For creative professionals and gaming enthusiasts alike, having a capable PC that can handle both music production and gaming is a dream machine. In recent years, with CPU and GPU advancements, it’s become possible to build PCs that can deliver excellent performance in music applications like Ableton Live and FL Studio as well as provide smooth gameplay on graphics-intensive games.
But finding the right combination of components for a music production and gaming PC can be daunting. You need processing power, ample RAM, fast storage, and a decent graphics card to get the job done. The goal is to find a good balance between production and gaming capability without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll go over the factors you need to consider when choosing components for a dual-purpose music and gaming PC. You’ll learn about the importance of picking the right CPU, RAM, storage, graphics card, monitor, and other peripherals that can maximize performance in both creative workloads and immersive gaming.
Whether you decide to go with a pre-built desktop or build your own custom PC, our recommendations will help you identify your needs and decide on parts that won’t let you down. Additionally, we’ve meticulously reviewed pre-built PCs and handpicked the best options for your music production and gaming needs. These pre-built machines offer the perfect blend of performance, value, and convenience, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a ready-to-use solution.
The Importance of a Powerful PC for Music Production and Gaming
For both music production and gaming, a powerful PC is essential. Music production software like Ableton and FL Studio demand fast processors with multiple cores to handle all the instruments, effects, and multi-track audio editing.
These processors also help minimize latency and lag when recording and monitoring audio tracks in real-time.
For gaming, modern graphics-intensive games rely on strong graphics cards like Nvidia RTX 40-series and AMD Radeon RX 7000-series GPUs to render detailed visuals and scenes.
Higher resolution displays and quick frame rates above 60 FPS also demand powerful hardware. Building a PC with mid-range or budget components won’t suffice if you want great results in music and immersive high-fidelity gaming.
Best PC for Music Production and Gaming
We put the latest desktop PCs to find the top models for music production and gaming.
Our research reviews focused on real-world performance for running demanding audio software and graphics-intensive games.
| Products | Price |
|---|---|
| CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC | Check on Amazon |
| HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop Computer | Check on Amazon |
| Apple iMac All in one Desktop Computer with M1 chip | Check on Amazon |
| Skytech Gaming Shadow Gaming PC Desktop | Check on Amazon |
| Omen by HP Obelisk Gaming Desktop Computer | Check on Amazon |
| Alienware Aurora R14 Liquid Cooled Gaming Desktop | Check on Amazon |
CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC – Excellent for Music Production and Gaming
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700F @ 2.1 GHz (8plus4 Cores) with 4.7 GHz Turbo | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 12GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
The CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC is an excellent choice for users looking for a powerful machine for music production and gaming. With its 8-core Intel i7-12700F processor and 16GB of RAM, this PC can handle demanding music production software and multitasking with ease.
Smooth Performance for Music Production
The combination of the fast 2.1GHz Intel processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM provides more than enough horsepower for running Digital Audio Workstations like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and FL Studio smoothly. Multiple tracks with effects can be handled without any hiccups.
The 1TB NVMe SSD offers super fast load times for large sample libraries. Its speedy performance dramatically improves workflow compared to traditional hard drives. This allows producers to spend more time creating and less time waiting for files to load.
Ideal for Gaming with the RTX 3060
Gaming is a breeze with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. It delivers high frame rates at 1080p resolution, ideal for fast-paced competitive games. More demanding AAA titles can be played at max settings in 60+ fps making for an incredibly smooth experience.
The 12GB of VRAM future-proofs this PC for years to come. Even graphically intensive games releasing in the next several years will play excellently on this machine.
Well Equipped I/O for Producers
With 6 USB 3.1 ports, connectivity for peripherals like audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and external hard drives is covered. Two additional USB 2.0 ports provide more flexibility. The front panel audio jacks allow for convenient access without having to reach around the back.
Reliable and Well Supported
CyberpowerPC backs this system with a 1 year warranty. Their lifetime U.S. based tech support can help with any issues down the road.
Verdict
For those seeking a reliable, high performance PC perfectly suited for music production and gaming, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR checks all the boxes at an affordable price. It has all the muscle needed for creative work, the specs required for the latest games, and great support from a trusted brand.
