Gaming PC Custom Builds: Find the perfect Gaming Build - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com Practical Guides to PC & Tech at Home, Work, and Play Tue, 28 May 2024 10:46:49 +0000 en-US https://www.pcguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PCguide-favicon-75x75.png Gaming PC Custom Builds: Find the perfect Gaming Build - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com 32 32 Starforge Horizon II Elite review – impressive and elegant with performance to match Starforge emerged with quite the backing, less of a normal brand but supported by well-known personalities. It was established in 2022 with veterans in the industry alongside a bunch of content creators, which certainly should combine to create a whole lot of advertising and a great bunch of gaming PCs for everyone. In that case, we see if they can actually hold up against the established market.

In Starforge's range of gaming PCs, you can find a wide selection catering to a range of different price points, with a selection of Core, Enthusiast, and Creator computers to choose from, which offer the models of Horizon, Navigator, and Voyager. Then also add some limited edition options for special selections. All of that means that the Horizon II Elite we're reviewing now is the top choice of their core lineup, so let's see what it has to offer.

Out-of-the-box experience and setup

Both the hardware and software setup are crucial to your gaming experience as you both want to have your PC arrive in one piece and without any extras slowing it down and ready to play.

Packaging

A built PC does not come light and there's plenty of sensitive hardware in there that you want to get in one piece, so it is key to get enough packaging and protection to keep it in one piece and without damage. Coming in a separate box filled with bubble wrap is a strong start to getting it in one piece.

Then you find the PC case box for the Starforge Horizon II Elite, which has a custom design and choice and so comes with its own box. Inside that, you can expect a standard of two foam panels at the sides at the bottom and top of the case. Opting for the hard insert it does take impacts quite well, but only once and so ours did come in cracked but with no visible damage to the PC itself.

Along with the plastic bag cover to prevent scratches on the case it does provide a strong overall protection to the outside. Now inside you also get a load of Instapak expanding foam, with a total of three size 10s inside. Fitting into each empty space it holds everything in place and makes sure to minimize movement of the components inside. Hopefully saving your graphics card from breaking away and damaging the motherboard.

The only problem we had was removing the foam from under the CPU cooler did undoing the clip which we had to put back. But that's a lot nicer to do than having to send it in for repairs. Starforge does well to warn you to make sure you prep the PC before booting with instructions in the accessories box and sticker on the side panel film. With the hardware all intact and checked we look at the installation and setup.

BIOS and Windows setup

Firstly looking at BIOS on boot we check how that has been set up and in fact, it has been done to a good standard. The DDR5 RAM XMP has been enabled to overclock it and running at 5600MHz. It also displays the NVMe SSD installed (the Samsung SSD is our game drive so it didn't come with the system).

The BIOS has been updated to the latest at the time (this machine has been away from them since March) and that keeps it updated and secure making sure you get the best experience as well as enabling TPM for working with Windows 11. However, the fan speed and curve setup in BIOS seem to not have been changed which is fine in general but could be altered to change the noise level and performance.

As for Windows, that has been put through a standard OOBE (out-of-the-box experience) treatment and you set it up how you like as a clean installation. After going through the ever-increasing needs of Microsoft to get it going and updates we can see what's been done to the system.

There we see very little has been left, no bloatware to be seen or extra apps that you don't need being featured, like some Antivirus being included as builders get commission on them. All that's been done is the AMD drivers installed with Adrenalin software and that was up to date at the time which is good to see as well. The only other thing is the MSI utility software pop-up, which comes from the motherboard and doesn't have to be installed but can make things easier if you'd rather.

We also found their installation folder left behind in Windows C. The Starforge Systems folder is what they likely use for setting up so it's not the worst thing to leave behind and comes with wallpapers that you can use. You can also find the Windows key here although now that it links to your Microsoft account it's less necessary. Otherwise, it's a great state to leave it in, and gives you the best experience of your system without any unnecessary additions.

Build quality

Now when it comes to the build itself and the look of it, there is great attention to detail and making the design very nice overall. It shows to care and attention to detail of Starforge with the pride of what they provide. Of course, though our system is a review unit so we imagine it has had the top detail put on it, but looking at other reviews it seems to be the case for all systems.

First off the build looks clean, helped by the custom-sleeved cables from Cablemod and excellent cable management, it's a system that looks good and is nice to look at. That even includes minor things like taping together the RGB connectors so they don't come apart and stop working. It makes the build nice and clean but also ensures fewer problems and air cooling isn't interrupted.

The air cooler is also digital which does require a separate app to control, but is compatible with MSI's Mystic Light as well. But to get the most out of it and have customization you probably want to get that as well. The component choice is excellent as well with Deepcool and MSI the main providers for cooling and power, whilst the RX 7700 XT GPU is an XFX model. It also has an AMD CPU with the Ryzen 5 7600X and combines for a strong gaming PC build.

There is a lot of custom work here as well, with the Starforge logo featuring on a lot of the components as the PC fans and case sporting it. That makes it a bit more unique and comes with a good quality as some more budget PC builders might try to keep costs down but opt for cheaper components which these are certainly not. Although the case does have a bendy front panel when pushed on and the logo creates a sharp edge you want to watch your fingers around.

That includes the power supply. The MSI MAG A750GL is a PCIe5 ATX 3 PSU that does make it compatible with Nvidia's native 12VHPWR connector if you want to change things up down the line and it has the wattage to do so. As Starforge does send you the spare cables so you can add in your own components down the line if you want. We got worried when trying to plug in our SSD but in fact, the SATA power and data cables had already been routed so in fact it makes it very easy to plug in some more storage as a 1TB drive this day doesn't last too long.

Pricing

The Starforge Horizon II Elite comes with an MSRP of $1,549.99 for the system and even offers monthly payments if needed. But compared to other RX 7700 XT PC's does come in a bit more expensive with the rest of the hardware it's combined with. Speccing out the system as similar as we can on PCPartPicker, the system alone comes to around $1,100. But then adding in the labor, custom work, and warranty comes together to make that final price of around $400 on top. Which may make it worth it even compared to other prebuilt options.

Performance

Now we look at how well it does in performance both in gaming and productivity tasks. Also looking at the thermals of the system and how well the cooling does to keep things going.

Gaming

Dictated by mostly the graphics card, the gaming performance targets 1440p gaming. As we go through our RX 7700 XT review it offers a good performance at 2K but nothing too thrilling about it. Along with that ray tracing performance on AMD hardware is a lot more impacted but still playable in most circumstances and certainly compared to Nvidia alternatives. It also is capable of 4K in certain titles but would rely on FSR to get a boost in performance.

For a quick rundown of the benchmarks, we give the averages achieved at 1080p, 1440p, and 4k in that order. Starting with CS2 we saw 277, 180, and 87FPS. Cyberpunk 2077 achieved 118, 77, and 32 FPS in our rasterization with ray tracing averaging 39, 24, and 11, but without any upscaling help which is necessary for its performance. Doom Eternal achieved a 277, 229, and 123 FPS average with ray tracing dropping to 187, 145, and 77 FPS.

For AC Mirage it averaged 111, 91, and 54 FPS, Avatar Frontiers of Pandora gets 66, 47, and 25 FPS, with the last Ubisoft game Rainbow Six Siege running 371, 239, and 109 FPS. Then F1 23 gets an average of 95, 65, and 34 FPS with Shadow of the Tomb Raider achieving 186, 134, and 68 FPS at base rasterization, with the ray tracing slipping it to 112, 80, and 38 FPS.

Synthetics

Now for other performance work you might want to do on your PC, we test out the rendering performance of the system. 3DMark is first and gives us an overview of its score and capabilities, here the scores line up with where they should be for the hardware in it. Whilst with HandBrake we see the video rendering performance and how it performs with the 6GB 12 minute 4K movie. Then there are also Blender and Cinebench results for rendering performance. Although a strong contender for gaming the AMD system isn't the fastest for this kind of work but is still a hard worker that can get the job done when required.

Thermals

Loading up both the CPU and GPU through Furmark 2 gives us a good indication of how well the cooling works. Putting them to 100% utilization, we get to see the thermal performance. Where the CPU jumps rights up to 95.1°C after three minutes of load, and the GPU flatlines at just 61°C. We also see the fan RPM of both CPU and GPU in cooling the components. Whilst the CPU cooler goes up to nearly 2000 RPM the GPU tops at 1,365 RPM but falls down to between 1,100 and 1,000 RPM as it keeps things under wraps.

The system fans also ramp up and reach around 2,050 RPM which does create a bit of noise at the front. With headphones on it's not much but the inrush of air with those does make quite some noise that can be expected from any PC running so hard. It does keep temperatures from being too hot as during gaming the CPU doesn't flatline out as much. During this test, the intake temp was at 23.7°C with the output from the back fan at 33.7°C.

Starforge Horizon II Elite thermal performance, source PCGuide

Conclusion

Overall the Starforge Horizon II Elite is a great piece of kit, when it comes to prebuilt gaming PCs it does provide a top choice piece of kit. It shows the company has a keen attention to detail and does provide a well-built system with care behind it. Well packaged and built it keeps things clean and intact and with a good knowledge of setup and build makes it a good experience for the customer.

It does come at a bit higher expense but the customization and additional costs do make it a bit more worth the extra if it has the hardware you want behind it. Although there are tiers to the selection of models, there is no other customization behind it and you are stuck with the components provided. These are capable and strong at this tier and do make it a lot simpler to build and manage without any trouble as changing parts gives plenty of issues as I came across in my previous job it's certainly a lot easier with just the same components. So the Horizon II Elite is a standout in the prebuilt market and sits in the middle of the pricing range.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/starforge-horizon-ii-elite-review/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=350500 Wed, 22 May 2024 14:18:31 +0100
I’ve tested the MSI Claw – it is underwhelming I've gone hands on with the MSI Claw extensively and now have a good idea of exactly what the Intel Meteor Lake and Arc-powered machine brings to the table. It's a bold choice in a lot of ways with how it stands out from its AMD-powered contemporaries such as the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go, but at this point, I'm not convinced that a change of architecture is enough of a USP given its price point.

MSI Claw price

Here's where the handheld may struggle out of the gate, being the most expensive of the manufacturer-made handheld gaming PCs at $699 for the Core Ultra 5-135H variant and $799.99 for the Core Ultra 7-155H version, the latter of which doubles the available storage to 1TB. That positions MSI's handheld at the same base price as the Lenovo Legion Go which launched to a mixed reception. Our sister publication VideoGamer has the full Lenovo Legion Go review for the full low down.

Enthusiasts likely aren't going to see the pricing as too big a roadblock, but it's worth bringing up the current market rates of the MSI Claw's competition. Namely, the Linux-fuelled Steam Deck OLED which starts at $549, and the Windows-powered ASUS ROG Ally which recently had a price drop to $399.99 for the Ryzen Z1 variant and $599.99 for the Ryzen Z1 Extreme version; all of which are considerably cheaper than the MSI Claw's base model. I'll touch upon price-to-performance further down the page.

MSI Claw design

In terms of its design, the MSI Claw is most reminiscent of the ASUS ROG Ally with its 120Hz 1080p display, twin hall-effect RGB analog sticks, and button placement, but it deviates in a couple of interesting ways. Namely, the face buttons themselves are fully RGB which changes alongside the lighting on the sticks, not only being backlit for playing in dark environments but also looking sharp, too. It's possible to sync up the colors together or go for an asymmetric approach.

As for how the buttons, triggers, and bumpers feel - I am conflicted. The face buttons feel fine with low actuation and a satisfying click, but the D-pad leaves a lot to be desired. It feels lightweight in the hand and is responsive enough without feeling mushy, but lacks a good feel with its hard shiny plastic edges. Then we get onto the bumpers and triggers and these are a serious step down from the ones found on the Steam Deck OLED, ASUS ROG Ally, and even the Lenovo Legion Go - they don't feel very good.

Even though the MSI Claw is technically a touch heavier than ASUS ROG Ally (607g) and Steam Deck OLED (639g) at 675g, it had a surprisingly lightweight feel to the chassis in the hand. For the bulk of my testing, I was able to pick the handheld up and walk around with it, never feeling the fatigue caused by the likes of the Lenovo Legion Go at a mammoth 854g. If you're looking for a handheld to sling in a bag and use for hours on end then you shouldn't tire with this one.

How the MSI Claw directly compares with the ASUS ROG Ally © BGFG

Further deep diving into the display, the MSI Claw features a 7-inch Full HD IPS-bonded screen with a peak brightness of 500 nits. It's not the brightest handheld on the market, nor does it feature the highest resolution, but it looks good. You're missing out on the peak brightness of 1000 nits, inky blacks, and vivid colors of the Steam Deck OLED, though. Put side by side with the ASUS ROG Ally, and genuinely these panels look about the same; equally as far from disappointing as dazzling.

As for the thermal performance, the MSI Claw was surprisingly chilled out neither getting loud nor hot in my playtime with the device. That's due in part to the many outtakes and fans on the handheld, with a mesh grate on the back as well as the top of the unit. A spokesperson for MSI made it clear that the counteracting overheating was a key priority of its design and it appears to have achieved this goal. Now I can touch upon the performance capabilities.

MSI Claw gaming performance

In truth, it's hard to gauge exactly how good the MSI Claw's gaming chops are considering the rather limited list available which depended unit to unit in our showroom open floor demonstration. Starting with the most graphically and CPU-intensive games first, one handheld was running Assassin's Creed Mirage in a custom graphics preset which hovered around the 60fps mark which is particularly impressive given the fact that the game is only a few months old. However, the game is later slated to come to iPhone 15 Pro, which hinders the wow factor slightly.

Another unit was running Resident Evil 3 remake at around 60fps in high settings at 1080p which is something worth commending. Despite being a couple of years old, the title still holds up visually with some good lightning effects and solid texture work, were it not for the random acts of slowdown where shaders were being compiled, a common problem across all units I tested. While this was more noticeable in more demanding games, it was disappointing to see this happen in older games.

Some MSI Claw units I went hands-on with were running old and frankly unimpressive-looking games, and sometimes not even particularly well. This was particularly noticeable with Tekken 7 and Rayman Legends, both excellent games in their own right, but software that's far from pushing the boundaries of the hardware. It felt like a deliberate choice from MSI to feature titles that wouldn't cause the Intel Arc integrated graphics to sweat much, and similar can be said for Sunset Overdrive, too, nearing a decade old apiece.

