Looking for a Computer - Prebuilt ok gaming machine

[Greatscott]

First, let me throw out that I am a computer geek, and I have built more than my fair share of machines. With that, I have not kept up on the latest and greatest trends in computing, and really do not have the time it invest in a deep dive into the subject.

My current machine is a HP Omen, and aside from it having a tiny SSD (my fault), it has served me fairly well. I have been able to play higher end games, as well as run Fusion 360 with no issues. Sadly, it is an older machine that is running Win10, and is not compatible with Win11 due to the processor security requirements. This machine will not go to waste, it will be used to run my laser engraver/cutter.

I am looking for a reasonable gaming machine, and, if possible, would like to keep the cost under $1500. Sure, I can afford more, but I really don't want to spend more. I have been looking at all of the usual suspects, HP Omen 35L, Alienware, Acer, etc...

Do you have any suggestions?

 

[svt923]

Not super into the computer spec stuff but I built a new system last year that is mainly for 1440p gaming and I have been happy with it.

Based on my amateur knowledge, anything leftover from a recognizable brand with an AMD 7 series processor and Nvidia 40 series graphics card (4070 or higher) is going to be the best value to performance. Intel processors have premature dying issues in the last few generations of their higher end stuff so probably best to avoid those. My system is a 14th gen Core I5 and I assume it is on borrowed time even though the I5s aren't as likely to die as the I7s and I9s. Graphics card availibility sucks right now so that may limit your choices.

 

[bgredjeep]

I've got an msi gaming laptop (GS63 Stealth 8RE) that I've been using as my primary pc. It's about 7yrs old now but its been trouble free other than the battery taking a dump. I did upgrade to windows 11 a while back and still good to go. I would have no issue buying a current model from msi when the time comes.

These days, fusion is about all I use my personal computer for. A gaming machine is a bit overkill, but spending a little more up front means it's got enough power to not be garbage in a year or 2.

 

[Bertman82]

In short, the higher end GPU market is a mess, the only one's that are in stock are from scalpers who want double the MSRP. Nvidia released their new 50xx series cards, but didn't make enough and the release went as smooth as ex-lax. AMD gfx cards can still be found, but who knows for how long.

CPU's are trending towards AMD because the past couple generations of Intel have had some issues. Not a high percentage, but enough to raise concerns. Plus AMD switched to the AM5 socket, and should stick with that for another 3-4+ years.

Honestly, the gfx card could be the deciding factor, if you can find a pre-built w/ a decent card, that may be the way to go.