Finding the best gaming PC in 2023 doesn't have to be a treasure hunt!
Posted by Periphio Gaming - on Feb 23rd 2023
Determining the best gaming PC depends on your priorities!
Is it the best machine based on the latest, greatest, and most expensive hardware?
Is it the best value gaming computer based on price only, with no dimensing returns?
Or, does it have more RGB than the next guy with more better lighting with disco displays?
There are a wide range of PC Gaming needs, and for ever need there are just as many budget ranges!
In our list of best gaming computers, we will be focused on value to performance; determining the best gaming PCs across various price points and prioritizing performance per dollar, aka frames per dollar. While it would be fantastic to have options for a cheap gaming pc under $300, unfortunately, it's just not feasible in the context of creating an enjoyable gaming experience. Even just a few crucial components, like a graphics card (GPU), processor (CPU), and a case with decent airflow will easily bring the cost to $300.
So with that in mind, the $500 Gaming PC is the lowest price point we will start at!
Best Gaming PC under $500
When it comes to finding the best gaming PC under $500 you’re going to have to make some sacrifices out of the gate. The most expensive component is typically the graphics card, so naturally, this is the part that you’ll be scaling back the most. When you’re buying a computer in the $500 range, you’re more than likely going to be looking at a NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030, AMD Radeon RX 560, or perhaps an integrated chip from AMD. The iGPUs from Radeon have gotten very good and can put out impressive frames. The 4600G is an amazing chip, and in some games even competes with a discrete Graphics Card. Here are three $500 gaming computers to consider if you’re looking for the best gaming pc in the 500 range:
Best Gaming PC under $800
This next range of Gaming PCs is where gaming computers tend to get upgraded GPUs and CPUs. You can start to expect solid midrange performance here; with a moderate CPU and a higher-level GPU! Though a gaming PC under $800 will still teeter on the edge of a starter PC, it will give you mid-range performance, and will certainly outperform the true starter PCs we looked at in the last section. At the $800 mark, you can expect ~60FPS in most games, and apply slightly higher graphics settings. A true midrange setup, look for the GTX 1650, RX 6500XT, RX 6600, and even the higher-end Radeon Vega systems like the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G (Vega 8 iGPU). Here are some of the best gaming PCs under $800:
Best Gaming PC under $1000
Similar to the $800 gaming PCs above, the $1000 range will again see an uptick in the power of both the GPU and CPU. You may even start getting into higher-grade power supplies and enjoy additional features from your motherboard, including more expansion, built-in bluetooth, wifi, etc. At this range, you’re now entering the high end gaming pcs and can expect a solid 100+FPS in most games, and a wide range of graphics performance. In many games, you will even be able to play at high-ultra settings and still get smooth gameplay! Additionally, this price point means you’ll be getting a VR ready gaming PC that’s also able to dabble in 1440p gaming! Look for the RTX 3050, GTX 1660 Super, or the RX 6600XT! Here are some of Periphio’s best gaming PCs under $1000:
Best Gaming PC under $1500
Finally, shopping for the best gaming PC under $1500, you have now arrived at the starting point of the best of the best gaming computers. Balancing value, price, and performance; this is the peak of Gaming PCs before diminishing returns sets in; these are the computers that can play any current video game and new games for years to come. Expect ultra-settings in nearly every game, with very smooth gameplay, and enjoy smooth 1440p gaming, and even VR Gaming! These PCs will typically include the RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 3070, 6700XT, or the new 40 Series. Here are some of the best gaming PCs under $1500 that Periphio offers:
We hope this helped break down some of the price ranges for gaming PCs and detail performance expectations for each range!
Though a shopping guide for buying the best gaming PC can certainly be helpful, and a prebuilt gaming PC can be an excellent, convenient option; sometimes a custom approach is favorable! So please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests! Periphio offers both prebuilt gaming PCs and custom gaming computers!
Simply contact us below if you’d like to work with one of our techs!