It’s a no-brainer that getting into Gaming really starts with having a reliable desktop and equipment. That includes not only the PC but also gaming peripherals like a gaming keyboard, mouse, chair, and more. 

And to ensure good gameplay, you’ll want a PC that delivers the frame rates and graphics quality your games need. Follow along as we explore the best gaming PCs in 2023, their pros and cons, as well as the key specs that make them worth the buck. 

Best Gaming PCs in 2023: Our Top Picks

1. Falcon Northwest FragBox — Overall Best Gaming PC

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Pros

• Compact but has good room for upgrades
• Excellent manufacturer warranty
• Quiet but powerful performance
• Good CPU models from AMD and Intel

Cons

• Pricey

Tech Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K, also supports AMD Ryzen 7000™
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• RAM: Up to 128 GB for Intel, up to 64 GB for AMD (both DDR5)
• Storage: 2 TB SSD
• Dimensions: 10.5” x 16.5” x 10.2”

On top of this list is the Falcon Northwest FragBox, which really lives up to the definition of a small-form-factor PC. You can’t necessarily call this one a stunner, but despite its simple look, it does pack a powerful performance. 

It can be fitted with the RTX 4090, which is chunky at about 13 inches, not to mention the other necessary components inside. And what’s surprising about its size is that it still has plenty of room for upgrades. It also uses slimline fans, which are quiet enough to blend in with ambient noise. 

The Falcon Northwest FragBox is a monster when it comes to gaming and content creation thanks to its powerful GPU and CPU. It’s all great, indeed, which is also the reason it’s priced so steeply. Still, if you can get it, you’re in for excellent gameplay. 

2. CORSAIR ONE i300 — Runner Up

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Pros

• Excellent performance
• Compact
• Relatively quiet

Cons

• High price point
• Upgrade challenges

Tech Specs

• Processor: Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900K
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
• RAM: Up to 64 GB DDR5
• Storage: 2 TB SSD
• Dimensions: 14.96” x 6.79” x 7.87”

When looking for both aesthetics and power, the CORSAIR ONE i300 might be a good fit. Its compact design reflects the appearance of a gaming console, with the exception being the top-of-the-line parts inside. 

One of its best features is the ventilation system, which draws the air upward from the sides to the top. This makes it relatively quieter than most other gaming PCs. Its efficient liquid cooling system behind the fans also contributes to this silent operation. 

The CORSAIR ONE i300 is a premium option among the best gaming desktops, so you do have to prepare your pockets if you were to get one. Also, keep in mind that it can be hard to upgrade given its small chassis. But at its top-quality config, upgrading the specs doesn’t seem to be necessary. 

3. Acer Predator Orion 3000 — Best Value for Money

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Pros

• Excellent cooling system 
• Amazing performance 
• Reasonably priced
• Handy headset hanger

Cons

• Fans could be quieter

Tech Specs

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i7-12700K
• Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• RAM: Up to 64 GB DDR4
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Dimensions: 15.2” x 6.89” x 15.43”

The Predator Orion 3000 from Acer is easily one of the gaming desktops that will offer the best bang for your buck. It plays well to the cool factor with its stunning RGB lighting and also performs relatively well in the technical department. 

Its max config sits at a Core 12th-gen i7 processor and also comes with a 512 GB SSD and up to 64 GB RAM. These ensure fast booting and allow you to perform multiple tasks at once. Design-wise, it’s convenient that it has a built-in headset hanger. 

And while not necessarily a deal-breaker, its fans could be quieter. Still, the best thing about the Acer Predator Orion 3000 is its upgradability, even if the base config already supports up to 1440p gaming.  

4. Lenovo Legion Tower 5i — Best Entry-level Gaming PC

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Pros

• Easy to upgrade
• Low-priced
• Great performance for 1080p gaming

Cons

• SSD storage could be bigger

Tech Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
• RAM: 16 GB DDR5
• Storage: 1 TB HDD, 256 SSD
• Dimensions: 16.54” x 8.07” x 15.57”

If you’re just getting started on prebuilt gaming PCs, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i might be an excellent option. It’s easy to upgrade, not to mention that it already uses relatively high specs on the base model with a Core 12th-gen i7 processor and RTX 3070 graphics card. 

You should know that the RTX 3070 is capable of running 4K games and even supports ray tracing and DLSS. This makes the Legion Tower 5i powerful enough to play most video games, at a reasonable price. 

On the other hand, this gaming PC still has room for improvement in terms of SSD size. This isn’t enough reason to avoid it though, given that upgrading your storage is fairly easy.

5. Alienware Aurora R13 — Best Mid Range PC for Gaming

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Pros

• Good performance for gaming and productivity
• Silent
• Handy I/O ports

Cons

• Upgrade difficulties due to custom parts
• Cooler could be better for CPU-heavy workloads

Tech Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700KF
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 
• RAM: 16 GB DRR5
• Storage: 1 TB HDD, 512 GB SSD
• Dimensions: ‎23.2” x 8.86” x 20.01”

The Alienware Aurora R13 sits somewhere in between entry-level and high-performance desktops given its unpolished potential. First off, its technical specs are good enough to support productivity projects and moderate gaming. It also has a good SSD size of 512 GB. 

