Gaming Computer Reviews: 2024’s Top Picks and How to Choose

Picking a gaming computer isn’t just about flashy lights and cool cases. The right gaming computer can bring your games to life, whether you’re aiming for buttery-smooth frame rates or crushing opponents with high-end graphics. With so many new models in 2024, buyers have more choices—and more questions—than ever. This post reviews the best prebuilt gaming computers released this year, highlights their unique strengths, and gives clear advice to help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Gaming PC’s with 20,000 – 50,000 Arcade Games already Installed!

Top Gaming Computers of 2024

Photo by Roberto Nickson

Demand for powerful, prebuilt gaming PCs has soared. Brands are pushing for higher performance, smart cooling, and bold looks. Here’s a closer look at three standout models from 2024.

Alienware Aurora R16

Alienware remains a top name in gaming PCs, and the Aurora R16 is their latest flagship.

Specs:

• 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900KF processor
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super GPU
• 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD

Gaming Performance:
The Aurora R16 chews through AAA titles at 4K. Whether you’re running Cyberpunk 2077 or Baldur’s Gate 3 at ultra settings, you’ll get smooth, crisp visuals. The cutting-edge RTX 4080 Super GPU delivers ray tracing without stutter, and the spacious RAM ensures swift multitasking—perfect for streamers and creators.

Unique Features:
Alienware’s thermal design keeps things cool and quiet. The RGB chassis feels futuristic but also practical. Ports galore mean you can connect everything from VR gear to racing wheels.

Price:
This power does cost. Expect a base model around $2,400, which rises fast with upgrades.

Who’s it for?
Hardcore gamers and streamers who want top-tier performance and eye-catching hardware, and who are willing to pay for it.

You can check out other expert-tested favorites in Tom’s Hardware’s guide to the best gaming PCs of 2025.

Corsair Vengeance i7400 Series

The Corsair Vengeance i7400 targets gamers who want raw power and good upgrade paths without fuss.

Hardware:

• Intel Core i7-13700K CPU
• NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti graphics card
• 32GB DDR5 memory, 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD

Benchmarks:
Games like Forza Horizon 5 or Apex Legends run at high frame rates—even with everything cranked up. The system is quiet under load and handles streaming or video editing alongside gaming.

Pros:

• Easy to open up and upgrade
• Strong performance for the price
• Clean, minimal case design

Cons:

• Less flashy than Alienware options
• Stock cooler might not suit heavy overclockers

Best for:
Enthusiasts who want power now and a clear path to upgrades. If you tweak your rig and want future-proofing, this is a smart choice.

MSI Aegis RS 13th

MSI’s Aegis RS 13th brings performance and value together.

Performance:
A Core i7-13700KF and an NVIDIA RTX 4070 combo deliver rock-solid 1440p and decent 4K gaming. For most titles, settings won’t need compromise.

Upgradability:
MSI uses standard ATX components, so swapping in new GPU, RAM, or storage later is a breeze.

Value for Money:
Competitive pricing starting below $2,000 for strong specs.

Why pick this one?
This model appeals to gamers who want a hassle-free, ready-to-play system that won’t lock out upgrades or empty their wallet.

Looking for alternative options? PCMag has a useful breakdown of the best gaming desktops for different budgets.

How to Choose the Right Gaming Computer

Choosing your next gaming PC takes some planning. Price matters, but so do specs, cooling, looks, and upgrade options.

Key Hardware Components to Consider

Every part of a gaming PC plays a role:

• CPU: Handles game logic and tasks. Top picks include Intel’s 13th/14th Gen i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 chips.
• GPU: Renders frames and effects. The RTX 4070 and higher or Radeon 7000 series boost graphic quality.
• RAM: 16GB is entry level today. 32GB gives headroom for gaming, streaming, or heavy multitasking.
• Storage: SSDs mean fast load times. Aim for a 1TB NVMe SSD for your main games and room for extras.

For a closer look at standard specs, consider what’s being recommended by the gaming community on Reddit: current standard gaming PC specs.

Also, sites like HyperPC explain the best computer specs for gaming, if you want to compare the very latest gear.

Prebuilt vs. Custom Builds

Both paths have clear upsides and downsides.

Prebuilt Systems:

• No technical know-how needed
• Manufacturer warranty
• Faster shipping and setup

Custom Builds:

• Complete control over each component
• Can optimize for quietness, looks, or raw power
• Potentially better value (if you shop smart)

If wrestling with tiny screws and cables isn’t your thing, prebuilt is ideal. If you want every dollar to count or have unique needs (like lots of storage or silent operation), custom builds can deliver the exact results you want.

Visit PC Gamer’s list of best gaming PCs to compare prebuilt options.

Noise, Cooling, and Aesthetics

A great gaming PC isn’t just fast—it should look good on your desk and sound pleasant while you play.

• Noise:
  Cheap fans and power supplies mean more whine and hum. Better systems emphasize quiet fans and airflow paths, keeping things cool and subtle.
• Cooling:
  High-watt CPUs and GPUs pump out heat. Liquid cooling is quiet and effective but costs more. Good air cooling can be powerful if the case is designed for airflow.
• Aesthetics:
  RGB lights and clear cases are cool, but only you know what fits your room. Some gamers want minimalism; others crave a light show.

Conclusion

A great gaming computer turns every game session into something you’ll remember—smooth, fast, and free of frustration. In 2024, top choices like the Alienware Aurora R16, Corsair Vengeance i7400, and MSI Aegis RS 13th each offer their own mix of power, value, and style. When shopping, consider not just the price, but also the specs, ease of upgrades, noise levels, and the look you want on your desk. What do you want most from your next PC—a beautiful case, quiet afternoons of gaming, or the absolute best frame rates? Let us know your priorities and questions in the comments below!