Best processors 2018: top CPUs for your PC

AMD and Intel are at each other's throats for control of the CPU market right now, after years of stagnation. This is thanks to the fact that AMD’s Ryzen 2nd Generation is quickly claiming more and more market share, as Intel has responded in kind with 9th Generation Coffee Lake Refresh. As the eternal battle of Intel vs AMD rages on and on, 2018 is the best time to go out and buy one of the best processors.

These days, the best processors come in every shape, size and budget. If you’re trying to save some cash, Intel has you covered with some low-powered T-Series desktop CPUs. And, if you’re trying to squeeze as much performance as you can out of your machine, you may want to take a look at AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2nd Generation and Intel Basin Falls Refresh processors.

Even if you can’t get your hands on the latest and greatest CPUs, there are still plenty of great Kaby Lake and Ryzen gen 1 processors out there that can still pack a punch. These older processors aren’t just still good, they’ll let you spend more on the best graphics cards.

The best processors are everywhere out there, so finding the right one for you can end in a cavalcade of confusing model numbers and specs. Luckily, we have your back – and have created a guide to all the best processors on the market, all of which we’ve tested and reviewed. So, ahead of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, get ready to realize PC performance you’ve never seen before.

Now that Coffee Lake Refresh has hit the market, and AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation processors are ubiquitous, you can expect plenty of Black Friday deals on the best processors. Make sure you keep an eye on tech-centric retailers like Newegg, Amazon or Overclockers in the UK and PLE in Australia. The best processors don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

For the longest time, AMD has played second fiddle to Intel in many categories but value. Those days are over. With the Ryzen 7 2700X, and Ryzen 2nd Generation in general, AMD introduces the first 12nm CPUs and the performance backs that up, beating Intel in both single and multi-core workloads for the first time in recent history. If you’re looking for a high-performance CPU at a reasonable price, trust us, look no further.

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X 

With last year’s Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, AMD already had the best value in the HEDT world. However, with the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X, not only do we get higher clock speeds – but it’s even more affordable at the same time. The 2950X brings the same number of cores and threads as its predecessor, but the increased performance and lower price makes it a prodigious value if you’re in the market for a high-end processor. But, please, if you’re looking for the best gaming performance for the money, look elsewhere. 

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

If you’re looking for one of the best processors for content creation, but are on a budget, look no further than the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X. With 6 cores and 12 threads and a base clock of 3.6GHz, you’re getting way better performance than the pricier Intel Core i5-8600K – with a gorgeous RGB CPU cooler included. Sure, the gaming performance over the blue team is marginal at best, but when you start multi-tasking – and who doesn’t always have 100 chrome tabs open – the value starts to show itself.

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 

If you’re looking to put together a gaming PC on the tightest budget, the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G can take you a long way. While it doesn’t feature the hyperthreading capability of its predecessor, the Ryzen 3 1200, the introduction of integrated graphics makes this APU one of the cheapest ways to experience casual PC gaming. We were even able to play Overwatch at 4K Ultra-HD resolution at ‘Epic’ settings.

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 3 2200G 

If you’re building one of the best gaming PCs, and you don’t really care about creating content or streaming, the processor you’re going to want to pay attention to is the Intel Core i5-8600K. It might not have as many cores as its AMD Ryzen counterparts, but that doesn’t matter, gaming is mostly about that single-threaded performance. With this processor, you’ll be able to run all the latest games without having to worry about bottlenecking your GPU – just don’t be surprised when rendering and encoding video takes longer.

Initially the primary competition for the Intel Core i7-7700K, the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X still stands up today, even though it’s been succeeded by the Ryzen 7 2800X. Its high core count, when compared to the intel Core i7 7700K means that it's much better suited to VR workloads, and now that it’s dropped significantly in price, it’s more affordable than ever before. If you’re building a VR rig, do yourself a favor: save some cash without giving up on too much performance with the Ryzen 7 1800X.  

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 7 1800X

The naming convention is confusing, given that the Intel Core i7-7820X is part of Intel’s “Skylake-X” series rather than the X-class chips built on the 14nm Kaby Lake node, but semantics matter very little when you get to go hands-on with an Intel CPU boasting this many cores. Although the fact that you’ll need a new motherboard to use this octa-core monster might be enough to scare some users off to Ryzen, Intel loyalists shan’t mind the upgrade. 

