Cheap Gaming Computers

Gaming Computers: Build or Buy?

Gaming computers are more expensive than general desktop systems. That's because the frantic real-time action of gaming requires a highly responsive computer. Those 3D virtual worlds call for exceptional graphics and high-performance video display. Top-of-the-line gaming computers can cost as much as a good used car. But there are relatively cheap gaming computers that perform well for all but the most demanding players.

Off-the-shelf gaming computers are available from well-known, OEMs such as Dell, Gateway, Asus, and HP. The lower price ranges include pretty good machines starting at about $800. OEMs frequently offer instant rebates on purchases, and "free upgrades" of RAM, CPU speed, hard drive size, graphics processor, etc. The HP Pavilion Elite HPE-410f ($899 with free shipping) is a good example of an OEM cheap gaming computer. This model sports an AMD Phenom 6-core processor, 8 gigs of RAM, a 1 TB hard drive, and the ATI Radeon HD5570 graphics card with 1GB of onboard RAM. Gateway's FX6840 Series ($999) is similarly equipped, but comes with an Intel Core i7 processor

Factory-refurbished gaming computers are a great way to save money. "Refurbs" are systems that were returned for some manufacturing defect. The OEM replaces a bad component but cannot sell the system as "new" anymore. Refurbished computers often cost one-third less than new ones. "White box" gaming computers are also a good value. They're called white boxes because they are not name-brand machines, just simple workhorses built by obscure assembly companies. You save the cost of name-brand marketing and get just as much gaming power. If you're a no-frills kind of buyer, a white box gaming computer is the way to go. Look for refurbished and white box gaming computers on Ebay, or Google one of those phrases to find a distributor.

Custom Built and DIY Gaming PCs

Custom-built gaming computers may sound expensive, but they often provide the cheapest way to get exactly what you want. DVRMart is an example of a custom-build computer vendor. With guidance from the company's experts, you can specify exactly what you can afford on each component of your gaming computer.

Building your own gaming computer is probably the best way to save money, and you don't need to know how to solder. Buying components separately gives you the freedom to hunt for outstanding bargains to keep the total price down. The best deals are often "last generation" models that have recently been replaced by new, improved products. A high-performance graphics card like the ATI 4870 doesn't lose any of its performance just because it was made last summer, but its price is now a lot less.

The editors of MaximumPC.com put together a gaming computer for under $500! that performed as well as their pricier benchmark system. This article describes in detail each component they used and why it was chosen. It's a great guide to putting together your own cheap gaming computer.

Used gaming computers are widely available on Craigslist, eBay, and other online consumer-to-consumer sales sites. Local computer user groups may have for-sale bulletin boards (even real ones, made of cork). Classified ads in newspapers and "thrifty shopper" circulars are other places to look for cheap gaming computers.

A cheap gaming computer does not have to involve great compromises in performance. Just be willing to spend time shopping and researching the specs you really need, and avoid the temptation to buy frills that don't really improve your gaming experience.

Do you have something to say about your own experience with buying or building a gaming computer? Post your comment or question below...