# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're in the market to build a new gaming PC, then you just landed on the right page. We already have a couple of other PC guides including one for the enthusiast gaming PC build and for an Intel-based streaming PC build. Today, we're going to be taking a look at some of the best PC parts you can grab on the market for a mainstream gaming PC build. These are the components we recommend now at the start of 2022 to anyone who's looking to put together a decent gaming rig that balances price and performance.

Yes, we're completely aware of the ongoing GPU shortage and their inflated pricing on the market. Graphics cards are still absurdly over-priced, but we're expecting things to get better soon. In fact, the GPU prices have already begun to plummet along with the crashing Crypto market. Besides that, you can always use this guide to start procuring other components while you wait for the GPU prices to drop. So without wasting any more time, let's get started with the guide, shall we?
Navigate this article:
Best CPU for mainstream PC build: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Processor

Yes, we're going with AMD chip for this build which means we're sticking to a more affordable Zen 3 chip over the new 12th-gen Intel Alder Lake processor. This is because the Ryzen 5 5600X is a fantastic option in the budget space, especially for gaming. Its six cores and twelve threads may look weak on paper when compared with other chips out there, but it's only an issue for more serious workloads. In fact, the Ryzen 5 5600X is known to match the general performance of the 5900X for games. A couple of other things we like about this particular chip includes its relatively affordable price tag, the included Wraith Stealth cooler, its support for overclocking, and more. It may not our top pick but the Ryzen 5 5600X is definitely one of the top-performing chips in our collection of the best CPUs on the market.

Best graphics card for mainstream PC build: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

It's damn near impossible to find the RTX 3060 Ti in stock right now, let alone at its $399 retail price. But in an ideal world, this is the graphics card we'd consider for this build. There's a lot to like about the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. While it's touted to be a replacement for the RTX 2060 Super, there's no denying that it matches the general performance of an RTX 2080 Super. In fact, it even handily beats the 2080 Super a bunch of benchmarks and real-world tests. It's a remarkable GPU for 1440p gaming that also offers decent ray-tracing performance.

Best motherboard for mainstream PC build: ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming

The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F gaming is our choice of motherboard for this particular build. This board is already a part of our best AMD motherboards list, so this was an easy recommendation for us. It's worth pointing out that it's not the cheapest motherboard for the Ryzen 5 5600X, but it keeps the upgrade path open for the PC. This particular motherboard also offers an extensive set of features including a robust 14+2 power stage, m.2 heatsinks, top-end networking features, and more. The general performance of the motherboard is pretty good and it matches a lot of x570 chipset-based boards out there.

Best memory kit for mainstream PC build: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200

Picking a reliable pair of DDR4 RAM kits is a fairly straightforward task. There's no shortage of DDR4 memory kits on the market now, and we've picked the G.Skill Ripjaws V Series kit. The goal here for this particular build was to pick a kit with DDR4-3000 or higher with tight timings. The G.Skill Ripjaws offers impressive performance at a relatively affordable price, so this would be a solid addition to the build. Alternatively, you can also check out our collection of the best DDR4 RAM kits on the market to find other reliable options.

Best storage drive: Western Digital Blue SN550 PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD

The Western Digital Blue SN550 is one of the most reliable SSDs out there, and it also happens to be one of our picks for the best M.2 SSDs you can buy on the market right now. For less than $45 for a 500GB stick, the WD Blue SN550 offers plenty of features including high sequential read and write speeds of up to 2,400MB/s and 1,750MB/s, respectively. While we aren't recommending any other storage drive to keep the overall cost of the PC low, you can also choose a little extra to either get a higher capacity drive or just simply add a hard disk drive for more storage.

Best PSU: Corsair RM650x 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply Unit

Based on the parts that we've picked for this particular build, we think a 650W power supply unit should be enough to power all the components. As such, we've picked the Corsair RM650x PSU with an 80 Plus Gold rating. This is also one of the few reliable modular PSU options out there in this price range, which is great. We always recommend picking up a modular PSU over a non-modular option as it'll be a lot easier for you to build the PC.

Best PC case: Phanteks Eclipse 360A mid-tower PC case

A quick look at our collection of the best PC case will give you plenty of PC case options for your build. From high-end full tower cases to entry-level mid-tower cases, our collection includes a lot of great options. For this build, however, we're going with the Phanteks Eclipse 360A mid-tower case. One of the best things about this particular PC case is that it comes with two 120mm D-RGB PWM fans pre-installed out of the box. Additionally, there's space to add more case fans and even radiators for AIO coolers if you plan on adding a high-end liquid CPU cooler in the future.

Mainstream gaming PC build guide: Price Summary

Here's a quick look at the pricing summary based on the parts that we've picked for this guide. It's worth pointing out that these prices are subject to change based on the availability of stocks. The table below reflects the price at the time of writing this article.

Note: The price summary, as you can see, doesn't include accessories or peripherals. We recommend picking those up separately based on your budget. We're adding a bunch of links to some of our collection articles towards the end, so be sure to check them out. Even though the Phanteks case comes with its own case fans, we recommend buying at least another fan to use as an exhaust. Additionally, we also recommend picking up a thermal paste syringe just to have it at your disposal for the build. Both the case fan and the thermal paste syringe are relatively affordable, so we're not adding them to the summary.

