What makes 3XS gaming PCs special?
The first decision you need to make is which brand do you trust to build your gaming PC. Our in-house team of experts, 3XS Systems, has been building gaming PCs for more than 20 years. We know which components are the fastest and most reliable, and how to fine-tune and combine them for the ultimate gaming experience. Here’s what you need to know.
NVIDIA Certified
Scan is an NVIDIA Elite Partner, awarded for our GPU-accelerated systems expertise.
Trusted by You
3XS gaming PCs are rated 4.8 on Trustpilot with hundreds of reviews every year
3 Years Warranty
3XS Systems include a three-year warranty offering complete peace of mind.
7 Days Support
Our experienced technical support engineers are available seven days a week.
Chosen by Pro Gamers
Our gaming PCs are used by a host of leading game developers and esports teams.
What makes a great gaming PC?
Now you know why you should choose 3XS to build your gaming PC, here is what you need to know about the most important components. This will help you choose the specification of your PC.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While every component in a gaming PC has an important role to play, the graphics card, which comprises a GPU and memory, is by far the most critical. This is because the graphics card does all the heavy lifting when it comes to gaming, with more powerful cards delivering smoother frame rates for a better gaming experience. High-end graphics cards also enable you to improve the quality settings and increase the resolution for greater fidelity. As the graphics card is the most expensive component it has the biggest effect on the cost of a gaming PC.
The tabs below give more detail on the two main brands of GPU for gaming, NVIDIA and AMD. When you look at the specifications of 3XS gaming PCs you’ll note that the graphics cards are made by other brands, most notably Asus. This is because NVIDIA and AMD don’t manufacture graphics card themselves, just the GPUs.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs
We recommend NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs in our gaming PCs, offered in a wide range of performance and price points. The table below compares specifications across all models so you know which card best suits your needs. These specifications are provided to enable you to compare one NVIDIA GPU with another, AMD’s GPU architecture is so different they cannot be directly compared.
| RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 | RTX 5070 TI | RTX 5070 | RTX 5060 TI | RTX 5060 | RTX 5050 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||||||
| Streaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Content Creation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Price | |||||||
| CUDA Cores | 21,760 | 10,752 | 8,960 | 6,144 | 4,608 | 3,840 | 2,560 |
| Tensor Cores | 680 (5th Gen) | 336 (5th Gen) | 280 (5th Gen) | 192 (5th Gen) | 144 (5th Gen) | 120 (5th Gen) | 80 (5th Gen) |
| RT Cores | 170 (4th Gen) | 84 (4th Gen) | 70 (4th Gen) | 48 (4th Gen) | 36 (4th Gen) | 30 (4th Gen) | 20 (4th Gen) |
| Memory | 32GB GDDR7 | 16GB GDDR7 | 16GB GDDR7 | 12GB GDDR7 | 8/16GB GDDR7 | 8GB GDDR7 | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Optimum Resolutions | 8K/4K/UW-QHD | 4K/UW-QHD | 1440p | 1440p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
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For more information on GPU specifications read our NVIDIA GAMING GPU BUYERS GUIDE
AMD Radeon RX GPUs
We recommend AMD Radeon RX GPUs in our gaming PCs, offered in a wide range of performance and price points. The table below compares them, highlighting capabilities and optimum gaming resolutions so you know which monitor to pair with your PC. These specifications are provided to enable you to compare one AMD GPU with another, NVIDIA's GPU architecture is so different they cannot be directly compared.
| RX 9070 XT | RX 9070 | RX 9060 XT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||
| Streaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Content Creation | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Price | |||
| Stream Processors | 4,096 | 3,584 | 2,048 |
| AI Accelerators | 128 (2nd Gen) | 112 (2nd Gen) | 64 (2nd Gen) |
| Ray Accelerators | 64 (3rd Gen) | 56 (3rd Gen) | 32 (3rd Gen) |
| Memory | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 | 8/16GB GDDR6 |
| Optimum Resolutions | 4K/UW-QHD | 4K/UW-QHD | 1080p |
| Shop | View PCs | View PCs | View PCs |
For more information on AMD GPU specifications read our AMD GAMING GPU BUYERS GUIDE
Processor (CPU)
Alongside the graphics card, the processor or CPU is also key, as it is responsible for other tasks outside of graphics. A processor with a higher clock speed and more cores will result in a better overall experience and it is a good idea to match the graphics card with the processor. This doesn’t mean they have to be the same brand, but it would be unwise to pair a high-end graphics card with an entry-level processor, as this will limit the performance of the graphics card.
