Velocity Micro Edge Z40

Reviewers say the Velocity Micro Edge Z40 (*Est. $950 and up) is the best entry-level gaming desktop for aspiring gamers who want a system that can grow with them. The Edge Z40 comes with a host of options, and you can pay more for serious performance. However, reviewers say spending an additional $150 on the base model to get an enhanced CPU and graphics card is the best option for entry-level gamers. That configuration includes 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.

Even though the base configuration of the Velocity Micro Edge Z40 can't match the performance of high-end gaming rigs, it is a very capable performer. The desktop can handle all of today's most demanding games, although some of the more intensive titles may need to be played at lower resolutions. For example, in PCMag's test, "Crysis" plays very smoothly at medium graphics settings, but drops to a still playable yet not quite smooth 30 frames per second (fps) at high resolution. Reviewers take issue with the fact that although the Edge Z40 ships with an Nvidia graphics card, it doesn't include SLI support for running dual Nvidia cards, and the support for AMD's CrossFireX dual-card setups is limited because the second PCI x16 slot is limited to x4 bandwidth rather than full x16. Like most gaming desktops, you'll have to pay extra for a monitor and speakers. If you're looking for a full-fledged gaming system, you may want to consider the Origin Genesis (*Est. $1,340 and up) . Experts report excellent gaming capabilities in configurations that start at roughly $2,500, and go up -- way up -- from there.

Only a few reviewers have tested the Velocity Micro Edge Z40. The best analysis comes from PCMag.com and CNET, which both test and rate the desktop and give it Editors' Choice awards. About.com also covers the base configuration of the system.