Are you looking to buy a new gaming computer but don't know where to start?
This comprehensive 2024 guide covers everything you need to know to pick the best gaming PC.
Why Buy a Gaming Computer?
Key reasons to invest in a dedicated gaming desktop:
- Powerful hardware – Gaming rigs have graphics cards and processors to handle demanding games.
- Easy to upgrade – Many gaming PCs allow you to swap components like GPUs.
- Extensive customization - Tailor configurations to your specific preferences.
- Future-proof - With the right specs, gaming computers provide long-lasting performance.
Factors to Consider
- Critical components to factor when selecting a gaming PC:
- Graphics Card (GPU)
The GPU renders graphics and visuals when you play games. Choosing a higher-end GPU enables better resolutions, settings, and frame rates.
Top GPU picks today include:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / 4090
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX / XT
- Intel Arc A770 / A750
Get a GPU with at least 8GB of video memory. The more, the better for modern games.
Processor (CPU)
The CPU handles important computing tasks in games. A fast processor prevents bottlenecks.
Good gaming CPU options are:
- Intel Core i5-14600K / i7-14700K / i9-14900K
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600X / Ryzen 7 7800X / Ryzen 9 7900X
At least eight processing cores are recommended for gaming today.
RAM
RAM stores data needed immediately by your CPU. Having enough memory prevents lag when gaming.
32GB of DDR5 RAM is ideal currently for gaming desktops. Some demanding games require even higher memory.
Storage
Games take up significant storage space. Using a solid-state drive (SSD) drastically improves game load times over traditional hard disk drives (HDD).
For gaming, get at least a 1TB SSD. A higher capacity allows for storing more games locally.
Size and Form Factor
Gaming desktops come in various shapes and sizes:
- Full tower – Maximum upgradeability. Good for enthusiast multi-GPU builds.
- Mid tower – Provides the right balance for most gamers.
- Mini tower – Compact size but less room for upgrades.
- Laptop – Complete portability but constrained performance.
Prebuilt vs Custom Built Gaming PC
You can buy a pre-configured model from top brands or build your own custom gaming system.
Prebuilt Gaming Computer
Reasons to consider a prebuilt gaming desktop:
- Quick and simple ordering experience
- Warranty and manufacturer technical support
- Hassle-free plug-and-play setup
- Great for folks unwilling to self-assemble
- Custom Built Gaming PC
Why you may want to build your own gaming computer
- Carefully pick each individual part to your liking
- More affordable compared to prebuilt
- Easily repairable and upgradeable in the long run
- Add personal custom touches
Building your own does require you to:
- Research parts for compatibility
- Assemble the system properly
- Handle OS and driver installations
- Conduct troubleshooting when issues emerge
6 Best Gaming Computers for 2024
Alienware Aurora R16
Dell has refreshed their legendary Alienware desktop with 13th Gen Intel processors and high-end Nvidia RTX 4000 series graphics for no-compromise gaming.
Price: Starts from $1,949.99
Asus ROG G15 Gaming Desktop
This Asus prebuilt delivers exceptional value by combining AMD’s latest 7900X CPUs with Nvidia’s premium GeForce RTX GPUs for speedy 1440p gameplay.
Price: Starts from $1,799
Corsair Vengeance i7200
The Vengeance rocks an effective, self-contained liquid cooler and DDR5 RAM out of the box. Expect rapid game launch and level loading times thanks to PCI Gen 4 NVMe SSD storage.
Price: Starts from $2,199
Razer Meca 7 Ultimate
Take liquid cooling to the extreme with Razer Meca 7’s fully water-cooled setup supporting upgradable Intel and AMD CPUs plus Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics for maxed settings 8K gaming.
Price: Starts from $2,899
Origin Millenium 7
Origin PC's bespoke Millenium 7 desktops offer phenomenal performance via quad Nvidia RTX GPU configurations and one-of-a-kind personalized mods tailored to each gamer's preference.
Price: Starts from $1,947
MSI Infinite X 13th
The value-packed Infinite X allows quick access to components via its convenient swing outside panel alongside MSI’s proprietary cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling even under heavy loads.
Price: Starts from $1,699
Ready for Your Next-Gen Dream Gaming Build?
This guide has covered the latest hardware to consider when investing in a high-performance gaming desktop in 2024 + provided an overview of premier prebuilt vs custom PC options.
Reaching out to our gaming consultants at Technoid can assist further in planning upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common queries on purchasing the ideal gaming computer:
Which graphics card is best for gaming today?
For playing at maxed quality 1440p or 4K settings, current top gaming GPU picks are the NVIDIA RTX 4080 and 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX and XT graphics cards with at least 12GB of video memory.
What processor is ideal for modern gaming?
Intel’s latest 13th gen Core i7 and Core i9 chips, along with AMD’s new Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9 processors having at least 8-12 cores, are recommended today for gaming. These packs have adequate multithreaded performance to prevent bottlenecks when gaming and livestreaming.
Is liquid cooling worth it for gaming desktops?
Yes, all-in-one and custom liquid cooling can be worthwhile investments for gaming PCs, especially high-end rigs packing powerful graphic cards that generate more heat. Liquid solutions cool better than traditional heatsinks, allowing your expensive hardware to sustain peak turbo speeds.
How much RAM do I need for gaming?
We recommend 32GB of DDR5 RAM in 2024 for ideal gaming performance. 16GB remains sufficient for gaming at 1080p settings. Getting 2 RAM modules instead of 1 stick enables dual-channel memory support for better FPS, too.
What storage drive is best for games today?
PCIe Gen 4 NVMe Solid State Drives (SSDs) with at least 1 TB of capacity lead in game load time performance compared to SATA SSDs or old hard disk drives. Their blisteringly fast sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s dramatically quicken level loading.