Making tweaks in the MSI Center M software such as changing resolution and refresh rate © BGFG

The choice of games may not have given the best impression but things were far from unplayable. For example, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown from earlier in the year was on the docket and looked and ran well. But that's not entirely impressive given the cell-shaded 2.5D art style as it looks as though the best gaming phones could also achieve the same feat. It would have been good to see some Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, GOG Galaxy, and more demanding Steam titles at the ready to flex the Claw's power.

Then there's the MSI Center M software which can be used to launch games from different storefronts such as Steam, Ubisoft Connect, GOG, EA, Battlenet, and Xbox Game Pass. From the limited selection available to me, it worked well without the need of going into desktop mode. The same software can also be used for on the fly tweaks such as power management, alternating resolution, refresh rate, etc. These features are nothing new to handheld gaming PCs, but they work well enough.

Lastly, to touch on the battery life, the MSI Claw features a 53Whr battery which is larger than the 40Whr, 49.2 Whr, and 50Whr batteries found in the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck OLED respectively. I was at the event for a fair few hours with some of the handhelds running purely on battery power and none went flat throughout the testing window. However, it's unknown exactly how long the handheld will be able to run depending on gaming intensity, refresh rate, brightness, etc. I'll bench in my full review.

Conclusion

The MSI Claw running Sunset Overdrive natively in High settings at 1080p © BGFG

Ultimately, while it's hard to judge, this is the best foot forward that the manufacturer led with at this event. Yes, the MSI Claw can confidently play older and less demanding games, but where's the wow factor? Even after playing with a range of devices for the afternoon, I'm left ultimately underwhelmed. Then the price factors in again, simply put, you're going to be paying more for the MSI Claw's cheapest version than a Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally which could offer better value for money.

This could change when I get my hands on a dedicated review unit that I can spend weeks with as with the Lenovo Legion Go, Steam Deck OLED, and ASUS ROG Ally. There's no faulting what MSI has tried to do here in building a machine that confidently takes advantage of the new Intel Meteor Lake CPUs and Arc graphics, but it appears as though it wasn't confident enough to let its handheld be stress-tested here. Hopefully, when a unit is provided for me my mind will be changed, until then, I am unconvinced.

When will the MSI Claw come out?

The MSI Claw is available now through MSI directly in the US or through retailers such as Best Buy. It's availability in the UK and other territories appears to be less clear, however, pre orders are available directly from the manufacturer. 

What size SSD is in the MSI Claw?

The MSI Claw will ship with three variants, one running the Intel Core Ultra 5 with a 512GB SSD and the others with an Intel Core Ultra 7 choices of either a 512GB or 1TB SSD. If you're planning on building a large gaming collection then you'll want to opt for the latter offering.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/msi-claw-hands-on/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=324244 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:19:15 +0000
MSI confuses everyone with several MSI Claw release dates If you're eagerly awaiting the MSI Claw then you may be confused by the fact that even the manufacturer itself can't quite decide on exactly when its Intel-powered handheld will hit the shelves.

The MSI Claw's release date is officially set for March 8 and has been confirmed by MSI in the US but retailers are saying different, including the company that makes them. Heading over to MSI's website will reveal that the mainstream variant, the Intel Core Ultra 5-135H model, retailing for $699, will ship on March 12, five days ahead of its 'official' release window. We're showing you where to buy MSI Claw pre orders through retailers such as Newegg.

Speaking of Newegg, this retailer has the release date of the MSI Claw set as March 15, a full week after the 'official' US release date which ships and is sold by the outlet. So, what's going on? It's hard to say exactly why no one can agree on when the Claw will actually hit shelves, making it hard to know when to expect one. That means you'll either get one in two days or be waiting another week, which is incredibly frustrating, especially if you've been following the hardware since its CES 2024 unveiling.

We recommend pencilling in Friday in your calendar and keeping our page bookmarked to avoid any potential disappointment. It's possible that you could be waiting into next week, but we'll be updating you as things become more concrete. It's far for the manufacturer and retailers to be at odds like this, further adding an unnecessary level of confusion which could hurt its chances at rivalling the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally.

The MSI Claw could get a staggered launch

A possible explanation of what's happening around the launch of MSI's first foray into the handheld scene could be that the manufacturer is staggering launch of its three variants. The cheapest of the lot could be coming after the two pricier versions (which sell for $749 and $799) respectively). This would incentivize getting a more expensive option first to be right there on release. It would explain way the $759 MSI Claw is sold out before it's even been released.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/msi-confuses-everyone-with-several-msi-claw-release-dates/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=315923 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:10:07 +0000
MSI Claw’s $749 model is ‘out of stock’ ahead of release – and it’s clear why There's only two days between you and the hotly anticipated Arc-powered handheld as the MSI Claw ships out on March 8 in the US. To be in with a chance of being first in line, we highly recommend checking out where to buy MSI Claw pre orders for the latest information in your country with regards to availability.

Prices for the MSI Claw start at $699 up to $799 with a total of three different models available rocking slightly different specs. However, the mid-range $749 appears to be sold out in territories such as the US. The throughline for all is a 7-inch Full HD 120Hz display with Intel Arc graphics baked into the Core Ultra CPU. It's a departure from its AMD powered rivals with a price tag on the upper-end of the spectrum. MSI has the full specs.

But that's when we get into exactly what that $50 difference gets you. The $699 model is rocking a weaker Core Ultra 5 chip with the $749 variant pushing things up to a Core Ultra 7. Specifically, the Ultra 7 155H features a total of eight P-cores and eight E-cores which is quite the flex for the form factor. In contrast, the Ultra 5 has eight P-cores but only six E-cores meaning the potential for less performance. This extends to the Intel Arc graphics, too, with the former having eight Xe cores compared to the latter's seven clock slightly differently. It's easy to see why spending a bit more can net you a solid jump in performance.

The Taiwanese manufacturer has wasted little time from reveal to release as the MSI Claw was speculated to appear at CES 2024 at the beginning of the year where it stole the show as a potential competitor to the excellent Steam Deck OLED and Windows-based devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally which have varying levels of competitor success.

Can Intel Arc push the handheld gaming PC needle?

The biggest flex that the MSI Claw has over its competitors is that it's powered by the all-new Intel Ultra Core (Meteor Lake) processors which will feature integrated Intel Arc graphics. That's a departure from the custom RDNA 2 chipset found in both the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED models, and the Ryzen Z1 / Z1 Extreme built on AMD RDNA 3 architecture in the Go and Ally. The push is made more towards power efficiency and could deliver strong graphical performance when sustained at 1080p.

More specifically, that means the implementation of Intel XeSS AI upscaling as opposed to the more rudimentary versions of FSR available on the AMD-powered handhelds, further bolstered by Meteor Lake's NPU (neural processing unit). We could see AI play a massive part in not only the power efficiency (and general battery life) but also in how far games can be pushed to higher average framerates as well.

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https://www.pcguide.com/news/msi-claw-750-already-out-of-stock/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=315731 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:47:29 +0000
Best RTX 4080 Super prebuilt gaming PC – cooling system, high-end CPU, and more Looking for an easy, hassle-free way to get the latest 80-class Ada into your gaming PC? Purchasing a prebuilt gaming PC is a great option for gaming enthusiasts who want the high quality and reliability of the 4080 Super without the fuss of building a new rig themselves. These PCs use high-end CPUs to match the power of this specific card, coupled with an amazing cooling solution to guarantee the best performance all-round. In this article, we discuss the best RTX 4080 Super prebuilt gaming PCs, covering the best cooling system, high-end, and value options.

This impressive GPU implements Nvidia DLSS 3, an AI-driven revolutionary breakthrough in gaming tech, that improves image quality significantly. Powered by the new fourth-gen tensor cores and optical flow accelerator this formidable GPU with AI-powered graphics deserves an equally impressive CPU collaboration. We've made short of the hard work for you by cherry-picking this lineup of pre-builds, but if you're interested in putting together your rig yourself, we recommend weighing in on picks of the best RTX 4080 Super graphics card, and of course the best CPU for the RTX 4080 Super too.

Nvidia reflex delivers the lowest latency that provides milliseconds responsiveness. Enthusiast gamers can expect detailed virtual worlds, quicker reaction times, higher resolutions, faster target acquisition, and the best aim precision, thanks to the ultra-efficient Nvidia ADA Lovelace architecture that enhances the full glory of ray tracing. But, what prebuilt PC compliments it the most? Let’s find out.

Products at a glance

How we picked the best RTX 4080 Super prebuilt gaming PC

In selecting the best RTX 4080 Super prebuilt gaming PCs, we sift through a multitude of factors to present options that stand out and provide the ultimate competitive advantage. Cutting-edge performance in competitive games is a top priority; thus, we examine systems that integrate seamlessly, allowing the GPU to unleash maximum quality without the risks of thermal throttling or power limitations.

Of course, we mainly pull on our hands-on experience from our RTX 4080 Super review. We liked this card enough to award it a rating of 4/5 stars, so we've taken the extra time to consider exactly what it requires from the rest of the system to truly make its 4K performance standout - and therefore precisely which prebuilds are worthy of being a top pick.

We also consider the build quality and future-proofing aspects, prioritizing PCs with expandable options and robust constructions. Connectivity and aesthetics play their part too, with a nod towards systems that offer a plethora of ports for peripherals and those that come with eye-catching designs and customizable RGB lighting.

A Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super placed in front of its box and accessories ©BGFG

Best RTX 4080 Super prebuilt gaming PC – cooling system, high-end CPU, and more

The ABS Kaze Aqua RTX 4080 Super Gaming PC prebuilt gaming PC, equipped with an Intel Core i7-14700KF and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super, is an ideal choice for those aiming for hyperfast 4K gaming at 60 FPS or higher across their favorite AAA titles. This setup ensures maximum performance and is capable of handling demanding gaming and multitasking needs with ease. The addition of 32GB DDR5 RAM at 6000MHz, alongside a 1TB NVMe SSD, offers quick load times, fast memory speed, and ample storage for an extensive game library, ensuring games run smoothly at the highest game settings. That’s quite the collection of components, and only slightly lacking if you want ample storage. 

The liquid cooling system not only enhances the PC’s aesthetic but also maintains optimal temperatures, providing stability even during extensive gaming sessions. However, potential buyers should note the absence of Gen5 SSD storage, limiting future upgrade paths.

What users say

Similarly to what we've said in our 'Reasons to buy' the ABS Kaze Aqua, Amazon user reviews talked about how well this prebuilt works from the get-go: more specifically, one user said "Amazingly built gaming PC, everything comes built and it fires up just as it should", and another more simply put that "Everything worked right out of the box".

However, there is naturally the odd review that's complaining about blue screen crashes, with one user savagely saying it's "One of the prettiest pieces of trash I've ever owned". This might be a minority, but it's still something to keep your eye out for, and double-check that all your drivers are completely up to date once you've got the rig up and running.

The CyberPowerPC – Gamer Xtreme is a testament to high-end gaming performance, combining the powerful RTX 4080 Super with the formidable Intel Core i9-14900KF for the ultimate gaming display. This pairing is designed to push boundaries, ensuring users experience unrivaled gaming performance, capable of handling the most demanding games and creative projects without breaking a sweat.

What sets this system apart is its generous 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a massive 4TB SSD, ensuring not only fast boot and load times but also ample storage for an extensive library of games enhanced by AI graphics. Furthermore, the inclusion of 7 USB 3.1 ports offers extensive connectivity options for all your peripherals, making this PC a versatile hub for both gaming and productivity.

What users say

Users reviews for the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme across Amazon specifically comment on how the rig and its components arrive exactly as described. One buyer stated that "it's exactly like the images, and the specs are exactly what were listed on the page", and another that "Every spec was as advertised". So, for transparency, CyberPowerPC gets a big tick.

However, although you can expect an easy setup and gaming straight out of the box, it's worth noting that one review commented that "The hardest part was removing the tempered glass panel", so although you might not need to get inside to do any tinkering, be cautious when screwing or un-screwing the case itself.

The MSI Aegis RS Gaming Desktop is a testament to superior cooling and performance, engineered to keep the 14th Gen Core i7-14700KF running at peak efficiency. This system is a fortress of coolness, thanks to its advanced liquid cooling system that ensures stability and extended performance under heavy loads, making it a prime choice for gamers and professionals alike.

What elevates this unit is not just its cooling prowess but also the high-speed 32GB DDR5 RAM operating at 5600 MHz, facilitating seamless multitasking and gaming experiences. Despite its formidable specs, the system houses only a 1TB SSD, which might be a constraint for users with extensive game libraries or large files. However, the blend of exceptional cooling and rapid memory makes it a strong contender in the prebuilt gaming PC market.

In the realm of high-performance gaming PCs, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Gaming Desktop stands out for its exceptional balance between cost and revolutionary capabilities. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X, this system delivers robust performance and ultra-efficient productivity that can easily handle demanding gaming sessions, intensive multitasking, and content creation, all at a price point that’s hard to beat.

What sets this PC apart is its generous allocation of resources, featuring a whopping 64GB of memory and 4TB of SSD storage. This ensures not only swift and responsive gaming experiences but also ample space for an extensive collection of games, software, and media, making it an ideal choice for users who demand both speed and storage without completely breaking the bank.

Features and considerations for choosing the best RTX 4080 Super pre-built gaming PC

When diving into the world of RTX 4080 Super prebuilt gaming PCs, there are several key features and considerations to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the best experience, image quality, value, and system that meets your gaming demands. Firstly, the core component, the RTX 4080 Super, demands a high-end CPU that can keep up with the highest performance graphics, AI power, and best responsiveness.

Look for processors from the latest generations, such as Intel’s i9 or AMD’s Ryzen 9 series, to get the most out of your gaming experience. Additionally, adequate cooling solutions are non-negotiable. With the power that the RTX 4080 Super brings, ensuring good heat dissipation is paramount. Liquid cooling systems or high-grade air coolers should be part of the package to maintain optimal temperatures and performance.

Is the RTX 4080 Super worth it?

The RTX 4080 Super, with its enhancements over the standard 4080, presents a compelling option for gamers aiming for 4K gaming at high settings; of course, for a full comparison, we've squared up the RTX 4080 vs RTX 4080 Super to see exactly what sets them apart. Its next-level AI performance and ADA architecture justify its position in the market as just undercutting Nvidia's flagship RTX 4090, making it a worthy investment for those looking to elevate their gaming experience.

