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10 Best gaming PC desktops 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop ACT1250 - Intel Core Ultra 9 285 Processor, Liquid Cooled, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 1000W Platinum Rated PSU, Win 11 Home - Clear Panel

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,274
Processor (CPU)
Motherboard

Most important from
139 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The Ultra 9 285 processor handles multithreaded tasks, real-time rendering, and AI model training with exceptional precision and speed, showcasing peak performance.
Motherboard
Some users have encountered hardware reliability issues, such as motherboard failures indicated by diagnostic light codes, warranting caution and consideration of warranty support.

The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 is a powerful desktop designed with gamers in mind. It features the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, a high-end graphics card ideal for running the latest games smoothly and with excellent visuals. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5200 MHz, multitasking and gaming performance stay fast and responsive, while the 1TB SSD offers quick load times and ample storage for games and applications.

One standout feature is the liquid cooling system with a 240mm heat exchanger, helping to keep the CPU temperatures low during long gaming sessions and preventing overheating, which is great for maintaining performance and hardware longevity. The 1000W Platinum rated power supply is robust enough to support these high-performance components and future upgrades safely.

The sleek matte black chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting adds a stylish and modern touch that many gamers appreciate. The Alienware Command Center software allows easy control over lighting and performance settings, making it user-friendly for customizing the experience. The CPU speed listed at 1.9 GHz might seem low but this could be the base clock speed with higher turbo boosts in real gaming scenarios. Due to its large 33.9-pound weight and tower size, it is better suited for a stationary setup rather than frequent moves. This desktop is well-suited for serious gamers who want a ready-to-go powerhouse to handle current and upcoming games, support streaming or content creation, and offer solid future-proofing with high-end components and cooling.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,274
Processor (CPU)
Motherboard

Most important from
139 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The Ultra 9 285 processor handles multithreaded tasks, real-time rendering, and AI model training with exceptional precision and speed, showcasing peak performance.
Motherboard
Some users have encountered hardware reliability issues, such as motherboard failures indicated by diagnostic light codes, warranting caution and consideration of warranty support.
#2

MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop: AMD R7-8700F, GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 2TB m.2 NVMe SSD, USB Type-C, VR-Ready, Windows 11 Home : A8NVP-436US

Rating
9.4
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
175 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 included offers great value compared to the high cost of standalone video cards.

The MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop is a strong choice for gamers looking for solid performance right out of the box. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 8700F processor running at 4.1 GHz, which offers plenty of speed for gaming and multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, equipped with 12 GB of VRAM, provides smooth visuals and can handle most modern games at high settings, including VR gaming.

With 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, this system ensures quick loading times and efficient handling of demanding applications. Storage is generous, featuring a 2TB NVMe SSD that allows fast game loading and ample space for large files. The cooling system is well thought-out, including an ARGB air cooler and four fans that help keep the system temperature down during long gaming sessions. RGB lighting adds a customizable visual flair that gamers often appreciate.

It includes plenty of USB ports and supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, with a tower size of 16 x 8.4 x 19 inches, suitable for most desks without taking too much space. This desktop is ideal for gamers wanting a ready-to-go system with high-end CPU and GPU power, lots of fast RAM, and good cooling, while users interested in customizing or upgrading might want to verify additional hardware details.

Rating
9.4
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
175 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 included offers great value compared to the high cost of standalone video cards.
#3

Dell Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming PC - NVIDIA RTX 5080 GDDR7 16GB(Beats RTX 4090) • Intel Ultra 9 285K(up to 5.7GHz) • Wi-Fi 7, Win11 Pro • 1000W Liquid Cooled (64GB DDR5 • 8TB SSD • 2TB HDD)

Rating
8.8
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Most important from
433 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Offers great value for those with the knowledge to upgrade components like the processor and storage, enhancing its versatility.
Storage
Offers great value for those with the knowledge to upgrade components like the processor and storage, enhancing its versatility.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Comes with more power than needed for casual use, making it a future-proof choice for both gamers and content creators.
Motherboard
Expandable storage and overclocking options provide flexibility for users wanting to customize their system.

The Dell Alienware Aurora R16 is a high-end gaming desktop designed to handle demanding games and creative tasks with ease. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor running up to 5.7 GHz, delivering strong and fast performance for gaming and multitasking. The standout component is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card with 16GB of GDDR7 memory, offering better ray tracing and sharper visuals than previous top-tier GPUs like the RTX 4090. This means games will look more realistic and run smoothly, especially at 4K resolution.

