Gaming computers have come a long way in recent years. With the latest high-end components like Nvidia RTX graphics cards and AMD Ryzen processors, today‘s gaming PCs offer incredible performance to power cutting-edge games with intense graphics and quick load times.
But with so many brands and models on the market, it can be tricky finding the right gaming PC for your needs and budget. In this guide, we dive deep on the top gaming PC brands and highlight the best options across laptops and desktops.
Overview of the Top 8 Brands
Here is a quick overview of our picks for the leading gaming PC brands:
- Razer: Well-regarded for premium gaming laptops like the Razer Blade series. High performance but expensive.
- ASUS: Strong lineup under their Republic of Gamers (ROG) gaming brand. Great mix of price and performance.
- Alienware: Premium gaming PCs and laptops with unique sci-fi inspired designs. Now owned by Dell.
- HP: Reliable PCs with excellent gaming machines under their OMEN line. Budget to high-end options.
- Acer: Affordable gaming laptops and desktops under their Predator and Nitro brands. Good value.
- Lenovo: Legendary durability and quality paired with innovative Legion gaming laptops.
- MSI: Impressive selection from affordable to extra beefy gaming beasts. Unique designs.
- Corsair: Best known for PC components and accessories but also offer high-end pre-built desktops.
Below we dig deeper on the gaming computers each of these brands offer and showcase some top models across the budget to high-end spectrum.
Razer
Founded in 2005 in San Diego, California, Razer is now one of the leading names in gaming hardware and is best known for its gaming laptop lineup under the Razer Blade banner. While Razer does offer accessories like mice, keyboards and headsets too, it‘s the premium Razer Blade laptops that really shine as some of the best gaming computers out there.
The latest lineup includes the 14, 15 and 17-inch models of Razer Blade laptops. On the premium end, these sleek black aluminum machines pack massive power for running graphically intense games with high resolutions and frame rates.
For example, the flagship Razer Blade 17 packs an Intel i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics, and a crisp 4K display with 120Hz refresh rate. Even demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 shine on these machines. But with prices ranging from around $2,700 on the high-end, they don’t come cheap.
If saving money is a priority, the more affordable Razer Blade 14 still offers the premium build quality and amazing performance but at closer to $2,000 MSRP. It comes equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processor paired with powerful RTX 3060 ti graphics.
No matter which model you choose, expect top-tier engineering, beautiful high refresh rate displays and highly customizable RGB lighting. Just keep in mind that battery life does take a hit given the energy-hungry components inside.
For those wanting ultimate portability without sacrificing power, Razer gaming laptops have no equal. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the cutting edge hardware inside the sleek unibody chassis.
Recommended Razer Models
- Razer Blade 14 – Premium Performance in Ultraportable Form ($1,800+)
- Razer Blade 15 Advanced – Perfect Mix of Power and Display Quality ($2,500+)
- Razer Blade 17 – Giant 4K Gaming Screen Paired With Leading Hardware ($3,700+)
ASUS
While Taiwanese tech giant ASUS has its hands in all areas of consumer electronics, it‘s their Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand that has become synonymous with advanced gaming gear. Complete systems like the ROG G15 gaming laptop provide nearly unrivaled power to enthusiasts and esports players alike.
What you‘ll typically find with Asus ROG gaming PCs and laptops is a smart balance between the latest in components technology while keeping prices relatively affordable compared to elite brands like Razer and Alienware.
Take for example the ROG Strix Scar 17 Special Edition gaming laptop. For around $2,700 you get bleeding edge performance from an Intel i9-12950HX processor and Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics but packaged in a rugged, aggressive gaming chassis design.
There are also excellent budget options like the ROG Strix G15 which keeps the edgy gamer aesthetic but uses a last-gen RTX 3070 graphics cards to offer strong 1080p performance often below $1,500.
Given the expansive assortment across the premium ROG line, mid-range TUF models and affordable Fusion models, Asus gaming products offer something for all types. Just expect loud RGB lighting and "gamer" visuals on most models in exchange for the value pricing.
Recommended ASUS ROG Models
- ROG Strix Scar 17 – Massively Powerful 4K Gaming Laptop ($2,700+)
- ROG Zephyrus G14 – Ultraportable 14-inch Gaming Beast ($1,400+)
- TUF Dash F15 – Budget-Friendly Esports Gaming Pick ($900+)
Alienware
Initially founded in 1996 and eventually acquired by Dell in 2006, Alienware remains one of the oldest gaming PC manufacturers still around today. While the brand has seen its ups and downs over the years, the latest lineup of Alienware desktops and laptops feature weird yet innovative designs and bleeding edge internals fit for gaming glory.
