This edition of the High End Gaming PC Buyer's Guide is appearing a bit later than intended. But when you see the goodies we've got inside, you'll be happy for the slight delay. While many people offer up the opinion that waiting to buy a PC is a fool's game, as there will always be something bigger and better just over the horizon. This is true, but only up to a point. As most hardcore gamers already know, there are definitely good and bad times to buy a new PC.
Right now is potentially one of the good times, as AMD just released a new processor and NVIDIA has lit up the streets with a higher-clocked version of their powerful GeForce3 chip. Each of these new product releases has been very recent, and product availability has only come within the last few days or so. This also means that the "bigger and better" hardware is just that much further over the horizon. When you match this up with low component prices, there is an opportunity to put together a killer gaming system that could remain near the top of the performance charts for quite some time.
Even if the available hardware is extremely tempting this month, we're still under a budget. With our High End Gaming PC Buyer's Guide, we take $2500 in cold, hard cash and try to assemble the very best gaming PCs possible. This is a bit harder than it may initially seem, since not only do we have put together a powerful gaming PC, but we also need to bring the entire component list in at under $2500.
Our intended goal is to provide a high-end Intel and AMD gaming recommendation, but not with selections where you need to knock over the local ATM just to read it. Our high end picks will provide all of the gaming power you have come to expect from Sharky Extreme, but we still need to weigh the price-performance of the available components when fitting them in our high end systems. Selecting the best mix of components for $2500 is the tougher goal, rather than simply of assembling the best or most expensive hardware available.
Those looking for recommendations that are not quite so limited by a strict budget should refer to our Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide, which has a $4000 limit, while those seeking a more affordable system should refer to the Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide, which has a $1000 limit.
Another point worth addressing is the scope and purpose of the SE High End Gaming PC Buyer's Guide. This guide is not intended as a strict mandate as to the specific PC to buy, but more to which combination of PC components offer the best bang for the buck in each of the popular high-end gaming platforms (both Pentium 4 and Athlon XP). Which specific system is best is a question that only the reader can answer, as only you know your own specific requirements and can determine which platform makes the best fit.
High-End Gaming PC Budget - $2500
Current Cost of Case: $130
Months on List: 3
Price Change $0
A high-end gaming PC requires a system case with a great design, tons of expansion options, and with the necessary space for top-end system cooling. For our AMD system, we're sticking with tradition and picking the IN-WIN IW-Q500 case. This unit covers all the bases and provides a great home for a high-end ATX gaming PC. It features a removable motherboard tray and slide-out doors, which makes both the initial install and future upgrades a snap. The IW-Q500 is a full tower case is geared more towards a standard home PC, rather than one used exclusively for LAN parties. Translation: consult your chiropractor before hauling this puppy around.
If you are looking for a Pentium 4 case then the AOpen HQ08 (lots of expansion options and a very good design), the Addtronics ET 6890A (expansive, swinging doors, easy access) or the Antec SX830 (a design perfect for those looking to upgrade often) are all great picks. These cases are all large, high quality units featuring ample space for additional cooling fans. These are also Pentium 4 and Athlon certified right out of the box, so you can easily buy the case and then mix and match components.
The choice of a PC case is a very personal and subjective decision, and in this section we're only giving out very basic recommendations. A case should reflect your individual requirements and if you expect to have a system loaded for bear, then size, expansion options and cooling are of the utmost importance. If your gaming habits are more towards LAN parties, or space is extremely limited, then a smaller mid-tower will be the best bet. The IN-WIN IW-S508 is a good mid-tower product that won't break the bank and is fully Pentium 4 compatible. If you have some spare cash and want the coolest-looking mid-tower around, then the Lian Li PC-68USB case ($186 without PSU) is a great bet.