Poll: 15 Best Gaming Desktops of 2015. Vote For Your Favorite

Maestro — Thu, 28 May 2015 05:39:28 +0000

Discover the best pre-built gaming desktops in the world. Which one would you choose?

As a PC gamer, you must have already noticed the clear distinction between playing a game on a console and playing the same on a gaming rig. At ultra-high settings, it is pretty easy to spot the graphical superiority that a decent gaming desktop holds over the consoles. Here we are going to take a look at the top of the ladder, pre-built gaming desktops. Keep in mind that each of these desktops offer a ton of customizations while ordering but we are going to check out the basic ones and a look at little into the available customizations. Also, we are not sticking to any fixed price range. Here is the list of Best gaming PCs in no particular order:

15-Lenovo Erazer X700

Lenovo Erazer X700

If this epically designed cabinet case doesn't impress you, I don't know what can?

Processor and Motherboard: This monstrous looking desktop is powered by 2nd generation Intel core i7-3970x or i7-3820 processor (3.5GHz) which can be overclocked (to about 3.8GHz) with a single button click. The system is liquid cooled to prevent the heating up of the computer when overclocked.Graphics: This desktop can support up to 3 displays with the NVidia GeForce GTX 660 as the graphics card.This system also comes with AMD Radeon HD 8950 3GB (dual cards).
RAM: The system is equipped with 12GB DDR3 RAM which can be upgraded up to 32GB (Quad-Channel).
Storage and Optical Drives: It is also packed with 1TB HDD (which can be upgraded up to 4TB) with an additional 128GB SSD in tandem. It also comes with a DVD burner and a 7.1 surround sound support.
Price: The basic version of the Erazer X700 starts at $1699 and the cost goes up with better memory specs and GPUs. With the intimidating design and the great performance parameters, this computer would be a pretty good choice for gaming.

The ultimate chassis design of Lenovo Erazer X700 makes it worth its price

The main issues with this computer are the mid-ranged GPU and the unruly wiring inside the cabinet. The GTX 660 is a much lower end Graphic card when compared to the 980s that are generally used in gaming rigs. But keeping the cost of the entire system in mind, this decision to go with the 660 sounds pretty reasonable. The second issue was that Lenovo was not able to making the interiors as pleasing to the eye as the exterior casing. Being a gamer myself, I have been through countless scenarios where I had to open up the case and work with the insides of my computer and the cluttered wiring of this computer doesn't make my job any easier.

14-Alienware Alpha

Alienware Alpha Teaser Video

This is the closest the world has got to the Steam Machine. Alienware Alpha is an attempt to replace the consoles in your living room with a desktop. The computer comes in extremely compact casing which incorporates elements of both desktop and laptop design. The casing is not awe-inspiring but it has a decent, polished look to it. The color of the LEDs can be changed using the software.

Processor: The Alienware Alpha is packed with the Dual Core 2.9GHz Intel Core i3CPU.
RAM:4GB of DDR3L RAM
Storage: 500GB (5400RPM) HDD.
Graphics: The system is equipped with custom NVidia GeForce GTX GPU with 2GB of GDDR5 video memory.
Extras: A wireless X-Box 360 controller is included with this computer. The steam big picture mode does justice to the controller by adding the console-like environment to the computer and makes it easy for the user to control it using the controller.
Price: The Alienware Alpha starts $499 and the price goes up with the additional memory and better processing power.

The living room desktop - Alienware Alpha

13-Acer Predator AG3-605

Image By ComputerBild

The predator comes in a not-so appealing case with a black-matte finish and a glossy front panel. The system consists of easily accessible ports including an SD card reader and a USB 3.0 jack on the front panel. There is also a retractable headphone holder on the front of the case and a single swap-able 3.5 inch storage bay.