The Intel Core i9-7980XE is all about brute force. With the ability to kick up all 18-cores and 36-threads up to 4.8GHz (in our testing at least), this monstrous processor brings performance to a new level of insanity. And, while it doesn’t have the most cores anymore compared to the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, the Intel Core i9-7980XE is still the best processor for anyone who needs an insane amount of power, with a budget that reflects that. 

Read the full review: Intel Core i9-7980XE

With the amount of money you save by opting for the Pentium G4560 over a Core i3 chip, we promise you won’t even notice the slight loss in performance. As the first Pentium processor in a long time to feature hyper-threading, the G4560 goes out of its way to show us all what we’ve been missing. And, in benchmarks it more than proves itself eerily adjacent to the more expensive Intel Core i3-7100. 

One of the only things that we were left wanting when AMD’s Ryzen processors blew up is that they didn’t support integrated graphics. However, the Ryzen 5 2400G changes everything for mainstream PC users. With impressive AMD Vega graphics, it’s a fantastic APU that will be perfect for anyone looking to build a home theater PC. And, now that AMD has slashed the price you can get your 4K action on cheaper than ever. 

Read the full review: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G 

• Ready to up the ante on your display? The best monitor is here

Check out our Linux vs Windows vs Mac - OS comparison video below.

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Best gaming mouse pads 2018: the best mouse mats for gamers

If you would have told us a decade ago that the best gaming mouse pads would feature wireless charging a year ago, we would’ve looked at you funny.

But, that’s just a sign of how much mouse pads have evolved over time. These MLG tablecloths have evolved to feature all the latest bells and whistles, and will change the way you look at the electronic coaster on your desk. They may follow the same general design that you’ve known for years, but now that have neat features like Qi wireless charging and RGB lighting.

We don’t need to tell you that the best mouse pads are important, but if you’re already playing the best PC games on the best gaming PC with one of the best gaming mice, why would you settle for anything less than the best gaming mouse pad?

Unfortunately, it can be hard to find the best mouse pad for your set up. That’s why, ahead of all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that are sure to flow in, we decided to list all the best gaming mouse pads on the market today. Whether you want to illuminate your desk with RGB lighting, or if you just want a slick pad that will up your accuracy and response times in the competitive eSport of your choosing, you’ll find the best gaming mouse pad right here.

The Corsair MM600 isn’t interested in distracting you with brightly colored lights like the MM800. Instead, it offers a great deal more versatility than its higher priced sibling. This double sided mouse pad stays secure in place with rubber stoppers on each corner so that your mouse moves – not your mouse pad. The MM600 is also made of aluminum, and features a low-friction surface that will boost your response times in-game. 

Existing solely as a budget mousepad, the SteelSeries QcK does exactly what you want out of a mousepad and nothing more. The QcK’s surface material has a high thread count for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth glide. At the same time, its rubber base helps prevent it from sliding around your desk while you’re gaming. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and there’s even a higher end version with RGB lighting – the SteelSeries QcK Prism. 

There are plenty of times when we’re looking at gaming mouse pads that we love in theory, but just aren’t the right size for our desk. Luckily, the Cooler Master MP510 looks to get ahead of this, by offering 4 different sizes, from a small pad that’ll fit in any area to a giant mouse pad that’ll take up your entire desk. It’s made of a durable Cordura fabric that won’t fray, stain or even absorb liquid. So you won’t have to panic when you inevitably spill your drink – except for all your other peripherals, we guess. 

• This product is only available in the UK as of this writing. US and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the SteelSeries QcK.

Sure, everyone loves RGB lighting, but what if you’re looking for an unobtrusive, seamless desk surface? Well, the ultra thin – less than half a millimeter in height – Razer Sphex v2 is the mouse pad for you. Despite its thin profile, the polycarbonate surface is durable and optimised for laser or optical gaming mouse control. We picked the regular size, but if you have a smaller desk, there’s a Small size variant as well. 

The top of the Hiro+ is covered in a vulcanized silicone surface with a 3D structure to help increase your  gaming accuracy and speed. The base has a non-slip surface for steady mouse control, and the edges have been rounded for a smoother profile. Its surface is also coated to protect from water and grime, and makes for easy cleaning.

We bet you thought the best gaming mouse pads were just surfaces to move your mouse on top of didn’t you? Well, we don’t blame you – until the Corsair MM1000 Qi hit the market, that’s basically what they were. Not only is this thing one of the best gaming mouse pads, but it also features Qi charging. Launching alongside the Corsair Dark Core RGB SE, which itself features Qi compatibility. The MM1000 Qi isn’t just Corsair’s answer to the Logitech PowerPlay, it takes mouse pads to a new level by letting you charge your phone while playing. 