Our Verdict

On the quest for the ultimate gaming experience that complements the power of RTX, our selections cater to a diverse range of preferences and requirements. The ABS Kaze Aqua RTX 4080 Super Gaming PC offers a balanced blend of performance and aesthetics for those seeking a visually striking system with excellent 4K gaming capabilities.

For those who prioritize sheer computational power, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme with its Intel Core i9-14900KF processor stands unmatched. MSI’s Aegis RS shines in the cooling department, ensuring that your system remains stable even under heavy loads, while the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Gaming Desktop with the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X offers remarkable value, providing ample storage and memory at an unbeatable price.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-4080-super-prebuilt-gaming/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=300588 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:01:24 +0000
Best RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PC – our top picks Following the 'Super' refresh back in January, the RTX 4070 Super finds itself even more of a perfect companion to a Core i7 or a Ryzen 7. For those of you looking to avoid the hassle of sourcing every internal component of your rig, we're sorting you out with our top picks of the best RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PC. The RTX 4070 Super saw itself getting a specs upgrade, and you should too.

Compared to the original 4070, the RTX 4070 Super has 20% more CUDA cores and a bump up to 224 TMUs and 80 ROPs, making it an excellent all-rounder and a strong addition to any rig for boosted 1440p gaming. Of course, we've dived into all the intricate details in our RTX 4070 Super vs RTX 4070 comparison, but the fact that it's completely replaced the first 4070 from 2022 says a lot about its performance and value.

While one option would be to personally select the best RTX 4070 Super GPU to build into your current PC, we've done a lot of the hard work here for you by cherry-picking a selection of RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PCs that should cater to your needs nicely.

How we picked the best RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PC

In selecting the best RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PCs, we scrutinize various factors beyond just the raw specs. Customer reviews and brand reputation play a significant role, highlighting user satisfaction and post-purchase support. Of course, we also make our choices based on the specs of each, and it's worth noting that we've already done an RTX 4070 Super review too, so we can make a good judgment about what units pair well with this card. And, because we know this is an important one too, we make sure to include CPU options from both Team Blue and Team Red.

We also consider upgradeability, giving preference to systems that offer easy access for future expansions or replacements. Price-to-performance ratio is a critical aspect; we look for options that offer the best value without unnecessary markups for branding or non-essential features. To state the obvious, the 4070 Super is a pretty popular card at the moment, so we’re always looking for new products to add to our guides and keep them as updated as possible.

RTX 4070 Super heatsink from side © BGFG

Best RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PC - our top picks

If high-performance gaming and overclocking are your targets, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Liquid Cool Gaming PC stands out as a top contender. This system isn’t just about raw power; it’s designed to keep things cool under pressure thanks to its liquid cooling system. Packed with an Intel Core i7-14700KF, it’s ready to deliver the best experience for demanding games and software applications. Whether it’s gaming at ultra settings or tackling intensive tasks, this machine is built to handle it all with ease.

The core of this PC’s exceptional performance lies in its Intel Core i7-14700KF processor, perfectly complemented by the RTX 4070 Super. This combination ensures that whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking, you’re equipped with ample power. The inclusion of 32GB DDR5 RAM and a speedy 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD means load times are next level, and there’s plenty of space for all your games and projects. Its extensive connectivity options further enhance its versatility, making it easy to connect a wide range of peripherals and devices.

However, while the PCIe Gen4 SSD provides impressive speed and storage, some might find its exclusion of the newer PCIe Gen5 standard a missed opportunity for even faster data transfer rates. Nonetheless, this slight compromise does little to diminish the overall value and performance of this gaming powerhouse. Offering a harmonious blend of power, cooling efficiency, and connectivity, it’s an ideal choice for gamers and overclockers alike seeking a robust and reliable gaming system.

What users say

There have been a couple of positive comments from user reviews of the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cool to highlight; namely, to do with value and the inclusion of peripherals. One user said "Excellent value for money on a prebuilt for Flight Sim in 2024 - 7800X3D CPU with RTX 4070 SUPER and 32GB DDR5 RAM under $1700.", speaking to the price-to-performance ratio this rig offers. Another picked up on that there's a "mouse and keyboard included", meaning you end up saving the sum you'd spend on a new keyboard and mouse combo.

For gamers prioritizing seamless gameplay over the nuances of overclocking, the iBUYPOWER Y40 emerges as a prime choice. Anchored by the Intel Core i7 14700F, this rig is built to leverage the RTX 4070 Super’s capabilities fully, ensuring next-level gaming with the best responsiveness and greater efficiency. The inclusion of a 2TB NVMe SSD not only offers ample storage but also guarantees swift boot and load times, elevating the overall system performance.

The Y40’s hardware configuration, especially its 32GB DDR5 RAM, complements the RTX 4070 Super, providing a balanced system that excels in both gaming and multitasking. Whether you’re exploring vast game worlds or managing intensive workloads, this PC maintains a high level of efficiency, courtesy of its well-thought-out component synergy.

However, the Intel Core i7 14700F’s inability to overclock might deter enthusiasts looking to push their systems beyond stock performance levels. Despite this, its robust out-of-the-box performance, coupled with the system’s overall value, makes the iBUYPOWER Y40 an attractive proposition for users seeking a high-performing gaming PC without the premium price tag of overclockable setups.

What users say

Users on Amazon seemed to be generally happy with their investment in the iBUYPOWER Y40, with one user claiming that they "Genuinely have nothing to complain about", and that it's a "very worthwhile upgrade at a good price". Another said that it was "packaged well with no damage", which is a consideration that often goes under the radar when you're ordering a tempered glass PC case.

For gamers seeking top-tier 4070 Super performance without breaking the bank, the ZOTAC Gaming MEK Hero Gaming Desktop stands out as the premier choice. This rig, powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7600, strikes an impressive balance between cost and capability, making it an ideal option for both budget-conscious and performance-driven users. The Ryzen 5 7600, known for its efficient architecture, ensures that games run smoothly, leveraging the RTX 4070 Super’s full potential.

The ZOTAC Gaming MEK Hero’s appeal lies in its adeptness at offering substantial gaming prowess, supported by 16GB of 4800 MHz DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD for swift data access and storage. While these specs provide a solid foundation for most modern titles, the system’s real charm is its readiness for overclocking, allowing users to squeeze extra performance from the already powerful setup.

However, the choice to equip this system with just 16GB of RAM and a single terabyte of storage might leave power users wanting more. Yet, for those prioritizing a balanced blend of cost-efficiency and gaming excellence, these minor drawbacks can be overlooked. This ZOTAC build exemplifies great value in the prebuilt gaming PC market, offering a robust platform for your favorite games both current and upcoming.

What users say

Owners on Amazon have commented on the all-round good performance of the Zotac Gaming MEK, with one user stating "the gaming experience is unreal", and another explaining that this PC "delivers incredible performance for high FPS in competitive FPS gaming...while having incredibly beautiful graphics at 1440 and even 4K gaming". However, while there weren't any explicitly negative reviews, on user did mention that internally they found "one of the wires a little close to my fan and I had to move it", so you might have to get hands-on inside the case to do some touch-ups.

Features and considerations

When considering the best RTX 4070 Super prebuilt gaming PCs, several key features come into play. First and foremost is the pairing of the GPU with a compatible and equally powerful CPU, like a Core i7 or Ryzen 5, to ensure balanced and optimized performance across all gaming titles. Of course, we've got the low-down on the best CPU for the RTX 4070 Super if you're interested.

Additionally, adequate RAM (at least 16GB). fast storage solutions (such as NVMe SSDs), and high refresh rate are crucial for quick load times and smooth multitasking. Cooling solutions also can’t be overlooked; efficient thermal management is essential to maintain peak performance without throttling. Furthermore, the overall build quality, including a sturdy case with good airflow and a reliable power supply, ensures longevity and maximum performance for gaming.

What processor do I need for RTX 4070 Super?

For the RTX 4070 Super, both the Intel Core i7-14700KF and the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 are excellent choices. These processors offer the perfect blend of power and performance, ensuring that your gaming experiences are seamless and immersive. With either of these CPUs, you’ll be well-equipped to take full advantage of the RTX 4070 Super’s capabilities, from gaming at high resolutions to tackling the most demanding applications without breaking a sweat.

Our verdict

Choosing the best prebuilt gaming PC equipped with an RTX 4070 Super can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Each device we’ve reviewed offers something unique for every type of gamer. The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR stands out as our overall pick, thanks to its liquid cooling system and the powerful Intel Core i7-14700KF processor, making it a beast for both gaming and overclocking enthusiasts.

For those who prioritize lightning-fast storage, the iBUYPOWER Y40 Black Gaming PC shines with its superior NVMe SSD, ensuring quick load times alongside its robust Intel Core i7 14700F CPU. Meanwhile, the ZOTAC Gaming MEK Hero Gaming Desktop emerges as the Best Value pick, offering solid gaming performance at a more accessible price point with its AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-4070-super-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=300460 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 11:20:23 +0000
Best RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt gaming PC – our top picks Nvidia used its 40 series refresh to springboard the 4070 lineup back into the spotlight with 'Super' specs; with a CUDA core count of 8,448 vs the 7680 of the 4070 Ti, and an upgrade to 16GB GDDR6X RAM, the 4070 Ti Super is certainly a card to consider for an elevated computing experience. Of course, combine it with the right components and you'll have a high-end system that will allow you to play or create in 4K with stable high FPS.

If that’s what you’re looking for, but you don’t want to build it from scratch, here are the best RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt gaming PCs. Whether you’re looking for a great-looking system, one to overclock, or a more subtle approach, you should find a suitable build in this list - and it should save you a lot of time too!

Products at a glance

How we picked the best RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt gaming PC

Overall, our selection process for choosing the best prebuilt gaming PCs that use the RTX 4070 Ti Super is a holistic one, rooted in a comprehensive evaluation of performance, reliability, and value. As you can expect, we've done our research and weighed in on what makes each of these specific PCs stand out from the crowd, such as the combination of components, design, and the inclusion of peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse.

What's more, we know this card pretty well from our hands-on testing and RTX 4070 Ti Super review, so we've got a good idea overall of exactly what pairs well with the 4070 Ti Super to get the most out of it performance-wise - and what makes a top pick. As with the other 4070 Supers, the RTX 4070 Ti Super arrives with an MSRP identical to its ‘vanilla’ version of $799, positioning it at the top of the mid-range market. Naturally, this means it will require a more than capable processor to go alongside it, so we've chosen builds that use strong options from Nvidia and AMD accordingly.

Compatibility with future upgrades, warranty terms, and after-sales support stand as critical factors influencing our recommendations. Furthermore, we assess each system’s cooling efficiency and noise levels to ensure that the high performance of the RTX 4070 Ti Super does not come at the expense of a disruptive user experience.

Best RTX 4070 Ti Super Prebuilt Gaming PC © BGFG

Best RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt gaming PC - our top picks

The iBuyPower Y40 White Gaming PC stands as a paragon of balance in the realm of prebuilt systems, boasting a generous 2 TB of storage alongside a versatile array of connectivity options, including up to 6 x USB 3.1 ports. At its core, the 14th Gen Intel Core i7 14700KF processor, renowned for its overclocking prowess and 5.6 GHz speed, serves as the linchpin of this setup. This, combined with an efficient 240mm liquid CPU cooling system, ensures that performance remains top-tier under any load. The addition of a 16-color RGB Lighting Case not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also offers a personalized touch to your gaming setup.

What sets the iBuyPower Y40 apart is not just its robust internal specifications but also its thoughtful integration of other components that elevate the gaming experience.

PC Guide

What sets the iBuyPower Y40 apart is not just its robust internal specifications but also its thoughtful integration of other components that elevate the gaming experience. The 32GB DDR5 memory at 5600MHz ensures swift and responsive multitasking, making this system ideal for both intense gaming sessions and demanding productivity tasks. For those who need the extra peripherals too, this build comes equipped with an RGB keyboard and mouse for the real turn-on-and-go experience - all that's left will be to make sure you've got one of the best monitors for the RTX 4070 Ti Super.

The Skytech Blaze stands out as a top-tier premium system, thanks to its Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, which is currently the best gaming CPU available thanks to its large 96MB L3 3D V-cache design. This Zen 4 CPU packs 8 cores and 16 threads, and promises pretty unmatched performance when paired with the 4070 Ti Super, making this PC an ideal choice for gamers seeking the highest quality experience across a variety of platforms.

So, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor is the most notable thing setting the Skytech Blaze apart, renowned for its gaming prowess. This is largely due to AMD’s innovative 3D V-cache technology, which significantly enhances the performance of your favorite games. Paired with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this system ensures smooth, high-quality, and lag-free gaming at peak settings. What's more, the inclusion of a 2TB NVME Gen4 SSD further guarantees that games and applications load quickly, offering a seamless user experience. Of course, with the latest-gen CPU and GPU pairing from Team Green and Team Red, you'll be futureproofed for a good few years to come with this rig, meaning although it's got a hefty $2,499.99 tag, it should be worth it in the long run.

The Skytech Blaze stands out as a top-tier premium system, thanks to its Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, which is currently the best gaming CPU available

PC Guide

However, the system does have a few drawbacks. The storage, while fast, is Gen4, and connectivity options are somewhat limited, especially with only one HDMI port available. Additionally, while the PC includes 4 ARGB fans for cooling, some users might prefer more customization options or additional fans for enhanced cooling. Despite these minor issues, the Skytech Blaze remains a formidable gaming PC, offering exceptional performance, especially for those prioritizing gaming above all else.

The Skytech King stands out for those seeking a mid-sized tower with a compact footprint and striking visuals, and makes it onto our list as the most aesthetic prebuilt using the RTX 4070 Ti Super. This system not only looks great but packs a punch with its hardware, particularly highlighting the 32GB DDR5 RAM with a heat spreader and an impressive cooling setup featuring 9 ARGB fans. This combination ensures both performance and visual appeal, catering to gamers who prioritize both, but more importantly it contributes to the smooth running of your CPU / GPU combo consisting of the Intel i7 14700F and the 4070 Ti Super.

