Reviewed on November 24, 2009Massive case notwithstanding, the affordable Asus Essentio CG5270-BP004 delivers a competitive feature set with the horsepower to back it up. We recommend this system for light media editors and anyone who can make use of its straightforward performance and multipurpose features.TAGS:ASUS, graphics chip, USB port, Intel, Ethernet, AMD, HP, CPU, games, PC
Reviewed on October 27, 2008While the great-looking Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass FX3022 multimedia speakers fall a little short for music listening, their potent bass makes them a better choice for gaming and movie watching.TAGS:Altec Lansing, speakers, games, PC
Reviewed on June 20, 2008Bose's entry-level Companion 2 Series II speakers offer good bass and dual inputs--but they're not the best-sounding PC speakers in their price class.TAGS:Bose, speakers, subwoofer, PC, games
Reviewed on September 8, 2009There's quite a lot to like about Logitech's new Gaming Mouse G500, but with a competing mouse from Microsoft offering its own set of features, gamers now have some choices to make. The G500 will appeal to performance-driven shooter fans. The choice is less clear for other kinds of PC gamers.TAGS:Logitech, Razer, mouse, gamer, wheel, games, Microsoft Corp., PC
Reviewed on August 4, 2009Asus crafted the Essentio CG5290-BP007 to serve as a no-frills gaming desktop for just more than $1,000. And while the boutique PC vendors have a bit more polish for not too much more money, Asus can at least claim that this PC is one of the fastest on the retail shelves. You might have a hard time arguing the necessity of such a fast gaming box for back-to-school, but we can at least recommend this system as a speedy bargain.TAGS:back-to-school, ASUS, customer service, 64-bit, retailer, games, Nvidia GeForce, NVidia, video card, PC
Reviewed on May 6, 2008Logitech's revised version of its already distinctive G15 gaming keyboard adds polish and trims some of the fat. Throw in the now-mature user community that churns out lots of homebrew apps for the built-in LCD screen, and we'd recommend this keyboard to any PC gamer as a unique, useful, and customizable input device.TAGS:Logitech, LCD screen, macro, LCD, World of Warcraft, app, keyboard, key, games, PC
Reviewed on November 25, 2009Maingear's Shift is the boutique vendor's new flagship gaming PC. It brings almost everything we expect to find in such a system, from expert craftsmanship to fast overclocking to a case that makes a statement. We found a few minor sticking points, but, on the whole, this PC sits comfortably alongside the top tier of luxury gaming boxes, and we recommend it if you have the means.TAGS:Maingear, bay, design, motherboard, hard drive, video card, games, PC, video
Reviewed on March 12, 2009The Carcharias is by far the most comfortable, best-sounding PC gaming headset we've tested in a while.TAGS:Razer, headset, microphone, Skype, session, noise, games, PC
Reviewed on June 1, 2009Logitech's $200 G19 Gaming Keyboard boasts a built-in color LCD with exciting capabilities, as well as lots of little improvements over previous models. But with few apps--thus far--that take advantage of the screen in a meaningful way, the G19's potential remains largely untapped. Until the community software effort gets rolling, we can't recommend spending this much on a keyboard that, while flashy, has yet to realize its full potential.TAGS:Logitech, color screen, color, app, LCD, keyboard, YouTube, games, USB, video, PC, Microsoft Windows
Reviewed on August 18, 2009The G330 Gaming Headset is one of, if not the, most comfortable headsets we've ever tested and may have you sacrificing audio quality for comfort.TAGS:Razer, headset, Logitech, microphone, gamer, design, games, PC
Reviewed on April 23, 2009The AVADirect shopping experience can be daunting, but for the tech-savvy buyer willing to navigate the many options available for this system, you'll find that AVADirect's Custom Gaming PC is competently built, with options for blazing fast overclocking, all at an attractive price.TAGS:Intel Core Microarchitecture, overclocking, Blu-ray, degree, motherboard, PC, Intel, games
Reviewed on April 1, 2008The tiny Bose MusicMonitor computer speakers are ideal for buyers who need the smallest possible speakers, but you can find better-sounding--albeit much larger--alternatives at this price.TAGS:speakers, Bose, PC speakers, jack, size, music, CD, PC, games
Reviewed on July 31, 2009Don't let the overlarge case get you too excited, but Asus has put together a compelling budget gaming PC with the Essentio CG5270-BP003. With fast gaming and general application performance, as well as a competitive price, this desktop will satisfy any aspiring PC gamer looking to save a buck.TAGS:chassis, ASUS, gamer, 64-bit, video card, games, PC
Reviewed on August 27, 2009While it may not be ideal for the casual PC gamer, the Megalodon is an incredible sounding and comfortable PC gaming headset that lets you fully customize your sound.TAGS:Razer, headset, microphone, channel, PC, games
Reviewed on February 21, 2009HP's Firebird 803 brings the influence of its Voodoo PC acquisition to the mainstream with a compelling design, admirable power efficiency, and strong bang-for-the-buck. What it lacks is any sort of graphics upgrade path. For some, the limited upgradeability kills the deal. For those still interested, this PC offers a complete gaming PC with conversation-piece design.TAGS:HP Firebird, Voodoo, design, HP, power supply, video card, PC, games