Mainstream gaming PC build guide: Final Thoughts

Besides the graphics card, we think you should be able to get your hands on almost every other component without any issues. You can simply hit the link below each item to check the best price online and buy them. As we mentioned earlier, we're hoping the GPU prices to go down further over the next couple of months. But if you don't mind buying a prebuilt system, then you can use our guide to customize the build and get it delivered without having to wait or pay inflated prices.

If you're looking for other peripherals for your build, then be sure to check out our collection articles including the best monitors, best gaming headset, and more. Alternatively, you can also join our XDA Computing Forums to discuss your build and potentially get more product recommendations. Good luck!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mainstream gaming PC build guide: The best PC parts you need for gaming in 2022

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're in the market to build a new gaming PC, then you just landed on the right page. We already have a couple of other PC guides including one for the enthusiast gaming PC build and for an Intel-based streaming PC build.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The target budget for this mid-tier gaming PC is $1000 which should give you a quality build that will run any modern game. With graphics settings pushed to their limit, we're aiming for a build that can reliably push 60fps at 1080p. And while higher resolutions may require you to dial back your graphical settings a notch, reaching higher refresh rates in less-demanding games such as Rocket League or Overwatch will be an absolute breeze.

We've switched from Nvidia to AMD for our mid-tier gaming build to help keep the cost down. We've also allowed plenty of room for future upgrades thanks to compatibility with AMD's 3rd generation Ryzen processors as well as a modular PSU with extra power if and when it's needed. And if you enjoy squeezing the most out of your build, the CPU we've chosen can be overclocked for added performance if you're curious about the differences between the processor giants, our AMD vs. Intel article should give you all the information you need.

As with our other builds, the $1000 budget doesn't include a gaming monitor or a Windows license, so you'll need to allow extra for those bits that live outside the PC case. If you're upgrading, some of this additional expense can be avoided by migrating your instance of Windows from your old machine and making do with your current peripherals until you can afford to replace them. But setting a bit of extra cash aside for accessories is always a smart idea.

It's worth looking around for deals as some of the best components are often on sale at some of the more prominent outlets, but you can always save a bit of cash by scaling back this build if you're finding yourself struggling to manage the expense. Opting for a smaller SSD or slightly less RAM shouldn't sacrifice much in terms of overall performance and will leave you room to upgrade in the future when you're in a better position financially.

(Image credit: AMD)

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base Clock: 3.6GHz | Turbo Clock: 4.2GHz | Overclocking: Yes, 4.2GHz typical | L3 Cache: 32MB | TDP: 65W | PCIe 4.0 lanes: 16

Low price for 6 core/12 thread CPU

Good pairing with AMD GPU

Not the best for high-end gaming builds

AMD's 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs are here, and the Ryzen 5 3600 is an excellent candidate for mid-range gaming. It outclasses our previous pick for this build, the Intel i5-8400, and offers superior performance, along with overclocking and a slick-looking stock cooler all around the same price point.

Alternatively, you could go with the previous generation Ryzen 5 2600 for a small drop in price, and while it may not be quite as fast as the 3600, it still has all the same features and matches the i5-8400 almost pound for pound. If you're looking for a little more juice, though, the Ryzen 5 3600X can give it to you for about $40 more.

Ultimately we went with the 3600 because it gave us the best bang for our buck and some additional room to expand into more powerful 3rd gen AMD CPUs down the line.

If you're looking for a little extra power in your next build, check out our guide to the best CPU for gaming in 2019.

Motherboard

(Image credit: MSI)

MSI B450 Gaming Plus

A good all rounder with Ryzen 3rd gen compatibility

Chipset: B450 | Memory: (4) DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-3466 | PCIe slots: (1) x16, (1) x16 (x4), (4) x1 | USB ports: (6) rear IO, (6) internal | Storage: (1) M.2, (6) SATA | Network: Ethernet | Lighting: Full RGB

Good performance and features

Cuts out extras (wi-fi, second M.2)

The MSI Performance B450 Gaming Plus is a reliable motherboard that will deliver everything needed to run the Ryzen 5 3600. It may not necessarily be pretty or pack in a ton of extras, but it gets the job done.

The B450 supports memory speeds up to DDR4-3466 and includes an M.2 slot for a fast SSD or Optane Memory. And while this setup would need a little TLC to help it, this motherboard could potentially handle SLI or crossfire if need be.

Motherboard compatibility for Ryzen's 3rd gen processors is pretty prolific, but make sure to check the compatibility on the manufacturer's site if you're committing to something with more options. But if you're after something better than this MSI board, you're probably also looking at a higher-end build, which we cover in our high-end gaming PC.

Here's our guide to the best gaming motherboards in 2019.

(Image credit: ©AMD)

An excellent AMD alternative to Nvidia's supers

GPU Cores: 2,560 | Base Clock: 1,605MHz | Boost Clock: 1,905MHz | GFLOPS: 9,754 | Memory: 8GB GDDR6 | Memory Clock: 14 GT/s | Memory Bandwidth: 448GB/s

Outperforms the 2060 Super for the same price

No ray tracing hardware or driver support

It may look like a piece of modern art, but the 5700 XT was a relatively easy pick for this level of build and a solid replacement for the Nvidia 2060 Super. Our build is mostly looking to push 60fps at 1080p, which is where this particular GPU excels, and at a lower price point than the 2060 Super, the choice was clear.