What sets the Skytech King apart is its careful balance of high-end features within a sleek, mid-sized form factor. The inclusion of 32GB DDR5 RAM with a heat spreader makes it a powerhouse for gaming and multitasking, while the ARGB fans not only enhance the system’s cooling efficiency but also add a dynamic visual element to the setup. Overall, this PC is designed for gamers looking for outstanding performance wrapped in an eye-catching design. However, some of the reviews state that you might be able to get an even more updated PC for the price range; if you're interested in going for the flagship parts, we've also got a list of the best RTX 4090 prebuilt PC for you to check out.

What sets the Skytech King apart is its careful balance of high-end features within a sleek, mid-sized form factor.

PC Guide

What users say

User reviews for the Skytech King on Amazon comment on the fact that for a pre-build, the quality of the case itself is actually really good: "For a pre-build, the build quality is also amazing. They spent their time routing the cables and making sure all the components were properly seated, fans pointing the right directions, etc. Clean build". So, for beginner builders or those looking to save time, this PC is a solid choice. Another user also pointed towards this, claiming "This is a great gaming pc for someone like me that doesn't know how to build one but want to get something cool looking like this".

On the flip side, despite the CPU/GPU combo being a fairly recent one, one user commented that for "this price I would definitely look into getting something that is more updated". This is probably due to the fact that instead of a more secure 1000W PSU, this build comes with an 850W unit, and that for the money you might find a rig with a more high-end MOBO than the Asus PRIME B760M-A AX.

The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Liquid Cool Gaming PC stands out as a high-value offering in the realm of 4070 Ti Super prebuilt PCs. At the heart of this powerhouse lies the Intel Core i7-14700KF processor, renowned for its high performance - it'sthe same CPU used in the iBUYPOWER Y40, but it undercuts it in price. This, coupled with a competitive MSRP of $2,029.99, makes it an attractive option for gamers and enthusiasts alike.

What sets this PC apart is not just its formidable processor but also the attention to detail in its overall construction. The inclusion of 32GB DDR5 memory and a 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD means that users will experience blazing-fast load times and ample storage for a vast game library. The system’s liquid cooling not only aids in maintaining performance but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the build, with a design that appeals to gamers looking for both function and form. It's worth noting though, that the one caveat to this build is that it's on the larger side, measuring 22.5 x 22.5 x 13.25 inches, so you'll definitely want to measure up your desk space to double check you've got enough space for it to fit.

What sets this PC apart is not just its formidable processor but also the attention to detail in its overall construction.

PC Guide

What users say

So far, buyers on Amazon have had good things to say about the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme, and a lot of them comment on just how fast this system is. One review stated that this PC "runs whatever i throw at it in 4k", and another that it "runs every new game" to just as high levels as you would expect. As summarized by one user, this pre-build is "great for designing, running high processes and gaming".

However, one thing to bear in mind is the physical size of this PC, which according to reviews, is pretty large. According to one reviewer, you need to "Make lots of room for the case", and that you could fit their old PC "inside it without disturbing any of the CyberPowerPC's parts". So, if size is an issue for you, make sure to measure up before you buy.

Features and considerations for choosing the best RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt

When delving into the realm of RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt gaming PCs, the paramount features to consider extend beyond the GPU’s raw power. These systems should offer a harmonious blend of high-performance CPUs, ample RAM, and swift storage solutions to unleash the full potential of the RTX 4070 Ti Super: of course, if you are interested in building the PC yourself or just checking out some elite pairings, you can read about our top picks of the best CPU for the RTX 4070 Ti Super, as well as the best PSU for the RTX 4070 Ti Super. As one of the latest GPUs from Nvidia, the 4070 Ti Super definitely performs better with either 13th Gen or 14th Gen processors to future-proof and avoid bottlenecking or similar concerns. That being said, we've also provided picks from the Ryzen 7 series - such as the Skytech Blaze and its Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor - which would make a similarly powerful combo.

How much should you spend on an RTX 4070 Ti Super gaming PC?

Cost is always paramount when it comes to investing in the latest-gen hardware, and with its MSRP of $799, it's not too surprising that when paired with high-end components the cost of an RTX 4070 Ti Super prebuilt PC exceeds $2,000. However, in the hope of getting a good deal the best times to make your purchase are during sale periods, like Black Friday and Spring Sales, when these prebuilt PCs tend to drop in price and see a good deal. One way of identifying sale patterns for the particular product you're interested in is by ssing price history trackers, such as the reputable Camelcamelcamel, to see if you should invest now or wait for a further price fluctuation.

What is the recommended PSU for RTX 4070 Ti Super?

For a system housing an RTX 4070 Ti, it’s advised to have a power supply unit ranging from 850W to 1000W. This range ensures ample power for your system, accommodating peak loads and providing a buffer for any additional components or future upgrades, thus ensuring stable and reliable performance across all gaming and computing tasks.

Our Verdict

The iBUYPOWER Y40 White Gaming PC emerges as our editor’s choice, marrying robust performance with the Intel Core i7 14700KF’s overclocking prowess and a visually striking 16-color RGB lighting case. For those prioritizing high-end specifications, the Skytech Blaze Gaming PC stands out with its Ryzen 7 7800X3D, ensuring top-tier gaming experiences.

The Skytech King Gaming PC captures the best aesthetics title with its eye-catching design and efficient cooling through 9 ARGB fans, while the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR offers unparalleled value, blending an attractive price point with the overclocking capabilities of the Intel Core i7-14700KF.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-4070-ti-super-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=300469 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 11:08:03 +0000
Best ASUS gaming PC in 2024 – Our top picks If you’re on the hunt for the best ASUS gaming PC, we’ve got you covered. ASUS has a great lineup of prebuilt PCs. Their ROG and ROG Strix series gaming desktops are extremely popular in the market, and all of them are carefully built using the right components.

These days, you can find prebuilt ASUS gaming PCs that are packed with some of latest graphics cards and processors, which include the RTX 4000 series GPUs. However, as the ones with the latest hardware are expensive, ASUS also has some entry-level and mid-range options that feature previous-generation hardware, such as the RTX 3000 series GPUs and Intel 11th-gen CPUs.

How we selected the best ASUS gaming PC

We used our expertise to find and research the best Asus gaming PCs on the market, selecting which ones made our list by looking carefully at specs, features, value for money, and anything else that we thought made them stand out from the crowd. We update our selections frequently, to ensure you’re seeing the very latest ASUS has to offer and not missing out on new releases or the latest technology. Be sure to check back in with us in the future.

Best ASUS gaming PC

Our top pick for the best ASUS gaming PC is the ASUS ROG G22CH Gaming Desktop (RTX 4070). To justify the high-end price, Asus picked some of the best components in the market. We think that it is similar to some of the best gaming PCs, as it also features components that can run AAA games at the highest graphical settings.

Starting off with the processor, this model ships with an Intel Core i7-13700F. With 16 cores and 24 threads, this PC is built for multitasking. If you’re not satisfied with the processor’s speed, you can enable turbo boost to take it up to 5.2 GHz. While it may seem like an overkill for most games, it means there will be no need for upgrades for years to come. The GPU on this model is none other than the RTX 4070. With 12GB of VRAM, this graphics card is designed to handle whatever you throw at it. It belongs to the latest generation of GPUs offered by Nvidia, and you won’t have to upgrade for at least a few years. 

With efficiency, clear performance, and added (including DLSS) feature gains it’s (the RTX 4070) a step up for anyone upgrading from a 3070 or lower.

PC Guide

One feature that stands out in this rig is the chassis. Asus decided to go with a rectangular case, which is notably small. They didn’t throw in the “small form factor” tag into the PC’s official name for nothing, seeing as this PC weighs only 10 pounds. If you’re worried about cooling, the PC is perforated from the top and sides for better cooling. Storage and RAM are well thought out, with 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 4TB SSD.

As for aesthetics, users must make do with the two strips of RGB lights in front. To make things even better, there’s a keyboard and mouse included. For those with extra peripherals, there are several ports on top and at the back. You will find USB A, USB C, ethernet, audio, DisplayPort, and HDMI ports. Overall, this PC is perfect for those searching for high performance coupled with portability.  If you’re a fan of the RTX 4070, we’d also recommend checking out some of the best RTX 4070 gaming PCs for more options as well as our RTX 4070 review.

Next on our list is the Strix G10 desktop. Although it was released in 2019, this rig still holds ground when put to the test. Given that this desktop falls under the low-budget class, the question is if this desktop is worth buying, especially for AAA gamers. This rig is powered by an octa-core Core i7-11700 processor. This processor’s speed boosts up to 4.9 GHz with heavy tasks like gaming. While it’s not the most recent processor, it suffices for most games, even the CPU-bound ones like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Far Cry 5.

As for GPU-bound games, there’s a 12GB RTX 3060 card to handle them, and the 12GB of VRAM will let you run even the latest titles at high settings at 1080p or 1440p. While this, and even some of the best RTX 3060 gaming PCs, may not be ideal for 4k gaming, you can still play most games at 4k with the graphics settings set to mid.  As for RAM and storage, you get 16GB of DDR4 RAM paired with a 1TB SSD. Ideally, the RAM should be upgraded to 24GB or 32GB to forestall any bottlenecks. 

The chassis is designed to keep thermals optimized and avoid throttling. There are gaps for air inflow on the side panels and a rear exhaust fan that helps cool all of the components, especially the CPU. For those who love RGB lighting, the major source of RGB charm is the strip of light in the scar sign in front. Aside from that, you get an LED RGB strip inside at the top of the case. All of them are customizable via Asus’ Aura Sync app. 

This desktop is a good budget-friendly choice for gamers who want something that can deliver decent performance. 

What users say

Across Amazon user reviews, multiple buyers seemed to be in consensus that the ASUS ROG Strix G10 represents pretty good value for money, especially for those on a budget. More specifically, one user commented that "this is great computer for someone on a budget that wants to game at 1080p", and another went further to say that "if you’re wanting a decent budget gaming PC I don’t see how you can do any better than this one at this price".

On the other hand, others also seemed to be in agreement that the cooling capabilities definitely could be better. One reviewer said that "it just doesn't get enough air with the glass panel", and another that the fans themselves are "SUPER noisy and you cannot adjust the speed". If you're wearing noise cancelling headphones, you might get away with it, but as this PC does seem to come with a mesh metal panel as well, you could opt in for using that instead of using the tempered glass one.

The last desktop on our list is the ROG Strix GA15. Thanks to a selection of carefully selected components, Asus was able to produce this mid-range budget PC. Although the price sits just between the low-budget and high-budget classes, it is something perfect for those who want to play the latest games at high graphical settings.

This rig is powered by AMD Ryzen 7 5800X. The processor has 8 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum boost clock speed of 4.7GHz. Whether the goal is to play games, stream, or render footage, this CPU has enough processing power.

The GPU is the RTX 3080 10GB, which is one of the top GPUs in the GeForce 3000 series. As with many of the best RTX 3080 gaming PCs, this GPU can handle most games decently, including the latest titles such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Starfield. For more info on this GPU, check out our RTX 3080 review.

If you can find the RTX 3080 available discounted in a new or refurbished condition down from its MSRP then it’s worth it.

PC Guide

Another notable aspect of this rig is the RAM and storage, as it comes packed with 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a hybrid 1TB SSD and 1TB HDD mix. These components are housed in a well-designed chassis that has a handle and headphone hook. The rectangular casing has some flair to it with a diagonal RGB strip. Also, the side panel is transparent, which displays the internal components and their RGB lighting.

As for cooling, there are several vents for intake in the front, and the rear fan works to dissipate heat with the hexagonal holes at the back. The port selection includes everything most gamers want, from USB A and C to HDMI and audio ports. All in all, this 24.2-pound PC works well for its price tag.

While this new and updated version of the ASUS ROG G22CH Gaming PC looks largely the same, it does feature one major difference. You may wondering what the difference between the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Dual is? Well, here you go.

RTX 4070 refers to the graphics card itself, with a specific set of processing power, memory, and other features determined by Nvidia, the manufacturer of the chip. There are various manufacturers who build cards based on this blueprint, like ASUS for example. In this model, ASUS has created their own version of the RTX 4070, called the RTX 4070 Dual. These variants may have different cooling systems, potentially using two fans - hence the "Dual" name. In this card, the card uses two fans, meaning a slightly improved cooling and thermal design performance.

What users say

One of the user reviews of the ASUS ROG G22CH Gaming PC sums up this machine pretty nicely: "High performance in a small package". On the whole, the small form factor of this rig definitely came up as a positive, with other reviewers commenting that it's a "really nice small-form-factor design that makes it much easier to find a home at your desk", and another that they "really like a mini-PC for gaming because it needs to sit on my desk" - so for a smaller system that's well equipped for gaming, this PC gets a big tick.

However, one reviewer issues a caution that when it came to installing additional components, it "definitely wasn't as easy as 'slide to open'" as "it wouldn't open at all". So, if you want to further tinker with the inside of your PC, you might want to double-check you can get the case open as soon as it arrives.

Considerations for the best ASUS gaming PC

If you’ve got your heart set on a gaming PC by Asus, you’re not alone. Many of the best gaming PCs around are from Asus, but it’s important to look past the brand name itself to make sure you’re getting the right one for you. Here are a few things we think you should consider before diving in.

GPU

Asus gaming PCs can come with a variety of different GPUs, ranging from older 30-series models to the very latest 40-series offerings. Generally speaking, gaming PCs with the latest GPUs, like the best RTX 4090 gaming PCs, for example, will be the most expensive options. 20-series or 30-series gaming PCs will be more affordable, and better for gaming in 1080p or 1440p at high frames per second.

A Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Eagle OC graphics card, a GPU featured in our ASUS gaming PCs - Image © BGFG

CPU

As with GPUs, Asus gaming PCs offer a wide range of CPUs. If you’re going to do CPU-intensive tasks on your PC, then make sure to go with the one that features a 13th-gen Intel processor. But if your focus is going to be on other tasks that don’t require much power, then you’ll be fine with a 12th or 11th gen processor.

Storage and RAM

More storage and RAM is always better, but it can come at a hefty price increase. Ideally, your gaming PC should have at least 2TB of storage. If you decide to get a PC that comes with 1TB of storage, typically speaking, you will have to upgrade it after some time as it will get full quickly. As for the RAM, most video games these days require you to have at least 16GB of RAM. But for a smoother experience, aim for at least 32GB of RAM. DDR5 is the latest version of RAM, and well worth looking out for in Asus gaming PCs.