With 64GB of DDR5 RAM, this system offers plenty of memory for heavy multitasking, video editing, and streaming without slowdowns. Storage is generous with an 8TB SSD for quick load times plus a 2TB HDD for extra file space. The 1000W power supply combined with liquid cooling ensures stable performance without overheating during intense gaming sessions. Connectivity is well-covered with Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, numerous USB ports including USB-C, making it easy to connect all your peripherals. The motherboard supports the latest PCIe Gen5 slots, future-proofing the system for upcoming upgrades.

This PC is quite large and heavy, which may be a consideration if space or portability is important. The premium components and features come at a high price, making it best suited for serious gamers or content creators who need top-level performance. The Alienware Aurora R16 delivers cutting-edge gaming and creative performance, packed with advanced features that make it a strong choice for enthusiasts wanting a ready-to-go powerhouse.

Rating
8.8
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Most important from
433 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Offers great value for those with the knowledge to upgrade components like the processor and storage, enhancing its versatility.
Storage
Offers great value for those with the knowledge to upgrade components like the processor and storage, enhancing its versatility.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Comes with more power than needed for casual use, making it a future-proof choice for both gamers and content creators.
Motherboard
Expandable storage and overclocking options provide flexibility for users wanting to customize their system.

Buying Guide for the Best gaming PC desktops

Choosing the right gaming PC desktop can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find a machine that perfectly fits your needs. The key is to understand the specifications that matter most for gaming and how they align with your gaming preferences and requirements. By focusing on the essential components and their performance, you can ensure that your gaming experience is smooth, immersive, and enjoyable.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your gaming PC. It handles all the instructions from your games and other applications. A powerful CPU ensures that your games run smoothly and can handle complex tasks without lag. CPUs are typically divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end categories. Entry-level CPUs are suitable for casual gaming and less demanding games. Mid-range CPUs offer a good balance of performance and price, making them ideal for most gamers. High-end CPUs are designed for enthusiasts who play the latest AAA titles at high settings and want the best performance possible. Consider your gaming habits and choose a CPU that matches your needs.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card, or GPU, is crucial for rendering the visuals in your games. A powerful GPU ensures that your games look great and run smoothly, especially at higher resolutions and settings. GPUs are categorized into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level GPUs are suitable for older or less demanding games. Mid-range GPUs can handle most modern games at medium to high settings. High-end GPUs are for gamers who want to play the latest games at the highest settings and resolutions, including 4K. Your choice should depend on the types of games you play and the visual quality you desire.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is where your PC stores data that it needs to access quickly. For gaming, having enough RAM is essential to ensure smooth performance and quick loading times. Most gaming PCs come with at least 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for casual gaming. However, 16GB of RAM is recommended for most gamers as it provides a better experience and can handle more demanding games. For enthusiasts and those who multitask heavily, 32GB or more may be beneficial. Consider the games you play and whether you run other applications simultaneously when choosing the amount of RAM.
StorageStorage determines how much space you have for your games, applications, and files. There are two main types of storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs offer more storage at a lower cost but are slower. SSDs are faster, which means quicker boot times and faster game loading, but they are more expensive. Many gaming PCs come with a combination of both: an SSD for the operating system and frequently played games, and an HDD for additional storage. Depending on your budget and storage needs, you can choose the right combination for you.
Cooling SystemA good cooling system is essential to keep your gaming PC running efficiently and to prevent overheating, which can damage components and reduce performance. There are two main types of cooling: air cooling and liquid cooling. Air cooling is more common and generally sufficient for most gaming PCs. Liquid cooling is more efficient and quieter but also more expensive and complex to maintain. If you plan to overclock your CPU or GPU, or if you live in a hot climate, investing in a better cooling system might be necessary. Consider your gaming habits and environment when choosing a cooling system.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)The power supply unit (PSU) provides power to all the components in your gaming PC. A reliable PSU is crucial for the stability and longevity of your system. PSUs are rated by wattage, which indicates how much power they can supply. It's important to choose a PSU with enough wattage to support all your components, especially if you have a high-end GPU and CPU. Additionally, look for a PSU with a good efficiency rating (80 Plus certification) to ensure it runs efficiently and generates less heat. Consider the power requirements of your components and choose a PSU that provides a bit more power than you need to ensure stability.
MotherboardThe motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the components of your gaming PC. It determines the compatibility and expandability of your system. When choosing a motherboard, consider the CPU socket type, the number of RAM slots, and the types of expansion slots available for GPUs and other peripherals. Additionally, look for features like built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. A good motherboard should support your current components and allow for future upgrades. Consider your current and future needs when selecting a motherboard to ensure it can accommodate any upgrades you might want to make.

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