High performance gaming PCs are definitely a cut above regular desktop systems. They usually have the most powerful microprocessors on the market such as the Intel Pentium Core i7 series. The latest CPU’s can pack some serious power due to their ingenious multi-core architecture that can multiply the processing speed on a per-core basis.

But most of these systems cost between $2,000 and $4,000 dollars depending on performance and extra perks. Nonetheless, an inexpensive gaming computer does not have to be a myth. You can atually buy an affordable gaming computer system that is comparable but not quite equal in performance to one of the elite gaming computer systems.

There are several online computer retailers that can offer great prices for a fast gaming gaming computer. Most all of the online retailers provide shoppers great customization capabilities when placing an order.

Companies like iBuy Power and Cyber Power PC for example offer full customization for all of their products. Shoppers place an order on a gaming system of their choice, but they can also choose what goes into the system being ordered. You can pick your choice of micro processor, RAM, hard-drive, video card, even the motherboard. This customization service is pretty standard with most online gaming system retailers.

Their price ranges are very similar across the board. All retailers have to include their cost for parts and labor as well as their profit margin when they price their systems.

On the low end, you can buy a good gaming system for around $465 to $850 which is a great deal. Unfortunately, a system at this price range would most likely not be enough in terms of performance for some of today’s really advanced games. The processor at this price range is most likely a Pentium Core i2 series, usually no higher than maybe 2 megahertz. Usually a multi core processor would be necessary for really advanced games that offer advanced graphics and action as they would demand faster processing speeds.

Obviously, the higher you opt for performance, the more it will cost you. .

There is a way to have the cheapest gaming computer AND to also have the same performance of the really high-end systems: build your own! The formula is simple: buy all of the desired components separately and then assemble them at home.

You can save up to 60% on what you would have to shell out for the fancy $4K model and all it would take is a bit of research and some assembly time.

As we said before, retailers have to make a profit and they have to pay their laborers and buy parts. These costs are handed down to you in what you pay for the computer when you place your order. If you build your own gaming system, you will gain the benefits of not having to pay for the extra costs and profit margins of the online retailers. And now that you are not paying the retailer’s costs, you can now afford the lightning-fast microprocessors and the high-end video cards. It really is amazing when you can buy an affordable gaming pc and still be able to have the same performance as the top of the line systems.

There’s a great resource to help you get started in building that screaming-fast gaming PC.

I recommend you spend some time at http://www.bestpcforgaming.com where you can find out many great tips on how to save money building your own super-fast gaming PC . And if you rather not bother with the hassles of buying a bunch of separate components and putting them together, you will also find some great suggestions on affordable online retailers.

• Intel Pentium T4300 (2.1 GHz/800 MHz FSB/1 MB cache)
• 2 GB of DDR2 RAM
• 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
• Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
• Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
• Glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440×900)
• 85 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)

If anything, the basic Studio 17 makes for a good home web and productivity machine. You won’t have to pack it up in boxes if you have to move, and the 17″ display will make it easy to read text. 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium is pre-installed, maximizing a possible upgrade to 4GB of RAM. Mobile warriors should stay away from this laptop though; the Studio 17 is simply too big to move around regularly, even if the 9-cell battery promises longevity away from the wall socket.

Save $200 on this Studio 17 Laptop with 17″ Display, built in Webcam and 9 cell battery! Now only $399 after instant savings. ($399)

Post from: The Gadget Blog

$505 Intel Build

• CPU: Intel Pentium E5300 2.6GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor ($70)
• MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L ATX Intel Motherboard ($80)
• RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory ($90)
• HSF: Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 ($35)
• HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive ($55)
• PSU: Antec earthwatts EA430 430W Continuous Power Power Supply ($55)
• GPU: XFX Radeon HD 4650 HD-465X-YAF2 Video Card ($50)
• DVD: Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B ($30)
• Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black Computer Case ($40)

$505 AMD Build

• CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 545 3.0GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor ($90)
• MOBO: ASUS M2A74-AM Micro ATX AMD Motherboard ($60)
• RAM: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory ($90)
• HSF: Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler W/TX-2 ($35)
• HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive ($55)
• PSU: Antec earthwatts EA430 430W Continuous Power Power Supply ($55)
• GPU: XFX Radeon HD 4650 HD-465X-YAF2 Video Card ($50)
• DVD: Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B ($30)
• Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black Computer Case ($40)

Both builds are meant to be overclocked, to maximize the gaming power of the components. If you’re building a new PC from scratch, you may need a display, mouse, keyboard, a headset, and of course, the OS. Here are some more suggestions from tecmo:

• OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders ($140)
• Display: Acer X193Wb Black 19″ 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor ($120)
• Keyboard: Logitech Black Internet 350 USB Keyboard ($15)
• Mouse: Microsoft D66-00066 Black Wired Optical Mouse ($12)
• Speakers Logitech S-220 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System ($24)

With the above extras, you’ve got a total of $816, regardless of your processor brand loyalties. Prices are from NewEgg, are current as of this writing, and don’t include shipping or taxes.