Its five input and output ports at the front are really convenient. These ports make it easier to connect your headphone jack or USB-C connector in case you want to transfer files quickly. It’s also got a sleek chassis with a style rarely seen among most gaming PCs. 

It’s not all perfect though. Some of the parts of the Aurora R13 are custom-made, which might make upgrades challenging. Its cooling system is also inefficient when the CPU is processing high workloads. 

6. CORSAIR VENGEANCE i7200 — Best PC for 4K Gaming

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Pros

• Great for its price
• Excellent build quality
• Customizable RGB lighting system

Cons

• Fans are a bit noisy

Tech Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i9-10850K
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• RAM: 32 GB DDR4
• Storage: 2 TB HDD, 1 TB SSD
• Dimensions: 18.3” x 9.1” x 17.8”

Another looks-meets-performance pick is the VENGEANCE i7200, which is also from CORSAIR. While it features a classic box-type design, it does have a customizable RGB lighting system with its fans that adds to its flashy aspect. The RGB modifications can be done through the brand’s iCUE app. 

Performance-wise, its powerful CPU and GPU pair, together with 32 GB memory, makes it quite a good fit for playing 4K games. It also has plenty of SSD storage at 1 TB, which is already a good deal at its price point. 

7. iBUYPOWER Revolt 3 i7BG — Amazing Compact Gaming PC

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Pros

• Simple yet attractive case
• Packs a good performance
• Convenient headset hanger and handle

Cons

• Hard to upgrade due to limited options
• I/O ports can be placed in more convenient positions

Tech Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-11700KF
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Dimensions: 9.9” x 7” x 16.1”

Another great performer is the Revolt 3 i7BG by iBUYPOWER. Appearance-wise, it features a low-profile compact build that has a certain charm owing to its patterned monochrome chassis.  

This gaming desktop also has a convenient handle at the top, together with a headset hanger, which makes it very portable. But one thing to dislike about its build is the placement of the I/O ports at the bottom. This not only requires you to vacate its front but also makes it quite hard to plug in your devices. 

It does deliver power when it comes to its tech specs, especially with its RTX 3080 graphics card. It also has an excellent config for SSD at 1 TB. Such a combo is already good enough given the shortage of PC components nowadays. 

8. MAINGEAR Turbo — Best Customizable Gaming PC

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Pros

• Case can be customized with artwork
• Wide gamut of configuration options
• Quiet
• Great liquid cooling design

Cons

• Easily gets expensive for high-end configs

Tech Specs

• Processor: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
• Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, up to AMD Radeon RX 6800
• RAM: Up to 64 GB DDR5
• Storage: Up to 16 TB HDD, up to 4 TB SSD
• Dimensions: 14.4” x 6.7” x 12.3”

Prebuilt gaming PCs can also vary in terms of the configurations even if they’re under the same line. And a gaming PC that comes with one of the widest customization options is the MAINGEAR Turbo. It’s got several selections for various components, including but not limited to the processor, graphics, memory, storage, and even the chassis. 

It’s also got a stunning custom liquid cooling system, which not only looks cool but also packs great performance. Closely related to this are its fans that dissipate air upwards, resulting in it being relatively quiet overall. 

Perhaps the biggest caveat about the MAINGEAR Turbo is its steep price. Of course, how much you’ll potentially pay is your decision since it’s you who picks what gets used in building your PC.

9. HP Omen 30L — Gaming PC With High-end Hardware

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Pros

• Sleek look
• Brand-name components
• Fairly priced

Cons

• Could use a USB-C port on the front
• Cooling system can be better

Tech Specs

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i9-10850K
• Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
• RAM: Up to 32 GB DRR4
• Storage: 1 TB HDD, 512 SSD
• Dimensions: 15.53” x 6.50” x 17.05”

The HP Omen 30L is another gaming PC that delivers above-average performance when it comes to CPU and graphics. This is something you can expect from an RTX 3090 graphics and a Core i9 processor. 

Design-wise, this one definitely feels sleek, especially with its slim build and glass side panels. It also features an air intake fan that allows for better ventilation inside the unit. Despite this, one noticeable downside is its use of only one 120mm cooler fan, which isn’t optimal for its processor. 

What really makes this one a bit unique in this list is its use of high-end and popular hardware brands like Seagate for the hard drive and Western Digital for the SSD. 

