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When it comes to the best gaming PCs, there are two approaches you can take. You can either pick up the best processor, best graphics card and others, and piece them together like high-tech Legos â or, you can buy a pre-built computer. While we generally prefer the former option, we can totally understand why youâd rather just buy the latter.
However, if you are going to fork over your hard-earned money for a pre-built machine, why not check out the case builds that the best boutique PC builders have to offer. While they might charge a premium (sometimes a very high premium) for their services, they offer fantastic build quality and custom PC cases that are simply awe-inspiring.
Beyond that, the best boutique PC builds are completely configurable. You can have a humble rig with modest performance, or you can pretend youâre Xzibit and pimp your PC up to obscene levels.
However, because theyâre all configurable, and this market can get really confusing to the casual consumer, it can be a bit confusing to find the right boutique build for your needs.
Donât worry though, in true TechRadar fashion, we did the heavy lifting for you, and found the best boutique PC builds on the market right now. From slick frag boxes to gigantic towers that look like an art installation, these boutique PC builds will give you the power you need to dominate the best PC games and theyâll look good while they do it.
[ul]
[li]TechRadarâs fourth annual PC Gaming Week is officially here, celebrating our passion with in-depth and exclusive coverage of PC gaming from every angle. Visit our PC Gaming Week 2018 page to see all of the coverage in one place. [/li][/ul]
In 2018, small form-factor gaming PCs are becoming more and more popular, and the Origin PC Chronos is a perfect example of why. Small, rigid and beautiful, this mini-ITX machine is configurable with up to an Intel Core i9 processor and a Nvidia Titan V (not that youâll actually need that for running games). It even has a reasonable price considering the build quality and components.
As for the actual case build, you can completely customize it. And, instead of just giving you a selection of colors and patterns, you can contact Origin PC and theyâll design it however you choose. You can customize it with any artwork or finish your heart desires. Just keep in mind: this option isnât cheap.
How much does it cost, though? Well, it starts out around $1,490 (about ÂŁ1,116, AU$1,970). Thatâll get you an Intel Core i3-8100, 16GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti â not exactly shaking the walls with raw performance. However, you can go all in to make Xzibit proud, by packing this thing with an Intel Core i9-7900X, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia Titan V for $6,928 (about ÂŁ5,190, AU$9,153). It might not look like it now, but thatâs actually the best value on this list.
Falcon Northwest has made a name for itself over its nearly 30 years of existence for making amazing desktop PCs, and it rocks the micro PC game as well. With the Tiki, Falcon Northwest crammed as much power as physically possible into the smallest package it could. Just like the Chronos listed above, this tiny behemoth can be configured with the most powerful CPU you can imagine, but where it sets itself apart is the fact that you can configure it with Nvidia Quadro graphics. This transforms the Tiki from one of the best gaming PCs into a workstation that you can hide behind your monitor so that you can focus on the work you need to do.
Not that youâd want to hide it, though. With Falcon Northwestâs Exotix paint jobs, the Tiki looks absolutely gorgeous. Itâs probably the most expensive micro PC you can buy today, but once you take it out of the packaging and behold it with your own two eyes, Itâs totally worth it.
This small, powerful and costly machine starts at around $2,402 (around ÂŁ1,799, AU$3,175) and includes an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, 16GB of RAM and an Nvidia GTX 1060. Then, if you really beef it up, you can configure it with an Intel Core i9-7980XE, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia Quadro P6000 for the most beautiful workstation that youâve ever seen. We just wouldnât recommend that particular GPU for gaming.
Maybe you donât want a PC case at all. Perhaps youâd like something that resembles an iMac on steroids. The Xotic PC G34 Phantom is a gaming all-in-one that will make you wonder why everyone isnât using one. All-in-one Windows PCs have got a bit of a bad reputation over the last couple decades â usually being shoddily constructed computers that your parents would buy. The G34 Phantom, however, is able to pack the latest high-end components into the back of a monitor, so you can have a space-saving desktop without having to give up on Core i9 processors and workstation-class graphics.
As far as exterior customization goes, you can not only pick the color of exterior paint, but you can also add interior colors to really make the internals stand out, even though no one would likely see inside of this particular machine. Whatâs more, you can also add graphic and textured wraps to really bling out your rig.
Starting out at the low, low price of $2,199 (haha) â or about ÂŁ1,647 or AU$2,900 â the G34 Phantom starts off with a modest build â featuring an AMD Ryzen 3 2200G, 8GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050. Kind of expensive for those specs, but youâre paying for the WQHD (3,440 x 1,440) screen as well. When you max this thing out for $10,247 (about ÂŁ7,675, AU$13,540), you get an Intel Core i9-7980XE, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan V. Believe it or not, thatâs actually a better deal than the entry model.
