Best Gaming Desktop Reviews 2018

The gaming industry is very broad and a new great title is released almost every month! If you are afraid that your PC cannot keep up with the upcoming, resource-intensive computer games released by top manufacturers then maybe now it is the perfect time to invest in a more powerful desktop gaming computer. We had a lot of fun reviewing gaming PCs and selected 5 of the best gaming desktop brands that should be suitable for your gaming needs – whether you are a part-time gamer, or a serious one!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Processor

Storage

RAM

Cooling

Graphics

Our Top Choice

HP 2018 OMEN Gaming PC

Hewlett-Packard, or HP, was founded back in 1939! They’ve always been a strong leader in the technology industry and now they manufacture laptops, desktops, tablets, printers & more.

Latest 2018 release. Windows 10 Home 64-bit. Stylish carbon fiber appearance. Edge vents and cooling fans. Carry handle. Easily upgradable. Tool-less door. 750-watt power supply.

Liquid cooler for the CPU might be louder than expected.

8th Gen Intel Core i7-8700

256GB, 512GB or 1TB HDD

8, 16, 32 or 64GB RAM

HP ENVY cooling liquid

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB

Best Value

CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Desktop PC

CyberPowerPC was named fastest growing private company in 2003 thanks to their dedication and commitment to providing personalized and high-end gaming PCs and more.

VR gaming PC. Oculus tested and approved. 3x as powerful as a 1080p game. DirectX 12 technology for richer graphics. Keyboard and mouse included. Multiple USB ports.

Some suggest the keyboard isn’t of the highest quality.

Intel Core i5-7400 3.0GHz

1TB 7200 RPM HDD

8GB DDR4 RAM

Cooling fans

AMD RADEON RX580 4GB

SkyTech Gaming Omega Gaming Desktop PC

SkyTech is a new company, founded in 2016. Although new, they’re making a stamp on the gaming PC world with their expertly crafted DIY PCs made with all high-end products.

Multiple processors to choose from. VR-ready. Oculus certified. 2TB HDD. 3D NAND technology. Z370 gaming motherboard. Keyboard and mouse included. Windows 10 Home 64-bit.

Some suggest you could build this computer yourself cheaper, but good for someone who cannot build computers.

Intel Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz

2TB 7200 RPM HDD

16GB DDR4 RAM

Liquid cooling technology

NVIDIA GTX 1080 TI 11GB

iBUYPOWER i7-8700K Gaming PC Desktop

iBUYPOWER, founded in 1999, is an industry leader in manufacturing high-quality gaming products. They’re chosen by gamers, eSports tournaments, game developers and LAN centers.

VR ready. 240GB SSD. Liquid cooling technology. 16-color RGB remote controlled shell. 802.11AC Wi-Fi installed. Windows 10 Home 64-bit. Mouse and keyboard included.

Some complaints that the case isn’t as high-quality as the rest.

Intel Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz

1TB 7200 RPM HDD

16GB DDR4 RAM

Liquid cooling technology

NVIDIA GeForce 1070 8GB

Dell Inspiron 5000 Flagship Gaming Desktop

Dell is a world renowned name when it comes to computers. They also manufacture high-quality gaming PCs at a slightly more affordable price than some other brands.

VR ready. Superior performance processor and graphics card. Windows 10 home 64-bit. 5 SuperSpeed USB 3.1 ports. HDMI output. Wireless network connectivity.

Some might prefer an Intel processor rather than a AMD one.

AMD Ryzen 5 1400 Quad-Core

1TB 7200 RPM HDD

8GB, can expand to 32GB

Liquid cooling options

AMD Radeon RX 570 4GB

(Updated May 11, 2018)

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How Do I Choose the Best Gaming Desktop?

In this review, we focused on gaming desktop computers that can fit every budget and which provide upmost performance. Many gamers tend to build their own gaming PCs, but purchasing a ready-made gaming desktop computer (also called a gaming rig) provides several benefits. First of all, you save time because you don't have to build your own PC. Secondly, you can start playing immediately after the gaming rig has been shipped to you. Lastly, ready-made gaming PCs are already fine-tuned to provide upmost performance. Some desktop gaming computers are also less expensive than the components required to build a gaming rig on your own.

