Desktop gaming computers have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to powerful new components that enable immersive, smooth gaming experiences – the likes of which laptops and consoles can‘t match. Custom-built gaming PCs leveraging cutting-edge graphics cards, lightning-fast processors, high capacity memory and more enable quick rendering and high FPS gameplay critical for competitive online play.
In this guide, we cut through the complex upgrade options to showcase pre-assembled gaming desktops that deliver blazing fast frame rates out of the box for popular resolutions like 1080p, 1440p and 4K.
Overview
Let‘s explore Must Have specs like GPUs, CPUs and memory to prioritize, then look at 9 turnkey gaming rigs from various manufacturers optimized for buttery smooth, lag-reduced gameplay in 2023. Prices range from under $1000 to $3000+ for experiences spanning entry-level 1080 gaming through to uncompromising 4K immersion.
I selected these machines based on extensive testing and research into selecting complementary components that avoid bottlenecks. With over a decade of experience building PCs and writing for leading hardware publications, I cut through marketing fluff to focus exclusively on desktops that provide tremendous value and are highly upgradeable.
Vital Components in a Gaming Desktop
Building a high performance gaming PC requires carefully balancing its central processing, graphics and memory subsystems. Here are key component capabilities to understand when assessing pre-built machines or selecting parts for a custom rig.
Target Resolution and FPS
The target resolution and FPS goal determines overall gaming PC requirements…
- 1080p at 60+ FPS – Entry level desktops $800+
- 1440 at 100+ FPS – Mid-range desktops $1200+
- 4K at 60 FPS – High-end desktops $2,000+
GPU (Graphics Card)
The graphics card (GPU) handles rendering all the complex visuals when playing games, making it the heart of any gaming PC. Key specs:
- Raw GPU Processing Power measured in TFLOPs
- Onboard Video Memory Capacity – 8GB to 24GB+
- Memory Interface Width – 256-bit or 384-bit
CPU (Processor)
The CPU feeds the GPU frame data to process. Fast clocks speeds, more cores/threads and cache all help:
- Clock Speed – Typically 3.0-5.0 GHz
- Core/Threads: 6-16 Cores / 12-32 Threads
- Cache: 20MB – 40MB
RAM System Memory
RAM stores data needed quickly access by the GPU and CPU:
- Capacity – 16GB – 64GB
- Speed – 3000MHz to 6000MHz
Storage
Gaming rigs needs fast storage, either via SATA SSD, PCIe NVMe SSD or newer PCIe Gen 4 NVMe options.
Case Size
Gaming desktops come in a variety of case sizes, but mid tower ATX sizes offer the best balance of capacity and footprint.
The 9 Best Gaming Desktops of 2023
Based on the above criteria and intense benchmarking, these pre-built gaming PCs emerged as superb options to experience AAA games with maxed out graphical settings and high FPS for popular resolutions from 1080p throgh 4K.
For each machine below, I‘ll outline key specs, components and inherent tradeoffs compared to alternatives to help you make the right choice based on your budget. Prices ranges from just over $1000 to $3000+.
1. SkyTech Blaze 3.0
Boasting AMD‘s latest Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA‘s advanced GeForce RTX 30 graphics, the SkyTech Blaze 3.0 provides tremendous value under $1200. This combination capably delivers 100+ FPS HD gaming and reliable 60 FPS Quad HD 1440p experiences.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core Processor
GPU: GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 Video Card
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
Storage: 500GB SSD
For the money, going with a Radeon alternative around this price point simply can‘t match this level of 1080p and 1440p gaming prowess. Factor in liquid cooling, ample SSD storage, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and wide ranging RGB lighting control–the Blaze 3.0 cements itself as a leading value gaming desktop.
Upgrading to an RTX 3070 or 3080 later on further boosts performance, making this a smart evolution path for AAA titles released down the road.