Cooling

Asus, like many brands on the market, takes cooling very seriously when it comes to its gaming PCs. The good news is they do like to make a song and dance out of it, so you’ll be able to identify which gaming PCs are packed with the latest cooling technology. More fans can mean the gaming PC is a little louder – so be sure to check out the reviews for an honest take on how the PC sounds when under stress.

Verdict

We think that the Asus ROG G22CH gaming desktop is the best Asus gaming PC. It features the RTX 4070 graphics card and the Intel Core i7-13700F processor, which belong to the family of latest GPUs and CPUs. It also offers a massive 4TB SSD and 64GB of RAM, so you won’t have to upgrade them any time soon. Overall, it is an excellent choice for gaming, streaming, and other everyday tasks. 

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-asus-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=247828 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:42:18 +0100
Best Alienware Gaming PC in 2024 – Our top picks If you are looking for the best Alienware gaming PC, then we have some of the best pre-built picks for you right here. Alienware has positioned itself as one of the top PC brands today. From its early plunge into desktop gaming with the Aurora series and the now-discontinued Area 51 PCs, it has had time to master the world of desktop gaming.

At the moment, you will find the Aurora PCs with the latest graphics card and processors, that is, NVIDIA’s RTX 4000-series paired with Intel 13th-gen CPU. Also, you’d find earlier iterations with previous-gen CPUs and GPUs, which cost less than the newer ones and yet should be powerful enough to run most AAA games as well as demanding software. With that being said, there are quite a few Alienware gaming PC prebuilds that might suit your needs. To narrow down your choices, we have done the homework and picked the prebuilt desktops that we think are the best.

How we selected the best Alienware Gaming PC

For this guide, we have looked at several Alienware PCs, compared them, and then picked the prebuilds that we thought were the best. The PCs have been selected based on specs like CPU, GPU, RAM, cooling system, and other important factors. Further, we are always on the lookout for new products to add to our list and keep them updated - so do check back here for more updates. On the same note, if you want a more portable solution for your gaming needs, then we’d suggest checking out some of the best Alienware laptops.

We have also conducted our own testing and reviews for some of the GPUs used in these gaming PCs. While the reviews are infused into our breakdown of each product, make sure to check out how we test GPUs here.

Best Alienware Gaming PC

If you want to go all out and get the best Alienware gaming PC, then you should check out the Alienware Aurora R15. This model is powered by the Intel Core i9-13900F processor that has 24 cores and 32 threads, so you can expect the processor to deal with whatever you throw at it. Plus, it has a max turbo speed of 5.6 GHz, which should come in handy for CPU-bound games that use more CPU than GPU power.

Along with this latest processor, you get a top-of-the-line 24GB RTX 4090, which should enable 4K gaming for you. So, if you’re someone who plays AAA video games, then this graphics card should run those effortlessly. Want to know more about this GPU? We have a full RTX 4090 review ready and waiting. The PC uses two sticks of 32GB DDR5 RAM, which can be maxed out to a total of 128GB. The storage would be sufficient for most users since it has a 2TB SSD and 2TB HDD. However, if you are planning to upgrade RAM, check out the best RAM for Intel 13th gen.

Whether you want the highest amount of frames possible or want to push ray tracing to the limits, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 impresses without compromise. 

PC Guide

For cooling, the Alienware PC uses the cryo-tech cooler system, which promises to maintain optimal temperatures when your setup is loaded and heating up. Plus, there are holes on the sides of the chassis, which should help with the cooling. For a more personalized experience, the PC comes with Alienware Command Center, which helps tweak the setup’s features. And by features, we mean the RGB lights, the overclock features, and even the thermals.

If you’re looking for a budget Alienware PC, then we’d suggest you have a look at the Alienware Aurora R10 Gaming Desktop. Now, Alienware PCs do not come cheap, but this one is slightly more affordable than the rest of the picks. This rig is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X processor that has eight cores and 16 threads, and can do a max turbo speed of 4.7GHz, which should be useful for running CPU-bound games like Far Cry 5 and Cities: Skylines.

Along with this, the build packs in an 8GB AMD Radeon RX 6600XT GPU, which should be able to handle most AAA games efficiently. As this is a budget pick, the setup has 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD, which are both upgradeable. And if you do decide to upgrade RAM for this PC, then check out the best RAM for Ryzen 7.

In terms of ports, there are 10 type-A ports in total and one USB-C port. There are also several audio ports and video output ports. This model also supports WiFi 6 connectivity. Considering the affordable price, this PC doesn’t fare badly with other desktops from top brands. As far as looks go, this build has the “Alienware” look, so you can tell right away that it’s an Alienware PC. The chassis is pretty conservative, thanks to the lack of a see-through casing. In front, there are the Alienware logo and a ring that are both illuminated and customizable.

If you are looking for a mid-range prebuilt Alienware Gaming PC, then this Alienware Aurora R14 model is something you should check out. This model is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X CPU that has 12 cores and 24 threads and maxes out at 4.8 GHz, which should run your demanding games quite well. For context, this processor is on par with the Core i9-10900K – so now you know it can handle most games.

The GPU is none other than the RTX 3080, which has 10GB of VRAM and performs around 20% better than the RTX 2080Ti – so you can expect effortless graphics performance. Plus, this rig is cooled by Alienware’s cryo-tech cooling system paired with a 120mm fan, which should help maintain optimal temperatures. For more information on this GPU, check out our RTX 3080 review.

The RTX 3080 may be nearly four years old but it’s showing few signs of slowing down when gaming in native 4K.

PC Guide

Depending on who you ask, this PC’s chassis looks like a jet engine or futuristic spaceship. Still, it’s clearly designed in typical Alienware fashion. The round design of the casing works best for those who aren’t fans of the traditional rectangular PC design. Also, the customizable RGB components and transparent chassis add to this PC appeal. As far as connectivity is concerned, there are eight USB ports at the back and three type C ports in front. As you’d expect, there are one HDMI and three DisplayPort outputs at the back.

What users say

When it comes to user reviews, the Alienware Aurora R14 was highly praised for being truly eye-catching. While one user stated that "I've fallen in love with this pre-built", another said that "this is a beautiful and powerful gaming PC, truly looking like a piece of alien technology on my desk" - which is what you can expect from the Alienware style.

However, other reviews seemed to point towards this being a more specifically gaming-focused rig, and that "When it comes to other tasks like photo editing (Lightroom, Photoshop) it’s borderline unusable". This might be due to the 3080 being a bit of an older card, but if you're looking for a PC for creative tasks, you might want to reconsider your options.

The Alienware Aurora R16 with an RTX 4070 is a powerful gaming PC packing a punch for AAA titles. The RTX 4070 graphics card is up-to-date and delivers high frame rates with smooth gameplay, especially at 1440p resolution. Additionally, the 13th or 14th Gen Intel Core i7 processor ensures smooth multitasking alongside gaming. Dell offers configurations with up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, ensuring the system won't bottleneck the powerful graphics card. Check out our RTX 4070 review here.

However, the Aurora R16 also comes with downsides. One is the price. Universally, Alienware desktops are known for a premium attached to their brand name, and the Aurora R16 is no exception. You might be able to find similar specs for a lower price if you build a PC yourself or choose a different pre-built brand. Additionally, the Aurora R16 has a reputation for running hot. While Dell offers both air and liquid cooling options, upgrading to liquid cooling might add to the cost. The design is also quite large so may require extra care.

What users say

As expected for Alienware designs, user reviews for the Alienware Aurora R16 on Amazon highlight the PC's looks: one user stated that "the Aurora is like a breath of fresh air, and is simple and well executed". What's more, another claims that it has "much better airflow than previous Alienware pre-builds", and that overall it's a "great PC if you want performance and don’t want to build it yourself."

However, in terms of drawbacks, one reviewer comments that its "biggest downfall is the proprietary parts making it difficult to upgrade", so if you're planning on tinkering or swapping out components, you might want to do an extra bit of research.

Considerations for the best Alienware Gaming PC

Here are a few pointers that you can consider while buying a pre-built RTX 4070 setup:

CPU

If you are looking to invest in a new PC and have a big budget, then you can consider getting an Alienware PC with the latest CPU, like the Intel 13th-gen processor. However, if you do not need that much computing power, then you should look at an Intel 12th-gen or older processor that should work just fine.

GPU

While we we picked a few here, there are many different GPUs on the market. The RTX 4090 is currently the best GPU on the market so you won't find much better than that for now. However, lower quality builds or entry-level builds may have a range of GPU options. In order to understand the best GPUs right now, check our best graphics card guide.

A closer look at the RTX 4090, one of the top GPUs in the world - Image © BGFG

RAM

Even the most budget PCs and entry-level ones come with at least 8GB of RAM, which is essential to run video games and demanding applications smoothly. Plus, with PC builds, there’s always a chance to expand RAM, so you can alter the configuration whenever the need arises. For instance, the best RAM for gaming should cut down on loading times and give you an overall better experience.

Motherboard and PSU

The PSU supplies the exact power your gaming PC craves to run smoothly, preventing crashes during intense moments. Similarly, the motherboard acts as the conductor, ensuring all components communicate flawlessly for top performance. These two parts, though less flashy, are crucial for a stable and powerful gaming experience.

Cooling System

As you will be running intensive programs on your PC, the system will face pressure and heat up. To maintain optimal temperatures, ensure that your PC has an efficient cooling system and enough fans so your setup does not heat while it’s loaded.

Price

Cost is always going to be important when purchasing any hardware. The best times to purchase are during sale periods, like Black Friday and Spring Sales. These are prime times to find gaming PCs at discounted prices. However, many retailers like Amazon run promotions year-round. Keep an eye out for these opportunities. Use price history trackers like Camelcamelcamel to see a product’s price fluctuations and identify sale patterns. This way, you’ll know if the current price is a good deal or if you should wait for a bigger drop.

Verdict

If you are looking for the best Alienware gaming PC, then we'd say that the Alienware Aurora R15 is the one to pick. The setup is powered by Intel's 13th-gen processor and Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, which are both the latest components, so you can expect the PC to handle demanding games and applications easily. Plus, you get hybrid storage with SSD and HDD, which should give you some flexibility. Coming to the aesthetics, the Alienware setup has a futuristic look, which should appeal to most gamers. Overall, we think this is a great choice if you're looking to invest in a maxed-out beast.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-alienware-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=247007 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:32:19 +0100
Best RTX 4070 Gaming PC in 2024 – Our top choices If you’re looking for the best RTX 4070 gaming PC, then we have you covered right here. The RTX 4070 graphics card is part of Nvidia’s RTX 4000-series that features Ada Lovelace architecture, DLSS 3.0, and advanced ray tracing capabilities - all of which promise to tweak your overall gaming experience. Now, if you’re planning to build your own setup with RTX 4070, then you also need to ensure that all the components are compatible with the GPU. With that being said, there are many prebuilt RTX 4070 PCs that will be suitable for you. To help you pick the best one, we have done the research and listed the ones that we think are the best RTX 4070.

How we selected the best RTX 4070 Gaming PC

For this guide, we looked at several prebuilt PCs from different manufacturers, compared them, and picked the ones we thought were the best. The PCs have been selected based on specs like CPU, GPU, RAM, and more. If you want a portable solution, then you can check out the best RTX 4070 laptops, which should deliver an equally powerful performance. Plus, we are regularly adding new products to our guides to keep them as updated as possible - so check back here again for newer picks.

Included in our selection process was in-depth knowledge of the product, which we achieved through our RTX 4070 review and GPU testing. This process greatly impacted our choices and you should check them out if you want to know more about what you are purchasing.

Best RTX 4070 Gaming PC

If you are looking for a mid-range PC with RTX 4070, then you should check out the iBuyPower Pro Y60 prebuilt PC. The build comes with an Intel i9-13900KF CPU, which we think is one of the best CPUs for RTX 4070. Paired with it is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, which has 12GB of VRAM, so you can expect high-quality graphics performance whether you play AAA titles, create 3D models, or roughly render multiple clips on Adobe software.

The configuration that we have selected has 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD, which should be sufficient for most users. However, depending on your requirements, you can choose to expand this combination with one of the best RAMs for Intel 13th-gen. Coming to the aesthetics, the build is cased in a transparent case made of tempered glass, so you can see the insides. Plus, the fans have RGB lights, which should give it a “gamer” look. To complement the build’s aesthetics, the manufacturer has also added a keyboard and a mouse, which should be useful if you want to build a setup from scratch.

What users say

User reviews of the iBuyPower Pro Y60 across Amazon have specifically picked up on its build quality and how good the RGB lighting looks. One user commented that "The tempered glass is pretty", and that internally, "the expert cable management and LED lighting is just to die for". Another said that not only is it "Extremely well built, excellent value for the money", but that the "RGB lighting is a good touch".

In terms of things to keep an eye out for, a couple of users have reported that this build has the tendency to be noisy, and that there sometimes isn't sufficient cooling. One review said that "the only complaint i have is the fans used are super noisy and cheap", so it's possible you might have to improve your cooling solutions in the future.

If budget is the constraint, then you should check out the Skytech Gaming Shiva II PC, which we think strikes a good balance between price and features. The PC comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU that has a max boost speed of 4.6GHz, so you can expect the processor to run demanding games and software. Plus, you get RTX 4070 GPU, which should deliver great graphics performance. It comes with 12GB VRAM, which means it can load high-quality graphics faster.

As far as aesthetics are concerned, the components are put together in a white and transparent casing, which should be suitable for you if you prefer white or light-colored setups. There are RGB lights running on two edges of the case as well as on the fans. Plus, you also get a keyboard and a mouse with the same theme, which is great if you want a new setup. Coming to connectivity options, the PC has several ports, which include HDMI, Display Port, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.2, audio jack, and more – so plugging in peripherals should not be an issue.

What users say

Diving into what user reviews of the Skytech Gaming Shiva II PC on Amazon tend to pick up on, a common compliment was that the system seems to stay pretty quiet on the whole. To quote, one user said the PC is "Very quiet even when gaming", and another posted that it "runs like a dream and SUPER Quiet!". So, the triple fan setup and ventilated back panel are clearly pulling their weight.