If you’re used to building your own computers, it can be hard to hand over the reins and let a company build one for you. That’s why it’s important to go with a brand you can trust. For example, Asus is so dedicated to creating the most hardcore and innovative gaming PCs that they actually founded the Republic of Gamers (ROG) in 2006. They’ve since released a number of new, cutting-edge gaming desktops that are definitely worth a look.

Also, Corsair, founded in 1994, is another brand that manufactures several series of gaming desktops to suit different gamers needs. They’ve got the ONE PRO, Graphite and Carbide series to name a few. Usually, Corsair sells all the parts of a gaming PC separately, so you can choose which parts you want and put them together yourself. However, they recently put 23 years of experience into creating the Corsair ONE PRO which is a self-contained gaming PC all-in-one. So now, Corsair really can do it all!

By the way, if you prefer gaming laptops over gaming desktops (or maybe you want one of each), we've got you covered! Our experts have reviewed the best gaming laptops out there and came up with a list of 5 notable machines that provide peak gaming performance.

Price

As we already mentioned, the price of gaming computers can vary a lot, depending on the features and capabilities of a particular PC. When buying a desktop computer for gaming, think about the fact that a multitude of games will appear in the future and they will demand more and more system resources. It is wise to go with a desktop gaming PC that can easily handle the upcoming titles. Here are some of the most important aspects you need to keep an eye on when shopping for gaming rigs – all things that will impact the overall cost.

Processing power. The processor of a computer is the most important component. It basically dictates how quickly your PC can handle data. Slow processors have troubles playing new games like GTA 5 or Counter Strike: Global Offensive. If you’re a serious gamer, investing in a faster processor is the right thing to do.
Video card. Every desktop computer comes with an integrated video card, but in most cases, the standard video card is not enough to play the latest games. Your machine needs a separate video card to handle objects, animations and visual effects easily and smoothly. Serious gamers put a lot of emphasis on the graphic card, so if you expect to play Starcraft 2 with all visual details on high then make sure you get a decent video card.
Storage. New games tend to occupy a lot of space. For example, GTA 5 occupies no less than 65GB of memory. If you are a serious gamer and plan to buy the upcoming gaming titles regularly, large hard-disk space should be one of your top priorities.

To make the best decision, set a budget right from the start and assess your gaming patterns. Are you a casual gamer or will you spend many hours a day immersed in a colorful virtual reality? Gaming desktops featuring top specs might be more expensive, but they are more fun as well!

Features

Desktop gaming computers usually have a lot of features which can be useful in the long run. It is important to consider the following aspects when buying a gaming rig.

Connectivity options. Some PCs feature Bluetooth 4.0 which is faster and more stable than Bluetooth 3.0. Other computers have a faster Wi-Fi connectivity.
Number and types of USB ports. USB ports are required for your mouse, keyboard, external hard drive and many other accessories. Serious gaming rigs usually feature 2 or 4 USB 2.0 ports and 6 or 8 USB 3.0 ports. As you probably have already guessed, USB 3.0 is faster than USB 2.0.
Warranty period. If you are thinking of spending a thousand dollars or more on a gaming rig, you should be interested in its warranty period. Some rigs are covered for 1 or 2 years in case they get damaged and the manufacturer might offer lifetime customer support.

Construction and Design

Companies that make gaming desktop computers usually put a lot of accent on design. They create gaming rigs that look futuristic, out of the ordinary and eye-catching.

Gaming PCs that feature an "other-worldly" design will enrich your gaming experience. Not only that such computers look amazing, and can even add to the interior design of your room – creating an awesome focal centerpiece!
Desktop gaming rigs come in many color options and feature numerous LED lights. Your gaming computer can have red, blue, green, purple or yellow color accents and the LEDs can display a wide range of colors. This will make your gaming experience absolutely spectacular!
Some desktop gaming computers come with a special keyboard and mouse. Gaming keyboards and mice are more sophisticated and can save you money as you don't have to buy them separately.