The 5700 XT does lack dedicated hardware for ray tracing and DLSS, but in terms of actual in-game performance, it just edges out the 2060 Super. Additionally, these extra features only tend to matter once you start reaching the edge of the performance envelope. For that, I recommend you check out our extreme gaming PC build guide.

For our mid-range build, the 5700 XT hit that sweet spot of cost versus performance and is suitable so long as you aren't trying to push 4K resolutions (and don't mind it's funky looking dent).

(Image credit: Corsair)

Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3000

The best value RAM you can get

Capacity: 2x8GB | Speed: 2400MT/s | Timings: 15-17-17-35 | Voltage: 1.35V

High frequencies on a budget

Memory is pretty straightforward these days, as you want a solid choice that will get the job done, though if the price isn't much higher, you can improve performance slightly with faster RAM. DDR4 prices are have thankfully galvanized somewhat, with typical costs for 16GB falling below $100. Buy from a reliable memory manufacturer, and you should be fine. There are many options to choose from Adata, Ballistix, Corsair, Crucial, G.Skill, GeIL, Gigabyte, Hynix, HyperX, Micron, Mushkin, Patriot, PNY, Samsung, Team, and XPG are all good brands as far as we're concerned.

Our main goal for gaming memory is DDR4-3000 or higher, with as low a CAS latency as possible, but at a good price. It doesn't make a lot of sense to buy extreme memory with a Ryzen 5 3600, but with DDR4-3200 only costing $10 more than basic DDR4 kits, it's worth buying more excellent memory on AMD builds.

For more information, check out our guide to the best gaming RAM options in 2019.

Primary Storage

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Crucial)

Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Crucial)

Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Crucial)

Crucial P1 1TB NVMe

Great performance, price, and capacity

Capacity: 1TB | Interface: M.2 PCIe 3x4 | Sequential IO: 2000/1700MB/s read/write | Random IO: 170K/240K IOPS read/write

Reduced performance when full

The Crucial P1 is currently our top pick for gaming SSDs. It's fast read/write speeds and low price point make it an easy pick, especially considering it's cheaper than most SATA drives. And for what it's worth, I've always found installing M.2 drives easier anyway.

The one drawback is that the speeds don't always hold up under load or if the drive is mostly full. Still, the P1 is excellent for gaming; it will outpace most SATA drives, and there's little reason not to make this a part of our build.

The Crucial P1 has a low price point and has enough space and reliability to hold you over until you invest in some bulk storage, which is relatively easy to slot into you build after the fact.

Additional Storage

WD Black 1TB (Optional)

The quickest regular HDD, offering storage on a budget

Capacity: 1TB | HDD speed: 7200RPM | Cache: 32GB | Connectivity: SATA 6Gb/s | Warranty: 5 years

Not much slower than SATA drives

Given the install sizes of most modern PC games, it's probably a good idea to get yourself a new drive for your gaming PC. While SATA SSDs are almost cheap enough to recommend as secondary storage (what a world we're living in), you'll probably need to get a regular HDD to keep the cost down.

We recommend the WD Black drive because it's a 7200RPM drive with a respectable 32GB cache, which offers 1TB of storage for about $70 or less. While you could quickly get a WD Blue or Seagate Barracuda for less, the WD Black offers speed overcapacity. Realistically, you'll appreciate that speed if you're planning to keep your HDD inside a gaming PC for more than a couple of years, as we already see load times creep up for the biggest games of 2019.

Corsair TX650M 650W

Highly reliable and efficient power without going overkill

Output: 650W | Efficiency: 80 Plus Gold | Connectors: (1) 24-Pin ATX, (1) 8-Pin (4+4) EPS12V, (4) 8-Pin (6+2) PCIe, (6) SATA, (4) Molex, (1) Floppy | Modular: Partial

Good efficiency and price

Power supplies are one of the least sexy parts of any build. After all, it can be hard to tell them apart in terms of features. Even so, you don't want to skimp on your PSU. Corsair has an excellent and well-deserved reputation for its power supplies, and the TX650M comes at a reasonable price and delivers 80 Plus Gold efficiency.

Most power supplies from the bigger names are generally good, but we wouldn't recommend that you put your money in anything with a warranty of fewer than five years or an efficiency rating below 80 Plus Gold (maybe Bronze in a pinch). The $10 or $20 saved isn't worth the risk.

We also tend to go with modular PSUs where possible. It means less cable mess inside the case since you don't have to stash unused cables somewhere. Instead, the remaining wires have to find a home in your closet.

Here's our guide to the best power supplies for PC gaming.

(Image credit: NZXT)

NZXT H510

Clean design and great cable management

Type: ATX mid-tower | Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Drive Bays: (Up to 7) 3.5/2.5-inch internal (2 included), (2) 2.5-inch SSD | Front Ports: (1) USB-C (1) USB 3.0, Headphone, Mic | Fan Options: Front: (2) 120mm or (2) 140mm, Top: (1) 120mm (included) or (1) 140mm, Rear: (1) 120mm (included) | Max GPU Length: 381mm | Dimensions: 460x210x428mm (HxWxD) | Weight: 6.6 kgs.

Nice tempered glass side panel

Plenty of expansion options

USB-C front panel connector

Cases can be as sexy or boring as you want. We're going to go for the former rather than the latter, with the NZXT H510, a slick, tempered glass case available in white or black. The NZXT H510 is also reasonably priced, which is always a bonus.