HP Victus 15L – A Budget-Friendly Desktop for Music and Gaming
CPU: Intel Core i5-12400 @ 3.0 GHz (6 Cores) | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
The HP Victus 15L desktop provides solid mid-range performance for music production and gaming at a wallet-friendly price point. It’s a great option for beginner music producers and gamers looking for an affordable, capable machine.
Good Processing Power
The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 6-core processor gives you enough horsepower for running most music production software and games smoothly. While you won’t be able to load up hundreds of instrument tracks, you can certainly create professional sounding tunes with this CPU.
Casual and eSports titles run excellently thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. You’ll be able to play the latest games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings.
Sufficient Memory for Music Projects
With the upgraded 16GB of RAM, you can run multiple applications simultaneously without slow downs when producing music. This allows you to have your Digital Audio Workstation, virtual instruments, effects plugins and more open together with minimal lag.
The 512GB SSD offers enough capacity for storing audio samples, loops, virtual instruments and projects. Its speed makes loading times much faster compared to traditional hard drives.
Good Selection of Ports
The Victus 15L provides a decent selection of ports including USB-C, USB-A, audio jacks and RJ-45 Ethernet. This allows you to connect most peripherals and audio gear that music producers and gamers require.
Verdict
For those seeking a budget desktop PC for music and gaming, the HP Victus 15L is a solid choice. While not the most powerful, it provides good bang for your buck with capable specs for entry level use.
Apple iMac – A Powerful All-In-One for Music Production
CPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU | GPU: Apple M1 chip 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display (4480 x 2520 resolution) | Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera | Audio: 6-speaker sound system
With its fast M1 chip and excellent display, the 2021 Apple iMac is a compelling option for music producers looking for an all-in-one desktop. The compact, sleek design houses powerful performance perfect for running demanding music software and plugins.
Plenty of Speed with the M1 Chip
Apple’s proprietary M1 chip provides CPU and GPU performance that outpaces most Windows PCs. The 8-core configuration handily runs intensive music applications like Ableton, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools without breaking a sweat. Everything from loading virtual instruments to adding effects is incredibly smooth.
The 512GB SSD offers lightning fast load times when working with large sample libraries and project files. The super quick storage keeps you creating music instead of staring at progress bars.
Stunning 24-inch 4.5K Display
The stunning Retina display provides an immersive visual experience with its 4.5K resolution and support for 1 billion colors. The excellent color accuracy and 500 nits of brightness make it easy to view and edit audio waveforms precisely.
Sleek, Space-Saving Design
The iMac’s slim, all-in-one design looks great on any desk and saves precious space. All the computing components fit elegantly into the vibrant 24-inch screen.
Plug In Your Audio Gear
This iMac includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and multiple Thunderbolt/USB ports for connecting audio interfaces, MIDI keyboards and other essential music gear. External storage drives can be hooked up for access to large sample libraries.
Verdict
For music producers seeking powerhouse performance in a striking all-in-one design, the 2021 Apple iMac with M1 delivers. It provides the speed, display quality and connectivity required for production while looking fantastic.
Skytech Gaming Shadow – A Powerhouse for Music Production and Gaming
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7GHz (4.6GHz Max Boost) | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
With its high-end CPU and GPU combo, the Skytech Gaming Shadow desktop provides exceptional performance for demanding music production software and graphics-intensive games.
Lightning Fast Productivity for Music Makers
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU with 6 cores and blistering 4.6GHz max boost speed tears through music production tasks. Digital audio workstations like Ableton Live and CPU-hungry virtual instruments run extremely smoothly.
Music producers will appreciate the massive 1TB NVMe SSD. Load times for huge sample libraries are nearly instantaneous. Large production projects with tons of tracks open quickly thanks to the blazing fast storage.
16GB of RAM allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously with no slow down. This is crucial for complex productions using virtual instruments, effects plug-ins, audio editing tools and more all at once.
RTX 4060 – Game Ready Graphics
Graphics are handled brilliantly by the cutting edge NVIDIA RTX 4060. It delivers stunning visuals and high frame rates in 1080p for today’s most demanding AAA game titles. Ray tracing support means you can experience hyper-realistic lighting effects and shadows.
Gamers will be set for years to come thanks to the excellent performance and 8GB of GDDR6X VRAM. This GPU muscle easily keeps up with the latest games releasing now and in the future.