Performance and Ease of Use

The performance section is probably the most important when it comes to gaming computers. Various types of processors, graphic cards and hard drives can influence the performance of your rig differently. We will strive to provide concise explanations in this section, without getting too technical, so that you can buy a desktop gaming PC that meets your needs.

Most common processor types are Intel and AMD. They are built by 2 different companies that have always been in constant competition. For Intel, you can opt for various processors, the most important ones being i3, i5 and i7. For AMD, you can go for AMD A-series, AMD Athlon, AMD FX, etc. Intel Core i7 and AMD FX are among the most powerful processors out there.
Most common graphic card types are NVIDIA and Radeon. To be able to play your favorite video games, it is recommended to get a video card of at least 1GB, but 2GB is preferable. If you are a serious gamer, you can go for a 4GB video card. Some high-end desktop computers feature 6GB graphic cards as well.
RAM size and type are highly important. The Random Access Memory or RAM is where a computer processes information. Gamers should go for at least 8GB of RAM to get upmost performance when playing games. 12GB or 16GB is recommended. RAM memory should be at least DDR3 or, if you want your games to run smooth as silk, go for DDR4 which is superior.
Hard disk space and type influence processing speed. If you are a serious gamer, go for a hard disk drive of at least 1024GB or 1TB. Hybrid drives are preferable, although they are a little bit more expensive. Hybrid drives combine HDD space with SSD (solid state drive) memory to increase processing speed. For example, 1TB HDD + 8GB SSD is a common and recommended choice when buying gaming rigs.

What is the Best Gaming Desktop?

We had a lot of fun reviewing gaming desktops and we discovered they can be very varied and sophisticated. The 5 prestigious brands we have selected make top-quality gaming rigs, so let's take a look at some of the finest, most powerful desktop gaming computers you can find on the market this year!

Our Top Choice

The HP 2018 OMEN Gaming PC is the latest in gaming technology all squeezed into an attractive shell, that can also be easily upgraded. If you want to save a few bucks and don’t want the very latest model, you could go for the HP Pavilion Premium Gaming Desktop which has an Intel i5-7400 processor and 1TB HDD.

HP Latest 2018 OMEN Gaming PC – Intel i7-8700K Liquid Cooled CPU, Available in Multiple Sizes

HP Gaming Desktop Omen 880 - 512GB SSD + 16GB RAM | 1080Ti + 750W PSU

Features

Hewlett-Packard, otherwise known as HP, was founded in 1939, almost 80 years ago. They’ve always had a vision to create a better life for everyone, everywhere, through the use of technology. Their vast product range includes desktops, laptops, printers, toner, ink and tablets.

We’re featuring the HP 2018 OMEN Gaming PC as it’s HP’s newest edition to their gaming desktop line. It boasts a power like nothing before, guaranteed to give you that edge and push you to smash those targets you previously couldn’t.

Let’s take a look at the features to expect:

Windows 10 Home 64
Intel Core i7-8700 is an 8th generation processor
Stylish carbon fiber appearance
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8G graphics card
Edge vents are all around, as well as two 120mm fans, to keep it cool
HP ENVY liquid cooling solution
Ready carrying handle
Can upgrade your machine as you up-your-game
Tool-less door and space for four 3.5” hard drives
750-watt platinum power supply
Comes with wired keyboard and mouse

If you like the look of this gaming desktop beast, you’ll be pleased to know it comes in a variety of sizes to choose from.

You can choose from:

1TB SSD & 16GB RAM
1TB SSD & 32GB RAM
1TB SSD & 64GB RAM
256GB SSD & 8GB RAM
512GB SSD & 16GB RAM
512GB SSD & 32GB RAM

So, once you know how much storage and RAM you think you’ll need, you’re ready to get gaming!

