Best PCs to Upgrade to in 2025
Whether you’re a competitive eSports player, a gaming enthusiast, or someone finally ready to leave their aging setup in the rearview, we’ve got the perfect PC guide for you. There’s a lot of really good PCs on the market this year. There’s even a bunch of which are powered by Intel’s Core Ultra series and showcase unprecedented performance. While at Intel Extreme Masters Cologne this past weekend I got to see many of them, as well as their graphic fidelity and incredible processing power up close. Trust me, they’re worth it. And don’t worry, there’s some really good budget-friendly PCs on the list too! If you’re planning your next upgrade or looking for the perfect computer to suit your gaming needs, read on.
Laptops
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 ($2,699)
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop packs an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and up to an RTX 5090 graphics card, delivering elite performance for 4K and competitive play. Its massive 18 inch QHD+ Mini-LED display offers a 240 Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time and it comes complete with tri-fan cooling, and a full RGB keyboard. All of this makes it ideal for both fast-paced shooters, immersive single-player games, and content creation.
MSI Titan 18 HX AI Edition ($5,300)
The MSI Titan 18 HX AI Edition is armed with an Intel i9‑14900HX processor and an RTX 5090 graphics card. This beast supports 64 GB RAM, mechanical keys, and high-refresh 4K panels. It also comes equipped with 128 GB DDR5 RAM, RAID SSDs and a large array of AI-enhanced features. Which makes it a perfect laptop for streamers and power users alike.
Razer Blade 16 ($1,999 – Regularly $2,399)
Sleek and powerful, the Razer Blade 16 pairs an Intel Core i9‑14900HX with up to an RTX 5090 graphics card in a compact aluminum frame. It weighs less than 5 pounds and is razor thin. The Razer Blade 16 also features a dual-mode 4K/120Hz and FHD/240Hz OLED display, letting you switch between insane visuals and quick response. It runs super quiet, hides DDR5 RAM and vapor chamber cooling under its hood. If you’re a gamer or creator who wants stunning visuals, superior power and great portability, this one is definitely worth a second glance.
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI ($1,899)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is an absolute performance-forward laptop equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, and a 16 inch 240 Hz OLED display. It delivers 1440p+ gaming complete with AI acceleration and is visually stunning regardless of the game you’re playing or video you’re watching. It’s built for gamers who want high level visuals paired with stellar performance. The only con is that there’s some fan noise that can run under a high performance load. Not an issue for anyone who wears headphones, listens to music etc. Check it out if you’re looking for a high-end laptop for less cost!
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i – Gen 10 ($2,829)
Powered by an Intel Core i9‑14900HX and up to an NVIDIA RTX 4090, the Legion Pro 7i delivers desktop level performance at all levels – and all in a sleek 16 inch frame. Lenovo’s smart AI helps automatically boost frame rates, and manages power usage to ensure buttery-smooth and quick gameplay. It also comes equipped with an advanced cooling system which keeps this laptop from overheating, whilst also remaining quiet as a whisper. The Legion Pro i7 Gen 10 is all about multitasking, flexibility, and incredible performance so you can kick some butt regardless of your favorite game!
Desktops
MSI Infinite RS – 13NUI ($3,999)
If you’re looking for a PC that can handle it all – 4K gaming, heavy streaming and major editing power, look no further than the MSI Infinite RS 13NUI. It features an Intel i9-13900KF processor, an RTX 4090 graphics card and 64GB RAM. And all of that and more is packed into a sweet tool-less case which provides incredible airflow and ARGB lighting. The MSI Infinite RS will definitely be providing that lightshow regardless of whether you’re playing the upcoming Battlefield 6, or editing 8K videos. Content creators and gamers should feel right at home with this one.
Acer Predator Orion 7000 (Starts at $3,799)
If you watch eSports, and specifically the Intel Extreme Masters tournament, you’ll know that the Acer Predator Orion 7000 is their official PC. All of the Counter-Strike pros use it! Under the hood it comes fully equipped with an Intel Ultra 9 285K processor and a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card. Additionally, a cutting-edge Predator CycloneX 360 cooling system and customizable ARGB lighting. Of course it also features up to 128 GB RAM to ensure insanely quick load times and seamless multitasking. This isn’t just a computer, it’s THE computer. A bit pricey but worth every single cent to get top-tier power and performance at all times. Plus, it’s definitely a brag to say you have the same PC that the professionals use!
NZXT Player PC – Intel 5070 Edition ($1,499 – Currently on sale)
The NZXT is a mid-range budget-friendly gaming PC that is compact and fast. It combines an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, an RTX 5070 graphics card, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB NVMe SSD to provide some smooth 1440p gaming. And it’s all housed in NZXT’s signature H5 flow case which provides quiet cooling and plenty of airflow. Not to mention clean cable management for all the nerds out there. If you’re looking for optimized performance, and remarkable multitasking capabilities, all without a hefty price tag, the NZXT Player PC is what you’ve been dreaming of!
Much like the NZXT Player PC, the Alienware Aurora is a mid-range PC at an affordable cost. It packs a powerful punch too. Powered by an Intel Core i7‑14700F processor and an RTX 4060 Ti graphics card, it provides smooth 1440p gaming, streaming and multitasking 24/7. And the compact minimalist design makes this the perfect PC to place in small spaces. All without sacrificing any of the performance. The Alienware Aurora is perfect for gamers who want the big brand reliability, sleek aesthetics and dependable performance and power. And all without breaking the bank. Who doesn’t love that?
The Acer Nitro 50 is the last one on this list and it’s definitely the most budget-friendly. It proves that solid gaming performance doesn’t have to come with a ridiculous price tag. Fueled with an Intel Core i5‑14400F and up to an RTX 4060 graphics card, it’s a perfect plug-and-play rig built with 1080p and 1440p gaming in mind. With a compact tower design, customizable storage options, and built-in Wi-Fi 6, it’s perfect for newer gamers or anyone upgrading from a console. And all with zero hassle or assembly required!