Many Alienware systems kind of look like they are straight out of a sci-fi future with external cases featuring prominent LED lighting and alien heads. Love it or hate it, the out-there styling sets Alienware machines apart.
More importantly, the brand pairs this standout look with sheer processing muscle via Intel Core i7/i9 CPUs and potent Nvidia 30-series graphics. Considering Dell‘s purchasing power and economy of scale, Alienware PCs can offer better specs for the cost than other elite rivals on the market.
For a solid mix of strong gaming performance, standout looks and somewhat reasonable pricing, Alienware should be on any gamer‘s shortlist. Machines like the Alienware x15 R2 laptop or Aurora R14 desktop offer seriously powerful configs starting around the $1,800 and $1,500 price points respectively.
You‘ll also find premium displays with fast refresh rates across models like the drool-worthy 34-inch, 1440p monitor on the flagship Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED monitor.
Recommended Alienware Models
- Alienware x14 – Impressively Compact Entry-Level Gaming Laptop ($1,200+)
- Alienware Aurora R14 – Top-Tier AMD Ryzen CPU Performance for Less ($1,800+)
- Alienware 34 Curved Monitor – Massive 34" UltraWidescreen Beauty ($1,100+)
HP OMEN
While HP stands as a computing titan first established back in 1939, the company didn‘t enter PC gaming until 2016 with the introduction of its OMEN branded gaming computers. In the years since, OMEN has quickly earned a reputation for affordably-priced yet well-built gaming laptops and desktops.
The sweet spot for OMEN systems are the mid-range configurations in the $800-$1500 zone that stand out from competing "budget" gaming rigs by coming well equipped out of the box. Machines like the latest OMEN 16 and OMEN 45L desktop prove you don‘t have to sacrifice power just because you don‘t want to spend over 2 grand.
The OMEN lineup impresses by pairing new 12th-gen Intel and AMD Ryzen CPUs with potent dedicated Nvidia graphics cards to smoothly run AAA games beyond 1080p HD. You‘ll also find gaming centric touches like customizable RGB backlighting and improved cooling to allow these machines to sustain high framerates when gaming or streaming.
While premium options from Razer and Alienware might push more frames, HP OMEN computers allow reliable high-end gaming performance for hundreds less. For PC gamers not obsessed chasing ultra 4K clarity or 500 fps esports competition, OMEN offers fantastic value.
Recommended HP OMEN Models
- OMEN 16 Laptop – Value-Packed Mid-Range Gaming Laptop ($1,200+)
- OMEN 45L Desktop – Killer Gaming Rig Under $1,500
- OMEN 27u 4K Monitor – Gorgeous 4K Display Under $550
Acer Predator/Nitro
Similar to Asus, Acer has established itself as a budget-friendly alternative for getting capable gaming computers on a budget. With desktops and laptops spread across the Predator and Nitro gaming lines, Acer lets consumers choose just how much "gamer" flair and performance they want.
Machines residing under the fiercer sounding Predator brand like the Helios 300 laptop or Orion 5000 desktop push more power for running modern games at their peak graphical potential. You‘ll get the latest Intel/AMD processors paired with higher-end Nvidia RTX graphics for solid 1440p or even entry-level 4K gaming.
Then there is the slightly more subtle Nitro lineup which makes a few compromises on the processing power in exchange for lower costs. But don‘t let the ostensibly entry-level branding fool you. The newer Nitro models can still hold their own with gaming focused AMD Ryzen chips and RTX 3050 Ti graphics.
Where Acer gaming rigs fall a little short is on build construction which leans a bit more plastic/cheap feeling versus premium metal and glass used on pricier brands. But factoring sheer performance for cost, Acer still impresses if pure power holds top priority over flashy looks.
Recommended Acer Models
- Predator Helios 300 – Mid-Range Gaming Workhorse ($1,200+)
- Nitro 5 – Budget 1080p Gaming Laptop Pick ($750+)
- Nitro 50 – Affordable AMD Gaming Desktop ($900+)
Lenovo Legion
Although Lenovo only recently dove head first into PC gaming hardware in 2017, the company‘s Legion branded devices have quickly earned a reputation for innovation and style. By combining Lenovo‘s trademark ruggedness with powerful components from team red and team green, Legion laptops like the Legion 7i have claimed their spot among the gaming elite.
Ranging from budget gaming to drool-worthy desktop replacements, Lenovo Legion computers manage to stand out from the competition with smart design choices not found elsewhere. Clever features like a rotating soundbar on laptops or swappable chassis panels on some desktops demonstrate the extra effort.
