❌

Normal view

Received — 16 October 2026 ⏭

Nvidia is no longer a PC gaming company. Get used to it

✇PCWorld
16 October 2026 at 08:00

I’ve been buying Nvidia graphics cards exclusively for nearly 30 years, and I may well continue—if Nvidia will let me. But even I’ve had to make peace with the fact that Nvidia is no longer in the business of supporting PC gaming. I’m not sure it ever will be again.

I was thinking about this while listening to the latest episode of The Full Nerd, in which Adam and his fellow cohosts discuss what it means that Nvidia may soon stop selling the RTX 5090 entirely. The news comes courtesy of a Twitter (sorry, X) post from a known leaker with a decent track record, so while you should take it with a grain of salt it seems like there’s a strong possibility it will prove true.

Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the surprising topics on our YouTube show or the latest news from across the web? You’re in the right place. 

Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!

And honestly, it doesn’t seem that surprising when you consider that the RTX 5090 launched with an MSRP of $1,999 yet regularly sold for upwards of $5,000, due in no small part to massive demand from AI-pilled coders and companies looking to take advantage of that sweet, sweet 32GB of DDR7 memory. A casual search of the major retailers this week turned up precisely zero 5090 cards available for purchase, even at that exorbitant price, and I suspect that will remain true for the foreseeable future.

It can feel heartbreaking if you’re dedicated to the hardcore DIY PC gaming lifestyle, but you can take solace in the fact that the GeForce RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 are still widely available and plenty good enough for high-res, high-speed PC gaming. Heck, the same leak that suggests the RTX 5090 is done for also claims that Nvidia will launch a new model of RTX 5080 with 24GB of DDR7 memory, which should offer a noticeable improvement over the current 16GB RTX 5080 cards.

But I have to say, the sooner you make peace with the fact that Nvidia is no longer in the business of supporting PC gaming, the better. Don’t get me wrong, Nvidia will continue to make new desktop graphics cards and talk a big game about how it values PC game players first and foremost. But the numbers have shown otherwise for some time, and that’s likely to continue for years to come.

After all, the AI-driven explosion of demand for high-end GPUs and silicon helped Nvidia become the first trillion-dollar chip company, and recent financial reports and SEC filings show the company’s revenue from data center products is now 4-5x that of its consumer hardware revenue. That’s presumably part of the reason why the company recently stopped reporting GPU sales as a discrete category entirely, instead lumping all GPU hardware sales (for both commercial and retail customers) into one category on its balance sheet alongside robotics, automotive and telecom products.

So please, for your own mental health, I’m begging you: do not give in to Jensen’s sales pitches at the next Nvidia press conference. I believe the company will keep making new graphics cards for the foreseeable future, but only to hold on to its commanding hold of the GPU market and keep up appearances while it milks the AI boom for all its worth. If AI demand collapses the way crypto seemed to crash a few years ago, maybe we’ll see Nvidia take up the mantle of being a PC gaming company once again.

But I don’t expect that will happen any time soon, and making peace with that has done wonders for the stress I feel right now as a frustrated fan of PC gaming. It’s helped me realize that I don’t need the latest and greatest hardware to have a blast gaming on my PC, and the same can be true for you. Take this time to play some games in your Steam(ing) pile of shame, get deeper into Linux gaming and explore all the other cool things you can do without an RTX 5090. Because I don’t know that high-end GPUs will be affordable for regular folks like you and me in the next few years, if ever—and I don’t think I’ll be buying an Nvidia GPU any time in the near future.

In this week’s episode of The Full Nerd

This week your regular host Adam Patrick Murray was joined by PCWorld’s Brad Chacos and Michael Crider on episode 419 of The Full Nerd to chat about the rumored end of the GeForce RTX 5090, open-source Adobe Creative Cloud alternatives and the pending launch of RTX Spark laptops.

The Full Nerd 419 with the video feed of cohosts Adam Patrick Murray, Michael Crider and Brad Chacos (from left to right) each occuping a third of the screen, with show titles on the bottom

PCWorld

And of course, the trio also make time to answer your questions from the PCWorld Discord and the live chat about everything from the future of PC game streaming to the durability of flash drives. Make sure to check it out, and tune in to next week’s episode to get your questions answered on the air!

Nerd news of the week

From some fun new ideas about where to place your GPU to an elucidating new interview that reveals the PC gaming habits of one of Hollywood’s movers and shakers, here’s some fun nerd news I found around the web for you this week!

That’s it for your Full Nerd newsletter this week! Until next week, be sure to bookmark PCWorld and keep an eye on the YouTube channel for our latest videos straight out of the PCWorld studio. Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!

This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld.

Received — 9 October 2026 ⏭

Welcome to the used PC era

✇PCWorld
9 October 2026 at 07:00

I’ve never bought a PC or component second-hand, but that may change if this RAM shortage doesn’t let up soon.

I started thinking about the issue after listening to this week’s episode of The Full Nerd, which features some smart conversation about the consequences of purchasing used components as well as the best way to safely find and buy them.

Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the surprising topics on our YouTube show or the latest news from across the web? You’re in the right place. 

Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!

The prospect of buying a gently-used laptop or desktop is also starting to seem a lot more rosy these days, as prices for new models skyrocket. I know I’m not alone on this front, either; a recent UK-based market analysis survey shows sales of used PCs and components is rising across Europe, with the rate of secondhand PC sales nearly doubling year-over-year in the UK.

Here in the States I know I certainly wouldn’t want to try and buy a new gaming PC unless I absolutely had to, and I’d be even more scared of trying to build one myself since the cost of RAM and storage is beyond belief. I suspect that’s why this week’s episode of The Full Nerd ended up devoting so much time to the risks and benefits of buying used PC parts: more people than ever are interested in doing just that, and you want to know what you’re walking into before you take a risk on a used CPU or graphics card.

I really appreciated the hosts’ advice on how to find great deals on used PC hardware, and Adam’s insights have me second-guessing my aversion to Facebook Marketplace. Will the next PC I build be a hodgepodge of used components? Could be! I’d just better be careful when it comes to used CPUs, because it sounds like those can carry the sins of their former owners (read: bans in games like Fortnite and Valorant) more easily than other hardware.

In this week’s episode of The Full Nerd

This week it was a two-man show as regular host Adam Patrick Murray was joined by our own Michael Crider to chat about the latest Steam hardware survey, the risk of being banned from some online games if you have a used CPU and more.

The Full Nerd #418 featuring Adam Patrick Murray and Michael Crider speaking into microphones.

PCWorld

Later in the show our dynamic duo made time to answer questions from the chat as well as the Full Nerd Discord on everything from the value of pre-built PCs in this economy to tips for buying used hardware.

Nerd news of the week

Here are a few of my favorite pieces of nerd news this week, touching on everything from the cutting edge of keyboard switches to the remarkable lengths some retailers are going to in order to stop folks from shipping their overpriced Nvidia graphics cards to China.

That’s it for your Full Nerd newsletter this week! Until next week, be sure to bookmark PCWorld and keep an eye on the YouTube channel for our latest videos out of the garage. Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!

This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld.

Received — 7 October 2026 ⏭

Building a PC in 2026 is all about choosing your compromises

✇PCWorld
7 October 2026 at 09:00

Anyone who wants or needs a new desktop computer has long had a choice to make: Buy a ready-built computer or build one yourself from individual components.

The choice isn’t always that simple, and there are several factors that can make either option appealing. The price of a pre-built computer always includes, in one way or another, the cost of assembling it. If you build it yourself, you can spend all your money on getting the best possible components and pay for the assembly with your own time and by taking on the risk yourself.