Source

Post from: The Gadget Blog

Let’s say you’re intrigued by Acer’s new Windows 7 Timeline ultraportables due to ship out this Thursday but you like saying “Gateway” more than you like saying “Acer” for some reason. You’ll be happy to know that Gateway (which is owned by Acer, by the way) has just announced two ultraportable computers that are spitting images of two of the recently-announced Timeline machines: an 11.6-inch model and a 15.6-inch model.

The 11.6-inch Gateway EC14 series is virtually identical to the Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810 series, save for a slightly lower MSRP ($550 versus $600) thanks to a slightly different CPU – the Gateway has a low-voltage Intel Pentium SU4100 at 1.3GHz with 2MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz frontside bus while the Acer has a low-voltage Intel Pentium SU7300 at 1.3GHz with 3MB of L2 cache and an 800MHz frontside bus.

As for the 15.6-inch model, the Gateway EC54 series and the Acer Aspire Timeline AS5810TZ series are identically spec’d and carry the same $650 MSRP. Granted, Acer/Gateway will likely be offering a myriad of different configurations for these machines so you may be able to find something that best fits your needs in a Gateway versus an Acer or vice versa.

Both are due this Thursday, October 22nd, when Windows 7 ships.

Full press release:

Thin-and-Light Gateway EC Series Notebooks Deliver Long Battery Life and Distinctive Style

All-day productivity, fun, communication with up to eight hours of battery life in head-turning lightweight and thin designs

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The new Gateway EC Series notebook PCs debut today in two of the most popular sizes for today’s busy computer users – 15.6-inch mainstream size for productivity maximizers and the 11.6-inch ultraportable size for road warriors – both delivering up to eight hours of battery life.

The new Gateway EC Series models will both be available this week in retail stores nationwide with the launch of Windows 7.

The new Gateway EC58, EC54 and EC14 notebook PC lines deliver all-day productivity, reliable wireless connectivity and 6-8 hours of battery life, so customers can get more done while away from their home or office. Plus, the Gateway EC models let customers go longer without having to recharge, reducing energy consumption and making them very environmentally friendly.

The upscale and distinctive design of the new Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines is the ideal complement to its advanced battery life and thin-and-lightweight form factor. Both models start at only 5.29 pounds and are merely an inch thin, so they can be comfortably transported by hand or in a briefcase or backpack. The sleek form factor still has room for a large 15.6-inch LED-backlit HD widescreen display that delivers video in stunning detail, for excellent mobile cinematic entertainment. Plus, the EC58 and EC54 notebook PCs come in a sophisticated and understated design featuring a brushed aluminium alloy chassis available in Arctic Silver and Pacific Blue.

Mobile enthusiasts who want to remain connected and productive on-the-go will find the Gateway EC14 ultraportable notebook the ideal choice for them. With its 11.6-inch HD LED-backlit display, notebook-standard Intel processors and a full-size keyboard, customers can use it to enjoy web browsing, video chats and running all their usual applications. Plus, it’s designed for mobility — its integrated 802.11b/g/Draft N Wifi, compact form factor and low weight of only 3.79 pounds make it ready to take on the road. Flashy and fun in an eye-catching glossy chassis, the Gateway EC14 series comes in Cherry Red and NightSky Black.

“The new Gateway EC Series product lines were designed for the many PC users that have embraced the fun and productivity of being able to compute and stay in touch while away from their home or office,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “We’re delivering exactly what they need – incredibly long and reliable battery life, vibrant widescreen displays, and wireless connectivity – all in uniquely stylish thin and lightweight designs.”

Full Productivity and Entertainment in a Sleek, Lightweight Size

Elegantly crafted, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 Series notebooks are thin and light enough to take anywhere, and so stylish that customers will want to show them off. The slim one-inch profile simplifies mobility, since it’s easy to grip and handle on the go. The ultra-durable aluminium alloy design delivers excellent protection for the display, while the brushed silky smooth cover is upscale in its minimalist approach.