The tabs below give more detail on the two main brands of processor, Intel and AMD, and the different models each brand makes.
Intel Core Ultra CPUs
We recommend Intel Core Ultra CPUs in our gaming PCs, available in a range of performance and price points, as shown in the table below.
| Core Ultra 9 | Core Ultra 7 | Core Ultra 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||
| Price | |||
| Streaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Content Creation | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| P-Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | 6 / 6 |
| E-Cores / Threads | 16 / 16 | 12 / 12 | 8 / 8 |
| Shop | View PCs | View PCs | View PCs |
For more information on CPU specifications read our INTEL DESKTOP CPU BUYERS GUIDE
AMD Ryzen CPUs
We recommend AMD Ryzen CPUs in our gaming PCs, available in a range of performance and price points, as shown in the table below.
| RYZEN 9 | RYZEN 7 | RYZEN 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||
| Price | |||
| Streaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Content Creation | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Cores / Threads | 12 - 16 / 24 - 32 | 8 / 16 | 6 / 12 |
| Shop | View PCs | View PCs | View PCs |
For more information on AMD CPU specifications read our AMD GAMING CPU BUYERS GUIDE
System Memory
While having sufficient memory on the graphics card is important, gaming performance will be crippled without adequate system memory or RAM. We use Corsair Vengeance system memory in our 3XS gaming PCs, which is available in a wide range of colours, and with RGB lighting.
You should choose the quantity of system memory depending on your GPU, as summarised in the table below. For some use cases it may be advisable to buy a system with more memory, for instance, for if you’re also going to be using the system for content creation or streaming. For example, many of our RTX 5090 systems are offered with 64GB of memory.
| NVIDIA | AMD | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 | RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5070 | RTX 5060 Ti | RTX 5060 | RTX 5050 | RX 9070 XT | RX 9070 | RX 9060 XT |
| Minimum System Memory | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB |
You can learn more about RAM by reading our MEMORY BUYERS GUIDE
System Cooling
Graphics cards and processors, especially high-end models, consume a lot of power and emit a lot of heat. For this reason, our engineers spend a lot of time tweaking our 3XS gaming PCs to run both cool and quiet.
There are three main types of cooling available, air-coolers, all-in-one hydrocoolers and custom watercooling loops. Air-cooling is the most common in entry-level PCs, being cost-effective without any real downsides. Most mid-range and high-end PCs feature hydrocoolers, which are more efficient than air-coolers and are more visually appealing. The ultimate option is a custom watercooling loop, which provides the best cooling and looks stunning.
The table below gives a quick summary of the advantages of each of these types of cooler.
| Air Cooler | Hydrocooler | Custom Watercooling | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Cooling | |||
| Price | |||
| Visual Stand-Out | |||
You can learn more about these options by reading our AIR COOLING & HYDROCOOLER BUYERS GUIDE and WATERCOOLING BUYERS GUIDE
Additional Features
Here are the other things you need to know about the quality components we use to build 3XS gaming PCs.
Storage
We use the latest high performance NVMe SSDs in our 3XS gaming PCs, cutting loading times for games and putting you first in the queue for online matches.
We offer a minimum 1TB SSD in our gaming PCs, which is enough storage capacity for a handful of games at once. We also offer PCs with more storage, such as 2TB and 4TB as a standard. Alternatively, you can purchase more storage as required later on.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the cornerstone of a gaming PC, linking together all the components and helping them communicate with one another. We use Asus, the world's premier motherboard brand, in our 3XS gaming PCs.
Power Supply
3XS gaming PCs are powered by high-quality 80PLUS and Cybenetics rated power supplies, made by Corsair, ensuring a reliable and efficient power source for the system.
Connectivity
3XS gaming PCs are equipped with best-in-class connectivity, including standard-speed USB and ultra-fast USB-C ports, high-speed Ethernet network ports, plus super-reliable WiFi and Bluetooth wireless networking.