If you’ve had your eye on a RGB mouse-pad to match all of your tricked out peripherals, and you didn’t want to settle for a rigid piece of plastic, you’re in luck. The Razer Goliathus takes Razer’s expert RGB implementation and throws into a soft gaming mouse pad that will let you score those headshots in comfort and style. 

You simply can’t go out looking for the best mouse mat for gaming in 2018 without considering RGB. All the hottest gaming peripherals right now boast about how they can light your desk up like a Christmas tree, and the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is no different. On top of Corsair’s always-fantastic RGB implementation, the MM800 uses a low-friction finish that’ll allow for quick and precise tracking across its surface. And if the lighting wasn’t enough, the MM800 uses Corsair’s special CUE2 interface to sync its lighting with your other peripherals and even your PC through RGB share. It’s even available in two materials: cloth and a micro-texture surface.  

The Asus ROG Scabbard is less mouse pad and more ‘everything pad’. It can hold your laptop or keyboard and mouse, and whatever other accessories you have lying around – it’s seriously huge. It has a non-slip ROG-red rubber base and low-friction Sheath woven surface for gaming control. Asus has even temperature tested the ROG scabbard down to -30°C – but why you’d game in sub-zero conditions is unimaginable, unless you really take overclocking that seriously.  

Are other mouse pads just too soft for your gaming setup? Well, if so, you’re in luck – the MSI Thunderstorm gaming mouse pad is all metal. To be precise, this gaming mouse pad is made of an anodized, hairline-surfaced aluminum material with rubber stoppers. This textured surface is optimized for mouse control and speed, while its L shape allows it to be situated close to the keyboard. And, if that metal surface is just too real for you, you can flip it over for a micro-textured surface and the comfort of cloth. 

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Best gaming mouse 2018: the best gaming mice we've tested

The best gaming monitor 2018: the 10 best gaming screens of the year

These days, the best PC games can take you to places and let you do things that you never thought possible, which is why you should think about picking up one of the best gaming monitors to bring your experience to the next level.

But, what separates the best gaming monitors from the rest of the pack? Well, it mostly boils down to function and preferences. There’s a wide range of different technologies and features that the best gaming monitors offer, and what you need varies greatly on what games you like to play.

If you want to sit back and vibe with the best open world games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey or Red Dead Redemption 2, you may be interested in a 4K Ultra-HD gaming monitor with HDR. However, if you want to go head to head with strangers on the internet in competitive games like CS:GO or Overwatch, where speed is the name of the game, you’ll want to take a look at the best gaming monitors with a high refresh rate and low latency.

This is a lot of information, but don’t worry, we have you covered. This list is filled front to back with all the best gaming monitors on the market right now. And, since we’ve tested and reviewed all of these monitors ourselves, you can be sure that you’ll get your money’s worth – especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday being mere weeks away. So, no matter what kind of games you play, we’ll help you find the best monitor for gaming.

Along with all the Black Friday gaming deals, you’ll likely find all the best gaming monitors on sale all over the internet. Along with manufacturer deals, you’re going to be able to find them on your favorite online retailers like Newegg and Amazon, or in-person at stores like Walmart. So, as always, stay tuned to TechRadar for all your tech buying needs.

HDR has been a major selling point for the best TVs for a little while now, but it has been suspiciously absent form the best gaming monitors. Until now. The BenQ EX3501R takes HDR and runs with it, crafting a curved ultra-wide that is not only what we would deem ‘attainable’, but beautiful as well. BenQ bills this monitor as a ‘video enjoyment monitor’, but from the moment you launch your favorite HDR-enabled games, you’ll see straight away why it tops our list of the best gaming monitors.

Read the full review: BenQ EX3501R 

Before the Alienware AW3418DW hit the market, there weren’t any ultra-wide monitors that could give you the immersion that a 21:9 resolution affords, while offering a high refresh rate that’s competitive with the best gaming monitors. Offering a beautiful and colorful 21:9 display, lighting fast 4ms response time and a stunning 120Hz refresh rate, the AW3418 truly is the best of both worlds. However, all these features come with a high price, and if you’re looking to save some cash it might not be the best option. Still, this is one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today. 

Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW

The AOC Agon AG352UCG was already one of the best gaming monitors, so when we heard that AOC was putting out a revision on it, with a higher refresh rate and better contrast, we were overjoyed. The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition takes everything the original did and turns it up to 11, making it one of the best ways to experience ultra-wide gaming. It’s expensive, sure, but if you have the hardware to power a 3,440 x 1,440 monitor at 120Hz, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not buying it.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition 

If you have the cash to support it, the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ may just be the most advanced gaming monitor on the planet right now. Not only does it come with a 4K Ultra-HD resolution and HDR, but it also offers G-Sync and a 144Hz refresh rate. On paper, this is the most impressive gaming monitor we’ve ever seen – and when you see it in action, it’s even more impressive. The only thing that holds this thing back from our number 1 spot is its extreme price tag. But, again, if you have the cash lying around, and you have a PC powerful enough to drive 4K games at 144 frames per second, you’re not going to find a better monitor. 

Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ 

While it may be primarily aimed at CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U still has a lot to offer as a gaming monitor. Thanks to its focus on graphic design and business, it’s able to offer fantastic viewing angles – meaning your friends can watch you game in comfort. Plus, unlike a lot of 4K monitors on the market, you don’t need to mess around with the settings in order to get the best picture – every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before it’s shipped. It’s easy to see why the BenQ PD3200U is one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today – even if it’s not marketed as a gaming monitor.  

Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U

If you’re looking for the best gaming monitor under $300 or £300, and don’t mind making a few compromises (it features a 1080p resolution and a TN panel), then you’ll be happy with the Asus MG248Q. It makes up for any shortcoming with lightning fast response times and Adaptive Sync, making this a fantastic budget choice. Even Nvidia fans can rejoice with its 144Hz refresh rate. But, without the right GPU equipped, you may want to save up a bit more for the G-Sync equivalent Asus ROG Swift PG248Q. 

Read the full review: Asus MG248Q

• This product is only available in the US and Australia at the time of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Samsung CHG70 QLED 

You might not believe it at first glance, but the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is every bit the gaming monitor that the other monitors on this list are. And though it may not seem it from the outside looking in, it does its job remarkably well too, sacrificing dazzling lighting effects for a zippy 240Hz refresh rate and nigh-instantaneous 1ms response time. There’s no G-Sync or FreeSync, as this monitor assumes you already have a rig that’s plenty capable of eliminating screen tears on its own. Instead, this monitor keeps it simple by supplying you with lots of visual presets, an “S Switch” control pod for managing those presets and even a pair of adjustable light screens. If you're a professional gamer, then this is the best gaming monitor for you.

Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540

With this display, Samsung not only brings QLED to gaming monitors in a big way, but they also offer the widest ultra-wide monitor on the market today. Coming in at 49.5 inches, this behemoth will take up a lot of space, likely peeping over the sides of your desk, but with its impressive 3,840 x 1080 resolution and HDR, you’ll at least be blown away by the image. Even if you decide not to play in this resolution (it will require a beefy rig), you can still use all of the extra screen real estate to have a browser or a movie playing on the same screen. The only real drawback is the monstrous price tag. But for a display this premium, it may very well be worth it.

Read the full review: Samsung CHG90 QLED

If you have a powerful graphics card that you want to take full advantage of, and you don’t mind missing out on 4K Ultra HD, Samsung’s got something just for you. The Samsung CHG70 is a curved 1440p monitor with a blazing fast 1ms response time and 144hz refresh rate, which makes this one of the best gaming monitors you can buy in 2018. And, considering it’s regularly going on sale, this screen is a bargain as well. Check it out.

Read the full review: Samsung CHG70 QLED 

The coolest thing you can say about the Alienware 25 gaming monitor is that it won’t discriminate against your PC. Although it’s often the case that gaming monitors support Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, not both, to eliminate screen tearing, the Alienware 25 can be configured either way. That comes in handy, even if it’s more expensive for the Nvidia model. Still, the Alienware 25 isn’t entirely function over form. Instead, it boasts a strikingly exotic design, complete with the AlienFX RGB lighting we’ve all come to expect from the Dell subsidiary. And if that’s not enough to sell you on the Alienware 25, it wields a buttery smooth 240Hz refresh rate that will push any stout rig to its limits.

Read the full review: Alienware 25 

 How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2018

When you are shopping for the best gaming monitor 2018 has to offer, there are a few things that you should consider before you decide on what display should grace your desk.

By studying the following terms and specifications, you can make sure you pick the best gaming monitor for your needs – which also means you're not paying extra for additional features that you don’t need.