Connectivity for Audio Gear
Fast Wi-Fi 6, plenty of USB ports, dedicated audio jacks, and more allow you to hook up MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, headphones and other music equipment with ease.
Verdict
For media creators and gamers seeking top-tier power, the Skytech Gaming Shadow is a force to be reckoned with. It breezes through CPU and GPU intensive tasks while looking great displayed through the tempered glass side panel.
HP Omen Obelisk – A Top-Tier Powerhouse for Music and Gaming
CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K 3.6GHz (8 Cores) | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super 8GB | RAM: 32GB DDR4-2666MHz | Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | Cooling: Liquid cooling system
The HP Omen Obelisk gaming desktop delivers elite-level performance for demanding music production and the most graphics-intensive games. If you want a no-compromise PC, this built-to-impress rig is worth the premium price.
Lightning Speed for Music Production
The 3.6GHz 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K 8-core processor provides incredible horsepower for running music software and effects plugins smoothly even with multiple tracks and instruments. Everything from playback to exporting happens at lightning speeds.
With a massive 32GB of RAM, you’ll have no problem tackling complex productions using samplers, synthesizers, studio effects and more simultaneously. Background processes won’t interfere thanks to the abundant memory.
The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD offers revolutionary load times compared to HDDs. Large sample library files are accessed instantly. This keeps music workflow fast and frustration-free.
RTX 2080 Super – Next Level Gaming
AAA games run impeccably on max settings with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super delivering 100+ FPS consistently in 1440p or 60+ FPS in 4K. Cranking up eye candy like ray tracing effects is no problem for this powerhouse card.
VR gaming is immersive and smooth thanks to the high-end GPU. No upgrades are necessary to enjoy premium VR experiences.
The GPU eats through GPU-based music tasks like synthesizer processing as well. You get excellent performance in creative applications too.
Premium Extras for Enthusiasts
With liquid CPU cooling, customizable RGB case lighting, tempered glass side panel and excellent cable management options, this tower looks as good as it performs.
Verdict
For producers seeking the ultimate desktop solution without compromise and gamers who demand cutting-edge power, the HP Omen Obelisk delivers phenomenal performance worthy of its premium pricing.
Alienware Aurora R14 – A Powerful Desktop for Musicians and Gamers
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900 3.7GHz (12 Core) | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 10GB | RAM: 32GB DDR4 3466MHz | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB 7200RPM HDD
The Alienware Aurora R14 delivers top-tier performance for music production and high-end gaming with its beefy CPU, tons of RAM, and RTX 3080 graphics. If you demand smooth workflow when music making and maxed out eye candy when gaming, this rig impresses.
Lightning Fast DAW Performance
The 3.7GHz AMD Ryzen 9 5900 12-core processor chews through music production tasks with ease. CPU-intensive processes like running multiple instances of virtual instruments, samplers, and effects plug-ins happen smoothly without bogging down your Digital Audio Workstation.
The generous 32GB of RAM allows even most complex projects with tons of tracks and plugins to playback and render without slowdowns. Background apps and system processes don’t hamper real-time audio performance thanks to abundant memory.
RTX 3080 – Silky Smooth Gaming
Gaming is a beautiful experience on this machine thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 and its 10GB of video memory. Expect triple digit frame rates at 1440p or well over 60fps at 4K resolution on the highest settings.
Ray tracing support means lighting, shadows, reflections and other effects look incredible and realistic. AMD’s Smart Access Memory provides additional gaming performance benefits when paired with the Ryzen CPU.
Quality Build Inside and Out
A sleek Dark Side of the Moon aesthetic with glimpses of customizable internal lighting through the clear side panel catch the eye. Robust cooling including liquid cooling on the CPU keeps temps low and performance high even during marathon gaming sessions.
From music production to gaming, the Alienware Aurora R14 is an impressive powerhouse worthy of its premium pricing. It breezes through intensive workloads in style.
PC Components for Music Production and Gaming: Buying Guide
Based on the demanding performance needs for music production and high-fidelity gaming, here are some ideal components we recommend for building a capable dual-purpose PC.
Processor
For the CPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is a fantastic option. It has 8 cores, 16 threads, and AMD’s unique 3D V-Cache technology giving it an extra boost in gaming performance. Paired with a B550 or X570 motherboard, it can reach clock speeds up to 4.5GHz.