The high-capacity 6-cell Li-ion battery gives users up to eight hours of battery life for all-day productivity, fun and communications. Integrated 802.11b/g Draft-N wireless provides a reliable untethered connection to hotspots and wireless networks. Plus, the integrated webcam and digital microphone delivers smooth video and voice quality for real-time video streaming, online chatting, and video conferences. In addition, Gateway customers can enjoy even more uptime with the Gateway PowerSave one-touch key, which puts the notebook into energy conservation mode with a single touch. The Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines feature the Gateway MyBackup Manager for backing-up important files and information, as well as the PowerSave solution for maximizing battery life.

Designed to readily handle everyday computing tasks, the EC58 and EC54 notebooks use ultra-low voltage Intel Core 2 Duo and Pentium Dual-Core processors. The notebooks deliver excellent computing performance and generate low heat output, since they use Intel’s Laminar Wall Jet technology to cool internal components and the case. As a result, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 notebooks are incredibly comfortable in customers’ hands as well as on their laps.

On-the-go entertainment is dynamic and exciting with the large 15.6-inch LED-backlit display that features a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixel resolution. Images are incredibly clear and crisp, while the cinematic-quality video is realistic and smooth. Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement and two built-in speakers deliver crisp, natural surround sound to complement the stunning video.

Compact, Packed with Features

They eye-catching design of the Gateway EC14 Series lets everyone know it’s the ultimate notebook for on-the-go computing. Available with a 6-cell battery, the Gateway EC14 notebook line provides battery life of up to eight hours, so customers can use it nearly all day to stay in touch. This long battery life is the perfect complement to the ultraportable notebooks’ sleek size that measures only about an inch thick and weighs only 3.79 pounds.

Updating social networking sites and exploring web pages is easy with the EC14’s integrated Wifi 802.11b/g/Draft N. Plus, customers can capture video and photos and stay in touch via video chat with the integrated webcam and built-in digital microphone that provides excellent voice quality. Consumers will enjoy listening to audio with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.

To ensure customers have all the horsepower they need to drive applications, the Gateway EC14 line is well-appointed with Intel Ultra Low Voltage Pentium Dual Core, Intel Celeron Dual Core and Celeron (single core) processors, a hard drive up to 500GB in capacity, a multi-in-1 media card reader and 4GB of memory that may be upgraded to 8GB.

The attention-grabbing design of the Gateway EC14 models is fun and youthful, while details such as rounded edges, engraved logo and silver trim make the design even more compelling. The textured palm rest provides a comfortable hand rest for consumers.

Gateway Extras Maximize Mobile Capabilities

The Gateway EC Series notebooks enhance productivity with a Multi-Gesture Touchpad that can be used with unique movements so customers can intuitively move through Internet sites and digital media. For example, customers can make an inward or outward pinching motion to naturally zoom in and out on photos. They can move two fingers horizontally to flip through photos and web pages. Also, customers can swirl their fingers in a circular motion to scroll through web pages, long lists of files and music playlists. The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

Additionally, these new models come with Windows 7 Home Premium, which makes mobile computing more reliable and responsive, enhancing the user experience. In addition, the Gateway EC notebook lines are Energy Star qualified.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability

The new Gateway EC Series will be available beginning Oct. 22, each with Windows 7 Home Premium. Sample configurations and pricing are listed below.

Gateway EC1430u: MSRP $549.99

• Intel^® Pentium Dual Core Processor SU4100 (1.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 11.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel^®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB⁽²⁾ 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• Integrated webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• Intel^® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• 3.08 lbs.
• 11.2” (W) x 0.87-1.18” to 1.18” (H) x 8.03” (D)

Gateway EC5409u: MSRP $649.99

• Intel Pentium^® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 15.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel^®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB⁽²⁾ 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• 8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• Integrated HD webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• 2^nd Generation Dolby Sound Room^® Audio Enhancement
• Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Dedicated numeric keypad
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• Gateway MyBackup Button
• 5.29 lbs.
• 14.85” (W) x 1.01-1.08” (H) x 10.0” (D)

Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support

The Gateway EC Series notebook PCs are backed by a one year warranty. Gateway’s commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company’s standard limited warranty options^, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.