Bygga dator
Build your own computer.
Anere Lusina

But building your own computer also offers incredible freedom and a sense of pride in what you can achieve yourself. It’s something that’s difficult to quantify in terms of money, but for many people, that’s the biggest draw.

What does it mean to build a computer yourself?

If you’ve never attempted to build a computer before, it can feel like a big and daunting task. But just like putting together an Ikea kitchen, it’s something the vast majority of people can manage if they just take the time and do their research. And unlike a kitchen, you don’t need to worry about any potential water leaks — at least, not unless you decide to build a system with water cooling!

Building a computer basically involves three separate tasks: planning and buying components; fitting the components into the case; and configuring the BIOS, installing the operating system, and testing that everything works as it should.

The first is the most complex, as there are so many components to choose from. Fortunately, you don’t need to learn and keep track of everything yourself, as there are plenty of websites with computer-building tools that help you put together components that are compatible with one another.

Assembling the components isn’t actually that complicated, but you should definitely read a guide or two and watch a few YouTube videos that walk you through the whole process step by step. With video guides, for example, you can see how cable routing works in practice and pick up lots of little tips that make the build easier and safer.

The same goes for learning about the BIOS and how to install Windows — familiarize yourself with these process before you begin.

Advantages of building your own PC

  • Total flexibility – you choose all the components.
  • It can be very satisfying to use a computer you’ve built yourself.
  • It’s usually cheaper.
  • Plenty of scope for upgrading later.

Disadvantages of building your own computer

  • Choosing components is complicated and can take a lot of time.
  • You take the risk that something might go wrong during the build.

Advantages of buying a ready-built computer

  • You get a ready-built computer without any risk or effort.
  • You can find computers on sale, which can lower the overall price.

Disadvantages of a pre-built computer

  • It’s unlikely you’ll find a computer with exactly the combination of components you’d prefer.
  • Many pre-built computers have an older processor, slightly slower memory, or some other compromise.

What should I do if something goes wrong or breaks?

It’s a good idea to order components so that they all arrive at the same time and you can assemble the computer within the standard return window. If any component were to malfunction, you could easily return and replace it without the hassle of making a warranty complaint.

Should any component break later on, you can either contact the manufacturer or the seller for recourse under the product’s warranty.

Kabeldragning
Cable management is an important but not particularly glamorous part of building a computer.
Andrey Matveev

Still, it is, of course, your own responsibility to assemble the computer safely. This means, among other things, that you must avoid discharging static electricity, but also ensure that components are fitted correctly. Some graphics cards are so heavy that they may need to be braced to avoid damaging the PCI Express slot, so read and follow all instructions carefully, both for the components and the case you have chosen.

Computer builders

A middle ground between buying a ready-built computer in a shop and building one yourself is to have a PC custom built by a vendor. For instance, boutique PC vendors such as iBuypower and Cyberpower will build a PC to your specification, taking care of the assembly and testing. But you’ll need to buy all the components from them, which of course doesn’t always give you the best price or choice.

How to find your way through the component jungle

If you enjoy getting deep into the details, you can, of course, take it upon yourself to keep track of all the components and ensure that the ones you choose are compatible with one another. However, most people choose to use a computer-building tool. The site PC Part Picker is the best known of these.

With these tools, you can, for example, start with a specific case, a specific motherboard, or a specific graphics card. Once you have selected a component, the lists of other components are filtered to show only those that are compatible with your first choice, and the process continues in this way. If you try to select something that is not compatible with one of the other components you have chosen, you will receive a warning.

Compatibility has two aspects: technical and physical. The technical aspect concerns, for example, whether a memory module fits a particular motherboard, or whether that motherboard supports a particular processor.

Kompakt dator
A compact computer is more complicated to build and to select the right components for.
Đào Hiếu

In terms of size, it is simply a question of whether the components will fit inside the chosen chassis alongside the other selected components. Does the processor cooler protrude high enough above the memory modules to avoid interference when you choose high-performance memory with large built-in coolers? Will the long graphics card fit into the space inside the chassis?

With a generously sized chassis and an ATX or E-ATX motherboard, you can usually fit almost anything in, but it’s still worth double-checking. And if you want to build a more compact computer in a small chassis with a Mini-ITX motherboard, the dimensions suddenly become very important.

Which components are most important, and where can I cut corners?

This depends on what you’ll be using the computer for, how you view future expansion options, and your sense of aesthetics.

Grafikkort
The graphics card is a key component, especially for gamers.
Rafael Pol

Graphics card
If you’re looking to play high-end games with high graphics settings, the graphics card is undoubtedly the most important component, and you can cut corners on almost everything else to make room in your budget for it. If you can afford it, you’ll benefit greatly from choosing an AMD processor with so-called 3D V-Cache (indicated by ‘x3D’ at the end of the model name), such as the previous-generation Ryzen 5 7500X3D. The expanded cache means that gaming performance is less dependent on the speed of the main memory, so you can cut back there — something that can save you a fair bit of money given today’s memory prices.

For anyone interested in running local AI, the graphics card is also important, but in this case it is primarily the amount of graphics memory that matters. And for AI, you can easily combine two cheaper graphics cards instead of one more expensive one, which isn’t possible for gaming.

Processor
Be careful when inserting the processor into its socket.
IT Services EU

Processor
For everyone else, the processor and graphics card are roughly equally important. My suggestion is that you choose one of the latest models, as they tend to be more efficient, feature the latest technologies, and will be fully supported by Windows for longer.

Something to consider is whether you want to buy a processor and graphics card at roughly the same level, or opt for a slightly more powerful one and a slightly simpler one, with the aim of upgrading the latter at a later date. By opting for a cheaper graphics card, you can get a new, more powerful one in a couple of years’ time, while still benefiting from the slightly better processor you chose from the start.

Memory and storage
Most people won’t notice any practical difference between a blazing-fast SSD with PCIe 5.0 and a cheaper one with PCIe 4.0. When it comes to storage, a reliable manufacturer and a model that has received good reviews are more important than maximum speed, and you can save a fair bit by skipping the cutting-edge technology.

When it comes to memory, capacity is the most important factor. Really fast memory is only important for a few specific use cases and is never worth it for the average user. If you’re using Windows, 16GB is the minimum you’ll need.

Given today’s prices, it’s understandable if you want to save as much as possible on memory. Unless you know you’ll be running a great many programs simultaneously, or individual memory-intensive programs such as virtualized operating systems or Adobe Photoshop, 16GB should be enough. As long as your motherboard has four memory slots, you can always buy more later.

Other components

The case is something many people choose to skimp on, but this often means the computer looks less stylish and, perhaps more importantly, is more fiddly to build. Furthermore, it may have poorer airflow and, consequently, poorer heat dissipation, resulting in higher temperatures and lower performance. I would therefore recommend that you at least look at review ratings and choose a chassis that suits your needs, even if it costs a bit more.

Another important component is the power supply unit; here, you need to ensure that its capacity is high enough for the components you’ve chosen, as well as any future upgrades you think you might need. Efficiency and noise levels are other factors worth bearing in mind.

Nätaggregat
The power supply is important. Don’t skimp, but don’t go overboard either.
Andrey Matveev

For other components, you can often get by with cheaper models, but I recommend sticking to trusted brands and reading reviews. For example, there are some really good, inexpensive CPU coolers, but also a few real duds.

