In recent years, PC gaming has seen an exponential rise in popularity. Thanks to platforms like YouTube and Twitch, it is now more accessible than ever to watch popular streamers playing their favorite games on their top-of-the-line gaming computers. However, it can require a good amount of money to invest in all the necessary parts to upgrade your gaming performance. Fortunately, there are several options of good gaming computers for people looking to play their favorite games while on a budget.
RAM is short for random access memory and is short-term storage that will temporarily hold information for your PC to access. When a user opens up a program, the operating system stores it within the RAM. When it is closed, the RAM clears the memory out. In regards to gaming, RAM is crucial for your computer to access information and data quickly. Instead of pulling game information from your hard drive, your PC will store data in RAM to more promptly load in-game files. Determining the amount of RAM you need for your PC is vital, as it is unnecessary to spend money on a large amount of RAM if not utilized.
The processor is the very first specification that appears when purchasing a gaming PC. This is because the processor determines how a system performs with most software. Generally, processors run between two and 16 cores, with top-end gaming computers most often having either i5 or i7 processors. However, when it comes to cost-efficient PCs, four cores are generally enough.
GPU is short for graphics processing unit and is the specialized circuit responsible for generating images for computers to display. It is the component responsible for making your gameplay pristine and beautiful. The higher the GPU, the better the quality of the images. Generally, when looking for GPUs, the higher the number, the higher the performance. The graphics card is arguably the most crucial element when looking for gaming computers.
Nowadays, most standard computers come with at least 500GB of hard drive space. However, if you intend to use your PC for more than just gaming, it would be worth looking into either upgrading your hard drive space or investing in a second hard drive altogether. As a general rule of thumb, it is essential to buy as much hard drive space as you think you will need, especially with certain AAA games ranging from 50-70 GBs of space per game.
The final question to ask is whether you want a gaming desktop or a gaming laptop. The significant difference between the two is that desktops will have much more power than laptops, but laptops will be a portable option for those who want to bring a gaming set-up anywhere. In this case, it is vital to determine where you will be spending the majority of your time. Desktops are great for those who want to play high-performing games from the comfort of their own home, while laptops are helpful for those who like to play games and require portability to do work outside of the house.
ASUS TUF Gaming F17 Gaming Laptop
Our take: This option is versatile enough to handle various situations, including dependable performance for gaming, streaming and everything in between.
What we like: It has been through various drop tests to ensure damage resistance from unexpected falls, knocks and bumps.
What we dislike: Users have reported some overheating issues after intense use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Our take: Built with the power of a gaming laptop, the OMEN laptop by HP is also great for work, making it perfect for those who want to work hard and play hard.
What we like: Built-in NVIDIA graphics make it a solid choice for gaming on the go, and its desktop-grade power makes it perfect for editing all kinds of work.
What we dislike: Some users reported poor audio quality.
Where to buy: Sold by HP
Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop 2020
Our take: This laptop was made from anodized aluminum for a durable frame while also being thin and compact, making for easy portability.
What we like: Available with different amounts of storage up to 512 GB with an option for an additional 500 GB external SSD.
What we dislike: Some users reported the laptop is not great for compatibility for upgrading specs and drivers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
SkyTech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop
Our take: Available in five different size options, the Ryzen 5 provides the speed and power to play all of your favorite games.
What we like: It has both a Ryzen 3000 AMD processor and GameCache memory card for higher gaming performance.
What we dislike: Some users reported difficulty reaching technical support.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
SkyTech Blaze II Gaming Computer PC Desktop
Our take: Like the Archangel, the Blaze II from SkyTech delivers excellent performance in a sleek black shell with beautiful RBG fans for maximum airflow efficiency.
What we like: For its modest price, the Blaze II can handle all AAA titles as well as massively multiplayer games like Fortnite, CS:GO and Valorant.
What we dislike: Some users reported booting issues and difficulty in reaching technical support.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Our take: The Omen 25L provides hyper-realistic graphics with a whopping 1 TB of storage and memory space for storing all your favorite games.
What we like: It comes with an HP black wired keyboard and mouse included with purchase.
What we dislike: Some users reported a high fan output and noise level.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jared Lindsay writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
