Maingear launches a custom all-in-one PC with a design for gamers

Maingear, a custom PC builder, is launching a redesigned all-in-one PC that — if this demographic actually bought all-in-ones — would appeal to a gamer. When I think of such computers, I think of PCs for the kitchen or living room that are for the family to use. But these devices are growing in popularity, and it’s not so crazy to think that gamers would buy them if they had the right design.

Enter Maingear’s Solo 21. This machine has sharp edges and a lot of black, red, and silver. The Kenilworth, N.J.-based company says it builds on its pedegree of upgradeability, no bloatware, and excellent service and support.

All-in-ones take up less space than full-sized desktop computers and don’t have as many wires or other connections. The new Solo 21 model has a “sleeker design,” the company says, and it will sport an Intel third-generation Core processor (i3 2125 3.3 gigahertz, upgradeable to Core i7 3770S), fast mSATA solutions, and optional vPro technology for enterprise customers. You could use it as a media hub or a reference computer in the kitchen. You can mount it on a wall as well.

Options include an Intel Q77 chipset, including management technology, identity protection, and anti-theft technology. The system has four gigabytes of main memory and is upgradeable up to 16 gigabytes. It supports hard drives with up to 1 terabyte of storage. It starts at $899.

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat at VentureBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.