If you want other options, check our guide to the best mid-tower cases. The Phanteks Eclipse P400 was our previous pick, and it's still highly recommended. The clean look goes well on any desk and doesn't obnoxiously stand out like many so-called 'gaming cases.' There's also the pricier H510i that integrates some smart features if you like the look of the H510 but want a few more bells and whistles.

Picking a case can be an entirely personal choice, so for more options, here are the best PC cases you can buy right now.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo (Optional)

Better cooling and less noise than the stock Intel cooler, at a great price

Size: 120mm | Fan speed: 600-2,000rpm | Noise level: 9-36 dB(A) | Dimensions: 120x159x51mm | Socket support: LGA115x/1366/2011/2066, FM1/2, AM2/3, AM4

Good and affordable cooling

Compatible with most sockets

The Ryzen 5 3600 includes a cooler, and it will be more than sufficient. But in case you're looking at really pushing the limits, or you want something quieter, we felt it would be worth mentioning our old standby cooler, the Hyper 212 Evo. It's something to always keep as an option with system builds.

If you're willing to spend a bit more, a nice AIO liquid cooler is another option worth considering, especially if you're planning on doing home heavy overclocking. The NZXT Kraken X62 would be a solid option but is substantially more expensive.

Here's our guide to the best CPU coolers in 2019, liquid and air.

Components

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The target budget for this mid-tier gaming PC is $1000 which should give you a quality build that will run any modern game. With graphics settings pushed to their limit, we're aiming for a build that can reliably push 60fps at 1080p.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The 9 Components You’ll Need for Building a Gaming PC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We compiled a list of gaming parts so you can play the latest and greatest PC games.

# data[].attributes.body
corsair.com/us/en/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The best computer for you should be able to handle your day-to-day demands without slowing down or heating up your whole space. Luckily, if you're looking for a PC upgrade, you have a lot of options just with the type of computer you want, much less specific brands and what they bring to the table.

Just keep in mind that there are a lot of things to consider before you go shopping for your next PC. The best PCs can cost a small fortune, after all, so you need to be wise about your pick, ensuring that you're getting something that's the best value for your money, instead of getting one that's overkill or a cheap one that barely runs.

In fact, co long as you know what you need and find the best PC that fills that need, you'd be amazed how much money you can save. Though, if you want one of the best workstations for heavy duty content creation or other intensive task, you've also got some incredible options from names like HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more that will get you what you need, no matter your budget.

Whether its the best budget gaming PC or the best all-in-one computer you're after, chances are we've tested it. We've put our many years of experience to use to by running them through their paces and choosing only the best computers on the market. We then gathered the best of the best below to help you make the right choice for your needs and budget. Take a look at our best computer picks.

The best computer 2022

Dell might have gone premium with the pricing on its XPS laptop line, but the XPS desktop PC series is still trying for the trifecta: sensible pricing that doesn't compromise on performance and aesthetics. The Dell XPS 8940 Special Edition isn't a super-budget offering, but it offers excellent value for the performance it's capable of. Naturally, there's the potential to upgrade your components later on, but this is a desktop PC that's designed to be future-proof so don't worry if you're not confident about the idea of tinkering with the internals of your computer.

With a broad range of configurations to suit every budget, the XPS desktop starts at $750 and goes all the way up to a $2,430 powerhouse equipped with the latest components - an RTX 3080, 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, and 32GB of RAM - that will be perfect for demanding workloads like video editing. A clean design and relatively compact footprint mean that the XPS desktop looks just as at home on your own desk as it would in an office environment.
Read our full Dell XPS Desktop Special Edition review
Apple's is a great compact computer, but it's undeniably pricey. If you're looking for a more affordable mini PC, have no fear; Lenovo is here with its excellent IdeaCentre Mini 5i. This is no gaming PC; the Mini 5i is designed for straightforward productivity, with the processing power necessary for day-to-day tasks such as browsing the web and running Microsoft Office 365. Still, it can manage a bit of play after your work is done, like streaming some Netflix or playing low-intensity indie games.

Despite its incredibly small size - the IdeaCentre Mini 5i is less than 20cm wide and long, and just 4cm tall - this mini PC has a fantastic selection of ports for you to plug in all your devices, including USB-C, HDMI, and five regular USB ports. Its stylish textile top can be easily removed if you decide you need to upgrade your processor or RAM. With just a tiny single fan inside for cooling, it's not as noisy as some tower PCs, and you won't even notice it running in a busy office.

It certainly won't be for everyone, but sometimes you just want the best of the best, the absolute cream of the crop. By our judgement, that's the MSI MEG Aegis Ti5: an almost ludicrously powerful gaming PC with a jaw-droppingly unique chassis that includes a 'Gamer Dial' on the front, which can be used to tweak your system performance settings and also display information or fun animations on its dinky circular display.

Naturally, the MEG Aegis Ti5 comes in a variety of models, all equipped with the latest gaming hardware. The newest top-spec configuration uses the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9-12900K CPU and an Nvidia RTX 3090 graphics card, and there are a tonne of different models available if that isn't exactly what you're looking for. Of course, most of these models will cost you a pretty penny, but if you're looking for the best in performance, look no further.

The 2021 redesign of the ever-present iMac is as good as it looks, boasting an enlarged display (24 inches, up from the previous 21.5-inch models) and a selection of vibrant color schemes. The new iMac runs on Apple's own silicon now, utilizing the powerful Apple M1 chip to elevate performance beyond the older Intel-powered iMacs. It's a versatile and effective platform for any professional workload, and gaming on a Mac is even a tangible option nowadays too.