If you’re not sure you want the very latest gaming desktop, check out more from the extensive HP range today!

Best Value

The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Desktop PC utilizes the latest technology from industry leaders to provide a powerful VR oculus tested and approved gaming PC. If you want the best-of-the-best, then you might want to look at the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Overclockable Gaming PC which boast an 8th generation i7-8700K processor and 3.7GHz CPU.

CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Desktop Gaming PC, Intel i5-7400 3.0GHz, 1TB HDD – Available with Gaming Monitor

CyberPowerPC Gaming Desktop GXiVR8020A4 - Desktop

Features

CyberPowerPC was named the fastest growing independent company in Los Angeles thanks to their determination and drive to provide consumers with personalized, high-end products. They provide gaming systems, workstations and notebooks to businesses, gamers, educational institutions and government agencies.

The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Desktop PC is an oculus tested and approved VR gaming system, the product of two decades work. You must buy the rift separately, but this gaming PC is ready with 3x the power of a regular 1080p game. They’ve managed this by utilizing hardware from some of the industries leaders. All oculus products are tested rigorously through a 100-point certification program, so you’re only getting the very best.

Let’s check out some more features:

7th gen intel core i5 processor
VR is powered by powerful AMD Radeon graphics
DirectX 12 gaming optimized for richer, more realistic graphics
Multimedia gaming keyboard and mouse included
1TB 7200 RPM HDD
4 x USB 2.0 and 6 x USB 3.0 ports
8GB DDR4 RAM

This awesome VR ready gaming PC can be purchased with a gaming monitor too, if you want to get everything you need at once.

CyberPowerPC has tons of high-end gaming PC’s to choose from; check them out if you’re still undecided.

The SkyTech Gaming Omega Gaming Desktop PC boasts an Intel Core i7-8700K processor and 2TB 7200RPM HDD. Alternatively, if you want to save a few bucks but still get a decent gamers PC you should take a look at the SkyTech Archangel II Gaming Computer instead!

SkyTech Gaming Omega Gaming Computer Desktop PC, Liquid Cooled, 2TB HDD – Available in 6 Styles

SkyTech Gaming Desktop ST-OMEGA-8700K-1080TI

Features

SkyTech, founded in 2016, is a company that manufactures gaming PCs using parts and components bought from other trusted manufacturers like HP, Gigabyte, Asus, Seagate, Kingston and more. They then use these parts to make top-quality gaming PCs but at a more affordable price than if you DIY built one yourself. All their products are assembled and tested before being distributed which reduces the defective rate.

The SkyTech Gaming Omega Gaming Desktop PC is a fantastic balance between performance and price. Although it has the highest end features we’ve seen so far, it’s price is not out of this world. SkyTech is offering this PC in a number of styles, some of which are also VR-ready and oculus approved.

Let’s check out some more features:

Intel Core i7-8700K Coffee Lake 6-Core 3.7 GHz (4.7GHz Turbo) CPU
2TB 7200RPM HDD and 250GB SSD
3D NAND technology
Z370 High Performance Gaming Motherboard
NVIDIA GTX 1080 TI 11GB graphics card
16GB DDR4 2400 memory with heat spreader
Windows 10 home 64-bit
Keyboard and mouse included
Multiple USB ports
Liquid cooling system prevents overheating
Tempered glass shell
Quiet and low vibration 4 x 120mm Thermaltake circular ring LED fans
Thermaltake 700 Watt Smart 80 PLUS Certified PSU

With all these impressive components it’s easy to see why this company is quickly becoming a favorite in the world of gaming PCs.

Although most of the features are the same, SkyTech does manufacture this PC with different processors. For example you can choose between the:

Intel I7 6700K | GTX 1060 Version
Intel I7 7700K | GTX 1060 Version
Intel I7 7700K | GTX 1080 TI Version
Intel I7 7700K | GTX 1080 Version
Intel I7 8700K | GTX 1080 TI Version
Intel I7 8700K | GTX 1080 Version

SkyTech understands that you need to have control over your gaming PC, which is why they offer so many choices. The TI versions of this PC are the ones that are Oculus Rift and HTC Vive certified.