These recommendations obviously apply even if you choose to buy a pre-built computer — don’t just focus on the processor, graphics card, and memory; check the case, power supply, and other components as well. What initially seems like a bargain can soon turn into an expensive lesson if you have to upgrade several components.

Don’t forget future expandability

When comparing a pre-built computer — whether it’s a traditional tower model with standard components, a mini-PC or something more exotic — with one you build yourself, you shouldn’t overlook the possibilities for expanding and upgrading the computer in the future. If you build it yourself, for example, you can choose two larger memory modules instead of four smaller ones. It’ll be more expensive now, but you can buy more later.

In most pre-built systems, all the memory slots are filled, unless you buy a very small amount of memory. A mini-PC rarely has more than two slots, and many have soldered-on memory that can neither be expanded nor replaced with larger modules.

Datorkomponenter
Upgrade your computer with more memory, storage, or a new processor.
Andrey Matveev

Storage can almost always be replaced, but in tower models and home-built machines there are usually empty M.2 slots that you can fill without having to replace the existing storage.

With a traditional tower computer, there may be spare PCI Express slots that you can use for additional storage, new network cards or other components you may later realise you need. This applies whether you buy a ready-built system or build it yourself, but the number of slots available varies greatly from one motherboard to another.

Ten years ago, it was common to have several spare slots, but nowadays many manufacturers choose to focus on more M.2 slots for SSDs, and sometimes there’s only one extra slot apart from the one intended for the graphics card. Or not even that.

Compare the total cost

Datorhörna
Corner.
Andre Tan

If you’re mainly looking to get as much computer as possible for your money, I suggest you look at both pre-built computers and the various components you’ve selected. Don’t forget to add a Windows licence if you need one, and any peripherals such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

Then compare the total price. Only then can you decide whether the lower cost, the better components or the greater upgrade potential are worth the effort.

Related content

An RTX 5060 gaming PC for $1,100 in this economy? Prime Day just delivered

✇PCWorld
6 October 2026 at 19:34

The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme with an RTX 5060 is 15 percent off for Prime subscribers this Prime Day, dropping it to its best price in well over a year. (If you aren’t already a Prime subscriber, here’s how to get Amazon Prime for free.)

Gaming PC prices are rough right now, which makes practically any prebuilt in the neighborhood of $1,000 worth a second look. Amazon has the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme for $1,100 for Prime Day (down from $1,300). That’s a $200 discount and the lowest price we’ve seen on this configuration since June 2025—those are pre-AI data center price surges and tariff numbers right there.

And for the money, you’re getting some pretty capable hardware. This Gamer Xtreme packs an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, a combo that’s right at home with 1080p gaming. Modern AAA games should run at smooth frame rates and since it’s an Nvidia card DLSS can give it a lift on supported titles.

You also get 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.The 1TB SSD is particularly nice here as it’s double the amount some comparably priced systems provide and it gives you enough room for a decent-sized game library too.

If you’ve been holding your breath for gaming PC prices to come back down to earth, you might need to keep holding it, but in the meantime this is as good as it gets in this economy.

Prime Day ends at midnight on October 7, so grab this CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme for $200 off while the discount is still live. And be sure you also check out PCWorld’s big Amazon Prime Day tech deals roundup for even more great sales.

Get the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme for $1,100 at Amazon

Received — 2 October 2026 ⏭

Your used CPU might come with someone else’s Valorant ban

✇PCWorld
2 October 2026 at 10:39

With PC hardware more expensive than it’s ever been, doubly so for gamers, you might be tempted to hunt for used parts. That’s prudent and practical…but not without its risks. In addition to the usual problems of used goods with no warranty, you might just find yourself banned from your favorite online multiplayer game after you boot up with that new upgrade installed.

What? Yes, this is a real thing that happens to people. Though from what I’ve been able to see, it’s pretty darn rare. Here’s the gist: Player A, let’s call him Vincent, gets a little too heated in his games of Valorant, and decides to use a cheat program from a less-than-reputable source. He gets caught, and his Riot user account is banned. Later Vinny Valorant gets a little hard up for cash, and decides to sell his Nvidia card on eBay to Vivian, who also plays Valorant. When she installs it in her PC and logs into the game, with her non-cheating account, Vivian gets banned right away.

That’s what’s happened to a handful of players on different competitive multiplayer games, most recently chronicled in this Reddit post from a German Valorant player. The poster said that they picked up a used Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, which worked just fine…but found themselves instantly banned from the game when they logged in. The culprit (aside from the alleged cheater) is anti-cheat systems that tag a lot more than just your account or your IP address. Modern anti-cheat software also tags hardware, down to individual hardware components.

Upon contacting support at developer Riot, the user was told that there was nothing that would be done to alleviate the situation. Not only that, but the player’s other components, including motherboard and storage, were also blacklisted in the Vanguard anti-cheat system.

Hardware identification requires fairly deep hooks into a PC’s operating system and even BIOS. For example, Heise.de reports that Vanguard only operates if you’ve got Secure Boot and a Trusted Platform Module enabled — these are some of the reasons that games like Valorant and others still aren’t available on Linux or SteamOS. Similar anti-cheat hardware checks, and the occasional false positive after secondhand hardware goes to a new owner, have been reported for years.

PNY RTX 5080 Slim installed next to motherboard side view

Jon Martindale / Foundry

Exactly what checks each anti-cheat system uses aren’t generally known. But from a hardware perspective and with those deep kernel-level tools available, it’s technically possible for the software to identify individual components including:

  • CPU
  • Graphics card
  • Motherboard
  • SSD or hard drive
  • Network adapter
  • Specific operating system license
  • Any combination of the above

Various other, less invasive data points can be used to “fingerprint” individual users beyond their accounts.

I reached out to Riot, Valve, and Epic Games — operators of Vanguard, Valve Anti-Cheat, and Easy Anti-Cheat, respectively — for comment on this story. I asked if they could offer a guide on which hardware could be flagged, how buyers might avoid blacklisted parts on the secondary market, and what recourse an innocent deal-hunter might have if they find their account banned after installing a new part. None of them responded before publishing. Based on my research on the scant cases for the past few years, customer support is generally unwilling to lift bans put in place through hardware ID.

Again, it appears that this is an exceedingly rare problem. To experience it you’d need to buy a part secondhand, from a cheater, who plays the same game (or at least a game from a company using the same anti-cheat system), and who’s been flagged by that system for cheating. That is a very small center of a Venn diagram — you’re much more likely to just get a part that doesn’t work, or be the victim of a more conventional scam.

But with PC gamers experiencing very specific sticker shock on top of general economic anxiety, the used hardware market is thriving more than usual. That means the number of false positives has probably gone up recently, if not the actual percentage of them as a function of the total sales of used PC components. There’s no real way to know if a part has been flagged before you buy it if the seller doesn’t choose to share that information.

So yeah, if your buddy admits to using an aimbot, maybe think twice before picking up their secondhand parts after they win the lottery and spring for an upgrade.

Best Prime Day deals on mini PCs: Save big on tiny computers

✇PCWorld
7 October 2026 at 18:12

Amazon’s October Prime Day is one of the best times of the year to score a mini PC deal. These compact machines have exploded in popularity thanks to their tiny footprints, surprisingly strong performance, and wallet-friendly prices. Whether you need a capable productivity box, a living-room PC, or even a compact gaming rig, Prime Day is packed with discounts worth considering.

The challenge is separating the genuinely great bargains from the mediocre markdowns. The sales event has begun and will run between October 6 and 7, and there are fantastic deals on all our favorite brands. I’ve sifted through the Prime Day sales and selected the mini PCs that offer the best combination of specs, performance, and value. From CPU and RAM configurations to storage and upgradeability, these are the deals most deserving of your attention.