If you want an all-in-one system that is ready to go straight out of the box, the 2021 iMac is a fantastic choice, arguably the very best option on the market right now. It even comes with Apple's wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse - colored to match your iMac, we might add - so you can get to work the moment you set it up. A full HD webcam and studio-quality triple microphone setup make for excellent clarity in video calls. The new display is a bright and colorful high-resolution screen that serves wonderfully for photo and video editing, too.

A frankly inspired piece of computer hardware engineering, the Corsair One i300 is a marvelously compact workstation computer that leverages some smart internal design choices to offer top-tier performance with a footprint barely any larger than the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 5i seen higher up in this very list. It also runs quieter than many powerhouse PCs thanks to its single roof-mounted fan and perforated side panels.

The One i300 is likely to be a bit overkill for the average user, given its high-end internal components and steep entry price. Still, this is indisputably the most powerful compact form factor PC available right now, and Corsair offers a variety of models with both AMD and Intel processors. If you're looking for a high-end PC for resource-intensive content creation tasks or 4K gaming (or both!), this is an excellent pick. The remarkably compact design does mean that cracking open the chassis to upgrade your components is a tricky - though not entirely impossible - proposition, but thankfully the hardware on offer here means the Corsair One i300 should serve you for years to come.

The arrival of the Apple M1 chip meant new Mac hardware across the board, and naturally this included a much-needed update to the smallest Apple computer: the Mac Mini. The 2020 M1 edition of this pint-sized (well, it's actually smaller than a pint) Mac is more powerful than ever, with the new processor offering solid performance in video editing, digital art, and even iOS gaming thanks to the new chip.

Despite this, it's still Apple's cheapest Mac ever, with the base model starting at $700 for 8GB of RAM and a 256GB drive. Budget-conscious Apple fans looking for the best computer need look no further; this is the definitive version of the Mac Mini. It retains the same clean design as its predecessors, with a decent selection of ports on the rear edge and a thick rubber base that keeps it from sliding around on your desk. The only significant downside of the new model is that it can no longer use external GPUs, which could limit its potential for users looking to run demanding graphics-intensive software.

If there's one desktop computer we'd recommend for digital artists, it is without a doubt the Lenovo Yoga A940. Lenovo's answer to the iMac, this is a feature-rich all-in-one PC with a thoughtful design that is sure to appeal to creative souls. A stunning 27-inch 4K display that packs incredible contrast and color density is mounted on a sturdy 25-degree rotating hinge and comes with an included smart stylus. On either side of the screen, you can plug in the included 'content creation dial', a nifty addition that adds tactile control to a number of functions, like zooming in and out on a virtual canvas or scrolling through pages. There's even an LED light array and a wireless charging pad for your phone on the base of the unit.

Overall, the Yoga A940 is the more innovative cousin to sleek all-in-one computers like the Apple iMac and Surface Studio 2, both of which opt for clean, minimalist designs rather than packing in cool features as Lenovo has. Naturally, a mouse and keyboard are included, though these are a fairly standard affair so you may want to upgrade. The only real letdown here is the relatively dated internal components, which limit the Yoga A940's ability to perform demanding work such as 4K video editing.

If you're a creative professional, the Mac Studio is basically the best computer you can buy right now. Think of it like a super-charged Mac Mini aimed directly at digital content creators, equipped with a powerful M1 Max or M1 Ultra chip from Apple along with a whopping 128GB of RAM. These chips are actually more effective for high-end content creation than the newly-introduced M2 chip thanks to their laser focus on creative workloads rather than the more general functionality of the M2. Heavy workloads like rendering complex 3D animations or editing 8K footage are all in a day's work for the Mac Studio, provided you've got a suitable display to plug it into.

Like the Mac Mini, the Mac Studio is extremely compact and effectively silent when running, so you won't have to worry about clearing desk space or listening to fans humming while you work. Unlike some of the computers on this list, the Mac Studio can't be upgraded - a side effect of its compact design - and it's also very, very expensive. But if you're a professional creative, this is undeniably worth the asking price.

The 'single-board computer' Raspberry Pi was originally conceived as a way to teach kids computer science, with its low entry price and extremely basic design. It's so small and simple that it doesn't even have its own chassis (although you can buy a cute little pink-and-white plastic case for it). Today, the Raspberry Pi 4 has far surpassed its creators' expectations, becoming an ideal platform for robotics, weather monitoring, and electronics hobbyists. Its ultra-compact design makes it a very viable option for anyone just looking for a tiny computer for day-to-day work, too!

If you want a small, energy-efficient PC that you can use for working in Google Docs, or you need a tiny system for powering a DIY electronics project, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a great option. The new Model B version comes with an improved selection of ports and Ethernet support, making it even more viable as a replacement for a conventional desktop PC. It's also almost comically cheap, with the base model starting at just $35 (though you'll want to spring for a more powerful version if you want to use it for actual work).

If you're on the move and would prefer not to carry around a bulky laptop, a stick PC could be the way to go. These minuscule computers - sometimes referred to as 'compute sticks' - are designed to be plugged into a screen and used immediately, perfect for the fast-moving professional. It might look more like an oversized flash drive than an actual computer, but the Azulle Access4 can be plugged into any monitor with an HDMI input to transform it into a ready-to-go Windows or Linux PC.

