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Top 10 Power Desktop PCs

These powerful desktop PCs are the right choice for demanding users. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Danny Allen

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PCW Rating: 82.5PCW Rating: 82.5PCW Rating: 82.5

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

 BEST BUY!

1. Dell XPS 630

CPU: 3.16-GHz Core 2 Duo E8500, Graphics Adapter: nVidia GeForce 9800 GT, Monitor Model: Dell SP2208WFP, Total HD Size (GB): 640GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good,

Bottom Line: Customizable desktop system provides affordable performance in a stylish package.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $1869 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 82.3PCW Rating: 82.3PCW Rating: 82.3

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

2. Micro Express MicroFlex 450B

CPU: 2.83-GHz Core 2 Quad Q9550, Graphics Adapter: Sapphire HD4870, Monitor Model: LG W1942TQ, Total HD Size (GB): 500GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good,

Bottom Line: This power desktop delivers a whole lot of performance without a whole lot of price.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $1599 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 81.1PCW Rating: 81.1PCW Rating: 81.1

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

3. Polywell Poly X4800-Extreme

CPU: 3.2-GHz Core 2 Extreme X9770, Graphics Adapter: MSI Nvidia GeForce GTX280, Monitor Model: Acer AL2416WBSD, Total HD Size (GB): 600GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior,

Bottom Line: Pricey desktop provides blow-your-socks-off performance and lots of rear port connectivity.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $4599 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

4. Xi MTower PCIe Centurion

CPU: 3.16-GHz Core 2 Duo E8500, Graphics Adapter: EVGA e-GeForce 9800 GTX, Monitor Model: Samsung SyncMaster 245BW, Total HD Size (GB): 600GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior,

Bottom Line: A nicely expandable system with blue LED bling, gaming muscle, and bundled Logitech peripherals.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $3099 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 80.1PCW Rating: 80.1PCW Rating: 80.1

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

5. Gateway FX4710

CPU: 2.5-GHz Core 2 Quad Q9300, Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 9800GT, Monitor Model: Gateway FHD2401, Total HD Size (GB): 640GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Good,

Bottom Line: This handsome PC, which just missed the price cutoff for the value PCs category, shows what a little extra cash can bring.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $1620 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.1PCW Rating: 79.1PCW Rating: 79.1

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

6. HP Pavilion Elite d5000t

CPU: 2.83-GHz Core 2 Quad Q9550, Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 9500 GS, Monitor Model: HP w2207, Total HD Size (GB): 750GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good,

Bottom Line: This fairly well priced priced PC is good-looking but doesn't feel particularly sturdy.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $1880 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.3PCW Rating: 78.3PCW Rating: 78.3

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

7. Polywell MiniBox 780G-9950

CPU: 2.6-GHz Phenom 9950, Graphics Adapter: Gigabyte ATI Radeon HD 4870, Monitor Model: Samsung 2253BW, Total HD Size (GB): 600GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Good,

Bottom Line: An attractive, compact PC with a medium level of expandability.

Full Review • Test Report 		Price When Reviewed: $2199 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.2PCW Rating: 78.2PCW Rating: 78.2

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

8. CyberPower Power Infinity Pro

CPU: 3-GHz Core 2 Extreme QX9650, Graphics Adapter: EVGA 8800 GTX, Monitor Model: Sylvania SK2201W-B, Total HD Size (GB): 1800GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good,

Bottom Line: This QX9650-based PC provides top gaming performance, but it'll also wallop your wallet.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $4299 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 77.4PCW Rating: 77.4PCW Rating: 77.4

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

9. CyberPower Infinity Pro

CPU: 3-GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850, Graphics Adapter: eVGA eGeForce 8800GTX, Monitor Model: (2) Viewsonic Q22WB, Total HD Size (GB): 1800GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good,

Bottom Line: This excellent all-purpose system for serious power users that includes vast storage and dual 22-inch LCDs.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $4999 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 76.7PCW Rating: 76.7PCW Rating: 76.7

Last Rated: October 10, 2008

10. Polywell Poly P3503-3DT

CPU: 3-GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6850, Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 8800, Monitor Model: KDS 2200W, Total HD Size (GB): 650GB Hard Drive, WorldBench 6 Word Score: Good,

Bottom Line: This liquid-cooled desktop PC is nicely loaded, but it isn't as fast as other quad-core models with the same CPU.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $2695 Check Latest Prices
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