Screen size: When shopping for the best gaming monitor, one of the most crucial things to think about is screen size. Larger display sizes can contribute to more immersive gaming experiences, as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll need to make sure you have the room to feature a large monitor. It also goes without saying that larger monitors will usually mean a higher price.

Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor determines the width and height of the screen. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors had a more square 4:3, which will likely look pretty outdated in 2018. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are quickly gaining prevalence – they offer a wide view of your games, and many ultra wides have made our list of the best gaming monitor 2018.

Resolution: Another important factor when looking for the best gaming monitor for your needs is resolution. Here, the higher the numbers, the sharper the picture.. You will, however, need a more powerful graphics card for anything over full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K).

Refresh rate: When you’re looking to primarily play Counter-Strike, or shooters like it, refresh rate is especially important. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) it can support, which lends to a smoother experience on high-refresh-rate displays. A 60Hz refresh rate is most common, with refresh rates rising to 144Hz and even 200Hz.

Response time: The best gaming monitors have low response times, which means the action remains fast and fluid, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (we explain this in the next section) is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors usually have more delayed, 4ms response times. When you’re playing games competitively, it’s crucial to keep this number as low as possible in order to combat lag.

Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel the gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN panels (twisted nematic) have the lowest response times, and they are usually cheaper as well, but they generally don’t have great viewing angles. IPS panels (in-plane switching) have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually  higher response times. Meanwhile VA panels (vertical alignment) sit between the two, though the slow response times makes these panels rare amid the best gaming monitors.

Viewing Angle: Most people play games while positioned in front of their gaming monitor, but this may not always be the case, particularly when you’re among spectators. A monitor’s viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still clearly make out the image. The closer these numbers are are to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below.

G-Sync and FreeSync: You'll likely notice that many of the best gaming monitors in 2018 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology – sometimes both. This helps keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combats screen tearing and diminishes input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so you'll need an Nvidia GPU, and the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. Meanwhile FreeSync was developed by AMD but, as it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors usually cost less.

Check out our HDR Explained video below.

Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas have also contributed to this article

• Looking for a more general monitor? Check out our list of the best monitors

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Best computer 2018: the best PCs we've tested

In 2018, the best PCs continue to grow more and more advanced, and Computex 2018 was proof of this. However, if you want to stay ahead of the curve these days, having one of the best PCs is absolutely essential. Even if all you do is browse the internet, you can run into slow-downs just by viewing too many advertisements. That’s why the best PCs are still better than smartphone and, arguably, the best 2-in-1 laptops that some would say replaced them. 

The best computers will also be easy to upgrade beyond a simple RAM swap – so you can easily keep them up to date. With the wide range of low-power processors like the ones announced by Intel recently, you can have the power benefits that the best laptops offer. And, as a bonus, all eight of these computers will work with all the latest and greatest components – feel free to slap one of the best graphics cards in there if you want one of the best gaming PCs.

Still, shopping for the best PC isn’t quite as easy as it may sound. When we decided to put this list together, we had to acknowledge that the best PCs strike a balance between price and performance. So, after comprehensively testing, reviewing and ranking all the PCs on this list, we’ll help you find which PC you should look for on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The best PCs are going to be absolutely everywhere on Black Friday, so be sure to keep an eye on retailers like Newegg and Amazon to find the deal on your next tower. Plus, don’t forget about manufacturers like Dell, Apple and HP’s own websites, either.

For lack of a better word, the Dell XPS Tower Edition is stealthy. Looking quite similar to that old computer that your parents had hidden beneath the desk, this boring exterior belies an exciting array of components. Inside you’ll find your choice of the latest in GPU tech, in addition to a blazing-fast 7th generation Intel CPU and a spacious hard drive and/or SSD. Now, the Special Edition is only available in the US, but our readers in the UK and Australia will still be able to buy the regular Dell XPS Tower and beef it up to the same level through Dell’s configuration page. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition

The Microsoft Surface Studio is one of the most glamorous PCs you can buy. It shakes up the all-in-one formula of putting all the components behind the screen, and instead moves everything to the base. The resulting device has one of the thinnest 28-inch PixelSense Displays that puts even most 4K screens to shame. What’s more, the fully-articulating stand makes it a versatile tool for work and play with Surface Pen support. All in all, the Surface Studio is an exceptional work of, and for, art.