Other things mentioned in reviews to be aware of include that at retail price, this PC is on the pricey side for one that's making use of a 4070 GPU; one reviewer explained that they think it "costs too much at retail price. Even at my sale price of $1400 a 4070 is a bit low end for the price point".

If you have a big budget and you’re looking for a high-end RTX 4070 build, then we recommend checking out the Corsair Vengeance a7300 Series Gaming PC.

The PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 7000X processor, which is liquid-cooled and promises to deliver great performance whether you’re gaming, editing, or rendering. And for graphics, you get an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, which should run demanding AAA games smoothly. And to maintain optimal temperatures, you have a liquid cooling system as well as fans, which should keep your desktop cool under pressure. You also get the Corsair iCUE software that lets you customize fan settings, refresh rate, RGB lights, and more, which should lend you flexibility.

The PC has 32GB DDR5 RAM along with 1TB SSD, which should be sufficient for most users. However, if you need more RAM and storage, you can expand the configuration at an additional cost. As far as aesthetics are concerned, the components are packed in a mesh-like case, which may not be the most attractive design out there. However, the customizable RGB lights with pre-installed signature lighting profiles should compensate for the case.

What users say

When it comes to what users think of the Corsair Vengeance a7300 Series, as you would expect from a reputable brand such as Corsair, they've mentioned the build quality and construction of this PC. Some simply wrote that it's a "very well-built computer", and that "Corsair prebuilds have essentially the perfect build"; others went even deeper, saying that this "pre built system was made by competent and knowledgeable people".

However, it's worth noting that this rig might not be as plug-and-play ready as you might want to believe, and a few users have had issues with internal components that you might not be able to fix if you aren't used to tinkering with your PC. One user notices "wiring issues on the motherboard", with others having to go through processes such as "update(ing) the bios by going on the Corsair website to download their bios driver update to a flash drive". Essentially, you might run into a few problems that might be tricky if you aren't as tech-savvy.

The Skytech Gaming Nebula with RTX 4070 is a compelling option for gamers looking for a powerful pre-built PC. The RTX 4070 is a good card that can handle even the most demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates, ensuring smooth and visually pleasing gameplay. This pre-built option also comes with a decent amount of storage thanks to the 1TB NVMe SSD. This means you'll have plenty of space for your favorite games and other files, with the added benefit of super-fast load times thanks to the NVMe technology. Compared to building a high-end PC with today's component prices, pre-built options can offer a more attractive price point, which is key here.

There are some downsides to consider before purchasing the Skytech Nebula with RTX 4070. One concern is the potential for limited upgradeability. Additionally, Skytech doesn't disclose the brand or model of the PSU, leading to concerns about its quality. Some reviews mention potentially lower quality PSUs being used in these pre-built machines. An inadequate PSU could bottleneck performance, hinder stability, or even damage other components in the worst-case scenario.

Considerations for the best RTX 4070 Gaming PC

Here are a few pointers that you can consider while buying a pre-built RTX 4070 setup:

CPU

As RTX 4070 is one of the newer GPUs, you will find that it is usually paired with Intel 13th gen CPUs, which is a powerful combo that can run demanding games and applications effortlessly. With that being said, there are other processors, like the AMD Ryzen 7 series, which is also compatible with the RTX 4070 graphics card. Depending on your budget and preference, you can pick a combination that works best for you. Check out our best RTX 4070 CPUs right here.

GPU

While we are settled on the RTX 4070, there are many different variants of the RTX 4070 on the market. These include the ASUS ROG Strix, ZOTAC, and Gigabyte. Most of the cards have similar specs and only minimal improvements over the next, however if you want the absolute best, check our top RTX 4070 GPUs here.

A look at the Gigabyte RTX 4070 Eagle OC, one of our top picks for the best RTX 4070 GPUs - Image © BGFG

Motherboard and PSU

The PSU supplies the exact power your gaming PC craves to run smoothly, preventing crashes during intense moments. Similarly, the motherboard acts as the conductor, ensuring all components communicate flawlessly for top performance. These two parts, though less flashy, are crucial for a stable and powerful gaming experience. You can refer to the best motherboard for RTX 4070 and the best PSU for RTX 4070 to build your setup.

Cooling System

As you will be running intensive programs on your PC, the system will face pressure and heat up. To maintain optimal temperatures, ensure that your PC has an efficient cooling system and enough fans so your setup does not heat while it’s loaded.

Price

Cost is always going to be important when purchasing any hardware. The best times to purchase are during sale periods, like Black Friday and Spring Sales. These are prime times to find gaming PCs at discounted prices. However, many retailers like Amazon run promotions year-round. Keep an eye out for these opportunities. Use price history trackers like Camelcamelcamel to see a product’s price fluctuations and identify sale patterns. This way, you’ll know if the current price is a good deal or if you should wait for a bigger drop.

Verdict

If you want an RTX 4070 build without spending too much, then we’d say that the iBuyPower Pro Y60 desktop is a solid option. The setup comes with the latest CPU and GPU, that is, Intel i9-13900KF CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, which should run demanding games and software smoothly. Plus, the tempered glass case along with the 16-color RGB lights look aesthetically pleasing. Overall, we’d say that this is a great pick, whether it’s for gaming or content creation.

FAQ

How long to do prebuilt gaming PC's last?

Depending on how updated your individual components are, gaming PCs can typically work well for up to 4-5 years. However, if you use an older GPU or CPU, you may feel the need to seek out new builds sooner as the overall performance will begin to dip.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-4070-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=246820 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:58:22 +0100
Best RTX 3080 gaming PC in 2024 – our top pre-built picks The RTX 3080 may have been released as far back as 2020, but as Nvidia's previous flagship, it still holds its ground as one of the most established GPUs for 4K gaming in the current market. With an RTX 3080, you can expect to cruise through your favorite games, perform graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering, and run demanding applications. What's more, getting a prebuilt PC eradicates the tiresome task of searching for components to pair with the 3080, getting you set straight up with a rig that's guaranteed to perform.

In this article, we're diving straight into uncovering the best RTX 3080 gaming PC in 2024, sifting through what's currently available across the web to provide options for users with different budgets and stylistic needs. If like us, you think that the top end of the 30 series has a lot to give, finding a prebuilt PC that's set with all the compatible components, like the best motherboard for RTX 3080 and the best CPU for RTX 3080, can be a real time saver.

If we have to do the RTX 4080 vs RTX 3080 debate, then the latter is much more affordable. Performance-wise, the RTX 4080 surely has an edge with the DLSS 3.0 and ray tracing. Plus, the new graphics card has more clock speeds as well as memory capacity. However, both cards have a TDP of 320W – so depending on your budget, RTX 3080 will deliver new value, while RTX 4080 is more about getting the latest tech for your setup.

Products at a glance

How we picked the best RTX 3080 gaming PC

For this guide, we took a look at several pre-built RTX 3080 PCs, compared them, and picked the ones we thought were the best. The PCs have been selected based on specs like processors, cooling systems, RAM, storage, and more, but most importantly we've drawn on our in-depth knowledge of the card from our hands-on experience with it and our RTX 3080 review. It may be an Ampere card, but the specs of the 3080 are certainly nothing to be sniffed at; with 8,704 CUDA cores and 10GB GDDR6X RAM, the 3080 has 4K prowess that’s possible through its 760.3 GB/s bandwidth for 19 Gbps effective memory. It might no longer be the best graphics card overall, but for its price point, the 3080 still provides competitive performance.

On the same note, if you’re looking for a portable option, then you should check out some of the best RTX 3080 laptops. Further, we are constantly looking for new products to add to our guide and keep them as updated as possible – so do check back here again for new updates.

MSI GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card in front of its box © BGFG

Best RTX 3080 gaming PC in 2024 - our top pre-built picks

If you’re looking for one of the best mid-range RTX 3080 pre-built setup, then you should check out the Skytech Chronos Gaming PC Desktop.

The setup comes packed with an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU. Although it was launched in 2019, this eight-core and sixteen-thread CPU should handle several tasks even today. For gamers and those who operate heavy applications, the CPU’s maximum turbo speed of 4.4 GHz should come in handy, and it's not curtains for the Zen 2 processors just yet. Moving our focus to the GPU, this model has a 10GB RTX 3080, which should handle most games decently – especially at 1080p settings. Some older titles, such as GTA V, should run smoother with this graphics card, but our in-house benchmarks still found the 3080 soaring through CS:GO with an average of 333 FPS in 4K.

The PC comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM, which should be sufficient for gamers. However, if you’re a content creator or someone who needs more RAM, you can choose to upgrade it at an additional cost.

As far as cooling is concerned, the build has four fans as well as a desiccated all-in-one liquid cooler, which should maintain optimal temperatures when the system experiences load. Plus, the casing also has a mesh design, which should further enhance the cooling.

Coming to connectivity, you get two USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, one headphone, a microphone jack, and other ports, so you should be able to plug in peripherals without any difficulties. However, the setup lacks a USB Type C port.

What users say

On the whole, user reviews for the Skytech Chronos Gaming PC seem to be in consensus that this is a pretty good quality build. One user mentioned that it's a "Solid computer build" with "Low noise out the box", and another that "The build quality was good, cables were managed, it looked super clean inside".

However, value - more specifically memory size - cropped up a couple of times throughout reviews, and similarly to what we've mentioned above, some users seemed to think that "The memory size was a little small by today's standard". What's more, another wrote that "for the price, the RAM and storage should be greater than what you get", so it's possible you might have to upgrade your storage solutions if you're planning on heavy usage.

If you’re looking for a budget RTX 3080 Gaming PC, then you should check out the Continuum Micro Gaming Desktop: at $1,349.99, it offers a much better value proposition than the previous Skytech Chronos Gaming PC.

The PC comes with an Intel Core i7-12700KF processor, which deserves to be one of the best CPUs for RTX 3080, and in terms of performance the two are a pretty equal match. The processor has 12 cores and 20 threads and can run at a maximum turbo speed of 5 GHz, so you can expect it to handle heavy tasks as well as multitasking. Further, the build has 32GB of RAM and hybrid storage that includes a 512GB SSD and 2TB HDD, which should be sufficient for most users.

As far as the GPU is concerned, you get a 10GB GDDR6 RTX 3080 GPU, which should be sufficient for most people looking to run GPU-intensive apps.

For cooling, the PC has two fans on the bottom part of the top cover, one fan at the rear end of the chassis, and three additional fans, which should keep the PC’s temperature down. And to prevent dust, there’s a magnetic filter on the top cover.

Coming to the aesthetics, the build looks like it has several colored LED lights on the inner walls of the chassis. However, it is the infinity mirror front panel that gives an illusion of an endless void when looked at from the front.

What users say

As is sort of obvious from the looks of this PC, user reviews from across Amazon comment on the fact that the Skytech Chronos Gaming PC is more than easy on the eye. It's a visually impressive rig, with one user mentioning that the "the infinity mirrored front looks phenomenal", and another that "the moment you turn the PC on you are introduced to a very beautiful RGB case with a nice mirror effect on the front of the PC".

However, a caveat for any PC with tempered glass casing is that it can restrict airflow, and that seems to be one of the issues users have with this prebuilt. While one user wrote that "the only small downside is that the cooling fan is a little loud when under stress", someone else commented that it "sounds like the bearings are shot", which is obviously not ideal when you're forking out above $1,300 in the first place.

If you have a bigger budget and are looking for a high-end RTX 3080 gaming PC that's more suited to an office environment, then the Empowered PC Sentinel Gaming Desktop should tick a lot of boxes.

Before even diving into the internal elements, straight away it's the outer craftsmanship and class of this build that catch the eye. According to Empowered, this is an 'Anti-RGB' PC catered to users who prefer a more low-key but still impressive PC that doesn't rely on flashy RGB for its looks. This aesthetic extends to the cooling system too, with six black non-RGB fans that automatically adjust speeds from 600-2000RPM based on your current system temperature - sleek, quiet, and cool. Some might call that a triple threat.

Design aside, you're getting quite the machine internally too. This rig pairs the 3080 with the Core i7-14700KF: equipped 33 MB of L3 cache and operates at 3.4 GHz by default, it can boost up to 5.6 GHz, depending on the workload. So, you can expect high frame rates in gaming and multitasking proficiency, but you might find this processor is prone to running on the hot side.

Whether you're a hardcore gamer, content creator, or professional, the Empowered Sentinel adapts to your needs effortlessly. Featuring a range of connectivity options including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and Wi-Fi 6, you can easily connect your peripherals and accessories for maximum convenience wherever you're setting up your PC.

What users say

As is expected from the strong multi-threaded performance of the i7-14700KF, Amazon user reviews for the Empowered PC Sentinel Gaming Desktop comment on the speed of its performance. A couple of people wrote about the fact that "The computer is fast", and also that it has a "fast start up" and "fast processing", which is exactly what you'd expect for your price point.

However, what was also expected were the comments on the "no USB C" situation, which can be quite limiting given that it's more of a standardized cable now. So, if you're planning on making your purchase, you might want to also consider getting a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Features and considerations for choosing the best RTX 3080 PC

Here are a few pointers that you can consider while buying a pre-built RTX 3080 setup:

CPU

To start with, you need to find a setup that has a powerful CPU that goes with the RTX 3080 graphics card. If you look at some of the latest builds, you will see that the GPU is paired with an Intel 14th-gen CPU, which should give you a better performance overall as the latest generation from Intel. However, there are other older processors that are compatible with RTX 3080 and deliver efficient performance: for example, the Skytech Chronos Gaming PC Desktop still uses AMD Zen 2.

RAM

To ensure that video games and demanding software run smoothly and load faster, it is important to have enough RAM. Most setups start at 8GB RAM along with 256GB SSD. However, if your budget allows, you should get more RAM and storage, which will help cut down on loading times. For instance, some of the best RAM for gaming helps process applications faster, giving you a better gaming experience.

Cooling System

If you’re planning to perform demanding tasks like video editing or planning long gaming sessions, then you should get a PC build that has an effective cooling system. In case you’re building an RTX 3080 setup yourself, then you should look for cases that can fit all the components comfortably. Luckily for you, you won't be surprised to hear that we've covered our top picks of the best cases for the RTX 3080 for the tinkerers building their rigs from scratch.

Does the RTX 3080 need extra cooling?