Processor: The system comes with Quad Core Intel i7-4770 (Haswell) which runs at 3.4GHz
Graphics: The Predator is equipped with NVidia GeForce GTX 770 with 2GB GDDR Memory
RAM: A system memory of 8GB is provided which can be upgraded to up to 32GB with the Quad-channels provided in the chipset.
Storage: The system comes with a 1TB Barracuda HDD.
The games may take a little longer to load due to the lack of the SSD but the performance of the system at the ultra-high settings is smooth as butter.
Price: The Acer Predator AG3-605 starts out at $1199($749 for i5 processor) with a keyboard and mouse included and can be customized according the budget.

12-Alienware x51

Alienware x51 Promo Video

Alienware x51 is another typical example of the alienware’s fine sense of design.

Processor: The x51 comes with an Intel core i5-processor.
RAM: 8GB of system memory
Graphics: NVidia GTX 750Ti 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Unit.
Price: The above specifications are for the $949 model and there also other cheaper ($699) and higher models for the x51 with better memory and graphic specifications.

The console-like chassis design of Alienware x51

The casing has matte finished back and a glossy front with lighting on the sides and the front. It comes with a large power supply cable which is rather bulky.The performance of this computer is pretty solid and constant frame-rates around 30-45 fps are achievable when playing games like Saints Row, and Skyrim.

11-Velocity Micro Raptor z55

simple yet powerful, thats what the Raptor z55 is

The Raptor z55 comes with a Full-sized ATX chassis of Aluminum painted in Satin Blue color. The inside can be customized to have LEDs to light up the interiors and give it a Tokyo Drift kind of an effect. Other than the LEDs, the design of the system is rather plain.

Motherboard and Processor: The system comes with Gigabyte 297 X Gaming 3 motherboard with an Intel z97 chipset, ATX motherboard. It has an Intel Core i5-4560k processor, which is a four core processor running at 3.5GHz and can be overclocked to run at 3.8GHz.
RAM: The system is equipped with 8GB Crucial Ballistix RAM running in a dual-channel configuration but can be customized to have a 32GB running in Quad-channel configuration.
Cooling: It is air cooled by the Intel High Performance Heat Sink. The cooling system does its job very quietly and effectively even when the settings are revved all the way up. The basic model comes with air cooling but it can also be customized to have liquid cooling as well.
Graphics: It consists of an NVidia GeForce GTX-750Ti with 2GB GDDR5 memory and another graphic card can also be added to this.
Storage: The system comes with a 256GB Crucial SSD with 550MBPS (Read)/300MBPS (write) and a 1TB SATA 600 HDD (5400 RPM).
Price: The basic model of the Velocity Micro Raptor z55 starts at $1449 and the price goes up as per the customizations required. Another important thing about this computer is that the insides are very well organized and the computer can be modified into the best gaming PC with relative ease.

10-Cyber Power Zeus Evo Thunder 3000

Zeus Evo Thunder Promo Video

The Zeus Evo Thunder is one of the most customizable pre-built desktops. From the choice of the chassis design to the chipset that is used inside can be hand-picked. The chassis can be picked out from a wide range of designers like Boreal light, Corsair, LEPA, Cool Master etc.The standard model comes with a CFI Boreal light Gaming Case.

Motherboard and Processor: The computer has a Gigabyte Z97X-SLI ATX w/ Intel GB LAN. It comes with an i7-4790k processor which runs at 4 GHz but can also be downgraded as per budget to down to the age-old Pentium processor.
RAM: It comes with a 16GB RAM running in Dual-channel configuration and can be expanded to 32GB with a Quad-Channel configuration.
Graphics: You can choose between single, double or triple SLI configurations with the wide range of graphic cards of choice. Though the basic one comes with an NVidia GeForce GTX 980 with 4 GB GDDR5 Memory.
Cooling System: The cooling system can also be chosen from a wide list making Zeus Evo Thunder the most flexible pre-built computer on this listing.
Price: With the many variations to choose from, the preset model of the Zeus Evo Thunder 3000 starts at a price of $2253. Though the price can go both way depending on whether you are going for the best gaming PC or economizing to fit your budget.