With 4GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron processor, the Access4 is straightforward to use and well-equipped for basic tasks like word processing or managing spreadsheets. It's small enough to fit in your jacket pocket, and the fanless design means that it won't make so much as a whisper of noise. Azulle even sells a Zoom-oriented version that can turn any screen and webcam into an instant videoconferencing tool - a boon for office workers who may have transitioned to a 'hotdesking' environment.

How to choose the best PC for you

Which computer configuration is best?

Which is the best computer brand?

How to choose the best PC for you

How We Test

Here at TechRadar, we believe in rigorously testing every piece of hardware that passes through our hands. If it fails to impress during testing, we'll always let you know; we won't recommend you buy any product that falls short of the performance median for its price range.

Our testing process varies from product to product, but we're always sure to run the most appropriate tests considering the target purpose of whatever we're reviewing. This means we're always sure to run plenty of gaming tests on a gaming laptop, or editing benchmarks for a desktop workstation PC. We also always examine the build quality of a product to see whether it aligns with the attached price tag.

If you want to know more about how we test and rate the computers in this guide, check out our explainer on how we test laptops and desktops to learn more.

Today's best computer deals

Round up of today's best deals

(opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The best computer 2022: top desktop PCs for work and home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The best computer for you should be able to handle your day-to-day demands without slowing down or heating up your whole space. Luckily, if you're looking for a PC upgrade, you have a lot of options just with the type of computer you want, much less specific brands and what they bring to the table.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Building a gaming PC is arguably the best technological investment you can make. A quality gaming rig lasts longer than a smartphone, boasts more power than a gaming console, and is infinitely more versatile than even the most powerful streaming box. Whether you're typing up documents, editing video or cranking up the settings on the latest and greatest games, a gaming PC is the best tool for the job. With regular maintenance, one of these systems could last five years - with regular upgrades, maybe ten.

Still, building a PC can be a daunting process, particularly for newcomers. There are plenty of good guides out there, particularly from our sister sites like and Tom's Hardware. However both of these stories focus a lot on mechanics: what components you need, and how to fit them all into a motherboard. Before I built my first PC, even these guides would have been a little daunting.

Tom's Guide has decided instead to split the process into two parts and take a more experiential tack. Before you build a PC, you need to decide why you want to build it. What do you want that you can't get from a prebuilt machine? Which parts will facilitate that goal? And how can you make sense of the hundreds of different tech specs between the half-a-dozen different pieces you'll need?

With that in mind, the first part of our "How to build a PC" series focuses on picking parts. In a broad sense, we'll cover the hardware that makes a PC tick. But I'll also discuss my thought process behind each part, and what tradeoffs I was willing to make.

The basic parts

Before I lay out my thought process behind each part, there are, at minimum, seven parts you'll need to build a gaming PC:

Graphics card, or GPU: Arguably the most important component in a gaming rig, the GPU (graphics processing unit) renders images from your PC and puts them on your monitor. More powerful GPUs facilitate better in-game graphics and settings.

Processor, or CPU: More so than any other component, the CPU (central processing unit) is what makes your computer run. The CPU routes instructions from one system in your computer to another. The better the processor, the faster it can transmit information for both software and hardware functions.

Motherboard: The motherboard is where all the hardware in your computer lives. The most important thing about a motherboard is its compatibility with the parts you choose, but motherboards can also have integrated graphics cards, Wi-Fi systems and more.

Memory, or RAM: RAM (random access memory) determines how much data your computer can process at any given moment. To oversimplify things considerably, RAM is where your computer stores information it needs to access right away. The more RAM you have, the more efficiently your computer can process lots of information - helpful for productivity; essential for games.

Storage, or SSD/HDD: PC storage essentially comes in two flavors: Solid state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). Either way, it's where your files live when they're not in use. Bigger drives mean more storage space, which means more room for files, games, media and so forth.

Power supply: Possibly the least interesting and most vital piece of the PC puzzle, the power supply is exactly what it sounds like: It gets electricity from an outlet to individual systems in your computer. Picking the right one can be tricky, but once you do, you'll probably never need to think about it again.

Case: Your computer case is, for the most part, an aesthetic choice, although some models include fans for additional cooling. While it's possible to do an "open-air" build, a case is probably a better choice for keeping dust out and components sheltered.

Anything else, such as additional cooling systems or secondary hard drives, are nice to have, but not strictly necessary. These are the parts you need to go from a pile of hardware to a functioning PC.

Conceiving a machine

Like any creative project, the hardest part about building a PC is getting started. There are literally thousands of possible components; where do you even start? Do you pick a GPU and build around it? Find a case you like and see what will fit inside? Scour Newegg for whatever's on sale and hope it all fits together?

Believe it or not, those are all viable build strategies, but mine is a little simpler: Figure out the "why" first, and the "what" will follow. What kind of PC do you want to build? Do you want a productivity machine that can play some games on the side? A more versatile alternative to the next-gen consoles? A high-priced powerhouse to last the ages?

Personally, I need to build a new machine because my current gaming rig is 10 years old. This wasn't a big issue when I had a more powerful PC in the Tom's Guide office for game and peripheral testing. But due to the pandemic, I've been working from home for the last few months, and the old workhorse isn't cutting it anymore.

As such: I need a computer that can run the latest games smoothly, but I don't necessarily need to crank everything up to 8K resolution and 120 frames per second. I also need something that will be at least as powerful as the and Xbox Series X, in case I need to compare games across platforms.