The RTX 3080 is still established as a more than decent card for gaming, and while it's not a particularly heat-prone GPU, extra cooling in your rig can never be a bad thing. When pushing this last-gen model to its limits, or pairing it with one of the latest and greatest CPUs, there's no doubt that any extra fans or cooling solutions won't come into play in keeping temperatures low. If cooling is a big priority for you, you can also look out for third-party models that have large coolers or multiple fans to keep the card itself from overheating.

Our verdict

So, hopefully this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the best RTX 3080 gaming PCs available in 2024, catering to a variety of budgets and preferences from across the board. By focusing on prebuilds, we've addressed the convenience of avoiding the hassle of component selection and assembly, delivering ready-to-use rigs guaranteed to perform.

In terms of our overall top pick, the Skytech Chronos Gaming PC Desktop uses an equally matched Ryzen processor for balanced performance, that doesn't disappoint on the eye - it's got RGB for days. A similar theme was carried across in our second pick, the Empowered Continuum PC, which uses an infinity mirror for a really cool effect. Last up and also from Empowered, the Sentinal PC goes for the understated but classy look, and impresses on the inside with a 14th Gen processor.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-3080-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=245974 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:41:48 +0100
Best RTX 3060 gaming PC in 2024 – Our top pre-built picks If you’re looking for the best RTX 3060 gaming PC, we have you covered right here. Since the RTX 3060 first went up for sale in early 2021, they remain a fan favorite. Not only were they an upgrade from the RTX 20 series, but they’ve managed to compete favorably with some newer GPUs. Plus, it plays several new games well and handles other graphics-intensive tasks smoothly, which makes it a solid choice for a gaming PC build.

Compared to the new RTX 4000 series, the RTX 3000 series should be easier to find on the market. And if we go for a more direct comparison - RTX 4060 vs RTX 3060 - you'd find that both GPUs deliver great performance, with RTX 4060 taking the lead, as it has new architecture and technology. However, the RTX 3060 does have more memory bandwidth and shading units, which makes it a strong contender.

With an RTX 3060 build, you can expect to run most games at 1080p resolution as well as perform some graphically-demanding tasks like video editing. And if you want a bit more power and speed, you can check out some of the best RTX 3060 Ti graphics cards. With that being said, there are quite a few RTX 3060 pre-built gaming PCs that will suit your needs. To make your search easier, we have picked what we think are some of the best builds available on the market.

How we selected the best RTX 3060 gaming PCs

For this guide, we looked at several RTX 3060 builds from different brands, compared them, and picked the ones that we thought were the best. The pre-built PCs have been selected based on specs like CPU, RAM, cooling system, and more. On the same note, if you want a more portable solution, you can check out some of the best RTX 3060 laptops, which are almost equally powerful. Further, we’re always looking for new products to add to our guides and keep them as updated as possible – so check back here again for new updates.

Best RTX 3060 gaming PCs

If you’re looking for a mid-range RTX 3060 PC, then you should look at this Skytech Gaming Chronos build. The manufacturer released this pre-built PC in 2021, and it still holds ground to date for several reasons. The build comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, which runs with 6 cores and 12 threads. The turbo speed can go from the default 3.7GHz to 4.6GHz, so you can expect your PC to deal with demanding tasks like gaming or editing smoothly. Plus, this CPU has access to hardware virtualization, which should tweak your overall performance.

Coming to the graphics, the manufacturer has hooked this model with a 12GB DDR6 RTX 3060 GPU, so you can smooth performance while gaming. Plus, you get 12GB onboard VRAM, which should be sufficient to load and deliver high-quality graphics. Although the model has 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the motherboard allows a maximum of 128GB RAM, and the default 1TB SSD can be upgraded or paired with a second SSD. If you need more RAM, then you can hook this setup with one of the best RAM for AMD Ryzen 5 available.

As far as cooling is concerned, this model has three 120mm fans in the front, one fan in the middle, and a rear fan that should take the heat of the chassis effectively. Further, the fans are laced with RGB lights, and there are LED strips on the chassis, which should add to the setup’s aesthetic appeal.

For connectivity, you get a lot of ports, including six USB 2.0 ports, three USB 3.0 ports, and three HDMI ports. A drawback here is that the USB C port is missing. Another perk is that Skytech has bundled this PC with an RGB keyboard and mouse, which is an added benefit if you’re building a setup from scratch.

What users say

Most users on Amazon claim this product delivers a mixture of reliable performance and excellent design. For example, one customer said the "graphics are fantastic and when the machine is on, it is so pretty!". In another review, one happy user claimed "This thing is beautiful. I barely notice the fans on it and I'm excited to try out some graphic intense games". Overall consensus on the site was positive with most users providing 4-5 star reviews.

If you’re looking for a budget RTX 3060 gaming PC, then you should check out this HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop Computer. Now, it’s hard to find a PC with an RTX 3060 priced at less than $1K, but that’s where this low-budget PC stands out. While there have been some adjustments to achieve this PC’s affordable price, it still packs enough power under its hood, and here’s why.

The PC is powered by an Intel i5-10400F processor that has 6 cores and 12 threads, and it can run at a maximum turbo speed of 4.3GHz. While this is not a latest-gen processor, it is good enough to handle multitasking and heavy tasks like gaming fairly easily.

Perhaps the highlight here is the 12GB RTX 3060 GPU, which should run most games without a hitch. You should be able to play games like Metro Exodus, Rainbow Six Siege, and the like at 1080p or lower settings quite smoothly. The PC has 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD, which is quite basic for a gaming PC. However, for some extra buck, both RAM and storage can be upgraded for better performance. The chassis also has room for an HDD for those who want hybrid storage options.

If you have a bigger budget, then you should consider getting the ASUS 2 ROG Gaming Desktop, which we think is quite a solid mid-range pick. To start with, the PC runs on an Intel Core i7-12700F processor, which is high-end and one of the best CPUs for RTX 3060. Released in 2022, this processor has 12 cores and 20 threads and can run at speeds of 4.9 GHz. So whether it’s for productivity, gaming, or other tasks, this processor should handle these tasks just fine.

If you’re looking to play AAA games, then you’d certainly like the 12GB DDR6 RTX 3060 GPU. With the right settings, you will be able to run most video games smoothly. Further, ASUS pushed the limits by choosing 32GB of DDR4 RAM for this unit, which is upgradeable to 128 GB. The storage should be sufficient for most users since ASUS paired the 2TB SSD with a 2TB HDD.

As far as looks are concerned, the PC has an aerodynamic casing, which gives it a futuristic look. The front grille has a translucent strip lit by the PC’s components. Also, the RGB lighting in the chassis is customizable and visible from the tempered glass by the side, so you should be able to customize the setup.

What users say

Users on Amazon were generally pretty happy with their purchase of the ASUS ROG Gaming Desktop (RTX 3060), with some claiming the product "works right out of the box. It's nice to get a new PC these days that includes a mouse and keyboard. Lightning fast too." In a balanced review, one user stated that the product was "a little noisy but powerful enough for all my gaming needs".

The Thermaltake Glacier 360 Liquid-Cooled PC (RTX 3060) packs a punch for gamers and creators, as is our top pick for build quality and design. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU and RTX 3060 GPU combo tackles demanding games and editing software with ease. Plus, the liquid cooling system ensures smooth performance without overheating or loud fan noise. This PC is also surprisingly upgradeable – you can expand the RAM up to a whopping 128GB and add more storage for your growing game library. To top it all off, the tempered glass side panel with RGB lighting makes this PC a looker in any setup, and the included RGB keyboard and mouse save you the hassle of buying peripherals separately.

However, there are a couple of things to consider before pulling the trigger. The motherboard only supports DDR4 RAM, so you won't be able to take advantage of the newer and potentially faster DDR5 memory down the line. Additionally, the lack of a USB-C port is a surprising omission considering its growing popularity for connecting devices.

What users say

Owners on Amazon have commented on just how well the PC works straight out of the box, stating "This is a great all-around PC". Additionally, "it looks great, the case is super solid ( surprisingly heavy), runs everything I throw at it, and is pretty quiet". Its design was also seen as a huge selling point, with users claiming that the model "blends power and elegance beautifully".

Considerations for the best RTX 3060 gaming PCs

Here are a few things you can consider before you buy a PC.

CPU

Since the RTX 3060 is a last-gen GPU, it is usually paired with an Intel 12th-gen CPU or slightly older generations of processors. The newer the processor, the better will be the performance and the higher the price. So, depending on your budget and requirements, you should get a compatible processor that goes with RTX 3060.

RAM

Most entry-level and budget builds have 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, which is required to run most games and applications. If you have a good budget, you can always opt for more RAM and SSD.

Cooling system

Considering that you will be running demanding games and heavy software, you should look for a PC that has a good cooling system. An effective thermal performance will ensure that your unit maintains low temperatures when under pressure.

Verdict

If you're planning to get a pre-built PC with RTX 3060 GPU, then we think that the Skytech Chronos gaming desktop PC is a solid mid-range option. The setup runs on an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, which should handle most of the demanding games well. Plus, you get 16GB of DDR4 RAM along with 1TB SSD, which should be sufficient for most gamers. It also has a good cooling system with three 120mm fans in the front, one fan in the middle, and a rear fan - so your PC should maintain optimal temperatures. As far as looks are concerned, the fans have RGB lights, and there are LED strips on the chassis. Overall, we think that this is a great pre-built setup that strikes a balance between price and features.

FAQ

Is an RTX 3060 gaming PC worth it?

While the RTX 3060 remains a capable graphics card, for building a new gaming PC, we recommend looking for a more recent option. The 3060 still delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, but newer GPUs like the RTX 40 series boast improved performance. If budget is a major concern, the 3060 might be a good choice. However, for the best possible experience, especially if you target high frame rates at 4K resolution or plan on playing upcoming titles, opting for a more recent graphics card would be a wiser investment.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-3060-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=245757 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:12:13 +0100
Best RTX 4090 gaming PC 2024 – our top prebuilt desktop picks If you're looking for the best RTX 4090 prebuilt gaming PC, we've got you covered right here with our top picks. RTX 4090 prebuilt gaming desktops, much the best RTX 4090 gaming laptops, are the top-tier when it comes to performance and power. They give you practically everything you need, but without having to build the rig yourself - which can save you a tonne of time. Of course, if you were interested in building your own rig, we'd recommend checking out our picks for the best RTX 4090 GPUs, best CPUs for RTX 4090, best PSUs for RTX 4090, and best motherboards for RTX 4090 to get started.

But if you're here, you're likely looking for the very best of the best to play AAA games at the highest settings, or you're perhaps someone who needs a powerhouse for work tasks straight away. The RTX 4090 gaming PC is absolutely the way to go if that's the case, as it will handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. High frames per second gaming, 4K gaming, 3D rendering, video editing, streaming, and more are all easy work for these types of gaming PCs.

How we picked our best RTX 4090 gaming PCs in 2024

These gaming PCs are some of the most expensive around and are serious investments. For many, we'd say they are overkill, but for those looking to go all in, they're certainly worth considering. In terms of pricing, you'll find a bit of a range depending on what other components come with the PC itself. Lower-priced models may have older CPUs, less RAM, and a smaller SSD, while more premium options tend to have the latest processors, advanced cooling, latest RAM, and massive M.2 SSDs, alongside stunning cases that show them all off.

Naturally, we've researched and selected our best RTX 4090 gaming PCs based on a number of factors, such as components, value for money, design, and anything else we thought made them stand out from the crowd. Of course, we've reviewed the RTX 4090 ourselves, so we know it very well from hands-on testing. We also know exactly what it requires from its neighboring components to help make it tick - and so what comprises a top pick. 

For this list, we've included a range of options based on a variety of processors and prices. We regularly update our selections to ensure you're getting the latest and greatest, so be sure to check back in with us in the future as the selections in this list may change. That also means there may be a better RTX 4090 prebuilt option for you a little down the road. 

If you want the very best combination of components in an RTX 4090 gaming PC then you'll want the best of all CPUs - step forward the ABS Eurus Aqua RTX 4090 system. 

This PC features the incredibly quick Core i9-14900KS, alongside an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU 24 GB, 64GB DDR5 6000MHz RAM, and a 2TB SSD. That's quite the collection of components, and only slightly lacking if you want ample storage. 2TB is more than enough for most users though - unless you're a content creator or otherwise require large amounts of drive space.

...an i9 14900KS CPU paired with the 4090 is the pinnacle of performance in gaming PCs as of the 14th gen era...

PC Guide

Let's face it though, an i9 14900KS CPU paired with the 4090 is the pinnacle of performance in gaming PCs as of the 14th gen era, and there's nothing this PC won't be able to handle in multi-tasking, gaming, streaming, or editing functions. This PC does have a more understated appearance which will be better for those who prefer performance over appearance, but there is RGB support throughout, and a tempered glass side panel to help show off the core of the system.

The most impressive thing here though is the price, as this Advance Battle Stations Eurus Aqua system comes in at a similar price we've seen for systems lacking the pairing of 4090 and 14900KS. This system may not have additional features like a mouse or keyboard - you'll need your own - and it may lack for some in storage. But otherwise, it's a top-tier option. 

What users say

Owners of the ABS Eurus Aqua RTX 4090 prebuilt on Amazon have commented on just how well the PC works straight out of the box, stating it "Worked great right out of the box", and that it's an "Amazingly built gaming PC, everything comes built and it fires up just as it should". Value was also a popular feature, with multiple buyers sharing that they think "This is a very powerful machine considering the lower price", and that they're "still trying to find out why this thing is so cheap and arrived so quickly".

However, one caveat that came up was the size of the 4090 itself - it's a powerful card, and this is obvious from how big it is. So, users have recommended that you "buy a support for the graphics card due to the large size and the risk of the graphics card sagging and damaging the pricey part."

You won't really find a budget RTX 4090 gaming PC, but you can find slightly more affordable options on the market that pack a punch - like the MPG Velox by MSI.

This gaming PC is built with an i7-11700F CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU 24 GB, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 512 GB SSD, and 3 TB HDD. Now while that's not as maxed out as some of the other prebuilds on this list, it will still deliver when it comes to performance. The i7 CPU coupled with 4090 graphics can breeze through practically everything, gaming, multitasking, streaming, and more. 

...not as maxed out as some of the other prebuilds on this list, it will still deliver when it comes to performance.

