What is the best gaming PC? There are plenty of different elements to take into account. You don’t just want a graphics card with the highest pixel pushing power; it needs to be paired with the right CPU and plenty of RAM and storage. Those considerations are what the following build lists consider. Each follows a similar format, starting with the graphics card, then CPU and RAM, then storage, and finally the gaming PC case.
These build guides cover three different PC budgets: $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000. Trying to max out every possible specification in a highly expensive build is a surefire way to deplete your savings account, so we’ve picked configurations which use the latest graphics cards, processors, and more, making sure each is the best it can be for your budget. Check out which components you should excavate from your dusty PC parts vault to create your own PC like ours.
Here are the best gaming PC builds:
The best gaming PC build
Graphics card: Nvidia RTX 3080
$1,299.99 Amazon Networking: Wi-Fi
Highlighted gaming PC
Processor: Intel Core i9 10900K
Graphics card: Nvidia RTX 3080
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Gaming PC case: Cooler Master H500P
This HP Pavilion uses a Ryzen 3 5300G, a Zen 2 CPU with integrated graphics, but then adds a dedicated AMD RX 5500 GPU for a nice boost in performance. 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage round out the specs.
$1,000–$2,000
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC | Intel Core i7 10700F | 16GB RAM | RTX 3060 | 1TB HDD/240GB SSD | $1,299 at Best Buy
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC | Intel Core i7 10700F | 16GB RAM | RTX 3060 | 1TB HDD/240GB SSD | $1,299 at Best Buy
This is the sweet spot for getting the most gaming power for your money, and the CyberPowerPC Gaming PC is a great example of what you can get. You get a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 10700F processor, 16GB RAM, and an Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card. This one also has a 1TB hard drive with a 240GB SSD, a great combination for balancing storage and speed.
$2,000+
Aurora R11 PC | Intel Core i9 10900K | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $2,599 at Best Buy
Aurora R11 PC | Intel Core i9 10900K | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $2,599 at Best Buy
If you want the absolute best gaming PC money can buy, this is it. It’s powered by Intel’s latest and greatest Core i9 10900K processor, and an Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics card. 32GB of RAM will ensure you don’t run out of memory, and the 1TB SSD ensures you won’t run out of storage either.
UK Deals: PC Penny Savers
Omen Obelisk PC | Intel Core i7 9700 | RTX 2080 Ti | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $1,999.99 at HP
Omen Obelisk PC | Intel Core i7 9700 | RTX 2080 Ti | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | $1,999.99 at HP
HP is running a great deal on its Omen Obelisk gaming PC for UK customers. It comes with a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 9700 processor, an Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti graphics card, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This is a great deal on a high-end gaming PC, and it’s sure to be popular.
How to build the best gaming PC
We know building a gaming PC can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. When you have done this, you will have a fully working Windows 10 gaming PC, with all the ports and connections that you will need. After some time, you may wish to upgrade individual parts or opt for something to give you an edge in your games.
Here are some basic tips to remember when building up your new machine:
Graphics card Hierarchy: How do graphics cards