I’m going to be honest. These days I play most of my games the same way I read a good paperback: Curled up on the couch, in bed, or waiting for a train. That’s why I game almost exclusively on my laptop or my Nintendo Switch. They’re great for everyday gaming, but sometimes I get a craving for something a little more immersive.
A good gaming desktop can deliver high-fidelity visuals unrivaled by even the most powerful laptop or game console. Paired with the right peripherals—a quick and responsive mouse, a mechanical keyboard, and a good headset—a gaming PC can transform any desk into a battle station, an altar to a gods of glass, aluminum, and plastic. Choosing a gaming desktop is no easy feat, though. There are a ton of numbers, specs, and components you need to figure out, but we’ve got you covered. These are the best gaming desktops we’ve tested at WIRED.