Gaming Computers: Reviews

Reviewers are very happy with the performance of the Dell Studio XPS 8300. Not only does this affordable desktop serve as a workhorse computer with excellent multimedia performance, but it also has very good gaming chops.… expandMost modern games are playable at medium-to-high resolutions -- the desktop achieves very playable frame rates in tests featuring demanding games like "Crysis" and "Far Cry 2." Though cheaper configurations of the Dell Studio XPS 8300 are available, most reviews test an upgraded configuration that brings the price up to around $1,000. This build comes with a quad-core Intel Sandy Bridge Core i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, a discrete AMD Radeon HD 6770 graphics card and a 2 TB hard drive. One downside to the Dell Studio XPS 8300 is that there's not much room for upgrades if you want to update the computer down the road. collapse

Experts say the Velocity Micro Edge Z40 is a great entry-level desktop that packs a lot of value for aspiring gamers who want a computer that can grow with them. Unlike the Dell Studio XPS 8300, the CyberPower desktop has… expandplenty of upgrade potential, with empty bays for more RAM, hard drives, optical drives and other components. Gaming performance can't match pricier desktops, but nearly any game is playable -- although very demanding titles might need to be played at lower resolutions. The Velocity Micro Edge Z40 comes with enough options to make your head spin. Most reviewers say an upgraded $1,200 configuration offers enough power for entry-level gamers. This configuration comes with an overclocked second-generation Core i5 processor, a 1 TB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM and an overclocked Nvidia GeForce GTX 560Ti graphics card. collapse

If price is no object, the Origin Genesis deserves serious consideration for its blazing fast gaming performance. Although the base configuration starts at a reasonable price, you'll want to spend about twice that --… expandaround $2,500 -- to hit the sweet spot in terms of value and performance. At this price, users get 8 GB of RAM, a 2 TB hard drive, and they can opt for either a Core i5 CPU with two Nvidia GeForce GTX 560 Ti graphics cards or a beefier overclocked Core i7 CPU with a single higher-end GeForce GTX 580 card. The result is a speedy gaming computer that posts better results in some tests than desktops costing twice as much. If you have the budget to match, you can upgrade the Origin Genesis to the moon with options such as a Blu-ray drive, multiple graphic cards, solid-state drives and more. Regardless of the configuration, reviewers have few complaints, although the fans can be loud and some say that later upgrades are made slightly more difficult due to interwoven liquid cooling tubes on the interior. collapse

The quad-core version of the 27-inch Apple iMac is one of the most powerful and fastest Apple desktops ever thanks to the addition of Intel's second-generation Sandy Bridge processors. The hardware lineup is impressive… expandand includes a stunning high-resolution display, 3.1 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, a 1 TB hard drive and discrete AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics with 1 GB of onboard memory. Reviewers say the quad-core iMac is the fastest all-in-one desktop you can buy, and gaming performance is excellent at medium-quality settings -- significantly better than any other all-in-one computer. Reviewers do complain that the Apple iMac lacks a Blu-ray drive and HDMI port, but they say this is the all-in-one to get if performance is your primary concern. If you don't need top-of-the-line gaming performance, reviewers say the entry-level 21.5-inch iMac (*Est. $1,200 and up) is the best value in the iMac lineup. collapse