The custom interior lighting and cooling system of the Zeus Evo Thunder

9-Cyber Power Fang Trinity 200

The new modular design of the Fang Trinity 200(Image by PCWorld)

Being the first of its kind, Cyber Power's Fang Trinity 200 has a modular design with each modular pod containing the key elements of the computer. The computer comes as three modules which are covered with a tight casing which can be slid out to expose the interiors. One module contains the Power Supply Unit (500 Watt) and the storage drives, another contains the motherboard, CPU and the last one consists of the Optical drive, three SSDs and the graphics unit.

Motherboard and Processor: The Fang Trinity comes with an Intel® Core™ i5-4690K 3.5 GHz 6MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 (All Venom OC Certified) processor mounted on a GIGABYTE GA-Z97N-WIFI Mini-ITX w/ 802.11ac WiFi + BT 4.0, Dual GbLAN, 1 PCIe x16, 4x SATA 6Gb/s (Pro OC Certified) motherboard.
Storage: The system can hold five SSDs and One 3.5inch HDD.But the standard one comes with 256GB SANDISK SSD + 2TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo (Combo Drive)
Graphics: An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 4GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 (Maxwell) (Single Card) was used in this computer.
Cooling: Despite the modular design, the processor has a liquid cooling system fitted in the pod still maintaining its compact nature. Though, this adds up to the weight of the device.
Price: With the price of the chassis starting at $349, the completely assembled piece with the above mentioned specs comes down to $1369.

8-Doghouse Armor TL

Custom paint job on the Doghouse Armor TL

This factory overclocked computer comes with a Corsair 600T white edition chassis.

Motherboard and Processor: The system consists of 4th Generation (Haswell) Intel Core i7-4790k Quad Core processor mounted on an ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus VII Hero, ATX, LGA1150 socket with dual PCIe 3.0 GPU support, Dual channel memory, 8 x SATA3 desktop board.
Cooling: The system is cooled with Corsair Hydro series liquid cooling system.
The side panel is perforated and you can see through the gaps. The insides can be lighted up with blue LEDs to once again give your computer and ambient look.
RAM: The system comes with 8GB DDR3 Memory running in Dual-Channel configuration. This can be expanded to up to 32 GB with a Quad-Channel configuration.
Storage: The basic model comes with 1TB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA Drive but a total of 4 storage units are available. These can be fitted with both SSDs and HDDs.
Graphics: The choice of video cards is restricted to GTX 970s and GTX 980s in either single or dual configuration.
Price: The default rig comes for $2595 but it can be customized as per your requirements.

Doghouse provides the customer with options for the custom artwork on the sides of the chassis. This is the best gaming PC for a gamer who wants to be able to show off but at the same time not compromise on any performance parameters.

7-Asus G70AB

Tytan G70AB Promo Video

This is for all the Star Trek and Star Wars and Transformers fan's out there. If you ever wanted your normal looking computer to turn into a beast by just clicking a button, then this is the right machine for you.

Processor: This Warship comes with an Intel z87 chipset with 4th generation i5 or i7 processor. The turbo button allows the already overclocked (3.7GHz) speed to two stable levels of over-clocking, one at 3.9GHz and the other at 4.1GHz.
Graphics: This beast comes with an NVidia GeForce GTX 780 with 3GB DDR5 RAM which can support up to 4 displays.
Storage: The storage can be expanded up to 15TB on HDDs and 256GB SSD can be installed as well.
RAM: The G70AB comes with 16GB DDR3 RAM. But this can be expanded to 32GB in a Quad-Channel configuration.
Another salient feature is the wireless charging this computer offers to phones which are placed on top of it without the need of any connection. Just place it on top of the computer and see your phone charge up.
This computer comes with a custom made keyboard and mouse.
Price: Combined with the looks of a Warship and the performance of one of the best gaming PCs, this computer offers the complete package starting at $3970 and it can be paired with a 27 inch monitor and the total adds up to $4,419.

The warship design in the overclocked mode of Tytan G70AB

6-Alienware Area-51

Alienware Area-51 Promo Video

Alienware's new Triad design took gamers all over the world by surprise. This extreme machine has another out of the world design and everyone who owns one of these machines has the right to brag about it whenever he talks.