Case & RGB Lighting
3XS gaming PCs are available in a variety of cases, giving you a wide choice of colours, sizes and finishes.
In addition, they also feature a fully-programmable lighting system that enables you to customise the look of your PC by selecting different colours and patterns for individual components.
Operating System
3XS gaming PCs are preinstalled with Microsoft Windows 11 Home, fully updated and optimised for the best gaming experience.
Gaming Peripherals
Make the most of your 3XS gaming PC with these essential gaming peripherals.
Gaming Monitor
The monitor plays a pivotal role in your gaming experience, so it’s worth investing in the best specification that your budget allows.
Learn more by reading our Monitors Buyers Guide
Gaming Keyboard
The keyboard has a massive impact on your gaming experience. For example, some keyboards are great for first person shooters whereas others are good for touch typing or MMOs.
Learn more by reading our Gaming Keyboard Buyers Guide
Gaming Mouse
Gaming mice are available in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and weights with extra features such as adjustable DPI rate, poll rate and more.
Learn more by reading our Gaming Mouse Buyers Guide
Gaming Headset
A gaming headset is an essential part of any gaming PC setup. Without a headset you'll struggle to communicate with other gamers online, missing out on essential messages from teammates and general banter.
Learn more by reading our Gaming Headset Buyers Guide
Speakers
Whether you're gaming, listening to music or watching videos, PC speakers are a great addition to your setup. Dedicated PC speakers provide far superior sound quality than the tiny speakers integrated into monitors.
Gaming Chair
The designers of these chairs have thought about how gamers sit, how they move, and what they need most from their chair.
Learn more by reading our Gaming Chair Buyers Guide
Gaming Desk
Gaming desks are purpose designed for PC gaming, having useful features such as flexible monitor arms, so you can position your screen(s) at the perfect height and angle.
Learn more by reading our Gaming Desk Buyers Guide
Racing and Flight Simulators
Simulators cover a wide range of ways to control your PC above and beyond the classic keyboard and mouse combo. They offer a whole new level of realism and immersion when playing games or simulators.
Learn more by reading our Simulator Buyers Guide
Ready to Buy?
Click the links below to view the range of pre-configured 3XS gaming PCs.
Alternatively, we can CUSTOM BUILD a gaming PC for you.
Need Help Choosing?
If you still have questions on how to select a gaming PC don't hesitate to contact one of our friendly advisors on
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about gaming PCs.
We recommend looking at what level of graphics card you can afford for your budget. The graphics card or GPU is the most important component in a gaming PC and as it's the most expensive component too, it has the biggest impact on the cost of the system. Read the Graphics Card section of this guide for more information.
Yes, alongside our extensive range of pre-configured gaming PCs, you can use our online configurator to customise every aspect of your gaming PC. For bespoke, one-off custom builds visit the 3XS Custom Shop
We recommend a minimum of 16GB of RAM for a gaming PC; but you should choose the quantity of RAM depending on your GPU, read the System Memory section of this guide for more information.
A mid-range gaming PC with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or higher graphics card, a processor with at least 8 cores and a minimum of 32GB of system memory will be good for video editing. You may need to add more storage and RAM when working with higher resolution video footage.
Gaming PCs are much more powerful than typical office PCs, so can be used for work type applications.
A gaming PC equipped with a suitable graphics card, processor and other components will start around £1,100, or as little as £40 per month if paying in instalments. Beware of gaming PCs significantly cheaper than this, they are likely built using previous-generation or underpowered components that will struggle to play modern games at a smooth frame rate.
3XS gaming PCs are available to rent on a monthly basis in Scan Cloud. You never have to worry about system failures and returns. Hosting in the Scan Cloud covers all failures and in the event of a system failure, provide you with a backup system to restore your applications and files to. For further information look out for the CLOUD READY section on 3XS gaming PC product pages.
3XS gaming PCs are available to purchase using Scan Finance, paid for on flexible terms of up to 48 months or via PayPal Credit. For further information look out for the Finance section on 3XS gaming PC product pages.
3XS gaming PCs are available to purchase using Scan Finance, paid for on flexible terms of up to 48 months or via PayPal Credit. For further information look out for the Finance section on 3XS gaming PC product pages.