Undecided on this high-tech gaming PC? No worries; have a browse through SkyTech’s other options before deciding.

The iBUYPOWER i7-8700K Gaming PC Desktop boasts an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor and 1TB HDD storage. However, if you would like more storage and don’t mind spending a little extra, you could get the iBUYPOWER Gaming Computer Desktop with similar features but 2TB of HDD storage.

iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Desktop, i7-8700K 6-Core 3.7GHz CPU, 1TB HHD, Windows 10 Home 64-Bit

iBUYPOWER Gaming Desktop Slate 9200

Features

iBUYPOWER has been around since 1999, innovating and persevering to manufacture the very best gaming PC’s and equipment possible. They’ve worked closely with brands such as NVIDIA, Intel, Microsoft, AMD, Western Digital and more to ensure they’re always on the top of their game, and so are you.

The iBUYPOWER Slate 9200 Gaming PC Desktop boasts an unlocked 8th generation Intel Core i7-8700K processor, giving you the power to pack a punch, no matter what game you’re playing. It’s optimized for a high-level gaming experience and also is VR-ready, ready when you are.

Here’s some more features you’ll enjoy:

NVIDIA GeForce 1070 8GB graphics card boast the latest technologies for gaming
1TB 7200RPM HDD storage
240GB SSD
Liquid cooling technology will prevent overheating
16 color RGB lighting shell with remote control
16GB DDR4 RAM
802.11AC Wi-Fi installed
Windows 10 Home 64-bit boasts special features to help you game and succeed
Mouse and keyboard included

This gaming PC tower has all you could need for an unforgettable gaming experience, and with a brand like iBUYPOWER who’s been approved by major eSports tournaments, you know you’re getting a product you can trust.

Looking for something different? iBUYPOWER is bound to have what you’re looking for; check out more from them now!

The Dell Inspiron 5000 Flagship Gaming Desktop is the newest gaming laptop from Dell with a whole bunch of awesome features to enjoy and a keyboard and mouse thrown in. If you want to save some money and don’t need the keyboard and mouse combo, you can get the Dell i5675 AMD Desktop without them too!

Dell Inspiron 5000 Flagship Gaming Desktop, AMD Ryzen 5 1400 Quad-Core, 1TB HDD, Windows 10

Dell Gaming Desktop Inspiron 5000

Features

Dell is a universally known brand, having been around since 1984, with a big dream to help people worldwide through the use of technology. Dell believes in listening to its consumers, understanding what they want and then delivering. Their product range includes laptops, desktops, printers, tablets, gaming products, workstations, monitors and much more!

The Dell Inspiron 5000 Flagship Gaming Desktop is currently their newest gaming desktop, with plenty of high-end features to get excited about. Firstly, they’ve incorporated a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 1400 quad-core processor which offers superior performance. It’s also VR-ready!

Here’s some more features to check out:

AMD Radeon RX 570 4GB graphics card
1TB 7200 RPM HDD memory
8GB system memory but expandable to 32GB
Windows 10 Home 64-bit system
5 SuperSpeed USB 3.1 ports
HDMI output in case you want to view on another device
Wireless network connectivity

Although a more budget-friendly option as gaming PCs go, this desktop still has a whole bunch of high-end features.

Prefer to check out some more options before deciding? Dell has tons of other gaming PCs you could check out!

Get the Best Gaming Desktop of 2018!

There you have it! 5 outstanding gaming rigs that can keep you connected to a fantasy world for hours after hours. Order one today!

Our Top Choice

HP 2018 OMEN Gaming PC

Best Value

CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Desktop PC

SkyTech Gaming Omega Gaming Desktop PC

iBUYPOWER i7-8700K Gaming PC Desktop

Dell Inspiron 5000 Flagship Gaming Desktop