After doing some research, I found that $1,500 tends to be the sweet spot for a PC that's powerful, but not quite top-of-the-line. I already have a mouse, keyboard, headset and monitor, so those didn't factor into my budget. You'll have to figure out what you're comfortable spending and factor in your own peripherals, but knowing exactly what you want your PC to do will help a lot.

How to shop for parts

From there, I went to Newegg (the best place to buy PC components online, in my experience) and started looking for components. Remember: You can't just buy the first seven parts you see and expect them all to fit together. It's best to start with the most important component (in my opinion, the GPU) and work your way down.

Obviously, Newegg is just one place to shop. Once you find the gear you need, you can bargain hunt at Amazon, Best Buy and other big electronics retailers. My personal favorite is Micro Center, especially if you have one of these electronics meccas near you. You could very conceivably walk in with nothing and walk out with an unbuilt computer, at a very reasonable price.

When possible, buy gear from established, known brands - Corsair, HyperX, Western Digital, and so forth. You could theoretically save a lot of money by going with no-name storage, RAM or power supplies. But device quality is a total crapshoot, and customer service in small brands tends to be either haphazard or nonexistent.

My last piece of advice is to be somewhat flexible with your budget, if possible. Obviously, you don't want to spend $1,500 on a $1,000 concept, but don't throw the whole build out if it comes to $1,050. A good PC will last a long time, and a few dozen dollars make very little difference over the course of a few years.

GPU: Nvidia GeForce 3070 - $500

As mentioned above, the GPU is the most important (or at least the most straightforward) place to start with a gaming PC build. The first big choice you'll have to make is between Nvidia and AMD, each of which produces high-end graphics cards. The pros and cons of each is probably worth its own article, but in my own PC builds, I've had good luck with Nvidia and bad luck with AMD, and going with brands you trust is one of the best strategies in this process.

From there, it was just a matter of selecting one of Nvidia's three new cards: the GeForce RTX 3070, 3080 or 3090. Because I had a $1,500 budget in mind, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 was the natural choice. The other two cards would have eaten up too much of the cost. Buying older cards can save you some money, but makes your machine less future-proof.

It's worth mentioning that at the time of writing, the RTX 3070 is still a few weeks away from release, and it's probably going to sell out quite fast. If you absolutely, positively have to build something now, you could go with the older Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 series, which is currently dropping in price, or the similarly powerful AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT. However, AMD will also release a new GPU (the ) shortly, so it's probably best to just be patient and catch a restock.

CPU: Intel Core i7-10700 - $320

When I ran my proposed build by the Tom's Guide crew, the CPU was easily the most controversial selection. The Intel Core i7-10700 is a powerful CPU, and while it's not absolutely top-of-the-line, it's a good match with the GeForce 3070 GPU. However, it was a tough call between the 10700 and the 10700K. The latter is only a little more expensive, but you can overclock it - a huge boon for a gaming PC.

In the end, I settled on the 10700, because the 10700K would have caused sort of a pricing cascade. While the 10700 comes with its own cooling unit, the 10700K doesn't, and a good cooling system would tack another $100 or so onto the price. Furthermore, overclocking draws more electricity, which might have required a bigger, more expensive power supply. Overclocking isn't really necessary for testing games and peripherals, so the 10700K wouldn't add much to this build.

RAM: HyperX Predator DDR4 32 GB, 3200 MHz - $145

RAM is a tricky topic, since there are a lot of variables at play. You can get between 16 GB and 128 GB of memory, and between 3000 and 4800 MHz of speed. Naturally, higher memory levels and speed cost more money.

Generally speaking, more memory is better than less, so I went with 32 GB - twice what the PS5 and Xbox Series X will offer. RAM speed is less important. Higher numbers are generally better, but not every system can leverage higher RAM speeds perfectly, so don't sweat it too much.

Today's best Kingston HyperX Predator RGB 32GB (4x 8GB) DDR4-3200 deals

Storage: WD Blue NAND 2 TB SSD - $230

Another point of disagreement among the TG staff was whether to buy a large SSD, or a small SSD for Windows and a large HDD for game storage. Without going into too much detail about the relative pros and cons, I eventually decided that the PS5 and Xbox Series X will both use SSDs exclusively; why build a PC that's less advanced out of the gate?

There was also the question of whether to buy two SSDs: a small one just for system files, and a larger one for games. The benefits from this setup tend to be limited, however, and it increases the overall system complexity.

Motherboard: MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge - $180

Depending on how you build your machine, the motherboard may be either the first or last component you choose. My strategy was to choose my GPU and CPU first, then find a motherboard that would support them both. I also knew I wanted a motherboard with Wi-Fi built in, since my computer desk is far from my router. I decided on a full-size ATX design, because it's easier to fit components inside. (There are also mini- and microATX motherboards, and you can do some very cool things with them, but they can be expensive and difficult to put together.) The MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge was the cheapest motherboard I could find that met my specifications.

To check compatibility with the parts you've selected, look at the "Specs" section on a given motherboard (every site should have something like this), and ensure that all the inputs match up. It's harder than it sounds, but truthfully, this is a skill you'll have to develop if you want to build a PC. If you have any concerns, try Newegg's PC Builder tool, which helps ensure compatibility. Alternatively, consult Reddit or Tom's Hardware, both of which have "critique my build" options in their forums.