2. CLX Set Gaming Desktop
The beauty of the CLX Set lies in its balance pairing ultra fast Intel 12th Gen and Nvidia RTX 30-series horsepower with high resolution gaming monitors. This combination enables uncompromising visual clarity to appreciate all the lighting, textures and details that game developers obsess over.
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700F 12th Gen
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
RAM: 32GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
With a 2560×1440 165Hz monitor included, the CLX Set brings real gaming immersion right out of the box. Expect 90-100+ FPS smoothness in AAA titles with max settings. Having 32 gigs of RAM onboard keeps things fluid when live streaming and multitasking too.
While not cheap at around $2500, there is tremendous long term value built into this machine. Performance and visuals should satisfy even the most demanding gamers. The clean, minimalist case design fits great in any environment as well.
3. OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop
HP‘s compact 25L gaming desktop reviews well year after year for good reason – it provides excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming abilities with legendary OMEN design and cooling innovation.
CPU: Intel Core i7-11700F
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060Ti
RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM
Storage: 512GB SSD
For under $1500, the 25L‘s 10th Gen processing and Nvidia‘s advanced 3060 Ti graphics capably handle new games at over 60 FPS. HP also includes tool-less upgradeability and maintenance to make swapping components a breeze down the road.
Given its compact size and built-in carry handle, I consider the 25L a "console killer" – providing way higher frame rates and visual capability than PlayStation or Xbox units that cost almost as much. It‘s liquid cooled to run quiet too making it great for bedrooms and apartments.
4. CYBERPOWERPC Syber L Desktop
The Syber L gaming PC from CyberPowerPC continues to impress by stuffing unexpected horsepower and features into a creatively compact, console-sized chassis. It‘s a pleasure seeing innovation like this push small form factor machines to new heights.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM 3200MHz
Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Despite its tiny footprint (about 6 inches wide), there are virtually no compromises here – just fast AMD processing and graphics tuned deliver 1440p immersion above 60 FPS consistently. There also great cooling given the form factor restrictions.
If your gaming nook calls for a pint-sized powerhouse, the Syber L gaming desktop is a superb value around $1600. Factor in the RX6700‘s 1080p/1440p prowess plus ample and speedy storage – it cements itself as a compelling living room addition.
5. ABS Master Gaming PC
ABS has centered its Master desktop around delivering reliable high FPS 1080p and 1440p gaming experiences for the money. Powered by AMD‘s acclaimed Ryzen processors and the Radeon 6700XT, it provides serious power starting under $1500.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G 8-Core
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM 3200MHz
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
I‘m impressed by the Master‘s balance of components–leveraging AMD‘s renowned efficiency to enable high frame rates on AAA games without costing a fortune or consuming excess power. At 1440p you can expect 90-100+ FPS on optimized titles.
The Master keeps things like RAM and storage upgradeable as well, adding value long term. If your goal is no compromise 1080p fluidity from a proven hardware combo, this ABS build certainly warrants a hard look while costing hundreds less than rivals.
6. CLX Ra Gaming Desktop
In a world where so many gaming towers look alike, the CLX Ra brings welcome personality with its a futuristic case equipped with crisp RGB lighting. It also packs superb 1440p pixel pushing power starting under $1700.
CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz RGB RAM
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
Despite "only" leveraging Nvidia‘s 3060 Ti GPU, the Ra still provides excellent Quad HD gaming smoothness in excess of 100 FPS for eSports titles. More demanding photorealistic AAA games happily cruise along at 60-75 FPS as well thanks to DLSS AI rendering assistance from Nvidia.
Since this machine starts around $1699, that‘s pretty outstanding 1440p pixel pushing value. Factor in the slick aesthetics, liquid cooling, and plenty of ports, and you have new favorite battlestation capable crushing new titles at visually impressive settings.
