Why we love Corsair, Lenovo, Dell, and more

The popularity of gaming PCs has exploded in recent years. Sure, there are plenty of people who won’t abandoned their beloved consoles. But a large number of gaming enthusiasts have been shifting their attention. And with good reason. 

For starters, the games are cheaper and the breadth available is truly astounding. After all, console exclusives are (mostly) a thing of the past. You can use your PC to play the latest strategy and simulation games as well as the top offerings in eSports and first person shooters. Additionally, thanks to the PC’s open platform, you also have access to a wide array of wildly inventive independent games. No matter your penchant and preferences, you’re always guaranteed to find something that matches your mood, skill and desires.

Perhaps just as critical, PCs themselves are sleeker and more affordable. No longer do you have loud, clunky towers overtaking large swaths of space. They are now relatively quiet, power conscious machines that are small enough to remain unobtrusive. 

Moreover, gaming PCs also deliver impressive graphics that certainly rival those of Xbox and Playstation. And they’re even compatible with a variety of controller options; you can use anything from a keyboard and mouse to steering wheel and joystick. Hence you can kick butt with whatever equipment you prefer. Best of all, PCs can easily be modified. That’s right, you have the power to continually alter your computer to ensure the perfect gaming experience.

We assume that you’re now in desperate need of a . Well, as you shop around, you’ll definitely want to pay attention to these facets:

Games You Play: We beseech (yes, beseech!) you to consider the games you play when purchasing a PC. That’s because they’ll dictate the components you’ll need or want — be it super fast processors, high-end graphics, etc. If possible, try and think about additional games you may play in the future. That way you’ll have a system that’s ready to go.

CPU and Cooling: You’ll find that a lot of higher end gaming computers are equipped with six-core processors. This is great if you plan on using the machine for additional tasks such as photo and video editing. However, if you are strictly purchasing your PC for gaming, you don’t actually need six cores. Many gamers suggest cutting back and putting your resources towards improved graphics or better solid state drives.

Storage: When it comes to storage, you have two major options — solid state or hard drive. Ever since their prices have dropped, solid state drives have understandably grown in popularity. After all, they have a faster boot time, load games quickly and have a minimal noise level. Solid state drives also tend to require less power. However, if you’re using your PC for work or activities beyond gaming, you’ll likely want to opt for a hard drive. And it’s definitely the way to go if you need archival storage for video and photos.

Memory:  RAM is certainly another important component of your gaming PC. That’s because games can actually be taxing on memory. Therefore, it’s recommended that you purchase a PC that has a minimum of 8GB of RAM. If you can kick it up to 16GB, even better. This will help improve your computer’s overall performance and curbs any potential bottleneck.

Graphics Card: There’s no denying that good graphics are essential to the gaming experience. More expensive computers typically come with higher end cards. But don’t worry if you can’t afford a pricier model. Most PCs still provide mid-range graphic cards. And if you’re a person who never changes the default settings on your computer, it shouldn’t matter too much. Plus, you can always swap out your card for a better one in the future. 

Audio and Communications:  Many of today’s most popular games are designed with surround sound. Thankfully, the vast majority of PCs are made with on-board, multi-channel audio codecs that deliver a fully immersive experience. Of course, you may also want to consider purchasing a quality headset and microphone as well.

Accessories/External Components: We understand that when it comes to purchasing gaming equipment, the computer is the star of the show. However, don’t underestimate the value of good accessories. These also have a big impact on your gaming experience. You’ll want a keyboard, mouse, headset, and other accessories that are comfortable and guaranteed to run well.

Ability to Upgrade: When buying a gaming PC, your ability to upgrade is key. After all, it’s common for gamers to swap out a component or two as new games and products emerge. And it’s a whole lot cheaper to do this than purchase an entirely new computer. Therefore, you’ll want to buy a PC that allows you to access parts like the motherboard, GPU and RAM. 

Budget/Price: Unless you have unlimited funds, the price tag will also play a role in your decision. If you’re looking for a decent computer with basic to mid-level specs, you can expect to pay around $699. If you are willing to spend $1,000 or so, you can certainly find a solid tower with mid-to-high level specs. And if you’re feeling flush and ready to drop $1,500 or more, you’ll be able to buy a very high-end system with top-notch specs like multiple GPUs and a minimum of two drives (either hard or solid state).

Now that you know what to look out for, you’re ready to peep our top picks.