Sculpting your own PC gaming setup allows you to add your own touch of flair and personality to your build, and what separates your build from any other PC gamers.
In this article, we will help you build your gaming setup, letting you know our most important considerations when picking the parts for your gaming setup, as well as giving examples of great gaming setups from the community, to get your design-inspiration juices flowing.
If you have any questions about your upcoming gaming PC build or want some advice on which setup to go for – why not drop us a message in the comments!
Creating the Ultimate Gaming Setup: What to Consider
There are certain considerations you can take to really take your gaming setup to the next level – and we would recommend considering the following if you’re looking to upgrade your existing gaming setup, or starting completely fresh with a new PC gaming setup (e.g. new desk, chair etc).
- Cable management: Cable management is king when it comes to creating clean, envious gaming PC setups. It allows for a clutter-free desk and helps create a killer work/gaming environment.
- Minimalistic: We think it’s better to go full-Scandinavian and embrace a minimalistic approach when building a gaming setup – less is more. Less clutter, less to think about, fewer products to spend money on.
- Functional: To create a truly Premium Build, make sure everything on your desk justifies its place, you don’t want items to be stacking up and cluttering your gaming setup without having any real meaning or purpose.
- Theme: What is the main desired look of the build? Do you want to replicate a white-themed build, or perhaps an RGB-centric build? You need to decide exactly what ‘look’ you’re going for and then base as many PC component, peripheral and furniture purchases around that desired look.
- Budget: The quality of your gaming setup shouldn’t have to be dictated by your budget – but it’s important to note that if you want to go for a triple monitor, enthusiast-grade 2080 Super + 9900K PC gaming setup – it will be unrealistic to do it on a shoestring budget. Be realistic with what you are able to afford and build the gaming setup around that. Tip: if you want to save money on your gaming setup, look at buying used vs new. This applies mainly for desks, chairs and furniture (Ikea especially) – where you can often find preowned items which bear a huge discount on the retail price of the original product. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Inspiration is your Best Friend
When looking to create a new gaming setup, if you’re struggling for inspiration or just want to perfect the gaming setup before you pull the trigger on the purchase – just remember that you don’t always have to reinvent the wheel.
Look at other PC gaming setups from the community and see if there is any other builds that you like, or perhaps take a design element you like from one gaming setup and one from another, to create your own unique, personalised gaming setup.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to building a PC gaming setup, but a good starting place is always to look for what is already out there.
Our 9 Favorite Gaming Setups for 2021
Below is a curation of our favorite gaming setups we have seen over the years on /r/battlestations – and we have tried to list all the known parts, peripherals and specs that we are able to find out from the build images, to help you recreate the desired gaming build (should you want to!).
If you have a gaming setup that you think is worth sharing to our audience, we would love to hear from you! Show us your gaming build, along with a brief description of the build and design thesis, for a chance to be featured on our ‘best gaming setups’ guide!
Without further ado, here our (in our eyes) the best gaming PC setups of 2020 – with emphasis on clean, elegant, minimalistic but purposeful setups.
‘Clean White Themed Build’ by /u/ItsMehRuby
What we like about this gaming PC setup
This build really hits the nail on the head when it comes to building a white-themed gaming setup – and ticks the boxes of being clean and minimalistic. Parts listed below.
Relevant Components
- PC Case: NZXT H510i Matte White
- Case Fans: NZXT AER RGB 2
Peripherals
- Desk: Ikea Karbly Countertop (74″ Length) + Ikea ALEX Drawer unit
- Mouse: Logitech G305 Lightspeed
- Keyboard: Anne Pro 2
- Mousepad: KAZAIRA Extended Mouse Pad
- Monitor: Acer Predator X34
- Monitor Arm(s): VIVO Monitor Arm
- Microphone: Rode NT-USB
- Boom Arm: Rode PSA1
- Speakers: Audioengine A2+
- Speaker Stands: Audioengine DS1 Stands
- Lamp: tomons DL1005US-W
- Lighting: Philips Hue Go White Smart Table Lamp & LIFX LED Strip
Cable Management Used
Wallpaper
How would we improve it further?
If you wanted to complete the ‘white themed’ PC look it’s actually possible to change the GeForce logo to white (instead of green!).
‘RGB Heaven’ by /u/willostyllos
What we like about this build
This gaming setup has really been done well – it’s full of (tasteful) colour, with the Nanoleaf wall lighting really complementing the RGB internals of the Meshify C build.