Read the full review: Surface Studio

See more like this: The best all-in-one PCs

If you’re looking for a great desktop experience, but don’t have a lot of space, look no further than the Intel Hades Canyon NUC. In this tiny bare-bones PC, you have an insanely powerful 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, and discrete-class Radeon graphics – once you throw in some RAM and storage, you’ll be able to conquer the best PC games without a care in the world. Sure, it can’t really stand up against a full-sized desktop, but when space is short, or you’d rather just have a PC that looks like a set-top box – it’s totally worth it. 

Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC 

The Alienware Aurora R7 isn’t just a great gaming PC, but it’s one of the best PCs you can buy today. Not only does it feature fantastic performance with its 8th-generation Intel Core processor and GTX 10 series graphics, but this power is conveniently stored away in its compact chassis. It’s even surprisingly affordable, considering the power on offer, and it’s even easily upgradeable, despite its unique build. With the Aurora R7, Alienware continues its journey back to the top of the best PCs.

Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R7 

See more like this: The best gaming PCs

Positioned as a “console killer,” the MSI Trident 3 looks a lot like an Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, but it’s a far more powerful PC that feels just right in your living room. Complete with all the ports you could ever dream of, the MSI Trident 3’s advantages are clear. Still, in trying to be as thin and light as possible, the MSI Trident 3 comes equipped with a 330W external power supply brick, resembling some of the least attractive console designs.

Read the full review: MSI Trident 3

Apple doesn’t exactly have a reputation for making budget-friendly, well, anything really, but the iMac is the best all-in-one PC for the money. In fact, the Surface Studio costs three times as much as the iMac to start – for hardware that’s arguably weaker. And, while the iMac 2017 doesn’t feature a touchscreen or an adjustable stand, the option for a 4K P3 wide color gamut display and 7th-generation Kaby Lake desktop processors make the 21.5-inch iMac not only beautiful, but timely too – even if it still hasn’t been refreshed for 2018.

Read the full review: Apple iMac (2017)

See more like this: The best Macs

Though at first you might confuse it for a fabric-woven Mac Pro refresh, the HP Pavilion Wave is anything but. This compact Windows machine packs in 6th-generation Intel Core processors and optional discrete AMD graphics with a uniquely integrated Bang & Olufsen speaker. Wrapped in a handsome fabric exterior, this is the perfect PC to have on the desk, as it radiates crisp sound while you browse the web or watch movies.

Read the first look: HP Pavilion Wave

It may look like a thumb drive at first glance, but the Intel Core Compute Stick has more than meets the eye. It’s actually a palm-sized PC that can plug into any screen with an HDMI input. It starts out with a lowly 1.33GHz Intel Atom cpu running Linux, but it is configurable up to an Intel Core m5 processor – which makes this one of the best PCs if you need to get some work done on the go, without having to haul around a laptop.  

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

• While you’re at it, we’ve also found the best gaming desktop PC you can buy

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The best gaming PC 2018: 10 of the top gaming desktops you can buy

With so many of the best PC games coming out every single week, the best gaming PCs continue to be the best place to play your games. From best-in-class open world RPGs like Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey to intense action games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, having the best gaming PC for your budget can make a ton of difference.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer Intel, AMD or Nvidia – most PC makers will let you choose the best processors and best graphics card for your needs anyway. And, now that Nvidia Turing graphics cards are finally out in the wild, the  top gaming PCs are about to get way better. 

We’ve gathered up the best gaming PCs both from manufacturers everyone knows like Dell and Alienware to those you’ve probably never heard of before like Zotac. We put all of these PCs through rigorous tests to find out which ones will provide the best bang for your buck. So, now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are almost here, let’s dive into the 10 best gaming PCs you can buy, so you can start playing your favorite PC games.

As is custom with pre-built gaming PCs, the Alienware Aurora R7 isn’t just a computer. It’s a whole menu of computers that you can choose from and personalize based on the specs of your liking combined with a set budget. It’s important, then, for it to be easily upgradeable and attractive to look at considering its awfully high price tag. Fortunately, the Alienware Aurora R7 is both of those things and will impress those unconvinced that they should build their own rig.

Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R7

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the MSI Aegis 3 

It’s not uncommon anymore for PC makers to brandish their pre-built desktop rigs as VR-ready. What is unusual is to do so with a computer that’s also ready to conquer any game you throw at it at well over 60 frames per second and for under two grand. That’s exactly what MSI has accomplished with the Infinite A, a tower whose graphical efforts aren’t thwarted by its preparedness for VR, nor is it so expensive that it would see your head turn the other way.