You’ll need to be a Prime member to take advantage of these deals—here’s how to score a free Amazon Prime trial subscription and get in on the action.

At a glance

Top AMD mini PC deal picks

Top Intel mini PC deal picks

Prime Day deals on AMD Ryzen mini PCs

Reatan A8, Ryzen 7 8745HS/Radeon 780M/16GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/Oculink/quad 4K support—$499 (22% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The Reatan A8 is a good choice for anyone who wants a compact PC with strong everyday performance and surprisingly capable integrated graphics. Its Oculink port also makes it an enticing option for users who may want to add an external GPU for gaming down the road.

Why is this deal good? For $499, the Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M graphics deliver excellent performance for the money—even providing enough juice for some light gaming. You also get 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, making this a well-balanced mini PC that is ready for most tasks right out of the box.

Get the Reatan A8 for $499

View Deal at amazon

Kamrui Pinova P2, Ryzen 3 7330U/16GB RAM/256GB SSD/triple 4K support—$323 (15% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The Kamrui Pinova P2 is designed for users who need an affordable mini PC for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, streaming, and basic home computing. Its triple 4K display support also makes it a solid budget option for a multi-monitor workstation.

Why is this deal good? While the Ryzen 3 7330U can’t compete with higher-end mini PCs, it still provides enough performance for everyday use, especially when paired with 16GB of RAM like it is in this build. At $323, the system delivers good value for basic computing, though the 256GB SSD may feel a bit tight if you need a lot of storage—thankfully, Prime Day is an excellent time to purchase external storage on the cheap.

Get the Kamrui Pinova P2 for $323

View Deal at amazon

Glorlin AI Mini PC, Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS/Radeon 780M/16GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD—$510 (27% off on Amazon with coupon)

Who is this for? The Glorlin AI Mini PC is best for users who want a compact desktop that can handle heavier workloads, multitasking, and some casual gaming. Its robust connectivity options also make it appealing for home offices or setups that rely on multiple network connections.

Why is this deal good? The Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS is a powerful processor and more than capable of entry-level AI workloads. Plus, the Radeon 780M integrated graphics are among the best you can get without a dedicated GPU. For $510, the combination of 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet makes this a feature-packed mini PC with plenty of performance.

Get the Glorlin AI Mini PC for $510

View Deal at amazon

Beelink SER5, Ryzen 5 5500U/16GB DDR4 RAM/480GB SSD/triple 4K support—$389 (17% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The Beelink SER5 is a solid pick for anyone who needs an inexpensive PC for everyday use such as students and remote workers with basic computing tasks. It has enough power for browsing, office work, video calls, streaming, and general multitasking, and its support for three 4K displays makes it great if you have multiple monitors.

Why is this deal good? At $389, the SER5 packs in quite a bit for the money. You get a six-core Ryzen 5 5500U, 16GB of RAM, and a 480GB SSD, which is plenty for most day-to-day computing. Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and triple 4K display support are nice extras too, especially at this price. It’s a good value buy if you want a small PC that can handle the basics.

Get the Beelink SER5 for $389

View Deal at amazon

GMKtec M6 Ultra, Ryzen 5 7640HS/Radeon 760M/32GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support—$630 (21% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? This GMKtec M6 Ultra deal for $170 off is best suited to people who need more performance but don’t want to spend big on a full-size desktop. Its Ryzen 5 7640HS and 32GB of DDR5 memory give plenty of power for heavier productivity and content creation work, and the integrated Radeon 760M even means you can enjoy some light gaming on the side.

Why is this deal good? For $630, the M6 Ultra gives you an impressively beefy hardware loadout. The Ryzen 5 7640HS and Radeon 760M graphics are joined by 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, so you’re getting plenty of memory and storage right out of the box. It also includes USB4, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and upgradeable memory and storage. That makes this well worth the money if you want a mini PC with enough performance and connectivity to serve as your main machine.

Get the GMKtec M6 Ultra for $630

View Deal at amazon

Prime Day deals on Intel mini PCs

Kamrui P2, Core i5-12600H/32GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support—$519 (44% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The Kamrui P2 is great for anyone in the market for a compact PC that is capable of heavier office work, multitasking, and productivity loads. With 32GB of RAM and support for three 4K displays, it’s particularly well suited to professionals who run lots of simultaneous apps or work across multiple monitors.

Why is this deal good? For a bargain price of $519, you get a Core i5-12600H, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a roomy 1TB SSD, which is a strong hardware value at this price. Windows 11 Pro and triple 4K display further sweeten the pot, particularly if you’re building a compact workstation.

Get the Kamrui P2 for $519

View Deal at amazon

Acemagic M5, Core 5 220H/24GB RAM/512GB SSD—$570 (37% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The Acemagic M5 makes sense for anyone who has a strict budget, but wants a mini PC with a bit more muscle. It should be a good fit for home-office users and multitaskers who routinely juggle several applications at once.

Why is this deal good? At $570, the Core 5 220H and 24GB of RAM give you plenty of oomph for more demanding workloads. The 512GB SSD is a bit smaller than ideal, but the newer processor and generous RAM help make up for it.

Get the Acemagic M5 for $570

View Deal at amazon

Kamrui Hyper H2 Mini, Core i5-14500HX/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$456 (32% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The Kamrui Hyper H2 Mini is a good pick for anyone who cares more about raw CPU power than flashy extras. Its Core i5-14500HX makes it particularly appealing for developers, power users, and anyone running resource-hungry software.

Why is this deal good? The big draw here is the Core i5-14500HX, which is a lot of processor for a sub-$500 mini PC. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD are fairly typical, but strong CPU performance and triple 4K display support make this an appealing option for the money.

Get the Kamrui Hyper H2 Mini for $456

View Deal at amazon

GMKtec Mini PC, Core Ultra 5 226V/16GB DDR5 RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$550 (25% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? This GMKtec Mini PC is a good choice for everyday users who want a dependable mini PC. Thanks to its fantastic connectivity options, it’s well suited to home offices and media setups in particular.

Why is this deal good? The Core Ultra 5 226V is plenty powerful enough to smoothly handle everyday taks. For $550, you also get 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD, USB4, 2.5Gb Ethernet, 6x USB ports, Wi-Fi 6, and triple 4K display support. Like I said, fantastic connectivity options.

Get the GMKtec Mini PC for $550

View Deal at amazon

BOSGAME E7, Core 3 100U/16GB DDR4 RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$359 (18% off on Amazon)

Who is this for? The BOSGAME E7 is best for budget users who need an inexpensive compact PC for basic work. Its 16GB of RAM and triple-display support make it especially useful for multitaskers who want a multi-monitor setup without taking up much desk space.

Why is this deal good? At $359, you’re getting a capable Core 3 100U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD in a tiny package. The real value comes from the extras, though, with triple 4K display support, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and plenty of wired connectivity making this a more versatile budget mini PC than its price suggests.

Get the BOSGAME E7 for $359

View Deal at amazon

Other great Prime Day deals

These aren’t the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If you’re looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks we’ve found.

FAQ

1.

What to consider when buying a mini PC?

The first thing you have to check off your list is just what configuration you need to get your job done. Are you going to use your new mini PC for browsing only? Then a cheap budget-friendly device with a decent CPU and 16GB of RAM will do the trick. While DDR5 is optimal, RAM prices are so expensive nowadays that DDR4 is much more affordable and just fine for everyday browsing or basic work tasks.