Relevant Components
- PC Case: Fractal Design Meshify C
Peripherals
- Desk: Acacia wood countertop (Pre-oiled) + Ikea ALEX Drawer unit
- Keyboard: Ducky One 2 Mini (w/ Aluminum case & GMK Karksel keycaps)
- Monitor(s): MSI Optix G27C2
- Monitor Arm(s): VIVO Dual Monitor Stand
- Speakers: Logitech G560
- Wall Lighting: Nanoleaf (Set of 9)
How would we improve it further?
Adding a third vertical monitor or centre aligning the two monitor setup for perfect symmetry! Also, opting for a dual monitor style background, where an image is continued from one monitor to another, would complete this RGB PC gaming setup.
Minimal Dual Monitor Gaming Setup by /u/t8nlink
What we like about this build
This build by /u/t8nlink is a great example of a clean and minimal build – with plenty of room on the desk with minimal clutter – with the beautiful Dan Cases A4-SFX tucked away in the corner! Super nice, and built with the ever-so-popular combination of the Ikea Karbly countertop and Ikea Alex drawers.
Relevant Components
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K
- Cooler: Alpenfohn Black Ridge
- Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming ITX
- Storage: Samsung 970 Evo 1TB
- Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 2060 Super
- PC Case: Dan Case A4-SFX V4
Peripherals
- Desk: Ikea Karbly Countertop (74″ Length) + Ikea ALEX Drawer unit (Black)
- Mouse: Logitech MX Master 2S
- Keyboard: Vortex Tab75 w/ MX Blue Switches
- Monitor(s): ASUS ROG PG279Q & LG 27UL600-W
- Monitor Arm(s): VIVO Dual Monitor Stand
- Headphone Stand: EURPMASK Headphone Stand Clamp
- Lamp: Globe Electric 5698601 Architect Desk Lamp
How would we improve it further?
Bigger mousepad, for sure! And perhaps a chair..?
‘Warm Tone Gaming Setup’ by /u/Steffis
What we like about this build
The warm, earthy colours of this simplistic, purposeful build really do it for me – it makes the build feel like it has personality and substance. A bit generic feedback, but it just works! The dual monitor setup with the LOUQE Ghost S1 is very neat, too. With the fresh glass of orange juice ready-to-go!
Components
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K
- Cooler: Alpenfohn Black Ridge
- Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming-ITX
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
- Graphics Card: EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC
- PC Case: LOUQE Ghost S1 (Limestone)
- Power Supply: Corsair SF600
Peripherals
- Desk: Custom Oak/Ash Countertop, Ikea ALEX Drawer & Ikea Legs
- Mouse: Glorious Model O
- Keyboard: Vortex Race3 RGB
- Mousepad: Novelkeys Mousepad
- Monitor: 2 x Dell U2414H
- Monitor Arm(s): Unknown
- Headphones: Sennheiser HD600
- Microphone: AntLionon Audio ModMic
- Lamp: Artemide Tizio
Wallpaper
How would we improve it further?
Personally, I would opt for a black IKEA ALEX drawer unit to complement the other dark accents of the setup!
‘Neon Rider’ by /u/RelodeBell
What we like about this build
Although this design isn’t on the more simplistic and clean side of the scale, if you like Neon themed designs (think: Cyberpunk or Tron) then you will no doubt be impressed by ‘Neon Rider’ build from Reddit user /u/RelodeBell!
This build has gone to town with RGB, creating that immersive neon build that will impress PC builders who want to make a statement. The underglow from the Steelseries mousepad really is the icing on this neon-themed cake!
Parts list below for those who are interested.
Relevant Components
- CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K
- Cooler: Cooler Master ML360R RGB
- Motherboard: MSI Z390 Ace
- Storage: WD Blue SSD 500GB
- RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro
- Graphics Card: MSI RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
- PC Case: Lian Li O-11 Dynamic Razer Edition
- Power Supply:
- Case Fans: Cooler Master ARGB 120mm Fans
Peripherals
- Desk: Custom Wood Countertop + Ikea ALEX drawers + Ikea Finnvard Trestles
- Mouse: Razer Viper Ultimate
- Keyboard: HHKB Pro 2
- Mousepad: Steelseries QcK Prism XL Neon Rider
- Monitor: Acer Predator X34 & Acer 2717H (Portrait)
- Monitor Arm(s): Vesa Mount Adator & 3rd Party Arm
- Speakers: Sound Blaster X Katana
Wallpaper
Both wallpapers are from Steam’s Wallpaper Engine
- Neon View by ‘ChilledCatz ツ’
- Raining in Tokyo by ‘OmurraMo’
How would we improve it further?
No further improvements we could think of!
