with our best overall recommendation:
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Alienware Aurora R15 (Best Overall)
Configuration: Intel Core i9-13900KF, Nvidia RTX 4090, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
If you want the absolute best gaming performance and have a big budget, it‘s hard to beat Alienware‘s latest flagship, the Aurora R15. This beast is equipped with a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 processor and Nvidia‘s monstrous RTX 4090, currently the fastest gaming GPU on the planet. You also get ample DDR5 memory and storage space for your game library. The Aurora‘s unique Legend 2.0 case design enables excellent airflow and is tool-less for easy upgrades. The only downsides are the steep price tag and the fact that the chassis is fairly large. -
HP Omen 40L (Best Value)
Configuration: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD
For a more affordable but still highly capable gaming rig, the HP Omen 40L is an excellent choice. This model pairs one of AMD‘s speedy Ryzen 7000 CPUs with Nvidia‘s great bang-for-buck RTX 4070 Ti. 16GB of DDR5 memory is plenty for gaming and multitasking, while a 1TB SSD provides ample storage space. The sleek black case has a tempered glass side panel to show off the RGB-lit internals. At around $2000, this setup delivers outstanding gaming performance and quality components without completely breaking the bank. -
Corsair One i300 (Best Compact)
Configuration: Intel Core i9-12900K, Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD
If you‘re looking for a gaming PC that doesn‘t take up a huge amount of space, check out Corsair‘s One i300. This compact machine packs an impressive amount of power into a chassis that‘s about one-third the volume of a typical mid-tower case. A liquid-cooled Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti enable excellent gaming performance even at 4K resolution. It‘s pricey and not very upgradeable, but the One i300 is a top choice if you want a powerful, quiet and small gaming rig for your desk or living room. -
NZXT H1 Mini Plus (Best Mini-ITX)
Configuration: Intel Core i7-12700K, Nvidia RTX 3070, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD
Want to go even smaller? The NZXT H1 Mini Plus packs capable gaming hardware into a truly tiny Mini-ITX case. Despite its diminutive size, it houses an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The H1‘s vertical mini-case and included 750W power supply make it an ideal choice for a living room gaming setup or for taking to LAN parties. Cable management and airflow are expertly optimized. Just be aware that future upgrades will be limited by the size. -
Acer Predator Orion 7000 (Best High-End)
Configuration: Intel Core i9-13900K, Nvidia RTX 4090, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD
For the ultimate splurge, it doesn‘t get much better than Acer‘s top-of-the-line Predator Orion 7000. This gaming goliath boasts Intel‘s flagship Core i9-13900K processor and Nvidia‘s beastly RTX 4090. It‘s configured with 32GB of blazing-fast DDR5 memory and a spacious 2TB SSD. The angular sci-fi inspired case has ample room for future upgrades and showcases the powerful, RGB-illuminated components within. If you have a giant budget and want a rig that will demolish any game you throw at it, even in 4K, this is the best of the best. -
Asus ROG Strix GT15 (Best Mid-Range)
Configuration: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, Nvidia RTX 3070, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD
The Asus ROG Strix GT15 hits the sweet spot between performance and price, making it a great mid-range pick. With an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, it‘s equipped to handle any modern game with ease at 1440p resolution. The 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD are solid baseline specs. The GT15‘s case has a bold, angular design with customizable RGB lighting and a built-in carrying handle for easy transport to LAN parties or tournaments. -
MSI MPG Trident AS (Best Streaming)
Configuration: Intel Core i7-12700F, Nvidia RTX 3070, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD
For gamers who also aspire to be streaming stars, the MSI MPG Trident AS is a compact, capable and stylish rig. The 12th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU provides ample multitasking performance for gaming and simultaneous streaming, while the RTX 3070 GPU enables high-quality visuals. The small footprint and classy design with customizable RGB lighting make it an ideal streaming centerpiece. Lots of USB ports are included for your webcam, microphone and other streaming peripherals. -
HP Victus 15L (Best Entry-Level)
Configuration: Intel Core i5-12400F, Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD
Just getting into PC gaming and working with a modest budget? The HP Victus 15L is an excellent affordable entry point. This starter rig is built around an Intel Core i5 CPU and Nvidia‘s great value RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, which together provide solid gaming performance at 1080p resolution. 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD are on the small side but fine to get started. The case design is basic but functional with some RGB flair. The Victus 15L lets you get your foot in the door of PC gaming without spending too much, with a clear upgrade path for the future. -
Maingear Vybe (Best Customization)
Configuration: Fully customizable
For maximum flexibility to get the exact specs and look you want, check out Maingear‘s Vybe. This highly configurable gaming desktop can be custom built with your choice of Intel or AMD processor, Nvidia or AMD graphics card, RAM, storage, case design and lighting. Maingear‘s focus on build quality, cooling and customer support make the Vybe an excellent option if you want a personalized battle station that‘s professionally constructed and supported. Just be prepared to pay a bit extra versus do-it-yourself. -
CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme (Best Water-Cooled)
Configuration: Intel Core i9-13900KF, Nvidia RTX 4090, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD
If you‘re seeking the absolute pinnacle of gaming performance and want the flashiest, most advanced cooling setup, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme is sure to impress. It‘s equipped with top-end components including an Intel Core i9-13900KF, Nvidia RTX 4090, 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 2TB SSD. But the star of the show is the custom hardline liquid cooling loop with RGB-lit waterblocks and reservoir. The Hyte Y60 case beautifully shows off the stunning liquid-cooled internals through its huge tempered glass panels. This monster is total overkill for most gamers, but it doesn‘t get much more powerful or eye-catching.
Choosing the ideal gaming desktop for your needs comes down to your budget, performance requirements, available space, and aesthetic preferences. Hopefully this roundup of the top 10 best gaming PCs of 2023 has given you some inspiration and a sense of the key specs and features to look for.
To summarize, our top overall pick is the Alienware Aurora R15 for its cutting-edge Intel Core i9 processor, RTX 4090 graphics, and excellent case design and cooling. If you‘re on a tighter budget, the HP Omen 45L and Victus 15L provide great performance and value at their respective price points. For a compact rig, the Corsair One i300 and NZXT H1 Mini Plus are top choices. And if you want to configure every detail to your liking, the Maingear Vybe offers a world of customization options.
PC gaming offers nearly endless possibilities for fun, immersion and competition, provided you have a capable rig as your foundation. By carefully considering your needs and budget and investing in one of these top gaming desktops, you‘ll be ready to experience the latest and greatest games the way they were meant to be played. Happy gaming!