Do you want it to be able to juggle a bunch of apps and not choke on 50 browser tabs? Then a more powerful CPU and 32GB of RAM would be better.

Do you want to do some light gaming in your downtime? Look for a device that comes with a GPU or Occulink connectivity to hook up an external GPU instead.

Are you looking to utilize the mini PC as a home server? Your priority then should be a large SSD—2TB or more.

There are devices for each and every one of these scenarios, and they’re all quite affordable. The best part is that mini PCs are… well, small, so they can be placed practically anywhere depending on your intended use and available space. They also support multiple monitors out of the box, which makes it easy to replace your old, larger desktop and you won’t even need to pay for extra hubs.

2.

Can a mini PC replace a desktop?

Yes, mini PCs can absolutely replace desktops for many users, especially if you’re mainly going to use it for office work, browsing, and media streaming. Some higher-performance models can even handle video editing or gaming, but their price tag reflects that.

3.

What is the downside to a mini PC?

One of the main downsides to most mini PCs is that they don’t come with a dedicated graphics card, so their usability for gaming is limited. Also, most mini PCs are geared towards general use, so tasks like video editing may not work as well. Understanding component limitations can help you pick the right system for your needs.

4.

Do mini PCs support multiple monitors?

Yes, most mini PCs support at least two monitors, which is more than we can say about numerous laptops on the market. Many models support three or four monitors, thus enabling you to efficiently multitask, spreading your apps across multiple screens. More often than not, you can connect the displays via HDMI, DisplayPort, but also via USB-C.

5.

What can you upgrade on a mini PC?

Most mini PCs are easy to upgrade. The RAM and SSD are usually extremely easy to swap out and each model will come with specific requirements, as in the specific type of SSD it can support, maximum storage capacity and maximum supported RAM. Many models come with a magnetic cover that you need to pop open to access both RAM and SSD, while others require a tiny screwdriver to take out the case. Either way, it’s a fairly painless process.

Just watch out for mini PCs that come with LPDDR5X memory, which is quite fast, but it’s also soldered onto the motherboard and therefore you won’t be able to upgrade it in the future.

One last tour of the studio The Full Nerd called home for a decade

✇PCWorld
2 October 2026 at 07:00

The Full Nerd podcast has been running for over a decade here at PCWorld, and this month marks a big shift for the show as we transition from broadcasting in the studio to doing it all online.

The main reason? Our own Adam Patrick Murray has left California and decamped to North Carolina, so getting him back in the studio every week would get expensive fast. We just don’t have that kind of budget for plane tickets, so instead we’re doing what most podcast crews do these days and switching to a fully remote arrangement.

Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the surprising topics on our YouTube show or the latest news from across the web? You’re in the right place. 

Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!

Doing so marks the end of an era for The Full Nerd, and while I regret we won’t be recording the podcast here at the PCWorld offices any more, the silver lining is that this transition will enable us to be more flexible with the show—and perhaps create more exciting opportunities to do cool things down the road, once Adam gets settled in his new home.

We actually started recording the show fully remotely last week, and we took a break from recording this week so Adam can focus on his cross-country move. But before he took off he made time to shoot a behind-the-scenes tour of The Full Nerd studio, and it’s definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan!

Adam shares a lot of fun anecdotes and stories about the construction of the set and the early days of the show, not to mention lots of close-up shots of all the cool tech that lines the walls of the studio.

Check it out if you want to learn why we call this set the “garage” around the office, why there’s a GIF of Gordon eternally running in the background of The Full Nerd and how Adam left his mark on Intel’s 9900K CPU. Also, there’s a quick look at some super-rare hardware we keep on the set, including the old Maximum PC Dream Machines and one of AMD’s super-rare “Project Quantum” NUC competitors!

It’s a fun watch, and one that’s personally meaningful for me since I’ve sat in to record episodes of The Full Nerd on occasion and now regularly shoot videos in the same studio. This is also my second time working at PCWorld after leaving in 2013 to go do other things, and when I came back I was shocked at how thoroughly Adam and the PCWorld team transformed what was once a sterile white studio into such a warm, inviting space.

So while you pour one out for the decade of fun we had recording The Full Nerd out of the garage, I hope you’ll join me in getting excited for what the next chapter of the show can bring now that we aren’t shackled to a studio in San Francisco. Nothing else is changing, of course, so look forward to your regular Full Nerd cohosts Adam Patrick Murray, Brad Chacos, and Alaina Yee coming back at you next week with another great episode!

In this week’s episode of The Full Nerd

…nothing happened, because there was no episode of The Full Nerd this week! We took a week off and will be back at it next week, but if you’re itching to hear from your favorite nerds you can also check out our YouTube playlist of every episode ever recorded.

We’ll also continue to record videos out of the old studio for the PCWorld YouTube channel, so make sure to subscribe if you want to keep hangin’ in the garage with us!

Nerd news of the week

PC component prices are still out of control, but it’s not all doom and gloom out there! Here’s a few of the most interesting stories I’ve seen this week:

  • Intel patent outlines embedding MicroLEDs directly into CPU package: This could go nowhere, but it sure sounds like Intel has sorted out how to embed microLEDs into chips in a way that lets them light up to communicate issues or just look cool. Personally I’m not a big fan of LEDs on components inside my PC (why does my RAM need underlighting when I never see it?) but this still seems neat!
  • Google attempts to launch satellite and escape data center backlash: Didja hear about this? Google’s apparently lashing a fridge-sized server box to a rocket and shooting it into orbit this week to test the feasilibity of putting our data centers in orbit instead of on Earth.
  • The Ethernet spec was first drafted on this day in 1980: I had no idea the Ethernet spec was older than I am, but apparently it’s true! I also learned that the RJ45 port we all know and love (especially when gaming online) first showed up a decade later in 1990, which is sort of amazing when you consider it’s still a valued port on desktops and laptops nearly forty years later.
  • AMD acquires World Labs AI startup, upping the ante against Nvidia: AMD is set to fork out an estimated $8 billion to acquire a company that employs AI to build virtual spaces that simulate the physical world. Nvidia has already been pushing this kind of tech for use doing things like training robot cars how to drive or teaching robot workers how to navigate a warehouse, and now it seems AMD is getting in on the action. Hopefully we don’t see both companies pull back from enthusiast hardware to focus on selling AI tech to big businesses.

That’s it for your Full Nerd newsletter this week! Until next week, be sure to bookmark PCWorld and keep an eye on the YouTube channel for our latest videos out of the garage. Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!

This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld.

Received — 30 September 2026 ⏭

RAM and SSD prices are soaring. Here’s how to buy a PC without overpaying

✇PCWorld
30 September 2026 at 09:00

Do you need a new computer? Unfortunately, the market is currently experiencing high prices and uncertainty due to the massive wave of investment in AI. But it’s still possible to get ahold of a decent machine — even if you might have to compromise on your budget or your requirements.

The RAMpocalypse driving up prices

It can hardly have escaped anyone’s notice that the prices of memory chips — both DRAM for RAM, and NAND for storage — have skyrocketed over the past year. Higher-capacity memory modules are four to five times more expensive today than they were a year ago.

Price increases of 400 percent are not an everyday occurrence in any industry, least of all the electronics sector, where prices usually tend to fall over time. These high prices are having knock-on effects, such as higher prices for other products due to increased costs for manufacturers, and financial difficulties for smaller manufacturers who can neither absorb the higher purchase prices nor raise their own prices sufficiently without losing too many customers.