‘Cable Management is King’ by /u/thatsawipe
What we like about this build
Possibly my favorite build I have seen from the PC gaming community – to date. This extreme minimalistic ‘scandi-esque’ PC gaming setup really shows the importance of cable management to create a sleek, clutter-free setup. The black, white and grey. colour palette really works, too – and is so versatile that it can be applied to any type of build, room or setup.
Components
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9600K
- Cooler: Noctua L9i
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I Gaming
- Storage: Samsung 970 Evo 1TB
- Graphics Card: EVGA RTX 2070 Super XC
- PC Case: Dan Case A4-SFX v4
- Power Supply: Corsair SF600W Gold
- Case Fans: Noctua NF-A9
Peripherals
- Desk: Ikea Linnmon
- Keyboard: Apple Wireless Keyboard
- Mousepad: Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
- Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q
- Monitor Arm: VIVO Single Monitor Stand
Cable Management Used
- Zip ties
- Velcro straps
- J Channel Desk Cable Organizer
How would we improve it further?
I’m surprised the OP didn’t opt for a wireless mouse! Thats our only complaint..
‘Minimal Setup’ by /u/imsorrybae
What we like about this build
Minimalistic approach, black and white themed accents, clean lines and makes well of the limited space – what is not to like about this build from /u/imsorrybae. Oh, and the perfectly aligned shelf and framed pictures make the setup look that just more refined, too. Possibly one of the best PC gaming setups for college students or for bedrooms.
Relevant Components
- PC Case: Fractal Design R5
Peripherals
- Desk: Local hardware store (N/A)
- Gaming Chair: DXRacer F-Series
- Mouse: Logitech G602
- Keyboard: Royal Kludge G87
- Monitor: AOC Q27P1
- Headset: HyperX Cloud Stinger
- Speakers: Anker Soundcore Pro+
How would we improve it further?
Perhaps this build could be improved ergonomically by adding an XL-size mousemat.
‘New Hangout Spot’ by /u/RowbotWizard
What we like about this build
The microphone layout of this dual-monitor build is just outstanding. Clean, natural colours paired with the plants and background just oozes zen.
Relevant Components
- CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X
- Cooler: NZXT Kraken X52
- Graphics Card: EVGA RTX 2070 Super XC
- PC Case: NZXT H510i Matte White
- Case Fans: Corsair LL120
Peripherals
- Desk: Structube Samia Desk (150cm)
- Chair: Sayl Chair
- Mouse: Unknown (sorry)
- Keyboard: Logitech G915
- Mousepad: Steelseries
- Monitor: 2x Samsung C27JG52
- Monitor Arm(s): North Bayou F160
- Headphones:
- Microphone: Blue Yeti Blackout Edition w/ Pop Filter + NEUMA Microphone Stand
- Speakers: Kanto YU2
Wallpaper
The wallpaper is from Steam’s Wallpaper Engine, called ‘Foggy Forest’.
How would we improve it further?
The only personal change we would do is to have a black-colored cushioned Sayl chair rather than blue! Nitpicking here..
‘City Slicker’ by /u/acremona22
What we like about this PC gaming build
Clean, tick. Minimalistic, tick. Functional, tick. This build has made the most of the space, as well as keeping the window-space free for minimum obstruction of the view! Unfortunately, if you were to buy the exact build like above, the Chicago skyline view is not included. If you want that view in your gaming setup, it’s going to cost a pretty penny..
Relevant Components
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Cooler: AMD Wraith MAX
- Motherboard: MSI X570-A Pro
- Memory: G Skill 16GB DDR4-3600Mhz
- Storage: Crucial MX500 500GB
- Graphics Card: EVGA RTX 2080 Super XC Ultra
- PC Case: NZXT H510
- Power Supply: EVGA 600 BQ 80+
Peripherals
- Desk: Ikea PINNARP Countertop, Ikea ALEX Drawers & Ikea ADILS Legs
- Chair: Autonomous ErgoChair 2
- Mouse: Logitech G PRO Wireless
- Keyboard: Logitech G915 Wireless
- Mousepad: AUKEY XXL Mousepad
- Monitor: LG 27GL850 (Left) & LG 27UL600 (Right)
- Monitor Arm(s): VIVO Dual Monitor Arm
- Headset: ASTRO A50 Gen 3
- Lamp: Revel Grace Mod Century Modern Floor Tripod Lamp
Cable Management Used
How would we improve it further?
Floor to ceiling, wall-sized windows of the beautiful Chicago skyline!
Looking to build a PC? View our top PC builds for 2021
If you are looking to do a build, why not check out our fully-vetted, recommended build guides for 2020? We have a range of builds to choose from – depending on budget, form factor, function or specific component-orientated builds!
