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Velocity Micro Edge Z30

*Est. $1,070 and up

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

Great performance for price
Solid build quality

Cons

Upgrades required for best gaming performance
Loud fan
Some games play better at lower resolution

Where to Buy

Our Analysis

If superior gaming performance at a relatively reasonable price is a priority, reviewers say you'll be hard-pressed to find a better budget system than the Velocity Micro Edge Z30. While less expensive gaming computers are available, most can't handle the most demanding titles as well as the Edge Z30 can -- though even this system will be happier if you don't max out the resolution on the toughest titles. Like most serious gaming rigs, the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 is completely configurable, and gamers will almost certainly want to add a few upgrades to juice up performance. Reviewers generally test systems that cost around $1,500. That price nets you an Intel Core i7 processor that's overclocked to 3.2 GHz, a Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 graphics card with 896 MB of dedicated memory, 8 GB of memory and a fast 1 TB hard drive. If you are looking to spend a little less, reviewers say the base model of the CyberPower Gamer Dragon (Discontinued) is an excellent pick among entry-level gaming desktops and a solid performer in its base configuration.

Few reviewers have tested the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 since CNET and PCMag.com evaluated it over a year ago. Both reviews are reasonably detailed and backed by testing. CNET is also the best place to read user reviews. DevHardware.com has a review that covers the Edge Z30 and the Falcon Northwest Talon but the author fails to describe or document what testing has been done. These reviewers evaluate the system running Windows Vista, but it now ships with Windows 7 Home Premium. Mark Kyrnin at About.com has a somewhat more recent review that covers the desktop with Windows 7.

Where To Buy

Our Sources

1. CNET

CNET tests an upgraded version of the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 and is impressed enough to grant it an Editor's Choice award. Rich Brown calls it the "best value among midrange gaming PCs," though he notes that the toughest games will require you to reduce the image quality for best results.

Review: Velocity Micro Edge Z30 (Intel Core i7), Rich Brown, Sept. 10, 2009

2. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

PCMag.com also names the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 an Editors' Choice. Joel Santo Domingo says similar performance previously required a system that costs many times more. A loud fan is the most significant negative noted.

Review: Velocity Micro Edge Z30, Joel Santo Domingo, Sept. 8, 2009

3. CNET

A small handful of user reviews can be found here. The rating is dragged down a tad by some who complain that the system as tested costs more to buy than claimed by CNET's review. A couple of owners have issues with some of Velocity Micro's policies. Others are completely pleased with performance and value.

Review: Velocity Micro Edge Z30 (Intel Core i7), Contributors to CNET, As of Nov. 2010

4. DevHardware.com

The Velocity Micro Edge Z30 is called "tough to beat" because of its mix of great pricing and strong performance. However, we'd be more confident of this reviewer's conclusions if the report didn't focus mainly on features and included more information on what testing -- if any -- had actually been done.

Review: The Velocity Micro Edge Z30 and the Falcon Northwest Talon Desktops, "wubayou", Nov. 12, 2009

5. About.com

Mark Kyrnin, the computer guide at About.com, gives the Velocity Micro Edge Z30 a 3-star rating (out of 5). While Kyrnin is impressed with the overall quality of the desktop, he thinks there are better deals out there. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Velocity Micro Edge Z30 Mainstream Desktop PC, Mark Kyrnin, Feb. 11, 2010

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