7. SkyTech Archangel 3.0
SkyTech gaming PCs like the Archangel 3.0 offer excellent value by utilizing powerful components that drive 80+ FPS 1080p and 100 FPS+ 1440p gaming performance. Rather than cutting corners, premium touches like liquid cooling and vibrant RGB lighting boost aesthetics and acoustics.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
For around $1300, the SkyTech Archangel 3.0 measurably outperforms competing rigs north of $1500 and even $2000. Factor in modern design, liquid cooling, Wi-Fi 6 and a hefty power supply–this SkyTech machine cements itself as a new value leader as we kick off 2023.
While this rig ultimately tops out at 1440p from a resolution standpoint, performance should satisfy most gamers seeking high fidelity, high framerate experiences that avoid hiccups. Upgrading down the road only expands possibilities too.
8. CUK Continuum Micro Gamer PC
In the era of hulking, flashy towers, CUK‘s diminutive Continuum Micro gaming rig provides a refreshing space-friendly option. Despite itsconsole-like footprint, there are no compromises inside thanks continuing engineering innovation.
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900K
GPU: ASUS Dual GeForce RTXTM 3060 Ti OC Edition
RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz (2x16GB)
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Thanks to a custom liquid cooler and 1300W SFX power supply, you can overclock the Alder Lake i9 processor to 5GHz+ without issue. Combined 6with Nvidia‘s acclaimed 3060 Ti, this petite beast chews through 1440p gaming above 100 FPS.
Given its $2,000+ price tag, dropping $400 more nets stronger 3070/3080 GPUs. Yet, if you want no compromise power in one of the smallest enthusiast cases around, this puppy delivers. Did I mention it packing 32 gigs of RAM and WiFI 6 too?
9. Maingear Turbo
The new Maingear Turbo gaming desktop exudes understated yet powerful vibes thanks to Alder Lake processing potency combine with GeForce RTX 3080 graphical muscle crammed inside a compact case. This blend enables 4K gaming without costing over 3 grand.
CPU: Intel i7-12700K Alder Lake
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: 32GB DDR4 3600MHz
Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Leveraging one of the first small form factor chassis to support full-length GPUs, the Turbo gaming PC capably drives 4K gaming above 60 FPS natively on demanding titles. If you want no compromises 4K gameplay starting under $2500 with a Alder Lake/Ampere tag team, it‘s hard finding alternatives packing this much power.
Did I mention clean built-in cable routing, customizable ARGB case lighting and a specially-designed 240mm liquid cooler supporting substantial CPU overclocking headroom? If you have the budget, I strongly recommend test driving the new Turbo.
Today‘s gaming towers enable experiences far exceeding laptops and traditional consoles thanks to cutting edge advancements like PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, next-gen GPU architectures with hardware ray tracing support, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and USB Type C ports sporting Thunderbolt 4.
Choosing the right system comes down balancing your budget with intended resolution, graphical settings and game genres. Tiny small form factor rigs now rival and even beat mid towers of the past thanks to engineering breakthroughs. This expands placement options greatly without sacrificing power.
I‘m thrilled to see enhanced innovation from boutique builders utilizing value-focused components to drive immersive 1080p and 1440p gaming rigs below $1500. Simultaneously, flagship desktops are pushing 60 FPS+ smooth 4K gaming for under $3000 by carefully integrating new bleeding edge GPU, CPU and memory technologies as they emerge.
Future looking enhancements like PCIe Gen5 storage interfaces, DDR5 system memory, and connectivity fabrics like USB4 and Thunderbolt 5 should keep enthusiast tower relevant for years. Not to mention bleeding edge display specs and VR headsets demanding ample graphical overhead.
By understanding key considerations covered and selecting a desktop aligned with your budget, it‘s entirely possible to enjoy consistently high FPS across of variety of game titles and genres right now without breaking the bank.
I‘m excited to revisit this list later in 2023 as new GPU architectures like NVIDIA Lovelace emerge alongside Intel‘s Raptor Lake CPUs and AMD‘s Ryzen 7000 processors – further expanding what‘s possible on the desktop.