Packa upp
Is it perhaps a new computer?
Kaboompics

Almost everything that contains memory and storage has become more expensive, particularly computers and components such as graphics cards, but also mobile phones and tablets, games consoles and even routers.

Almost, but not quite, everything. The fact is that there are still product categories where the usual trend towards ever-cheaper electronics continues. A clear example is monitors, where you get much more for your money today than just a few years ago, and that trend looks set to continue.

Do you want to play games with a high refresh rate, vibrant colors, and deep blacks using an OLED display? At the time of writing, for example, you can get 1440p resolution at 240Hz for less than $400 (Gigabyte GO27Q24G).

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for high resolution to ensure text is as sharp as possible, you can get a 4K monitor for $300 or less — for example, the LG 27US550-W and the Samsung Viewfinity S70D. See our roundup of the best monitors for more recommendations.

Other exceptions include cases, power supplies, and coolers. Processors and motherboards held their ground for a long time, but have now also risen in price as manufacturers shift resources towards products for the lucrative data center market.

All signs suggest that memory prices will rise further before stabilizing, and that no price reductions are to be expected before the end of 2027. So don’t count on prices suddenly returning to more normal levels.

Buy now or wait for a sale?

Rea
Sales.
Justin Lim

If you’re thinking of buying a pre-built computer and aren’t in a rush, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for sales and clearance events, such as Black Friday. However, it’s highly likely that prices for memory and storage will continue to rise, so if you find a computer you’re happy with at a price you can afford, it might be better to go for it rather than wait and hope for a price drop that probably won’t happen for several years.

When it comes to components, it might make sense not to buy everything at once, but to spread your purchases out based on current prices. You might be able to wait for a good deal on a bundle of a motherboard and processor, but buy the RAM as soon as you find a reasonably affordable price.

Your current needs are paramount

What do you need the computer for, and how will you use it? These are the two most important questions to ask before buying a computer. It’s tricky to predict future needs, but the fact that you’re buying a new one at all is probably because what you have now isn’t working satisfactorily.

It might be as simple as needing something modern on which you can install Windows 11, even though your old computer didn’t really have any problems. Or perhaps you’ve taken up a new hobby, such as video editing or programming, which your old machine can’t quite cope with.

The main thing is to ask yourself what you’re really looking for and base your decision on that.

A word of advice: Don’t buy a new computer just because you’ve found a good price. That might sound contradictory given my tip above about waiting for the sales, but I’m referring there to those who need a new computer, just perhaps not right away.

If, on the other hand, you don’t actually need a new computer but happen to find one at a really bargain price, it can be tempting to snap it up. It’s rarely worth it, even if prices continue to rise. When you eventually reach a point where you really do need a new computer, there’s a good chance that the one you bought will already be outdated or no longer suit your changing needs.

For individual components, however, it can be worth keeping an eye out for fantastic deals.

What you actually need

Lyxig dator
A high-end gaming computer – not something most people need.
Alienware

It can be tempting to choose a computer with the highest possible specifications. Nobody wants a slow computer, and it can feel reassuring to go the extra mile, so that it has some headroom and can remain fast enough for longer.

In some cases, this is a good idea, but it can also mean money down the drain. Not all components are equally important, and you’ll never notice some upgrades unless you’re doing something specific that pushes the computer to its limits in that particular area.

Fast SSDs are a prime example. A modern M.2 SSD with PCIe 5.0 can reach speeds of up to 14,000MB/s, but in everyday use on Windows, the difference compared to an older, simpler model with PCI Express 3.0 and speeds of around 2,500MB/s is very small. According to a test carried out by Tom’s Hardware, the difference is negligible in most games, and for tasks such as web browsing, email, chatting and working in Office programs, you would barely notice any difference with an even slower SATA-based SSD.

Below, I’ve put together some tips on how to approach the four most important components, which also have the greatest impact on the price.

Processor

Processor
AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series is popular.
Đào Hiếu

There’s a wide range available from both Intel and AMD. Both sell processors from several generations, which affects peripheral functions such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, memory speed, and other features. For most consumers, simpler models are perfectly adequate, but be careful not to end up buying something really slow like an Intel Celeron.

My usual recommendation is to stick to the latest generation, as this means processors that are more efficient and feature the latest technologies. At the time of writing, this means the Intel Core 200 series and the AMD Ryzen 9000 series, but both companies are expected to release a new generation around the turn of the year or in early 2027 — Core 400 (Nova Lake) and Ryzen 10000 (Olympic Ridge).

However, a previous-generation processor may be cheaper, and this is particularly true of pre-built computers, where manufacturers may be running clearance sales to make way for the new generation. If you’re not looking for any specific new features, this can be a smart way to save a bit of money.

Memory

Minne
Dyrgripar.
Andrey Matveev

A couple of years ago, my recommendation was simple: Go all out. Memory was so cheap and can make such a big difference if you’re running lots of programs or heavy applications. I opted for 64GB myself when I built a computer in 2019, and I don’t actually do anything that requires even 32GB, but thanks to having so much, I’ve been able to keep all the programs I use open, including virtual machines.

Today, the “memory apocalypse” has made RAM one of the most expensive components, and something many people skimp on so that the computer doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Unfortunately, having enough memory is crucial to the user experience, as the computer can become as sluggish as treacle if the memory runs out and the system has to start offloading to the hard drive. Microsoft recently removed a recommendation to have at least 32GB for Windows 11 and has started making efforts to ensure the system runs more smoothly on computers with 8GB, but I still recommend at least 16GB.

The amount of memory is almost always more important than the speed, so I would always recommend 32GB of DDR5 memory at 5,600MT/s over, for example, 16GB at 7,200MT/s.

Graphics card

Grafikkort
Graphics cards are essential for gaming and graphics programs.
Christian Wiediger

For anyone who enjoys gaming, the graphics card is by far the most important component. In most games, a computer with a basic processor, memory, and storage but a really powerful graphics card is significantly faster than one with top-of-the-range processor, memory and storage but a budget-class graphics card.

A reasonably fast graphics card is also important for those involved in 3D modelling and animation, video editing and AI. However, for those who mostly just use a web browser, it isn’t that important, and it’s often possible to get by with a processor featuring integrated graphics.

Today, there are three graphics card manufacturers. Nvidia is the largest, with AMD and Intel trailing far behind. In the current generation, Nvidia is known for ray tracing and AI-based upscaling and frame generation, while AMD’s RX 9000 series receives high marks for raw performance in rasterized graphics. Intel’s cards have found a niche in the budget segment and offer relatively good value for money.

If you’re thinking of trying Linux instead of Windows, it might be worth choosing a graphics card from AMD rather than Nvidia — and, above all, Intel. This is because the drivers are better and are being developed more rapidly, not least thanks to help from developers at Valve who are working on optimizing the Steam Machine and Steam Deck.

Storage

Lagring
You don’t necessarily need the very fastest SSD.
Samsung

You should definitely have the operating system and all your programs on an NVMe-based SSD, but as I mentioned above, it’s by no means a given that you’ll see any noticeable performance boost by choosing a blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 drive. If you can get hold of an older model at a significantly lower price, that might be more than enough. I’d much rather have a spacious SSD with PCIe 3.0 than a skimpily sized SSD of the latest generation.

See our roundup of the best SSDs for buying advice.

Other specifications

In addition to the above, there are a number of other specifications where models differ. Networking (wireless and wired), Bluetooth, audio, and USB ports are a few examples. Here, users’ needs vary so much that it is difficult to offer any recommendations, with one exception:

Access to Thunderbolt or USB4 ports means you can connect external storage and other devices much faster.