Read the full review: MSI Infinite A

• This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. Australian and UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Overclockers 8Pack Asteroid 

If you’re looking for one of the best gaming PCs,but you don’t have a ton of open space, you’re in luck. With the Intel Hades Canyon NUC, you can have a moderately powerful gaming PC that’s much smaller than the usual affair – looking more like a set top box than a PC. Don’t go thinking that this small form factor means it’s weak, though – it packs just as much power as the best gaming laptops with its beefy 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete-class Radeon graphics. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to supply your own RAM, storage and OS. 

Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC 

Positioned as a ’console killer,’ the MSI Trident 3 looks a lot like an Xbox One S and is more powerful than a PS4 Pro, but at the end of the day, it’s a PC that feels just right in your living room. Complete with all the ports you could ever dream of, the MSI Trident 3’s advantages are clear. Still, in trying to be as thin and light as possible, the MSI Trident 3 comes equipped with a 330W external power supply brick, resembling some of the most less attractive console designs.

Read the full review: MSI Trident 3

If you’re buying a pre-built PC, upgrades should be simple, right? That’s the philosophy behind the Lenovo IdeaCentre Y900. Embellished with red lights all over, the front of its chassis is bespeckled with textured patterns that’ll no doubt make your friends jealous. On top of offering support for a VR-ready GTX 1080, the Lenovo IdeaCentre boasts SLI support and room for up to 64GB of RAM, which are thankfully complemented by a convenient tool-less design.

Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaCentre Y900

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair One.

Much like the sublime Dell XPS 13, the Dell XPS Tower is a lesson in packing beefy specs into a svelte chassis. This inconspicuous gaming machine looks a lot like the computer that’s been collecting dust in your dad’s office, rather than something powering the latest PC games. But, beneath that quiet exterior, the Dell XPS Tower is one of the best gaming PCs on the market, with 8th-generation Intel Coffee Lake processors and Nvidia GTX 10-series graphics cards. With the Dell XPS Tower Special Edition,you’re getting one of the best gaming PCs money can buy, without any of the off-putting ‘gamer aesthetic’.

Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair One.

When you buy a computer from Origin, it’s almost like you’re building it on your own. You have to be familiar enough with PC components to decide for yourself what goes into the rig and how much money you’re going to spend on it. So, of course, our only real criticism of the Origin Millennium is that you can build a similar model for cheaper. However, because of its subtle design and flexible specs, we’re willing to bet you won’t want to.

Read the full review: Origin Millennium 

• This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Overclockers 8Pack Asteroid.

In classic Alienware fashion, the Area 51 Threadripper Edition pushes the limits of both technology and your wallet. It’s wildly powerful, markedly featuring the latest AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X across all of its configurations. The Area 51’s triad-design hasn’t changed much since its introduction back in 2014, but on the inside this machine is essentially tool-less to upgrade, not that you would even need to.

Read the full review: Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition 

• This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Corsair One  

We knew that it was only a matter of time before the best gaming PCs started rolling out with the latest Coffee Lake Refresh and Nvidia Turing parts, and the MSI Trident X is here to lead the charge. This small-form factor PC pulls no punches, and will absolutely demolish any game you throw at it, at any resolution. Just keep in mind that the thin metal build might be a bit flimsy for travel, and its price tag is kind of steep. But, if you’re looking for no-holds-barred power that won’t look out of place in your living room, you can’t do much better.

Read the full review: MSI Trident X

Corsair has made a name for itself in pretty much every category of PC components, so it’s only natural that it would eventually create one of the best gaming PCs you can buy today. Enter the Corsair One Elite, a high-spec PC in a compact and quiet case that, while expensive, blows the competition out of the water. The Elite is a huge improvement over the original Corsair One, packed with an 8th-generation Core i7 processor, a Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti and more water cooling than you can shake a stick at. If you can afford its high price tag, the Corsair One Elite is one of the best gaming PCs you can buy today. 

Read the full review: Corsair One Elite 

Joe Osborne and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

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Waymo's fully autonomous cars are about to hit public streets in California

Waymo, the self-driving car arm of Google's parent company Alphabet, has been granted a permit to start testing fully autonomous vehicles on public streets in California. 

California is a popular location for testing autonomous cars, but such trials usually take place on tightly controlled test tracks. Waymo is the first company to be given permission to test cars on real roads with no human drivers behind the wheel.