This thing looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. And, because itâs Razer-branded, everything is green. That might sway you one way or the other, but Razer has essentially mastered the âgamer aestheticâ over the last few years â and it shows. Maingear has taken this partnership with Razer to an amazing place with the Maingear R2 Razer Edition. Configurable with up to the latest Skylake X chips and a Titan V, the R2 Razer Edition backs up its gamer swag with gaming performance that will knock your socks off.
There isnât much you can do to customize the way this computer looks, but itâs safe to assume you signed up for this look. With its liquid cooling pipes and tempered glass side panels, the Maingear R2 Razer Edition will leave your jaw slack every time you look at it.
This particularly âgamer-yâ build starts out at $1,079 (about ÂŁ809, AU$1,425), and thatâll get you a Ryzen 3 1200, 8GB of RAM and a GTX 1050 Ti. When you consider the pro-level watercooling thatâs packed into this rig, thatâs not a bad price at all. However, when you max it out with a Intel Core i9-7980XE, 64GB of RAM and a Nvidia Titan V, youâre looking at a $11,659 (around ÂŁ8,734, AU$15,122) investment. Who needs a car when you have a tricked-out, Razer-themed gaming PC?
Enough of those tiny PCs. What about the gigantic rigs with four of the best graphics cards and room for all the expansion you could ever want? Well, we saved the biggest for last with the Digital Storm Aventum. The best word we could think to describe the Aventum is âtitanicâ. Measuring 28 x 25.7 x 10 inches (H x L x W), this PC will take center stage in whatever room you place it. And, with the amount of performance you can configure into this PC, it honestly deserves to be the center of attention.
Plus, this case definitely looks the part. While it may not offer as much customization as some of the other PCs on this list, its attractive red paint job and optional laser engraving really make this beast pleasant to look at. You can, however, customise what it looks like inside (which you can peer into from a tempered glass side panel) â and with all the RGB lighting and clear tubing, its guts are gorgeous.
The Digital Storm Aventum starts out at the steep price of $3,669 (about ÂŁ2750, AU$4,750), which will get you a Ryzen 7 2700X, 32GB of RAM, a 500GB NVMe SSD and a GTX 1060. Not exactly what weâd call a âlow-end build,â but wait until you see what itâs like when maxed out. When you crank up all the knobs to 11, you get an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, 128GB of RAM, 4TB of NVMe storage, four Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan Xps for more performance than youâll theoretically ever need. It all comes in at $16,485 (about ÂŁ12,350, AU$21,774). So, the way we look at it, you can either put a down payment on a house, or have one of the best gaming PCs ever created â choice is yours.
Continue readingâŚ
However, if you are going to fork over your hard-earned money for a pre-built machine, why not check out the case builds that the best boutique PC builders have to offer. While they might charge a premium (sometimes a very high premium) for their services, they offer fantastic build quality and custom PC cases that are simply awe-inspiring.
Beyond that, the best boutique PC builds are completely configurable. You can have a humble rig with modest performance, or you can pretend youâre Xzibit and pimp your PC up to obscene levels.
However, because theyâre all configurable, and this market can get really confusing to the casual consumer, it can be a bit confusing to find the right boutique build for your needs.
Donât worry though, in true TechRadar fashion, we did the heavy lifting for you, and found the best boutique PC builds on the market right now. From slick frag boxes to gigantic towers that look like an art installation, these boutique PC builds will give you the power you need to dominate the best PC games and theyâll look good while they do it.
[ul]
[li]TechRadarâs fourth annual PC Gaming Week is officially here, celebrating our passion with in-depth and exclusive coverage of PC gaming from every angle. Visit our PC Gaming Week 2018 page to see all of the coverage in one place. [/li][/ul]
In 2018, small form-factor gaming PCs are becoming more and more popular, and the Origin PC Chronos is a perfect example of why. Small, rigid and beautiful, this mini-ITX machine is configurable with up to an Intel Core i9 processor and a Nvidia Titan V (not that youâll actually need that for running games). It even has a reasonable price considering the build quality and components.
As for the actual case build, you can completely customize it. And, instead of just giving you a selection of colors and patterns, you can contact Origin PC and theyâll design it however you choose. You can customize it with any artwork or finish your heart desires. Just keep in mind: this option isnât cheap.
How much does it cost, though? Well, it starts out around $1,490 (about ÂŁ1,116, AU$1,970). Thatâll get you an Intel Core i3-8100, 16GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti â not exactly shaking the walls with raw performance. However, you can go all in to make Xzibit proud, by packing this thing with an Intel Core i9-7900X, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia Titan V for $6,928 (about ÂŁ5,190, AU$9,153). It might not look like it now, but thatâs actually the best value on this list.