Processor: The Area 51 comes with the 6-Core Intel i7-5820k (3.8GHz overclocking) and 5930k (3.9GHz overclocking) processors and also with an 8-core Intel 5960k Processor (4GHz overclocking).
RAM: The system is equipped with 32GB Quad-channel DDR4 Memory (It has always been DDR3 in the above list and DDR4 clearly has an edge over DD3 but discussing that would make for a whole other article).
Graphics: The Area 51 can be equipped with up to 4 video cards , AMD Radeon R9370 with 4GB GDDR5 being the basic graphic card that it comes with. The factory models come with only up to tri-channel configuration, highest being the triple NVidia GTX 980 12GB total GDDR5 NVidia SLI enabled.

The chassis is also ergonomically designed for easy lifting and attachment and removal of other peripherals to the ports due to the triad design.

The Area 51 starts of at $1699 and the price goes up with the up gradation of the graphics and storage. The most expensive model comes for around $4,499.

The all new Triad design of the Alienware Area-51

5-Falcon North West Mach V

Custom Paint job of the Chassis of the Mach V(Image by MacMagazine)

If you are looking for a computer which looks like it has been carved out of a Ferrari, here you have it. The custom paint job of the chassis beats any of the other chassis designs in this list (just comparing the paint job and not the spaceship like features).

Processor and Motherboard: The Mach V comes with Intel Core i7-5000 Series with Intel X99 (Haswell-E), Intel 4th Gen. Core i5 & i7 Series with Intel Z97 (Haswell) Processors.
Graphics: This system also has NVidia 3-way SLI Support and the triple Titan configuration of the Mach V is arguably the best possible graphic configuration for this system (you might argue that you can build a better one at a much cheaper cost, but one doesn't build a Ferrari in his garage, one buys it).
RAM: The system can accommodate up to 64 GB of memory in the X99 chipset and up to 32GB in the Z97chipset.
Storage and Optical Drives: The storage unit can support up to 6 hard drives and the system consists of 5 external bays to add optical drives.

The Falcon North West Mach V is the right choice if you are looking for a computer with a very polished look and top-end resources. You can buy a basic falcon at somewhere around $2406 for the Z97 chipset and $3078 for Z99 chipset but if you are actually considering buying this beauty, price should not be a factor for you. The top end models from the OEM can cost more than $40000 redefining our standards of the best gaming PC.

4-Xotic PC Executioner

iCheck out the cool internal LED lighting and the cooling system of Executioner (Image by PCComputerdeals)

The executioner, as the name suggests slays its competition in terms of performance. The multitude of choice offered for the chassis selection and along with the custom paint job and the internal and external lighting setup gives the executioner a wide range of looks and provides an option to make your rig one of a kind.

Processor and Motherboard: This system comes with Intel Core i7-5930k (Haswell-E) processor on an Asus X99 Deluxe motherboard.
Graphics: The rig can be equipped with up to 4 video cards running in 4 way SLI configuration. The NVidia GTX 980 4GB GDDR5 is the commonly used video card in this rig.
Power Supply: It uses a Corsair Titanium AX1500i 1500W PSU with custom braided cable.
RAM: The system comes with 32GB Crucial DDR4 SD RAM but can be expanded to up to 64GB as the X99 chipset can accommodate this setup.
Optical Drive: The optical drive can read Blu-ray disks and burn DVD/CDs.
Cooling: The system is liquid cooled and the stock model uses Xotic PC FrostBite + dual GPU cooling system. This liquid cooling system uses a 3/8th inch hard line white acrylic tubing consisting of 240mm and 360mm radiators. The internal hard tubing combined with the LED lighting gives it a very out-of-the-world look. One downside to the hard piping is that you would not be able to modify your rig easily.
Price: The starting price of this computer is $5249 and it comes with 2xNvidia GeForce 980 video cards and 1TB storage and 256GB Samsung 840 Evo SSD. And as always the price increases with the various modifications that can be selected while ordering.