According to The Verge, Waymo will put its vehicles through their paces in the Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills neighborhoods. 

"We know this area well," the company said in a blog post announcing the news. "It includes the headquarters for Waymo and our parent company, Alphabet. Mountain View is home to more than a dozen autonomous vehicle companies, and has supported safe testing for years."

The green light

The permit will be a welcome sign of progress for Waymo, which suffered embarrassment in August when it was revealed that, despite ambitious plans to deliver a self-driving taxi service in Arizona in 2018, its cars were still struggling to navigate a junction just outside one of the company's offices.

“Our vehicles can safely handle fog and light rain, and testing in those conditions is included in our permit,” the company says. “We will gradually begin driverless testing on city streets in a limited territory and, over time, expand the area that we drive in as we gain confidence and experience to expand.”

The first passengers will be Waymo's own employees, but the company intends to start offering lifts to the public through its Early Rider Program, which is already operating in Arizona.

• Waymo: everything you need to know from Google until now

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Businesses unprepared for Windows 10 migration

A new study from WinMagic has revealed that organisations are largely unprepared for when support of older versions of Microsoft's Windows will be withdrawn in January 2020.

The study was carried out during this year's IP Expo in London when the company surveyed 150 visitors to Europe's largest IT exhibition and conference on their awareness of the need to migrate to Windows 10.

WinMagic's study found that nearly a quarter of businesses (23%) have yet to start preparations for the migration to Windows 10 and that 17 per cent were unaware of the topic all together with no idea if preparations within their organisation are even in place.

Additionally, one third of respondents (30%) had no idea that support for older versions of Windows would stop in less than 18 months' time.

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Growing migration concerns

Of the attendees surveyed, only 29 per cent were fairly or very concerned while one third (34%) had no concerns about migrating to Windows 10.

Those that are worried about the migration cited security and user data loss as their biggest concerns (28%) while 68 per cent feared the migration process could expose their organisation to a security vulnerability. Other concerns included application management (25%), software and hardware compatibility and user disruption or loss of productivity (18%).

When it came to actual migration process, 36 per cent had not considered migration technology as an option and 28 per cent of respondents did not know if their organisation was considering migration technology. Additionally, around one third (33%) did not know if they currently had the correct tools in place to deliver a secure migration.

VP EMEA at WinMagic, Luke Brown provided further insight on the findings of the company's survey, saying:

“The clock is ticking and if organisations don’t move fast they could find themselves scrabbling last minute to deliver a seamless and secure migration to Windows 10.  The results of our survey show that there is still limited knowledge around what will be a very significant IT transition for many organisations.  IT teams need to act now.  If they don’t, come January 2020 they could find themselves experiencing the worst ever New Year hangover.” 

• Also check out our Windows 10 tips and tricks

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CIOs fear "burden" of IoT projects

New research from the software intelligence company Dynatrace has revealed that almost two-thirds of CIOs believe that Internet of Things (IoT) technology will become a major burden as IoT multiplies the complexity of enterprise cloud ecosystems.

The company surveyed 800 CIOs worldwide to better understand their views on IoT and how this emerging technology could potentially affect their businesses.

Respondents to the survey believe IoT will become a major burden because 78 per cent of CIOs said there is a risk that their organisation will rollout IoT strategies without a plan or solution in place to help manage the performance of the complex cloud ecosystems that underpin IoT rollouts. 

Additionally, 69 per cent of CIOs predict that IoT will become a major performance management burden as they struggle to overcome the escalating complexity of their modern enterprise cloud environments.

Challenges of IoT deployments

Digital performance expert at Dynatrace, Dave Anderson provided further insight on the complexity of IoT ecosystems in cloud environments, saying:

“Businesses across every industry are eagerly exploring IoT’s potential to engage new markets, drive new revenue and create stronger competitive advantage. However, IoT ecosystems and delivery chains are intricate and boundless, which creates unprecedented frequency of change, size and complexity in the cloud environments on which they are built. Enterprises are already struggling to master cloud complexity and now IOT substantially magnifies this challenge.” 

Dynatrace's survey also found that 73 per cent of CIOS worry that the number of third-parties and internal resources involved in IoT service delivery chains will make it incredibly difficult to identify who is responsible when problems arise.

However, AI capabilities and the ability to automate most of the processes that support IoT deployments could play a crucial role in the success of businesses IoT strategies according to 84 per cent of respondents.

• We've also highlighted six principles to secure the IoT

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