Power Supply: Corsair TX-M Series TX650M - $110

A common meme in PC-building communities is a power supply as a ticking time bomb. And they're not wrong: If there is one component you really, really don't want to mess up, it's this one. The best-case scenario is overheating your components and burning them out well before their expected lifespan. The worst-case scenario involves a fire extinguisher.

You'll have to do a little legwork to determine how much power each component of your machine draws, add it all up, and choose a power supply that offers more than that by a comfortable margin. But if you get a truly enormous power supply, you'll be spending a lot of money for power that you never use, so that's not necessarily the best strategy, either. In any case, Nvidia recommends a 650W power supply for a 3070-equipped machine, and that's with an i9 processor. Newegg's Power Supply Calculator pegged my overall draw at a little less than 550W, so a 650W power supply should be more than I need.

Today's best Corsair TX650M deals

Case: Corsair 4000D Tempered Glass - $80

Selecting a case is mostly a matter of looks. I was actually hoping for something a little cheaper than the Corsair 4000D Tempered Glass case, but it was the least expensive case I could find that also had a USB-C input on the front. Remember: Your motherboard will have front-facing USB options, so make sure that your case has the proper connections for them.

Putting it all together

In our next PC-building article, I'll discuss how to put all these various components together, as well as common pitfalls you might encounter along the way. Don't forget that you'll also need a copy of Windows 10 - which can be very expensive or free, depending on what sort of software you already have on hand. (Building a Linux machine is a whole different can of worms; let's just say that Windows 10 is the best gaming platform for most users.)

In the interest of full disclosure, Tom's Guide will request these parts directly from their manufacturers, since we'll hopefully be using this PC to test gear for the next few years. As such, our final build may have slightly different components, depending on what they have available. If you're building a machine at home, you can simply order what you want, when you want it.

Finally, while I'm confident that these components will coalesce into a good gaming machine, I make no claims that this is an ideal build; an enterprising reader could probably do better, especially with a different budget. But that's the beauty of building a PC: No two are alike, and every one has pros and cons. We'll have a better idea of where this one excels and falls short in a few weeks.
This article was originally published on October 11, 2020, and is Part 1 in a three-part series. Part 2: Part 3: How to build a gaming PC for beginners: What to do if it all goes wrong How to build a gaming PC for beginners: Putting it all together

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to build a gaming PC for beginners: All the parts you need

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(Image credit: Tom's Guide) Building a gaming PC is arguably the best technological investment you can make. A quality gaming rig lasts longer than a smartphone, boasts more power than a gaming console, and is infinitely more versatile than even the most powerful streaming box.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We apologize for the confusion, but we can't quite tell if you're a person or a script. Please don't take this personally. Bots and scripts can be very much lifelike these days! To help us better protect your account security, please check the CAPTCHA box below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Best Gaming PCs
Optimized for your budget.

Low Pricing

We believe in bringing custom gaming computers to the masses, that's why we only charge a small build fee and don't cut corners on quality.

Max Frame Rates

Select your top games and see how they perform using our online PC builder. Our team will build and optimize your gaming PC to deliver the highest frame rates.

2 Year Warranty

You're protected with us. Our team of in-house gamers will get you back up and running if you run into any issues. All gaming desktops include parts and labor coverage.

BEST SELLERS.

Good.

A great starting point for those getting into a gaming PC. This well-balanced PC is designed to provide excellent performance to explore all the perks of PC gaming without a large budget.

Starting at

Or as low as monthly*

*Example payment is based on the listed product price(s) assuming a 36 month term loan and a 9.99% APR. Subject to approval of credit application. Rates range from 0.00% to 29.99% APR. APRs will vary depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term. Bread® pay-over-time plans are loans made by Comenity Capital Bank. Get My Rate

View Build

Better.

For gamers who demand higher frame rates to gain a competitive edge over their opponents. This is the perfect gaming computer for enhanced game visuals, higher resolutions, and streaming.

Starting at

Or as low as monthly*

*Example payment is based on the listed product price(s) assuming a 36 month term loan and a 9.99% APR. Subject to approval of credit application. Rates range from 0.00% to 29.99% APR. APRs will vary depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term. Bread® pay-over-time plans are loans made by Comenity Capital Bank. Get My Rate

View Build

Best.

For those who bury the accelerator and never let off. This is a no-compromise gaming PC equipped with only the best for top-tier performance. Experience ultra detail at high frame rates.

Starting at

Or as low as monthly*

*Example payment is based on the listed product price(s) assuming a 36 month term loan and a 9.99% APR. Subject to approval of credit application. Rates range from 0.00% to 29.99% APR. APRs will vary depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term. Bread® pay-over-time plans are loans made by Comenity Capital Bank. Get My Rate

View Build

Ultimate.

Nvidia RTX 4080

Delivers the ultimate experience for gamers and creaters. Featuring enhanced ray tracing cores, tensor cores, and new streaming multiprocessors.

Starting at...

Or as low as monthly*

*Example payment is based on the listed product price(s) assuming a 36 month term loan and a 9.99% APR. Subject to approval of credit application. Rates range from 0.00% to 29.99% APR. APRs will vary depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term. Bread® pay-over-time plans are loans made by Comenity Capital Bank. Get My Rate

View Build

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Best Gaming PCs Optimized for your budget. We believe in bringing custom gaming computers to the masses, that's why we only charge a small build fee and don't cut corners on quality. Select your top games and see how they perform using our online PC builder.