Best Gaming Desktops in 2018

Before we dive into our list, we must recognize the advancements of technology before deciding what type of gaming system you are looking for. To do so, let's highlight some components to pay attention to when shopping for a gaming desktop. The most basic thing to consider is size. Small systems provide a lot of convenience for gamers who prioritize desk space over certain performance features and upgrade capacity. Mid-sized towers are a nice, happy medium and are a popular option for most people. They provide more flexible upgrade options as well as built in cooling mechanisms. Finally, there are the full desktop towers. These systems are often too large for the average desk space, but they can be easily upgraded and can use advanced hardware that smaller systems cannot. After considering size, interior hardware variables such as processors, GPUs, RAM, and hard drives should be compared when browsing for a new PC. Here are some of the best value gaming desktops of 2018.

The SkyTech Omega is the total PC for a very fair price. It is still on the expensive end of the desktops listed, but its versatility and power set the SkyTech Omega apart from the rest of the bunch. The system uses an Intel Core i7-8700K Coffee Lake processor as well as a Z370 high performance gaming motherboard. The GTX 1080 Ti graphics card makes the SkyTech Omega one of the fastest desktops in the industry. Additionally, this PC handles 3D and 4k resolution games very smoothly, which is a difficult task for many desktops in this price range. The SkyTech Omega also features a 16GB DDR4 2400 gaming memory with a heat spreader as well as special liquid cooling to enhance your PC's sustainability. One of the desktop's strengths are the ample amount of ports for connectivity and future upgrades. Overall, this product provides a stylish design and superb performance levels to satisfy all your gaming needs.

The MSI Infinite A is a mid-sized tower that possesses a lot of things you would like to see in a gaming PC. At first glance, the Infinite A features a very unique and eye-catching design. If you are someone who is attracted to a flashy, keen look, then this PC may appeal to you. The system will not fall short of your performance needs either, operating with an Intel Core i7-8700 processor and a NVIDia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card that gracefully processes top-tier games as well as VR. In terms of RAM, the Infinite A ranges from 16GB to 64GB, DDR4 2400Mhz in memory and a 256GB SSD, 7,200-rpm hard drive. Additionally, the PC is equipped with a silent storm cooling mechanism and a convenient port selection that allows it to be easily upgraded.

The Alienware Aurora R7 is a high quality gaming PC with a slick, attractive design. Contrary to a PC like the MSI Infinite A, the Aurora R7 has a pleasantly simplistic design with customization lighting. The system uses an Intel Core i7-8700 processor as well as a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card to handle any game or multitasking need that you desire. In addition, the Aurora's most renowned attribute is its port layout and painless upgrade capacity, especially with features to level up your PC without breaking the bank. The desktop's internals can be simply upgraded with no required tools, and its advanced port selection makes it sustainable for future gaming updates.

The Cyberpower PC Gamer Xtreme is on the more affordable end of the systems on this list. With that said, it provides great value while operating with an Intel Core i7-8700 processor. The desktop uses a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB graphics card, which is slightly less powerful than other items on this list, but we feel is very good value for its listed price. In terms of design, the Gamer Xtreme is on par with many of our favorite desktops, featuring a dual tempered glass side case panel that allows you to see the lights and moving parts inside the system. Overall, this is a very solid desktop with high end parts and design for a very reasonable price.

The Corsair OnPro is a small tower desktop like no other. It is on the expensive side of the products reviewed on this list, but if you make the investment, you will realize very quickly that you get what you pay for. The PC has a sleek design, a custom liquid cooling technology, and is so quiet you can hear a pin drop when gaming. On the inside, this beast is equipped with Intel core i7-7700K processor and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics card. In sum, this PC is one of the most advanced systems on the market and we encourage serious gamers to consider the Corsair One Pro when looking for a new desktop.

The iBuypower Snowblind gaming desktop is as dazzling and attractive as a PC can get. Its transparent LCD side panel grabs your attention right away, allowing you to display media on the desktop itself while keeping you satisfied with its performance. iBuypower integrates Rainmeter widgets on its side panel display which is a very nice touch as well as a glimpse of its smooth functionality. It operates with an Intel Core i7-8700K processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics card, and 1 TB HDD with 120GB SSD of storage. This system will will sustain your gaming needs for years to come, as it is already well-equipped and can be easily upgraded.

iBuypower remains a consistent favorite of mine because of its sensational design and superb performance. The iBuypower 9200 is another testament to that claim; the system is beautiful, and its LED lit steel frame and Intel Core i7-8700K six-core processor continues to impress. The desktop handles high end games effortlessly with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB graphics card, as well as a built in liquid cooling mechanism. With this graphics card, you can comfortably play modern games at high resolution and the system is also a great tool for superior content creation. The iBuypower 9200's renowned feature is its flawless VR game play.

The SkyTech Archangel is another affordable option for gamers. It has a very attractive design, as well as quality internal hardware. The desktop uses an AMD Ryzen 3 1200 4-core processor and a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB graphics card. Ryzen processors have become a popular competitor to Intel processors because of its high quality performance coupled with its affordability. I would recommend this desktop to new gamers because it does not have the most expensive, high end parts that avid gamers yearn for, but it performs very well for the average gaming needs and can be easily upgraded.

The Asus AG11DF Gaming PC is another affordable gaming desktop that performs just as well as pricier systems in the market. Similar to the Archangel, its low cost stems from the well performing, AMD Ryzen 5 1400 quad-core processor. The desktop has a trendy, sci-fi inspired design and is very compact to fit almost any desk space. This desktop is the optimal PC for a new gamer, as it handles most games smoothly and multitasks nicely without a hitch. It is equipped with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 gaming card with 6GB of space, as well as 8GB of RAM. For a budget of around $1,000, you will receive a VR ready, easily upgradable, highly efficient desktop at great value. Those looking for their first gaming desktop should definitely give the ASUS G11DF a glance.

To conclude the list, I figured the CUK Mantis Custom Gaming PC should be reviewed for the lavish spenders out there looking for top of the market performance. This PC is the most powerful system on the list, but it is also the most expensive. We all know the phrase, you get what you pay for. Well, the CUK Trion delivers exactly that, featuring dual 11GB GTX 1080 graphics cards as well as 32 GB of DDR4-2400 RAM. It operates with an Intel Core i7-7700K quad-core processor, and is protected by the brads Polar King liquid cooler. This PC is as future-proof as it gets, and handles high end games at max settings with ease. For the splurgers out there, give the CUK Mantis Custom Gaming PC a look; you won't be sorry.

Each of these gaming desktops are great options for someone who is in the market for a new PC. If you are wondering which is the best choice, it is completely up to what you prioritize in your search. Variables such as price, size, and specific gaming needs will drive your decision. With that considered, I provided a diverse spectrum of PCs that fulfill varying preferences. Each desktop on the list is ready for use out of the box and the benefits of computer games are seemingly endless, so take a look at each link provided and I'm sure you will find the PC that fits your criteria!