Buy HP Pavilion G60-235DX Notebook Now

Here’s a look at some of the features:

Reconditioned
Manufacturer: HEWLETT PACKARD
Mfg Part#: NB042UAR#ABA
UPC: 00884420805601
Buy.com Sku: 211416821

Product Number NB042UA#ABA
Microprocessor 2.00 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Mobile Processor T4200
Microprocessor Cache 1MB L2 Cache
Memory 3072MB
Memory Max 4096MB
Technology DDR2 SDRAM
RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
Video Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M
Video Memory Up to 1309MB
Hard Drive 320GB (5400RPM)
Multimedia Drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVDR/RW with Double Layer Support
Display 16.0″ Diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Display (1366×768)
Fax/Modem High speed 56k modem
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g WLAN
Sound Altec Lansing speakers
Keyboard 101-key compatible
Pointing Device Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad
External Ports
# 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
# 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
# 1 Headphone out
# 1 microphone-in
# 1 HDMI
# 1 VGA (15-pin)
# 1 RJ-11 (modem)
# 1 RJ -45 (LAN)

Dimensions 14.88″ (L) x 9.9″ (D) x 13.8″ (min H) -1.72″ (max H)
Weight 6.57lbs

Buy HP Pavilion G60-235DX Notebook Now

The Sugo SG01-BF. Courtesy SilverStone

Tom’s set out to create three different PCs, within budgets of $600, $1300, and $2500 respectively. Luckily—if you’re based in the US—you can buy the parts they used from NewEgg:

	~$600 PC	~$1,300 PC	~$2,500 PC
CPU	Intel Pentium E5200	Intel Core i7 920	Intel Core i7 920
CPU Cooler	Stock (What comes with the E2500)	XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler	Stock (What comes with the i7 920)
Motherboard	ASRock G41M-LE	DFI LANPARTY JR X58-T3H6	DFI LANPARTY JR X58-T3H6
Memory	G.Skill F2-6400CL4D-4GBHK DDR2-800 4.0 GB (2.0 GB x2)	G.Skill 10666CL7T-6GBPK DDR3-1333 6.0 GB (2 GB x3)	Mushkin 998679 DDR3-1600 6.0 GB (2.0 GB x3)
Graphics	XFX GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 GX260NADFF	Two BFG Tech GeForce GTX 260 BFGEGTX260896OCE	Two EVGA GeForce GTX 295 017-P3-1294-AR
Hard Drive	Seagate 7200.12 500GB	Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB	Two Western Digital RE3 500GB
Case	SILVERSTONE Sugo SG01-BF	SILVERSTONE TJ08-B	SILVERSTONE SG04B-H
Power Supply	OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W	PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W	CORSAIR CMPSU-1000HX 1000W
Optical Drive	LITE-ON iHAP322-08 DVD Burner	LITE-ON iHAP422-08 DVD Burner w/ Lightscribe	LG GGW-H20L Blu-Ray Burner/HD-DVD ROM
Total	$648	$1248.50	$2545

As the emphasis is on gaming performance and portability Tom’s made the wise choice to rely on the motherboards’ integrated sound cards and ethernet cards, instead of spending for dedicated ones. The total prices of each setup are current as of this writing, and are unfortunately subject to the vagaries of price fluctuations (which is why the $600 machine totals $648).

In any case, I totally recommend the ~$600 desktop, even at its slightly higher price. Aside from having the smallest profile (the PC’s shoebox-sized, meaning you’ll have more trouble carrying around your display and peripherals), Tom’s tests marked it as a clear efficiency winner, providing the most gaming performance for money spent.

Post from: The Gadget Blog

$600 Gaming PC, Courtesy Tom's Hardware

So props to Tom’s Hardware for their May System Builder’s Marathon. The highlight: a $600 microATX gaming PC that can fit in a gym bag, along with other peripherals like the mouse and keyboard. The specs:

Component	Model	Price (U.S Dollar)
CPU	Intel Pentium E5200 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor	$70
CPU Cooler	Intel Boxed Heatsink/Fan	$0
Motherboard	ASRock G41M-LE Micro ATX Intel Motherboard	$62
Ram	G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory	$41
Graphics	XFX GeForce GTX 260 GX260XADJF Video Card	$170
Hard Drives	Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive	$60
Sound	Integrated	$0
Network	Integrated	$0
Case	SILVERSTONE Sugo SG01-BF Black Computer Case	$70
Power	OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W Power Supply	$75
Optical	LITE-ON 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model iHAP222-06	$25
Total Price		$593

Surprisingly, if Tom’s is correct, the performance of this rig is comparable to my $1200 homebuilt FragBox.

Post from: The Gadget Blog