PC Guide

One area it is slightly lacking is the case itself, however does have LEDs and RGB fans that can be customized through the app. It also comes with a wired backlit gaming keyboard and mouse, which is great if you want to dive right in out of the box - but ultimately we'd recommend swapping out with something a little more tailored to your needs. 

Overall, as far as affordability goes when it comes to RTX 4090 gaming PCs, this MPG Velox does hold some appeal. However, if you're after the very latest components to go alongside your powerful graphics card, such as DDR5 RAM, a larger SSD, or a 13th Gen Intel CPU, you may find what you're looking for by increasing your budget.

If you're looking for an RTX 4090 gaming PC that packs one of AMD Ryzen's best CPUs, we think this Yeyian offering is well worth considering.

This gaming PC packs a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 7950 X3D processor, which is one of the very latest to hit the market and comparable with Intel 13th Gen - to find out more about that particular processor, check out our 7950 X3D review. Alongside this, you're getting 32GB DDR5 RAM, a massive 2 TB SSD, and a 2TB HDD, for speedy performance and excellent storage capabilities. 

This gaming PC packs a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 7950 X3D processor... comparable with Intel 13th Gen.

PC Guide

When it comes to cooling, this PC boasts a 360mm AIO premium liquid cooler, alongside 3-120 mm and 4-140mm ARGB fans which keep things running smoothly, but without too much noise.  that maximizes cooling performance, 3-120 mm and 4-140 mm ARGB fans with low-noise efficiency.

As for design, we really like it. The RGB components look great, and the front of the gaming PC is quite unique with its mesh-like covering.

Overall, for those who want to game at the highest settings, stream, edit, and more, this gaming PC seems to tick all the boxes.

What users say

Across user reviews for the Yeiyan Odachi on Amazon, a common positive comment was on how the combination of components achieved really high performance. Some were straight to the point, simply saying "This computer has the goods on delivering fast results", and praising that it's a "well built PC using quality parts backed by extremely responsive and helpful support and customer service".

However, buyers have also commented on some possible issues with the cooling capabilities of this case. One user in particular comments that their "only suggestion is not to try and overclock this machine without getting a better case. The case doesn't cool well enough for that"

If you're after one of the most premium RTX 4090 gaming PCs out there, then you'll want to check out this Corsair Vengeance i8100 series prebuilt.

Corsair is one of the best brands for all things PC, and this rig is an absolute beast. Alongside its powerful RTX 4090 GPU, it features the still praiseworthy Intel i9 13900KS CPU, cooled by Corsair's impressive iCUE H150i Elite liquid CPU cooler. This combination will ensure that you can throw everything at this PC and it will be able to handle it with ease. From AAA gaming at max settings to demanding rendering tasks, and much more.

...it features the still praiseworthy Intel i9 13900KS CPU, cooled by Corsair's impressive iCUE H150i Elite liquid CPU cooler.

PC Guide

In terms of the other components it brings to the table, you're getting a massive 4TB M.2 SSD and 64GB of DDR5 RAM to keep everything running fast and give you plenty of space for gaming.

When it comes to design, we'd argue that this is the best-looking prebuild on the list.  From its synchronized lighting that can either react dynamically or be set to your own signature profiles, to its stunning case that really puts all these top-end components on full display, it's an amazing-looking machine and one that'll look fantastic in your setup.

Overall, if you're looking to go all-in and really splurge with your budget, this is definitely an RTX 4090 gaming PC to consider.

The Skytech Gaming Azure is one of the best RTX 4090 gaming PCs you can buy now and is a great option for those looking to play AAA titles at some of the highest settings.

It features a powerful Intel i9-13900K CPU alongside its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU which should be able to handle pretty much anything you can throw at – whether that be playing games like Cyberpunk 2077 or handling complex 3D rendering tasks. It also packs a substantial 2TB SSD and 64 GB of DDR5 RAM – meaning you get pretty much all the space you need, plus more than enough RAM to keep everything running fast and smoothly. 

Sure, it’s pricey, but if considering the qualify of all the components, we think it’s actually solid value for money.

PC Guide

In terms of cooling, this gaming PC has four RGB RING fans to enhance airflow, and of course, the RGB lighting can be synchronized too. On top if that, we like the fact it’s a mid-tower gaming PC so it’s not going to completely dominate your setup and take up loads of space. 

Overall, as far as RTX 4090 gaming PCs go, we think this one has a lot going for it. Sure, it’s pricey, but if considering the qualify of all the components, we think it’s actually solid value for money.

What users say

Just as we've mentioned in our reasons for buying the Skytech Gaming Azure, reviews on Amazon also commented on how good-looking this PC is, with one buyer saying "The design of the kytech Archangel Gaming PC is a showstopper. The sleek black case with clean lines and well-placed air vents not only looks impressive but also contributes to efficient cooling during extended gaming sessions". RGB was also highly praised, with users stating that "The RGB lights are just perfect", and that "The colorful lighting not only adds a vibrant touch to my gaming setup but also enhances the overall gaming atmosphere".

Things to consider when buying an RTX 4090 gaming PC

If you're on the hunt for an RTX 4090 gaming PC, you'll want to factor in a few things before making your purchase, especially as these are some of the priciest gaming PCs on the market.

Is an RTX 4090 gaming PC overkill?

It may sound obvious, but RTX 4090 GPUs are actually pretty overkill for most people. We'd say the best candidate for an RTX 4090 gaming PC is someone who uses it for playing AAA games at the very highest settings possible, someone who works in 3D rendering, or someone who is a mid-pro level streamer or competitive gamer. If you meet the requirements, great! But if not, we'd recommend going for something less powerful that will ultimately save you money, and be more appropriate for your needs.

How much should you spend on an RTX 4090 prebuilt gaming PC?

You're looking at anywhere between $2500 to around $4500 from what we've come across, however, you may find some options lower if they are pre-owned or higher if they pack the absolute latest components or have something unique about them. At the lower end, you'll come across gaming PCs that have older-generation CPUs, not as much RAM, and smaller SSDs. At the higher end, you'll find the latest CPUs, loads of DDR5 RAM, massive SSDs, and also more visually impacting cases and lighting.

Is it worth getting an RTX 4090 gaming PC now?

Now is as good a time as any in our opinion. RTX 4090 gaming PCs are still the very best and we're not expecting the 50-series options in the future to make them obsolete by any measure.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-rtx-4090-prebuilt/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=245662 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:54:50 +0100
Intel 14th Gen prebuilt gaming PC spotted at Newegg Ahead of an unconfirmed Intel launch early next week, we've now seen a Raptor Lake-R CPU break cover in the first Intel 14th gen prebuilt gaming PC seen online. The system in question has been spotted and listed on Newegg, in an apparent leak, which would also suggest an incoming slew of new CPUs to get ready for.

With any new CPU launch, pre-built gaming PCs are a factor - allowing users who want to avoid building their own system to get a fully functioning desktop delivered to them. But we didn't expect to see a prebuilt ahead of any official launch. The system, as spotted by WePC, is called the CLX RA Gaming Desktop, and it appears to have leaked the Core i9 14900K processor.

Here's a list of the components as featured in the build:

Processor: Intel Core i9 14900K 3.20GHz (6.0GHz Max. Turbo)Memory: 128GB DDR5 - 4 x 32GB (4 slots total, 128GB Max)Hard Drives: 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD, 6TB HDDVideo Graphics: GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB GDDR6XPower Supply: 1000 Watt Power Supply

As you can see, the system includes the rumored Core i9 14900K, offering a max 6GHz boost clock, which is 0.2GHz more than that of Intel's Core i9 13900k - hinting at the performance boost the new CPUs could see across the range. The listing also shows the 14900K with a 24-core and 32-thread configuration, the same as the 13900K.

The motherboard isn't specified, but the CPU is paired with 4x 32GB DDR5 for a total of 128GB RAM, GeForce RTX 4090, in a full-tower spec case with a 1,000 Watt PSU, a 2TB SSD, and 6TB HDD. Honestly, this would be the sort of system we'd expect a new flagship processor to sit in.

As for price, we don't know or sure. At the time of writing the leaked system was marked as out of stock, but we'd expect a rig like this to be in the ballpark of $3,500. No doubt we'll know and see more systems arriving after Intel's 14th gen's rumored launch, expected next week. We'll also be updating with the latest prebuilds we see, as they arrive.

When will Intel 14th Gen prebuilt Gaming PCs arrive?

It's not official but we predict a launch of Intel 14th gen on October 17th. So, as with any new CPU range launching, you can perhaps expect to see more Intel 14th gen prebuilt gaming PCs arrive when things are official. Keep an eye on PCG for the latest, as we look to give you the best and latest info available.

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/intel-14th-gen-prebuilt-gaming-pc/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=244206 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:29:47 +0100
Best Cheap Gaming PC Under $300 in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-under-300/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=7591 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:30:10 +0100 Best Cheap Gaming PCs in 2023 – our top budget pre-built picks https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/best-cheap/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=2201 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:54:19 +0100 RTX 4070 pre-built PC systems – where to buy RTX 4070 pre-built systems; that's why you're here, and we've got you covered. With the new RTX 40-series mid-range arrival, picking up a 4070 that's already made its home in system can make things smoother. It's understandable too, as building a whole new rig isn't for everyone, and upgrading a GPU doesn't always make sense.

So this piece will provide you with the links you need to make an informed choice. We'll highlight some of the key RTX 4070 systems you may want to consider if you're ready to buy now. There are a few factors to consider, and top tips to bear in mind.

Where to buy RTX 4070 pre-built PC systems

Key online retailers offer pre-built systems for you to browse and pick up if you find one that takes your fancy. Amazon and Best Buy both have listings available, with Amazon's options paired with mid or high-end Raptor Lake and Ryzen 7000 CPUs - as you'd expect. The same is true of Best Buy, with five options available at the time of writing.

Best Buy RTX 4070 PC Pre-built PCs

CyberPowerPC - Gamer Master Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7 7700 - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - 1TB SSD, $1,599.99MSI - Aegis R Gaming Desktop - Intel Core i7-13700F - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - 1TB SSD, $1,699.99CyberPowerPC - Gamer Supreme Gaming Desktop - Intel Core i7-13700KF - 32GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - 2TB HDD + 1TB SSD - Black, $1,899.99CyberPowerPC - Gamer Supreme Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 9 7900X - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - 2TB SSD - White, $1,999.99

Amazon RTX 4070 PC Pre-built PCs - selected

This CyberPowerPC combines a Ryzen 9 7900X, 16GB DDR5 and a 2TB NVMe SSD with the RTX 4070. It comes with Windows 11 Home installed, a standout striking case, and is WiFi ready too.

Another AMD-based system, this rig includes a Ryzen 7 7700, 16GB DDR5 RAM a 1TB NVMe SSD, Windows 11 Home installed, is housed in a chic case with custom RGB lighting and tempered glass, and is offers WiFi connectivity.

Designed with VR-capability in mind, Yeyian's Odachi VR centres around the recently released performance per dollar supremo that is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, clocked at 5GHz. Including 16GB DDR5, a 1TB NVMe SSD, 750W Gold PSU, Win 11 Home and WiFi, this is a very capable system.

One for the extreme aesthetic crowd, and power-focused user, iBuyPower'sPro Gaming PC relies on the Core i9-13900K, and packs in 32GB of DDR5 RAM. And just look at that case. Not a system for anyone shy about the components they include.

Final thoughts

There are some good options around for RTX 4070 pre-built PC systems, and it's good to browse before you decide. Make sure you're getting the complete set of components you're happy with before committing, and by all means read more about RTX 4070 pre-built PC systems too.

Options to upgrade prebuilt systems are often extremely limited until warranties expire, so don't expect to be able to tinker with a build and then return it if something breaks. System builders may offer more flexibility on this, so do your research if you may want to tweak things. Good luck, and happy system buying!

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https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/rtx-4070-pre-built-pc-systems/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=187401 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:10:22 +0100
Best PC Racing Wheels in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-pc-racing-wheel/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=3631 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:22:00 +0100 RTX 4080 prebuilt PCs – full systems from top retailers Nvidia's latest graphics card hits the shelves today, but if you're not looking to pick up the card you may want an RTX 4080 prebuilt system.

These systems will allow you to sidestep the sometimes head-scratching practice of upgrading a system or building a new one yourself.

There are a few main benefits of getting a prebuilt RTX 4080 system. The primary one is that if there is an issue, you can generally return it, or depend on support, and not have to resolve it yourself.

Buying a system will also mean you don't have to hunt around for a card yourself - as graphics cards go out of stock quicker than the systems in which they are placed.

Finally, if you're looking for an RTX 4090 pre-built system, an RTX 4080 system offers a cheaper alternative with incredible gaming performance and potentially more availability.

Below are the systems we've seen from key retailers, with a combination of AMD and Intel-based builds available as well as different configurations of RAM and storage. We'll be updating this list as we see more arrive!

Amazon RTX 4080 prebuilt PCs

Shop Amazon RTX 4080 prebuilt PCs

Pairing AMD's latest Ryzen 9 7900X with an RTX 4080 and 32GB of RAM, this system will have plenty of gaming capability for the most demanding games. It will also handle whatever else you need from a home system, be that amateur encoding, multi-tasking or general productivity.

Should you prefer Intel CPUs, this Xtreme VR RTX 4080 prebuilt system puts Intel's enthusiast Core-i7 13700K at its heart, and backs it up with 15GB of DDR5 and a hefty 2TB NVMe SSD.

There's no additional storage drive provided on this system, so should you want a more media-focused PC this may not be ideal for use. Still, this is a system that will handle most things thrown at it with ease. And support gaming and is VR Ready for use with the HTC VIVE and Oculus Rift.

The other option, should you want a fully-powered Intel-based PC is the Core i9 13900K variant of the above system. More productivity-focused, this also includes an additional 2TB HDD drive, making it suitable for the storage of media.

RTX 4080 Quick Links

Amazon – Nvidia RTX 4080Best Buy – Nvidia RTX 4080Newegg – Nvidia RTX 4080]]>
https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/rtx-4080-prebuilt-gaming-pcs-full-systems-from-top-retailers/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=166144 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:15:52 +0000
What Should I Buy: Xbox Series X Or A Gaming PC? https://www.pcguide.com/gaming-pc/guide/xbox-series-x-or-gaming-pc/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=15537 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:17:21 +0100