If you have — or are planning to buy — a modern monitor with high resolution and/or a high refresh rate, it is important to ensure that your computer or graphics card supports it. For a 5K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, a type that has become available recently, DisplayPort 2.1, or HDMI 2.1 is required, for example. However, the best option is a graphics card with DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 — which, at present, is only available in Nvidia’s RTX 50 series — or a computer with Thunderbolt 5.

Upgradability

If you need a new computer now but can’t afford to splash out on all the components you’d really like, you can start with the basics and then upgrade later. With desktop computers, this isn’t a problem, and you can, for example, cut back a little on RAM and storage, and hope that prices will have fallen again in a couple of years.

If that’s your plan, it’s important to check what upgrade options you have. How many M.2 slots for SSDs does the motherboard have? Does it have two or four memory slots? Is there Thunderbolt or USB4? What about PCI Express slots?

When it comes to RAM specifically, it might be worth opting for, say, 2 x 16GB rather than 4 x 8GB, even if the latter is slightly cheaper, as you’ll then be able to add more later on without being left with spare memory modules. Some desperate computer buyers have even started buying just one module to begin with, even though this makes the memory half as fast.

Buying used or refurbished

Buying a whole second-hand computer can be a way to save money, but it can also be a nerve-wracking experience. A lot can go wrong, and if you’re not an expert, there’s a great deal to keep track of to avoid ending up with something that doesn’t live up to its price at all.

It’s simpler and safer if you’re looking for a specific computer model and buy from a shop that sells refurbished second-hand machines; this can be a way to get a newer computer than the one you have today at a reasonable price.

Another option is simply to buy certain components second-hand. For example, you could try to get hold of cheaper RAM and storage that way and then fit them into a new computer.

You need to be careful with second-hand storage. An SSD wears out when data is written to it, so an SSD that has been used in a server may be on its last legs without you realizing it. Check the number of terabytes written using programs such as CrystalDiskInfo (Windows) or Smartctl (Linux/Mac), and look up the manufacturer’s specified TBW (“terabytes written”) value.

Related content

Received — 14 July 2025 ⏭

Best PC computer deals: Top picks from desktops to all-in-ones

✇PCWorld
13 October 2026 at 19:23

At a glance

Top gaming desktop computer deals

Top mini PC deals

Top all-in-one desktop computer deals

Whether you’re looking for a productivity desktop, a gaming PC powerhouse, or a stylish all-in-one Windows machine, we’ve got you covered. The team at PCWorld continually sorts through all of the daily computer sales and puts together a curated list of the best deals available. But not all deals are really deals, so we only choose those offered by reputable companies and that include great hardware to ensure you get the best value for your money.

We’ve also included some helpful answers to common questions about buying a computer at the bottom of this article. If you’re considering a laptop instead, be sure to check out our best laptop deals.

Which kind of desktop PC should you buy?

If you need… Best type of PC What to look for 
Everyday home or office use Traditional desktop or mini PC Core i5/Ryzen 5-class CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB+ SSD 
Gaming Gaming desktop tower Dedicated GPU, 16GB+ RAM, 1TB SSD, upgradeable case 
A small, tidy setup Mini PC 16GB RAM, 512GB+ SSD, enough ports for your monitor and accessories 
The simplest setup All-in-one PC Good display, 16GB RAM, enough storage, webcam and peripherals included 
The most upgradeability Desktop tower Standard components, accessible RAM/storage, room for a future GPU 
The lowest possible price Refurbished desktop Reputable refurbisher, warranty, return policy, and sufficiently recent hardware 

For most people, a desktop tower offers the best balance of price, performance, and future upgrades. Mini PCs are better when space matters, while all-in-ones trade upgradeability for a cleaner and simpler setup. Gamers should prioritize a dedicated graphics card, while home and office users can usually save money with integrated graphics. Refurbished desktops can also be excellent value if they come from a reputable seller with a warranty. 

How we pick deals

Our desktop computer deals are chosen by computer experts from the PCWorld staff who collectively have decades of experience testing and writing about all types of desktop PCs. Deals are hand-picked according to detailed analysis of historic pricing data and extensive knowledge of brand reliability and performance (i.e., the computers have to be good and the deals have to provide real value).

Note: Tech deals come and go quickly, so it’s possible some of these computer discounts will have expired before this article’s next update.

Updated October 13, 2026 to include the latest desktop computer deals and updated pricing.

Best gaming desktop computer deals

ABS Cyclone Aqua, Core 5 120/RTX 5060/16GB RAM/1TB SSD—$849 (29% off on Walmart)

At $351 off, this ABS Cyclone Aqua is a must-buy option this week if you have a tight budget, but still want a gaming PC. The Core 5 120 isn’t a strong gaming CPU, but depending on the motherboard, you can likely upgrade to another, more powerful 14th-gen Intel processor in the future for relatively cheap. Regardless, the included CPU and RTX 5060 combo should handle most games at 1080p and maybe even higher with DLSS doing a little extra work. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is fairly basic, but it’s enough for most games, and the 1TB SSD gives you a decent amount of room to get started.

CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme, Ryzen 7 9800X3D/RTX 5070/32GB RAM/2TB SSD—$2,340 (6% off at Best Buy)

Best Buy is offering $300 off this higher-end CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme desktop, and the specs are excellent for the money. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is still one of the fastest gaming CPUs around, while the RTX 5070 is built for high-refresh-rate 1440p gaming and can tackle 4K, too. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB SSD rounding things out, this is a powerful system that shouldn’t need upgrades anytime soon.

CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme, Core Ultra 7 265F/RTX 5060 Ti/16GB RAM/1TB SSD—$1,440 (10% off at Best Buy)

Continuing the CyberPowerPC deals this week, Best Buy has also knocked $160 off this CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme. The Core Ultra 7 265F brings strong processing power, while the RTX 5060 Ti makes this a capable 1440p gaming machine. A 1TB SSD gives you a decent amount of storage, though I’d have liked to see 32GB of RAM instead of 16GB at this price—but I guess that’s the world we live in now. It’s still a great bargain for 1440p-capable gaming rig.

Ningmei Lumishore, Ryzen 7 5700X/RTX 5060/32GB RAM/1TB SSD—$1,400 (30% off on Walmart)

Walmart is offering this Ningmei Lumishore for $600 off. Although the $1,400 sale price is admittedly a little steep for an RTX 5060 system, it’s an absolutely stunning solid white and blue system—plus, you do get a generous 32GB of DDR4 RAM to sweeten the deal. The Ryzen 7 5700X and RTX 5060 should deliver great 1080p performance and can handle some 1440p gaming as well. This is more of a good deal for those who are willing to pay a bit more for a desktop that will instantly become a centerpiece for their battlestation.

iBuyPower Y40, Ryzen 7 9800X3D/Radeon RX 9070 XT/32GB RAM/1TB SSD—$2,099 (16% off on Walmart)

Walmart is offering $401 off this iBuyPower Y40, and it’s an excellent all-AMD gaming PC deals around right now. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D is one of my all-time favorite gaming chips, and paired with the Radeon RX 9070 XT, it’s built for buttery smooth 1440p or decent 4K gaming. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM is exactly what I’d want in a system at this level. The only weak spot is the 1TB SSD, but adding more storage later is an easy—if expensive—fix.