10. Falcon Northwest Talon — Premium Gaming Tower

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Pros

• High performance
• Excellent room for upgrades
• Cool appearance
• Premium quality

Cons

• Stellar pricing

Tech Specs

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i9-13900KS, up to AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• RAM: Up to 128 GB DDR5, up to 512 GB DDR4 
• Storage: 2 to 4 TB SSD
• Dimensions: 19” x 8.75” x 17”

Last but not least is the Falcon Northwest Talon, which is perhaps one of the most expensive PCs on this list. Its stellar pricing is quite reasonable though, given that it even offers up to 512 GB of memory (available through the AMD Threadripper PRO processor). 

This gaming PC is built with the word “premium” in mind, which is seen with its fully metal chassis made of aluminum, together with a sleek glass panel. It won’t be an exaggeration to call it the cream of the crop among mid-tower gaming desktops. 

Performance-wise, the Talon is relatively quiet even when playing games, and its barely noticeable noise can also be further minimized using special fans. And in terms of computing power and other tech specs, it’s basically overkill for most video games nowadays. 

Best Gaming PC Under $1000

Thermaltake LCGS Glacier i3510

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Pros

• Quiet fans
• Good ventilation
• Packs great performance

Cons

• Lacks liquid cooling system

Tech Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i5-10400F
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Dimensions: ‎20.59” x 12.56” x 20.28” 

How To Choose the Best Gaming PC for You

While you can just pick a gaming PC based on aesthetics alone, there are some factors that you want to consider to ensure you’re getting an immersive gaming experience. Here are a few considerations you can take when buying or building your gaming PC. 

The Games You Play

You don’t necessarily have to splurge when buying a prebuilt gaming PC, especially when you’re playing games that are not too taxing on the graphics and processor. The Thermaltake LCGS Glacier i3510 is a great option to start with. 

This one uses the RTX 3050, which is one of the best graphics cards for entry-level gaming. It’s also got 16 GB memory, which is well above the minimum of 8 GB. And it’s got plenty of SSD storage. The only downside is its lack of a liquid cooling system, which you might need to spend extra for in case you want to play heavier games. 

This is the first and foremost factor that you need to consider — you must know the system requirements of the games that you want to play. 

Just this year, two games needing a minimum memory of 16 GB were released, namely the Returnal and Hogwarts Legacy. This is just the bare requirement though as 32 GB of RAM is actually recommended for the two.

But in general, an 8 GB memory suffices for entry-level games at relatively low graphics settings (e.g., 30 frames per second).

Graphics

Getting good components for your PC’s graphics is key to playing at higher frame rates and resolutions. In addition, graphics cards have advanced features like ray tracing and deep learning super sampling (DLSS), which further enhances your gameplay. 

The RTX 30 and 40 series of NVIDIA is generally preferred, but they might be a bit challenging to find given the shortage of computer components at the time. 

Get “Just-enough” RAM

Closely tied to graphics is the random access memory (RAM). As mentioned, it’s an integral part of your gaming experience. While RAM as high as 32 GB and up is usually tempting to buy, investing in 8-16 GB memory should be enough in the next few years. 

For example, you can still play Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant on computers with only 8 GB RAM. Moreover, you can still choose to upgrade your PC accordingly if you feel that you’re outgrowing what it can provide. 

Choose SSD over HDD

Having a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) actually matters a lot in your gaming PC. For one, SSDs tend to be quicker than HDDs since they lack moving parts. This leads to faster boot-up for your system and gaming software. It also makes them more durable and quiet. 

An SSD boot drive of 256 GB should suffice, though it would be better if you use it in tandem with a larger HDD for storage. 

Ensure a Good PSU

Aside from the general tech specs, ensuring a good power supply unit (PSU) for your gaming PC is also essential. This would determine whether all the components inside your desktop actually receive enough power to do what they are intended for. 

This also prevents your PC from getting damaged by sudden electrical surges. Plus, an effective PSU may help you reduce your electricity costs by converting AC to DC with efficiency. 

Check the Ports

While there’s no required number of input/output ports on a gaming PC, having enough ports to fill ensures you can plug in all your peripherals and whatnot. Particularly, you want to find or build one that comes with USB-C ports, which support faster data transfers and are much more durable than other types. 

Consider the Size

This factor is primarily subjective — it depends on whether you want a small PC or a bulky one. But objectively, bigger PCs tend to be easier to customize, especially if you’re going to put in some really space-hungry parts inside. Meanwhile, the fun part about compact gaming PCs lies in being portable and helpful in saving up desk space. 

Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs You Can Buy Today

Taking all the considerations above, together with their performance in terms of speed, cooling, productivity, and build quality, here are ten amazing prebuilt gaming PCs in 2023 that made it to our list.

Conclusion

Even if you have great skills, ensuring good gameplay still relies heavily on the gaming desktop that you use. When choosing one, you must consider the system requirements of the games that you want to play, as well as the graphics card, CPU, memory, and storage of the PCs on the market. 

We think that Falcon Northwest’s FragBox is the current best gaming PC in 2023, albeit comes at an eye-watering price. But if you want the best value for your money, you might want to check out Acer’s Predator Orion 3000. 

Best Gaming PC FAQ 

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