The best gaming PCs pack enough grunt to crank up the graphics on AAA (Triple-A) games like Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. But not everyone needs a premium, top-of-the-line machine. For casual gamers engaging in lighter titles, a simpler, more cost-effective computer will suffice. The trick is striking the right balance between power and price.
This UK gaming PC buying guide covers the top technical considerations, some nifty PC-shopping tips, and the best gaming computers available on the HP UK Store.
Essential Gaming PC Considerations
If you’re unfamiliar with the intricacies of a gaming PC, it’s worth noting that, unlike buying a console, there’s a host of technical considerations to mull over. Here’s a quick overview.
Processor
Think of the central processing unit (CPU) as your computer’s brain. This complex bit of electronic circuitry receives instructions from a program and executes operations in real time. When gaming, the CPU tells the graphics processing unit (GPU) what images need to be generated. Thus, the CPU must keep pace with the GPU to avoid potential bottlenecks.
The Intel® Core™ and AMD Ryzen™ are the most common gaming-friendly CPUs; both come in multiple tiers. Look for later-generation models that run substantially faster. The processor speed, measured in GHz, and its threads/cores also have a big impact on in-game performance.
· Late generation Intel Core i3 / Ryzen 3: Suitable for simple web-based games and older Triple-A titles up to about 2015 (Far Cry III, Mafia II, Just Cause 2, etc.)
· Late generation Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5: Suitable for most e-sports games and Triple A titles up to about 2018 (Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, Fallout 4, Fortnite, etc.)
· Late generation Intel Core i7 or i9 / Ryzen 7 or 9: Suitable for modern Triple-A games.
Graphics card
The GPU receives instructions from the CPU to render images on your display, creating the fancy graphics that make gaming so engaging. Budget-friendly integrated GPUs come built into the motherboard and can only run basic, ancient, or browser-based games. Dedicated (discrete) GPUs are a separate card that slips into an expansion slot and can generate lifelike, high-resolution 3D graphics in real time.
Serious gamers opt for a dedicated GPU. The question is which model. NVIDIA® and AMD make the best gaming GPUs on the market, each offering a wide array of options to suit gamers with different budgets and needs. Both manufacturers offer GPUs at different tiers, with higher numbers corresponding to better performance. The more VRAM (measured in GB), the better.
The GPU is the most important bit of hardware in a gaming PC—and it’s also the priciest.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Also known as just memory, RAM stores data on a short-term basis to seamlessly run applications and games. More RAM means your CPU can near-instantly access more data rather than drawing it from a slower storage drive. For gamers, extra RAM is especially handy when running background processes like live-streaming apps and Discord group chats.
· 4-8 GB RAM: Ancient Triple-A or super basic games
· 16 GB RAM: Fast-paced modern gaming and modest multi-tasking
· 32 GB RAM: Seamless modern Triple-A and demanding multitasking
Storage
Storage determines how many games, and other files, like videos, you can keep on your PC. Most modern Triple-A games require between 70 and 100 GB, so ensure you’ve got enough room for your needs. Ten years ago, big blockbuster games only needed 10-15 GB.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) have become the Gold Standard for gaming and everyday computing. Because they store data in flash memory, SSDs are speedier than hard disk drives (HDDs), which use moving magnetic disks.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gaming PC
· Evaluate your needs: Assess what games you want to play and research the recommended hardware. Websites like Can U Run It provide a valuable resource.
· Determine your budget: Work out how much you can afford to spend and filter your search accordingly. The HP UK Store lets you set a minimum and maximum budget in pounds.
· Filter based on hardware: The HP UK Store lets you filter your search based on hardware specifications, such as the GPU, CPU and RAM. This time-saving trick lets you quickly locate the ideal computer for your needs.
· Future-proof your investment: If your budget permits, purchase a gaming PC that’s a wee bit faster than what you currently need, so you won’t have to upgrade anytime soon.
· Compare reviews: Read user reviews and compare average ratings to see how competing gaming PCs stack up. The HP UK Store provides feedback and reviews from verified customers.
· Consider Brand and Support: Gaming PCs from little-known manufacturers can be plagued with problems. HP is a well-known brand you can rely on and offers a generous warranty.
· Watch for specials: Manufacturers offer ad-hoc sales and scheduled specials during holiday periods. The HP UK Store regularly has numerous reduced-price gaming rigs.
The Top Gaming Rigs in the UK
You’re up to speed on the essentials. Let’s examine some of the best gaming PCs available in the UK. We’ve sorted our picks into budget, mid-range, and premium price points to streamline the shopping process.
Best High-End Gaming PCs: The HP OMEN
Hardcore gamers seeking a premium playtime experience need the HP OMEN. Custom-designed for fast-paced gaming, these beefy rigs pack plenty of power to handle modern titles with the graphics cranked way up.
The HP OMEN is divided into three categories: 45L, 35L, and 25L. The “L” refers to litres and indicates the size of the case. Larger OMENs have sophisticated HP Cryo Chamber cooling systems for optimal thermal management and top-of-the-line hardware. While the smaller models aren’t quite as powerful, they’ve still got the juice to provide an immersive in-game experience.
Best 45L OMEN: OMEN 45L GT22-2007na Gaming Desktop
· CPU: Intel Core i9 14900K
· GPU: NVIDIA GeForce® RTX™ 4080 SUPER (16GB)
· RAM: 32GB
· Storage: 2TB SSD
Best 35L OMEN: OMEN 35L GT16-0013na Gaming Desktop
· CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
· GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER (16GB)
· RAM: 32GB RAM
· Storage: 1TB SSD
Best 25L OMEN: OMEN 25L GT15-2009na Gaming Desktop
· CPU: Intel Core i7 14700KF
· GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER (12GB)
· RAM: 16GB
· Storage: 1TB SSD
Best Mid-Range Gaming PCs
Price conscious gamers craving a solid in-game experience may prefer the HP Victus, a mid-range gaming PC that packs a punch. All current-generation HP Victus come in a more petite 15L size, yet still feature sufficient specs to play demanding modern games—just not on maximum settings.
At around half the cost of the typical OMEN, they’re an excellent choice for gamers with limited funds. Solid processors, speedy GPUs, and ample RAM ensure a satisfying gaming experience at a wallet-friendly price.
Best high-end Victus: Victus 15L TG02-0041na Gaming Desktop
· CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
· GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (8 GB)
· RAM: 16GB RAM
· Storage: 1TB SSD
Best budget-friendly Victus: Victus 15L TG02-1003na Gaming Desktop
· CPU: Intel Core i5 13400
· GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER™ (6 GB)
· RAM: 8GB RAM
· Storage: 512GB SSD
Budget-Friendly Gaming PCs
If you just want to play simple titles like Minecraft and Stardew Valley, or virtually any decade-old game, then you don’t need a purpose-built gaming PC. A regular computer designed for home or business use will do the trick. You could even get away with a simple integrated CPU.
Basic budget tower PC: HP Slim Desktop S01-pF3002na
· CPU: Intel Core i3 13100
· GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 730
· RAM: 8GB RAM
· Storage: 256GB SSD
Basic budget all-in-one PC: HP 24-cr0041na Full-HD All-in-One
· CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
· GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
· RAM: 8GB RAM
· Storage: 256GB SSD
Summary
Finding the perfect gaming PC requires analysing your habits, evaluating hardware considerations, and refining your search based on price. We’ve provided a wealth of actionable information in this UK gaming PC buyer’s guide. Take another look through our top recommendations or see what other gaming PCs are available on the HP UK Store.
Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from laptop reviews to how-to guides.
About the Author
Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from laptop reviews to how-to guides.
