Are you the parent of a gamer or into gaming yourself? Time for an upgrade in play? We’ve got the scoop on two of 2019’s biggest gaming computer brands: Alienware and Republic of Gamers (ROG). Both cater specifically to gamers with machines ready-built for gaming needs from frames per second (FPS) and beyond. The question becomes: desktop or laptop? Below are one of each from both brands that might just be your ticket to gaming bliss.
Things to Consider
Key things to look for when purchasing computers for gamers starts with: desktop or laptop? Are you a gamer on the go and need the flexibility of a laptop? Or do you prefer gaming in the comfort of your own home? Bear in mind, laptops may not be able to keep up with the upgrades and maintenance the gaming world requires. The customization capacity that comes with a desktop may feel more appealing.
Gaming rigs, or desktops, are composed of several major components: processor, video card, ram, and a solid-state hard drive are imperative to a hefty and durable machine set to run at very high settings.
The projected lifetime of a computer is about five years, but can last as long as 10 years. Serious gamers won’t want to push this, as games progressively need higher processing power and graphics cards to run.
Alienware
Alienware is Dell’s gaming-oriented flagship. These laptops and machines are known to be on the top of gamers’ lists, although the price tags are pretty up there, starting around $1,500.
Best PC: Alienware Aurora R8
Ranked as part of the top 10 desktops of 2019 by multiple tech sites, the Alienware Aurora R8 packs a punch for its price tag. Users can tinker with their Aurora R8 with absolute ease, given its toolless design. That’s right, no need to break out your screwdriver to conduct surgery on this PC. Not to mention, its unconventional design has earned praise from several reviewers. For optimum performance, PC Gamer recommends pairing the Alienware Aurora R8 with an RTX 2080 Nvidia graphics card and an Intel i7-9700k processor.
Best Laptop: Alienware Area 51m
Don’t let the slim and sleek design of Alienware’s Area 51m laptop deceive you. This laptop is extremely powerful. Complete with an RGB keyboard, the Alienware Area 51m knocks off a number of gaming laptop necessities: portability, power, and beauty of design. It’s also totally here to stay, with its myriad easy-to-remove, upgradable features.
Republic of Gamers (ROG)
Asus ROG is known by gaming industry pros as the alternative to Alienware. They offer colorful options and machines that pack a punch for the pro gamer. Whether you’re looking for a desktop, a laptop rig, or just the pieces to make a machine great (internal cards that are built for gaming for example), they’re all here.
Asus has PCs built for virtual reality (VR) capabilities, as well as gaming. They also have rigs specifically set up for well-known games (think Black Ops), on their home site, which have the power to play in the big leagues.
Best PC: Asus ROG STRIX GD30
In comparison to other gaming PCs, the Asus ROG STRIX GD30 is pretty reasonably priced. Speed-wise, this PC presents quite the bang for its buck. While its design falls more on the traditional end, it still manages to pull off a Stormtrooper-esque look. The Asus ROG STRIX GD30 is also widely customizable—ideal for tinkerers who know exactly what they want in a PC.
Best Laptop: Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701
Lauded by T3 as a “dream gaming laptop,” the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 excels in not only performance power, but also in quality and innovation. Its slim design and regulatory controls for its heating system and graphics have impressed tech reviewers across the field, which explains its considerably high price tag. With all it has to offer, the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701 is arguably one of the best computers for gamers on the market.
To Customize or Not to Customize
If you’re a bit more ambitious and want something custom-built, check out online sites like iBuyPower or Newegg for deals on full custom builds that will last for a bit and aren’t as expensive as pre-made machines. A bonus: custom builds offer easier ability to upgrade as you go.
iBuyPower & Newegg both have super helpful customer service departments. Let them know the types of games you’re looking to play, budget and what you’re using as your current home setup.