Best mini-PC deals

Reatan A8, Ryzen 7 8745HS/Radeon 780M/16GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/Oculink/quad 4K support—$559 (13% off on Amazon with coupon)

The Reatan A8 for $80 off on Amazon is a great deal on a powerful AMD mini PC. The Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M integrated graphics provide plenty of performance for everyday productivity and are capable of light gaming as well. You’re also getting 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a generous 1TB of onboard SSD storage, which is excellent for the price. The addition of an Oculink port is the kicker, allowing you to connect an external graphics card and turn this compact PC into a much more capable gaming machine.

Kamrui Pinova P2, Ryzen 3 7330U/16GB RAM/256GB SSD/triple 4K support—$350 (8% off on Amazon)

The Kamrui Pinova P2 is down $30 on Amazon, making it a solid budget pick for everyday use. Its Ryzen 3 7330U isn’t built for heavy workloads, but with four cores and eight threads, it should handle office apps and other basic tasks just fine. You also get 16GB of RAM, which is a nice amount at this price. The 256GB SSD is on the small side, but support for up to three 4K displays gives this little PC some extra flexibility for a home office PC or basic desktop setup.

Kamrui P2, Core i5-12600H/32GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support—$569 (39% off on Amazon)

At $360 off on Amazon, the Kamrui P2 is an outstanding deal on a well-equipped Intel mini PC. Its Core i5-12600H is still good for demanding productivity work and heavy multitasking, while the 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM gives you plenty of memory to work with. You also get a large 1TB SSD, which is a nice amount of storage at this price. Throw in support for up to three 4K displays and Windows 11 Pro, and you’ve got a versatile little PC with a lot more power than most other builds at this price.

Kamrui Hyper H2 Mini, Core i5-14500HX/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support—$480 (28% off on Amazon)

The Kamrui Hyper H2 Mini is $190 off on Amazon, making it a great pick if you want serious CPU power in a small package. Its Core i5-14500HX is a great processor for work or productivity tasks. You also get 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is a decent combination for most users at this price point. For a relatively low price, this build beats a standard budget mini PC by miles.

Best all-in-one computer deals

Lenovo IdeaCentre 24 AiO, Core i3-N305/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/24-inch 1080p display—$700 (46% off on Amazon)

Amazon has slashed $600 off this Lenovo IdeaCentre 24. It’s more than capable for a home office or shared family computer thanks to the Core i3-N305 and 16GB of RAM combo. It’s perfect if you need an AiO for things such as web browsing, working in office apps, and everyday multitasking . You also get a roomy 1TB SSD with plenty of space for documents, photos, and other files.

HP OmniStudio 24 AiO, Intel N150/16GB RAM/128GB SSD/24-inch 1080p touchscreen—$679 (32% off on Amazon)

This HP OmniStudio 24 AiO is $321 off on Amazon, making it an affordable all-in-one for everyday computing. Its Intel N150 and 16GB of DDR5 RAM are a decently powerful pair and should comfortably handle web browsing, office work, and video calls. The 24-inch touchscreen is a nice touch that keeps things simple accessible. I do think that the 128GB SSD is pretty limited, though, so be aware that you’ll probably need to invest in external storage at some point.

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO i Gen 9, Core i5-13420H/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/24-inch 1080p touchscreen—$760 (33% off on Lenovo)

The IdeaCentre all-in-one for $376 off on Lenovo makes for a solid option for a basic home office or family computer. The Core i5-13420H should deliver good everyday productivity performance, while the 24-inch touchscreen makes navigating Windows a little more convenient—and kids will love that they don’t need to mess around with a mouse. Still, 256GB of storage is pretty limited nowadays, so you may need to consider an external drive in the future.

Computer deals FAQ

1.

What are good websites to find computer deals?

There are a ton of sites that sell computers, and scouring through all of them would take you a lot of time—that’s why we do it for you here and highlight the best deals we find. However, to save you some time and frustration, you need to be smart about where you look at any given time of the year.

If you’re looking for a new computer during the holidays or around popular sale periods such as Black Friday or back-to-school, then you are likely to find great deals directly through first party vendor websites. These include the retail storefronts of popular computer manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo.

However, if you are looking in between sales periods, it’s generally a good idea to search through large third-party retailers such as Amazon, Adorama, Walmart, BestBuy, and Newegg. Oftentimes these websites will offer limited Deals of the Day type sales in hopes of getting rid of excess stock. On the upside, you can score still-decent PCs at a steep discount.

2.

When’s the best time to shop for a PC computer?

Typically you’ll want to time your PC computer shopping around a prominent sales period. The biggest sales periods are Black Friday/Cyber Monday in late November and Amazon Prime Day in early-to-mid July. The best sales often occur leading up to and during these two events and they are great times to snag a new PC computer for cheap. Other holiday shopping periods such as the New Year sales in January, President’s Day sales in February, and the back-to-school sales event in August are also good times to find discounts on computers.

3.

What type of desktop should I get?

You’ll see a ton of options when searching for a desktop computer, but they all mainly fit into four main categories: productivity tower PCs, gaming PCs, mini PCS, and all-in-ones (AiO). Which you should end up buying is entirely dependent upon what your needs are and what you want to do with your computer. If you are looking for something that will work in a home office or family room, then a productivity PC or AiO with a solid CPU and lots of RAM and storage is probably the way to go. If gaming is your main concern, a gaming PC can offer a lot more bang for your buck than a laptop and you should focus on getting the best GPU possible. Or if you just want something that can fit anywhere and provide basic computing then a mini PC is a good bet.

4.

What CPU and GPU should I get?

When looking at your new computer’s CPU, get at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, both of which will provide plenty of processing power for everyday computing tasks. If you don’t intend to do any PC gaming, then feel free to save some money by going with integrated graphics. However, if you are looking to get your game on, we recommend at least an Nvidia GeForce 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, as these are the least expensive discrete graphics cards that can handle ray tracing well. If you aren’t interested in those cutting-edge lighting effects, however, the RTX 3050 and Radeon RX 6600 also provide decent 1080p gaming performance at even lower prices.

The RTX 5070 is a strong midrange card that will allow for high settings at 1440p while the RTX 5080 is capable of decent 4K gaming if that’s more your speed. For those who won’t compromise for anything besides the best, the RTX 5090 is really your only option currently.

5.

How much memory and storage does my PC need?

As for RAM, we think its best to shoot for 16GB at the minimum for productivity and gaming, but for family computers and internet browsing, 8GB should suffice.

Storage size is dependent upon your personal needs, but it is generally a good idea to opt for an SSD over an standard HDD as they are much faster and don’t significantly affect the price of a desktop. Before deciding, it’s best to consider what your intended use of the computer will be. Are you just doing work or web browsing? Then something like 512GB will be plenty. If you want to load up a lot of large files such as games or content creation projects, then you’ll need at least 1 or 2TB or storage. However, just remember that even if your computer doesn’t have enough storage built-in you can always upgrade your SSD or go with an external drive to increase your available storage options.

6.

Is it a good idea to buy a refurbished computer?

Refurbished computers are used machines that have been repaired, upgraded, and cleaned for the purpose of reselling. They’re usually open-box returns, overstock, or models with minor cosmetic damage (scratches, scuffs, etc). Refurbished computers can be a bargain hunter’s dream as they’re likely still in good (or great) condition and you can save a lot of money. That being said, refurbished computers can have their downsides as well. In addition to cosmetic blemishes, some of the internal components might be a little older or outdated and they might not be in peak condition due to previous usage.

If you do consider buying a refurbished computer I recommend looking at eBay as they offer a one-year warranty. You can also check out manufacturer’s retail storefronts like Dell’s Outlet Store and Apple’s Refurbished Store—just be sure to look at the terms of warranty offered before purchasing.

❌