On the Intel side, consider the 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700K. Its mix of 8 high-performance and 4 efficient cores provides incredible multi-threaded muscle for music production workloads. It can reach speeds up to 5.0GHz on Turbo Boost.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core i5-12400F are great mid-range options that still pack 6 cores and excellent performance for music production and gaming. For even more budget-friendly builds, the quad core Ryzen 3 3300X or Intel Core i3-10100F can still handle both workloads reasonably well for their price.
Graphics Card
For the ideal balance of gaming performance and GPU-accelerated production, aim for mid-range graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT. Both can easily handle 1440p resolution gaming at over 60fps, while also providing a noticeable boost in GPU-powered effects and instruments in music software.
For even more power, step up to an RTX 4090 or RX 7700 XT. Nvidia GPUs work particularly well for production thanks to native support for CUDA acceleration features.
For budget-friendly cards that can still run modern games reasonably well, check out options like the Nvidia GTX 1660 Super or AMD RX 5500 XT. Just make sure to get a card with at least 6GB of VRAM for better gaming performance and production workflows.
RAM
At a minimum, you’ll want 16GB of RAM for your music production and gaming PC. With 16GB, you can comfortably run your main digital audio workstation software, a few virtual instruments and effects plugins, and have a game open in the background.
For more intensive music production use cases with large compositions, consider upgrading to 32GB or even 64GB of RAM to have ample headroom.
When selecting RAM, focus on getting high speeds of at least 3200MHz or above and opt for low-latency modules in matched pairs for dual channel operation. For the best reliability, choose RAM from reputable brands like Corsair, G.Skill, Kingston or Crucial. With fast, low-latency 16GB or 32GB RAM kits, you’ll be able to run demanding music software, games, and all your multitasking smoothly without slowdowns or glitches.
Related: How much RAM for Music Production? Answered
Motherboard
For the motherboard, choose a model compatible with your processor that also has sufficient I/O connectivity. For AMD Ryzen CPUs, B550 and X570 chipset boards from ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte offer PCIe 4.0 support. For Intel 12th gen, Z690 boards can utilize the latest DDR5 RAM. Prioritize boards with high-quality audio, multiple M.2 slots, rear USB-C ports, and robust power delivery for overclocking.
For small form factor builds, Mini-ITX boards like ASRock’s X570 Phantom Gaming provide a compact footprint without sacrificing expandability. ATX boards with 7 or more rear USB ports give flexibility for music peripherals.
Power Supply
Invest in a reliable 80+ Gold certified power supply from reputable brands like Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic with at least 650W to 750W capacity. This provides clean, stable power delivery to your CPU, GPU, drives and other components. Look for fully or semi-modular PSUs to reduce cable clutter. Prioritize quiet fans and zero RPM modes so fan noise doesn’t interfere with mixing and recording.
Storage
For fast load times and response when producing music or gaming, install your operating system, DAW, plugins, and key applications on an NVMe M.2 SSD.
NVMe SSDs like the Samsung 980 Pro offer incredible sequential read/write speeds over 5000 MB/s thanks to PCIe Gen 4 x4 connectivity. Aim for at least a 500GB to 1TB NVMe SSD to have ample space.
Supplement your fast NVMe SSD storage with a high capacity 3.5″ HDD from trusted brands like Seagate or WD with 2TB to 6TB size. Use the HDD to store your massive sample and VST libraries, game installs, projects, and media files. With HDD capacities up to 6TB, you’ll have abundant storage for your sample libraries and game library at a lower cost per GB compared to SSDs.
By combining a speedy NVMe SSD boot drive with a massive storage HDD, you create the ultimate storage solution for reducing load times when producing music and gaming while still having space for all your plugins, samples, and games. Investing in the right storage pays dividends through snappier response and workflow.
Monitor
Take advantage of your powerful graphics card by investing in a higher resolution gaming monitor in the 27-inch range. Aim for a panel with at least 2560 x 1440 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, Adaptive Sync support, and an IPS or VA display for vibrant image quality. Top monitor brands like ASUS, Acer, and LG make excellent high refresh rate 1440p models tailored specifically for gaming and creative work.
