The Computer Buying Guide

High-End (Gaming) Computer Recommendations

Maybe you're looking for a strong computer with technical advancements. The high-end computer is designed to handle larger amounts of data, and it is faster than less-expensive computers.

This includes the newest, most graphics-intensive, most sophisticated, full-motion games available today. As well as any multimedia application, professional audio and video editing, and similar graphic-intensive programs. The high-end computer is a powerful machine.

Don't forget, you'll want a really great monitor and sound system. This may or may not come with the computer as a complete package.

Some new models, such as the VGC-LS30E by Sony (pictured right) is an all-in-one desktop PC, which is oh so slender and space-saving with no compouter case. It's all tucked in the side panel, including 2 GB RAM, 250 GB HD.

For computers at the high-end, expect a high price. These machines are priced above $1,400, but more often cost around $1,800 and up to about $5,500 for the newest cutting-edge equipment.

Here are our recommendations for a high-end computer.

Recommendations:

• Processor:
  
  - Intel^® Core™ i7-920 (2.66GHz, 8MB L3 Cache)
  - Intel^® Core™ i7-940 (2.93GHz, 8MB L3 Cache)
  - Intel^® Core™ i7-965 Extreme - Level 2 (Factory O/C'd to 3.73GHz, 8MB L3 Cache) (Best)

• Memory:
  - 3 to 4 GB Tri-Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz

• Hard Drive:
  - 500 to 640 GB SATA 2, 3GB/S at 7,200 RPM with 16MB Cache is standard.

• Graphics Card:
  - nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB - ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB - SLi, Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB - CrossFireX, Dual ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB - nVidia GeForce GTX 285 1024MB - ATI Radeon HD4870X2 2048MB - Dual ATI Radeon HD 4870X2
  - Sli Dual nVidia GeForce GTX 285 (Best)

• Sound:
  - Creative Labs Sound Blaster^® Audigy^®2 ZS High Definition (Recommended).
  - Intel^® High-Definition 7.1 Audio.

• Motherboard:
  High-end mainboards include the: Gigabyte X48T (for DDR3), Gigabyte X48-DQ6 (for DDR2), XFX GeForce 8200, ASUS P5Q, or
  MSI P45 Platinum.

• Monitor:
  A monitor is usually purchased separately for high-end computers. Consider at least a 20" color monitor. Note that although LCD monitors are very popular, some gamers still prefer the older CRT monitors. LCD monitors do have a problem with "ghosting," which can throw off your aim.

  If you are thinking of buying an LCD monitor, at least make sure you are able to adjust the brightness on the LCD screen. Some have good controls while others do not.

• Optical Drive 1
  A Blu-ray disc drive - will allow you to read and write Blu-ray discs, read HD DVD discs, and read and write traditional DVDs and CDs..

• Speakers:
  - Logitech X-230 2.1 Configuration Speakers System, or any good set.

• Modem:
  Get ISDN, DSL, or a cable connection, depending on what is available in your area.

• Operating System:
  Windows^® 7 is the new standard but unproven. Try to avoid Windows^® Vista which is still available, but if Windows^® XP is available, even with an extra fee, check it out.

• Software:
  A typical package will usually include Microsoft^® Works, Microsoft^® Office Standard version or Professional version. We strongly recommend you use an Anti-Virus program and use a Firewall. See Part 5: Software for more information on software programs.

• Power Supply:
  Often ignored, it is important to get a good quality power supply.

• Power Protection:
  Computer hardware is highly sensitive to power surges, voltage spikes, power sags, brownouts, and blackouts! You can easily melt-down your silicon circuitry before you know it. Use a APC Back-UPS or similar unit that is appropriate for your computer. Do not rely on a cheap and often unworking plug-in circuit breakers. Get a UPS unit.

Some retail sellers may offer an extended warranty on your new computer or laptop. We do not recommend them, ever. They are expensive are very rarely used.

Recommended Stores:

Alienware Computers
These are higher-performance computers than the ordinary computer. Both desktops and laptops are fantastic machines; and they look cool too!

TigerDirect
They have a surprising range of serious power machines for those looking for cheap gaming computers. This is a major online store selling a huge selection of computers and laptops in EVERY price range.

Standard Computers     Mid-Range Computers

After Recommendations, the next part is, Part 7 - The Buying Process, we discuss how to go about selecting a computer and some tips and thoughts on the buying process.