You may play a fast–paced game with detailed graphics where split–second decisions mean a win or a loss, but if your computer lacks power, all is lost. Typically, gaming computers are built to process huge amounts of information while playing online role-playing games or first–person shooters.
Dell, in fact, addresses gamers with its new XPS 630 gaming PC series. The core specifications comprise a 2.4GHz Intel Quad Core QX6600, dual nVidia GeForce 8800GTs running in 2GB of RAM, twin 500GB hard drives and a Creative sound blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer soundcard. In plain English, it’s all that you would want in a middle-order gaming machine. Three aqua coloured (by default) LEDs just above the DVD drives light up body and also let you see what CD/DVD you’re taking out of your drive.
It’s one of those completely superfluous touches that are nonetheless nice to have. Another feel-good feature is the CPU’s large and heavy cooler, supported by a thick rubber pad. This is ideal for transporting the XPS (LAN party anyone?) without having to remove the cooler or risk breaking your motherboard. The most important components in a gaming PC are the RAM, graphics card and processor.
Complex games like Massively Multi–player Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) require higher–end components to avoid lag. Dell delives on this count. The machine also bundles in Dell’s technical support, warranties and quality components, to help you in run the PC.
Another option you have in the market comes from HP — the HP Blackbird 002, their groundbreaking gaming rig. Aesthetically, the Blackbird 002 is probably not the best looking machine. It’s daunting. The Blackbird 002 looks as tidy inside as the Mac Pro, it also incorporates the modularity we like so much in Apple’s desktop.
Hidden allen wrenches, spades of LEDs, tons of ports, and a few secret compartments can make any gamer giddy with pleasure. The Blackbird is the only system we’ve tested that sports ATI’s new ultra HD 2900 XT. This DirectX 10 capable video card has 512MB of GDDR3 memory and a whopping 320 stream processors.
