Gaming Computers: Reviews

Though cheaper and more expensive configurations of the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 are available, most reviews consider a moderately upgraded version that costs roughly $1,500 and delivers performance that once cost… thousands more to obtain. This version features an overclocked Intel Core i7 processor, 896 MB Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 graphics card, 8 GB of memory and a 1 TB hard drive. Game performance in testing is largely stellar, but you might want to play some of the most demanding titles at less than full resolution. Construction quality is solid -- among the best of any PC, according to reviews.

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Though the base configuration is actually priced lower than our budget gaming computer pick, the Velocity Micro Edge Z30, you'll want to spend a little more -- around $1,850 -- to hit the sweet spot in terms of value and… performance that the CyberPower Gamer Xtreme 3000 can deliver. At that price, you'll get an overclocked Intel i7 860 processor, 1.5 TB hard drive, 4 GB of system memory and a Nvidia GeForce GTX 295 card, which many call the best single 3-D card currently available. In testing, even demanding games can be played at full resolution and at acceptable frame rates. Build quality is good, and value is exceptional according tor reports.

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If price is no object, the Falcon Northwest Talon deserves serious consideration. Reviewers look at configurations costing about $2,500 and approaching $5,000. At the lower end, you get a very fast machine with an… overclocked Intel Core i7 860 processor, an 80 GB solid-state drive, a 1 TB hard drive, 8 GB of memory, a Blu-ray drive and twin Nvidia GeForce GTX 270 graphics cards. The more expensive Talon kicks things into overdrive by adding a second solid-state drive, a more powerful Intel Core i7 870 processor and, most notably, two very high-end Radeon HD 5970 graphics cards. The result is a blazingly fast gaming computer that approaches the performance of systems costing nearly twice as much -- but one that's certainly overkill for everyday computing.

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It's not the most powerful computer for the money -- nor is it even the most powerful all-in-one for the money -- but the HP TouchSmart 600-1055 delivers features and functionality that puts most other all-in-ones to… shame. This pre-configured version of the HP TouchSmart 600 (*Est. $1,000 and up) includes a Blu-ray disc player; an HDTV tuner; a 23-inch, 1080p touch-enabled display and powerful built-in speakers, making it a sleek and stylish choice as a multimedia computer for the family. HP's touch software is widely hailed as the best -- especially the Recipe Box application, which experts say will make the TouchSmart 600 a favorite of cooks everywhere. However, there are still some rough edges to contend with. While the core components and the resulting performance is modest compared to some computers in this price category, there's far more than enough pop for everyday computing.

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The quad-core version of the Apple iMac is one of the most powerful and fastest Apple desktops ever. The hardware lineup is impressive, and includes a 27-inch display, 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, a 1… TB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics. Faster processors, more memory and a bigger hard drive are available, but there's no option at present for better graphics. The included card is fine for business and graphics work as well as mid-level gaming. Even high-end games are playable, as long as you keep settings reasonable.

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