Best Gaming PC Deal

Best Gaming PC Deal: Price Considerations

A PC that is able to run the latest PC computer games, such as Crysis, will often cost a lot more than the average computer. For the enthusiast market and the hardcore gamers, no price is too much to run games at 1600 x 1200 or higher with all visual settings turned to maximum. This kind of gaming is not yet matched on console systems, but it comes at a very steep price. So, when determining the best gaming PC deal, first consider your budget. Cheap computer games may run on cheap computers, but you'll want the good stuff to run new games at their full potential.

Build Your Own PC

Many gamers like to build their own computers. The ability to individually select components can help you squeeze out more frames per second and avoid compatibility issues. For first timers, however, the choices and the assembly can be overwhelming. You also will not have a warranty that covers the entire system. If something goes wrong, the only tech support is yourself. You can often get the best deals by building yourself, though, especially if you can find individual components on sale. If you would like to select your own parts but prefer not to build the system, take your components to a local computer shop and they will build it for you.

Dell XPS 720

Dell used to be known for selling budget boxes, but recently they have expanded into the high-end gaming market with the XPS-line of desktops. The current high end model, as of the time this article was written, is the Dell XPS 720 (and the 720H2C). The 720 model comes standard with Intel Core2Duo or Quad Core processors. It also comes with an nVidia GeForce 8600 GTS graphics card, though there are options to choose one of several 8800 models.

The 720 model starts under $2,000. If you want to go really high end, the 720H2C starts at over $4,000. It has an advanced cooling system that allows you to overclock the system without worrying about heat. To power all the components inside, it comes with a 1kW power supply. The price of this machine makes its status as the best gaming PC deal debatable. What is not in question is how fast this computer can run.

HP Blackbird 002

Like Dell, HP has recently moved into the enthusiast market with the release of the Blackbird-line of desktops. Like the Dell machine, it comes with either 900W or 1kW of power and has a stunning case design. The lowest end model starts a little under $3,000. There is a middle-end model that costs a little more, and then the high-end which currently is almost $6,000. There are many components to choose from, including your choice of cooling systems. These are remarkable computers which earned a 9.3 rating by CNET.

Falcon Northwest Mach V

Chances are that you have heard of Dell and HP. Sometimes the best gaming PC deal comes from a smaller company dedicated to gaming. Falcon Northwest is exactly that kind of company. Their top of the line PC is the Mach V. In addition to all of your component choices, you can also have the case custom painted. Choose from some pre-configured designs or tell them exactly the color you want and they will do it for you.

Mach V systems start at around $2,500. If money is no object, you can actually configure a computer that costs over $18,000. That machine currently comes with an 8800 Ultra graphics card, four terabytes of hard drive space, and two 30-inch monitors. If the Mach V exceeds your budget, Falcon Northwest also offers their Talon-line of desktops. These machines have nearly the same power but without some of the fancy extras. The Talon computers start at around $2,000.