We tested the best gaming PCs from Alienware, Lenovo, and more that offer customization, advanced processors, smooth graphics, and more.
While many gamers prefer to build their own PCs, buying a prebuilt gaming PC is a great option for beginners and hobbyists. The best gaming PCs offer a balance between price and performance while still offering features gamers expect, like Bluetooth connectivity, Thunderbolt support, and updated graphics cards.
Whether you prefer Intel or AMD, both chip manufacturers offer gamers plenty of options for CPUs and graphics cards to get the most out of their game libraries and keep up with the latest triple-A titles.
I’m an avid gamer, and went hands-on with many of the best gaming PCs available, from budget-conscious selections to premium options with price tags to match. My tested pick for the best gaming PC overall is the Alienware Aurora R16 for its 14th-gen Intel Core CPU, extensive configuration options, and options for either liquid or air cooling. Read to see how gaming PCs from other big brands like MSI, HP, and more compare.
Alienware Aurora R16 Best gaming PC overall
The Alienware Aurora R16 is the latest gaming PC offering from Dell, equipped with up to a 14th generation Intel Core i9 processor, up to 64GB of RAM, up to 8TB of storage, and your choice of either an Nvidia or AMD graphics card. It also features both DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity for up to four displays, letting you set up the ultimate battle station or streaming rig.
Read also: The best gaming GPUs (and how much you should spend)
I got to go hands-on with the Aurora R16, built with an RTX 4090 GPU and Intel Core i9, and during my testing, I was impressed with how smoothly everything ran, as well as just how quiet the fan towers were. Even when playing graphically intensive games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Like a Dragon: Ishin, the cooling fans were never a distraction.
Customers who have bought the Aurora R16 also say they love how quiet the fans are, as well as the multitude of configuration options. This machine also has plenty of USB/USB-C ports as well as Bluetooth support for setting up every peripheral you’ll need, from headsets and keyboards to mice and drawing tablets.
Alienware Aurora R16 specs: CPU: Up to 14th gen Intel Core i9 | RAM: Up to 64GB | Storage: Up to 8TB SSD | Graphics: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX | Power supply: Up to 1000W Platinum | Tower type: Mid-Tower
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Best Intel gaming PC
After testing the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 8, it convinced me to make the switch from my AMD-based, custom-built gaming PC. It’s built with an Intel Core i7-13700F CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, making it one of the more powerful gaming PCs on the market. The combination of the 13th-gen Intel Core processor and RTX 40 series GPU meant that I was able to not only multitask writing, editing photos, and doing research for work, but I was also able to play some of the most graphically and processor-bandwidth-hungry games.
Read more: What graphics card do I have? How do check your GPU and drivers
The Legion Tower 5i Gen 8 could handle ARMA III with a ridiculously immense mod pack almost flawlessly since my framerate issues were more likely due to my internet connection rather than the PC itself. The glass side panel of the tower gives you a nice view of the RGB lighting, which you can customize within the Lenovo Vantage desktop app. The tower also has plenty of USB ports as well as HDMI and DisplayPort inputs for connecting up to four displays, though there is only one USB-C port.
Customers who have bought the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i say they agree that the PC offers great components for reasonable prices.
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 8 tech specs: CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-13700F| GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB | Power supply: 500W | Storage: 1TB SSD | Cooling system: Air
HP Victus 15L Best budget gaming PC
Read more: AMD vs Intel: Which desktop processor is right for you?
You can create builds with up to 16GB of RAM, which is plenty of memory for most triple-A and indie titles in your library or on your wishlist, as well as with up to either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT graphics card. You can also include up to a 512GB SSD for your boot drive for faster loading times and file access and a 1TB HDD storage drive for all the space you’ll need for large game downloads.
Customers who bought the Victus 15L say that it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers as well as for anyone looking for a cheaper desktop that can be used for both work and gaming.
HP Victus 15L specs: CPU: Up to 13th gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7000 series | GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT | RAM: Up to 16GB | Power supply: 500W 80 Plus Bronze | Storage: Up to 512GB SSDD/Up to 1TB HDD | Cooling system: Air
HP Omen 25L Best AMD gaming PC
Whether you’re an AMD loyalist or looking for an alternative to pricier Intel-based gaming rigs, the HP Omen 25L is the best AMD-based gaming rig you can buy.