3-Digital Storm Aventum II

Digital Storm Aventum II Promo Video

The features that make Aventum II stand out are the custom engineered cooling system and the unique rear heat exhaust system which removes the heat from the body and removes it through the back. One flaw in their logic was that this sink was located at the bottom but as we all know, warm air rises up. Since they are charging such a huge price for it, it’s safe to assume that they kept this point in mind and designed this accordingly. The liquid cooling system can be either hard piped or be fitted with piping with quick-disconnects which allow for easier modifications. If any of the graphic cards is giving you trouble then you can disconnect it using the quick-disconnects and remove the graphic card, reconnect the quick-disconnect and use your computer normally. This will not be the case with hard piping. But hard piping in itself can make the appearance of the whole rig much better.

The efficient cooling system and the well organized interiors of the Digital Storm Aventum-II

Processor and Motherboard: The Aventum 2 comes with Intel Core Hexa-Core i5 5930K (3.5GHz) mounted on an Asus Rampage V (Intel X99 chipset) motherboard. The device can be overclocked to an insane 4.5-4.8GHz thanks to the insane cooling system installed in the CPU.
RAM: The system is equipped with 16GB Corsair Dominator Platinum DHX DDR4 RAM.
Power Supply: The system uses a 1050W Corsair HX1050 PSU.
Storage: It comes with a 256GB Samsung SSD running in RAID 0 and 1TB of HDD space.
Price: The Aventum II starts of at a price of $4501 and the Ultimate setup comes for $7242 consisting of 2SLI NVidia Titan 12GB video cards.

2-Origin PC Millennium/Genesis

Origin PC Millennium/ Genesis Promo Video

The Millennium (mid tower)/Genesis (full tower) can accommodate the motherboard in 4 different alignments inside the chassis along with all the other components.The LED lighting can be changed using a remote control which comes with the system.The Full-tower can be converted in the mid tower configuration and vice versa with relative ease.The base of the full tower can either be used to hold hard drives or to function as a dual radiator.

The half tower and full tower configurations of Millenium/Genesis

Graphics: The gamer gets to choose from the latest AMD and NVidia graphic cards in either single, 2-way, 3-way or 4-way SLI configurations.
Processor: The CPU utilizes the latest 4th generation i5 and i7 quad and dodeca (12)-core processors. They can be overclocked to up to 4.8GHz.
RAM: The system can be equipped with up to 64GB of high speed DDR3 or DDR4 RAM.
Storage: The Genesis can hold up to 34 hard drives at a time.
Price: The standard version of Origin Genesis costs $7399 but the very basic model comes for just $2208 and as always, the more you are willing to pay, more the number of modifications and closer you get to own the best gaming PC in the world.

1-Main Gear Epic Force Super Stock

Main Gear Force Super Stock Promo Video

The last item on the list, and I am sure that it is worth the wait, is the Force Super Stock.The chassis can have a custom paint job done but the paralleled dual pump water cooling system is the feature that distinguishes this desktop from the others, consisting of 85 fittings. It also has an easy access drain port for the coolant. The cooling system in the entirety paired with the ambient LED lighting inside the chassis makes the whole rig look beautiful.

Bright LED lit interiors and cooling system of the Force

Processor: This monster comes with Intel® Core™ i7 5820K 6-core 3.3GHz/3.6GHz Turbo 15MB L3 Cache w/ HyperThreading (12 Threads).
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage V Extreme X99
RAM: The processor is paired with the 16GB Corsair LPX DDR4 memory. The chipsets consists of 4 additional DIMM slots and hence the maximum limit to the RAM on this system would be 64GB.
Graphics: The system can support up to 4 GPUs in Quad-Crossfire configuration.
Storage: The computer comes with 3x850 Pro SSDs in Raid 0 and a 2TB Barracuda XT-HDD.
Optical Drive: It consists of an optical drive with DVD-RW (but no Blu-ray readability).
Power Supply: The system runs using a 1500W PSU.
Price: The above specs come at a price of $6090 and can be customized as per your budget.

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GAMERS DECIDE - Best Gaming Desktops