Falcon Northwest has made a name for itself over its nearly 30 years of existence for making amazing desktop PCs, and it rocks the micro PC game as well. With the Tiki, Falcon Northwest crammed as much power as physically possible into the smallest package it could. Just like the Chronos listed above, this tiny behemoth can be configured with the most powerful CPU you can imagine, but where it sets itself apart is the fact that you can configure it with Nvidia Quadro graphics. This transforms the Tiki from one of the best gaming PCs into a workstation that you can hide behind your monitor so that you can focus on the work you need to do.
Not that youâd want to hide it, though. With Falcon Northwestâs Exotix paint jobs, the Tiki looks absolutely gorgeous. Itâs probably the most expensive micro PC you can buy today, but once you take it out of the packaging and behold it with your own two eyes, Itâs totally worth it.
This small, powerful and costly machine starts at around $2,402 (around ÂŁ1,799, AU$3,175) and includes an AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, 16GB of RAM and an Nvidia GTX 1060. Then, if you really beef it up, you can configure it with an Intel Core i9-7980XE, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia Quadro P6000 for the most beautiful workstation that youâve ever seen. We just wouldnât recommend that particular GPU for gaming.
Maybe you donât want a PC case at all. Perhaps youâd like something that resembles an iMac on steroids. The Xotic PC G34 Phantom is a gaming all-in-one that will make you wonder why everyone isnât using one. All-in-one Windows PCs have got a bit of a bad reputation over the last couple decades â usually being shoddily constructed computers that your parents would buy. The G34 Phantom, however, is able to pack the latest high-end components into the back of a monitor, so you can have a space-saving desktop without having to give up on Core i9 processors and workstation-class graphics.
As far as exterior customization goes, you can not only pick the color of exterior paint, but you can also add interior colors to really make the internals stand out, even though no one would likely see inside of this particular machine. Whatâs more, you can also add graphic and textured wraps to really bling out your rig.
Starting out at the low, low price of $2,199 (haha) â or about ÂŁ1,647 or AU$2,900 â the G34 Phantom starts off with a modest build â featuring an AMD Ryzen 3 2200G, 8GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050. Kind of expensive for those specs, but youâre paying for the WQHD (3,440 x 1,440) screen as well. When you max this thing out for $10,247 (about ÂŁ7,675, AU$13,540), you get an Intel Core i9-7980XE, 64GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan V. Believe it or not, thatâs actually a better deal than the entry model.
This thing looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. And, because itâs Razer-branded, everything is green. That might sway you one way or the other, but Razer has essentially mastered the âgamer aestheticâ over the last few years â and it shows. Maingear has taken this partnership with Razer to an amazing place with the Maingear R2 Razer Edition. Configurable with up to the latest Skylake X chips and a Titan V, the R2 Razer Edition backs up its gamer swag with gaming performance that will knock your socks off.
There isnât much you can do to customize the way this computer looks, but itâs safe to assume you signed up for this look. With its liquid cooling pipes and tempered glass side panels, the Maingear R2 Razer Edition will leave your jaw slack every time you look at it.
This particularly âgamer-yâ build starts out at $1,079 (about ÂŁ809, AU$1,425), and thatâll get you a Ryzen 3 1200, 8GB of RAM and a GTX 1050 Ti. When you consider the pro-level watercooling thatâs packed into this rig, thatâs not a bad price at all. However, when you max it out with a Intel Core i9-7980XE, 64GB of RAM and a Nvidia Titan V, youâre looking at a $11,659 (around ÂŁ8,734, AU$15,122) investment. Who needs a car when you have a tricked-out, Razer-themed gaming PC?
Enough of those tiny PCs. What about the gigantic rigs with four of the best graphics cards and room for all the expansion you could ever want? Well, we saved the biggest for last with the Digital Storm Aventum. The best word we could think to describe the Aventum is âtitanicâ. Measuring 28 x 25.7 x 10 inches (H x L x W), this PC will take center stage in whatever room you place it. And, with the amount of performance you can configure into this PC, it honestly deserves to be the center of attention.
Plus, this case definitely looks the part. While it may not offer as much customization as some of the other PCs on this list, its attractive red paint job and optional laser engraving really make this beast pleasant to look at. You can, however, customise what it looks like inside (which you can peer into from a tempered glass side panel) â and with all the RGB lighting and clear tubing, its guts are gorgeous.
The Digital Storm Aventum starts out at the steep price of $3,669 (about ÂŁ2750, AU$4,750), which will get you a Ryzen 7 2700X, 32GB of RAM, a 500GB NVMe SSD and a GTX 1060. Not exactly what weâd call a âlow-end build,â but wait until you see what itâs like when maxed out. When you crank up all the knobs to 11, you get an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, 128GB of RAM, 4TB of NVMe storage, four Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan Xps for more performance than youâll theoretically ever need. It all comes in at $16,485 (about ÂŁ12,350, AU$21,774). So, the way we look at it, you can either put a down payment on a house, or have one of the best gaming PCs ever created â choice is yours.
Continue readingâŚ