You can also expect rock solid reliability as found across Lenovo’s business laptop lineup but with fancy gaming-focused light shows and heat management. The excellent build quality does come at a small premium over some rivals but key businesses perks like improved warranty programs help justify the expense.
Bottom line, while models range from good to absolute monsters, every Legion gaming PC nails the fundamentals and brings that special Lenovo secret sauce.
Recommended Lenovo Legion Models
- Legion 5i – Mid-Range 1080p Gaming Laptop ($1,300+)
- Legion Tower 7i – Serious AMD Ryzen Powerhouse ($1,800+)
- Legion Y25g-30 Monitor – Lightning Fast 360Hz Esports Display ($450+)
MSI
Founded in 1986 in Taiwan, Micro-Star International or MSI stands as one of the biggest computer component and complete system manufacturers serving the gaming community. While the company first started building motherboards, today‘s MSI offers PCs and laptops perfect for gaming glory across any budget.
The extensive catalog of MSI gaming computers can bewilder at first but topping the ladder is the mighty Titan series built to satisfy power users with the absolute strongest components money can buy. Expect to pay upwards of $4,000 for these monster machines like the GT77 with triple fan mechanical keyboards and desktop class Core i9 CPUs inside.
More grounded buyers can select among the advanced Raider, pulse-pounding Vector and value-packed Katana lineups of gaming laptops instead and still get beasts starting under $1,000. Surprisingly powerful considering their lower costs, these MSI laptops prove more budget doesn‘t necessarily mean weak sauce components anymore.
No matter if you have money to burn or just want smooth 1080p gaming without breaking the bank, it’s hard to beat the diversity of quality gaming computers MSI offers enthusiasts.
Recommended MSI Models
- Titan GT77 – Future-Proof Laptop With Absolute Top-End Parts ($4,000+)
- Raider GE76 – Serious RTX 3080 Ti Laptop for $3K or Less
- Katana GF76 – Entry-Level Gaming Laptop Workhorse ($950+)
Corsair
Originally making its name in the PC gaming scene by manufacturing components like power supplies and RAM modules, American company Corsair entered the pre-built system market more recently thanks various strategic acquisitions.
Now complementing its famed selection of PC accessories and liquid cooling products are complete high-performance gaming rigs like the Vengeance a4100. Built around AMD‘s lightning fast Ryzen 5000 series processors and packed with blistering DDR4 memory modules, this compact yet powerful desktop shows off what Corsair can deliver.
But the new star of the show is the VENGEANCE i7200 Series gaming PC which delivers incredible 12th Gen Intel performance paired with premium Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 graphics. It might cost you north of $2,700 but this saucy black+white gaming tower proves Corsair can hang with better known gaming desktop brands.
On the notebook side, the VOYAGER a1600 promises desktop-class gaming thanks to potent AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and the Radeon RX 6800M GPU. At 10+ pounds however, this behemoth gave up portability in pursuit of no compromise power.
While pricier than most on this list, Corsair drops its well-known high-performance PC components into slick packages ready for hardcore gaming or streaming.
Recommended Corsair Models
- Vengeance i7200 – New Flagship Intel and Nvidia Powered Desktop ($2,700+)
- Voyager a1600 – Massive AMD Gaming Laptop with RX 6800M Graphics ($2,500+)
- Vengeance a4100 – Compact Liquid-Cooled AMD Gaming Desktop ($1,800+)
Choosing the Best Gaming PC Brand For You
With so many options on the market, choosing the right gaming PC brand can feel overwhelming. Outside of watching your budget, also consider things like:
Gaming Performance – How strong are the graphics, processor and other internals? Prioritize GPU and CPU for gaming above all else. You want at least a modern Nvidia 3060 or AMD 6600 XT minimum if possible.
Build Quality – Is it durable and put together well? Metal materials hold up best long term and aid cooling. Touch plastic can make systems feel cheap.
Design/Aesthetics – Do you like flashy, aggressive gamer styling or prefer subtle, incognito looks? This is subjective but still important since you’ll be staring at your PC daily.
Future Upgradability – Can you swap out components like graphics cards, memory and storage later? This greatly extends a gaming PC’s usable lifespan before needing full replacement.
Supported Games – Make sure to check your favorite games should run smoothly on any new system you buy. Some weaker or dated PCs struggle with new intensive titles.
Wrapping Up
We hope this deep dive on the top brands serving gamers across laptops and desktops helps steer you toward the right purchase. While favorites like Razer, Alienware and ASUS ROG capture lots of attention, consider checking out value leaders like Acer, HP and Lenovo too.
No matter which system or brand you go with ultimately, take time to understand the core specs and components used rather than fixating strictly on sticker price. This way you ensure stellar gaming performance for years instead of obsolete hardware in just a couple years. Game on!
