cyberpower Gamer Xtreme 3000

Don't let the low starting price of under $1,000 fool you -- most will want to add a heaping helping of upgrades to hit the sweet spot between performance and value that the CyberPower Gamer Xtreme 3000 can deliver. While it's possible to run the price into the thousands, several reviewers test more modest configurations -- running around $1,850 depending on specific options -- and come away completely impressed. At that price, you'll get a fast gaming machine capable of playing even tough games at reasonable frame rates at full resolution. The lineup includes an Intel i7 860 processor, a high-performance Nvidia GeForce GTX 460 graphics card, a 1.5 TB hard drive and 4 GB of system memory. The included three-year warranty -- which covers the overclocked processor as well -- is far longer than average. If you have a more modest budget, the base model of the CyberPower Gamer Dragon (Discontinued) earns good reviews for its entry-level gaming performance.

While the CyberPower Gamer Xtreme 3000 has escaped the notice of some mainstream reviewers, it is the subject of terrific and painstakingly detailed reports at enthusiast sites such as HotHardware.com and LegitReviews.com. G4's "Attack of the Show" also has a video review of a maxed out CyberPower Gamer Xtreme 3000, which provides a glimpse of the power this machine can deliver if price is no object.