If on a tighter budget, a reliable 1080p monitor with a 75Hz or 144Hz refresh rate can still provide a smooth experience for both music production and gaming. Prioritize one with an IPS panel for color accuracy important for production work.
Audio Interface
To handle professional audio recording, inputs, and low latency monitoring, use an external audio interface. Good budget options like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 offer great bang for buck. Moving up, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 give you more I/O and headroom for expansion.
Look for an interface with direct XLR microphone and 1/4-inch high impedance (hi-Z) instrument inputs, phantom power, and a headphone output with dedicated volume control. Ensure the interface has low-latency ASIO drivers for optimal music production performance on Windows or macOS.
Powerful Custom PC Builds for Music Production and Gaming
Build 1
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- Motherboard: ASUS B650 TUF GAMING Plus WiFi
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3600
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Case: Fractal Design Meshify C
- Power Supply: Corsair RM650x
This build is a great all-around option for music production and gaming. The Ryzen 5 7600X has 6 cores and 12 threads, which is plenty of power for running most DAWs and plugins. The RTX 3060 Ti is a powerful GPU that can handle most modern games at high settings. 16GB of RAM is a good starting point for music production, but you may want to upgrade to 32GB if you plan on using a lot of sample libraries or virtual instruments. The 1TB NVMe SSD provides fast storage for your projects and games.
Build 2
- CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B660-F Gaming WiFi
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- RAM: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3600
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
- Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact
- Power Supply: Corsair RM750x
This build is a bit more expensive than the first one, but it offers better performance for both music production and gaming. The Core i5-13600KF has 6 cores and 12 threads, and it can boost up to 5.1GHz. The RTX 3070 is a more powerful GPU than the RTX 3060 Ti, and it can handle most modern games at ultra settings. 32GB of RAM is ideal for music production, especially if you plan on using a lot of sample libraries or virtual instruments. The 2TB NVMe SSD provides even more storage space for your projects and games.
Build 3
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix X670-E Gaming WiFi
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 64GB (4x16GB) DDR4-3600
- Storage: 4TB NVMe SSD
- Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini
- Power Supply: Corsair HX850
This build is the most expensive of the three, but it also offers the best performance. The Ryzen 7 7700X has 8 cores and 16 threads, and it can boost up to 5.4GHz. The RTX 3080 Ti is the most powerful GPU on the market, and it can handle any game at ultra settings. 64GB of RAM is ideal for even the most demanding music production projects. The 4TB NVMe SSD provides a massive amount of storage space for your projects and games.
All of these builds are upgradable, so you can start with a lower-spec build and upgrade components as needed. You may also want to consider adding a dedicated audio interface and MIDI controller to your setup.
Pre-Built vs. Custom-Built PCs for Music Production and Gaming
When selecting a PC for music production and gaming, one of the big decisions is whether to go with a pre-built or custom-built machine. Both options have their own pros and cons.
Pre-built PCs offer convenience and accessibility. Major brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo offer a range of desktops and laptops that are ready to use out of the box. Pre-builts take the guesswork out of choosing compatible components and ensure that everything is properly assembled. They also often come with warranties and technical support.
The downside is less flexibility in hardware selection, as you get whatever components the manufacturer includes. Pre-builts can also sometimes cut corners on certain components to reduce costs.
Custom building allows you to hand-pick components that are tailored specifically for your needs. You can invest more in the CPU and GPU for optimal performance in music production and gaming. Building your own PC gives you quality options not found in pre-builts at a given price point. It also allows for future upgrades as your needs evolve.
The biggest downside for beginners is that the assembly process can seem intimidating. There’s also no single tech support, so troubleshooting requires researching component compatibility yourself.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to budget, technical expertise, and how much customization you need. For an accessible, warrantied machine, a pre-built from a top brand fills the need. Those seeking maximum power and flexibility will appreciate a custom build, if they’re up for the assembly challenge. Carefully weigh the tradeoffs as you shop for the ideal music production and gaming PC.
Final Words
Choosing the right desktop PC for music production and gaming comes down to finding the sweet spot between performance and budget. Optimize your rig with a fast CPU, sufficient RAM, a speedy SSD paired with an HDD, and a graphics card that fits your gaming goals.
Pre-built PCs offer convenience while custom builds provide unmatched component control. With the right parts selected, you’ll be ready to create smooth-running productions and experience high-fidelity gameplay.
