Alienware X51

Alienware X51. The Alienware X51 fits everything a serious gamer needs into a compact chassis. The desktop has a full-size hard drive, desktop-class quad-core processor, and, best of all, a 150-watt discrete graphics card with multimonitor support. PC gaming is arguably "better" than console gaming because systems like the X51 can easily drive more than one monitor, and PC games can be modified by the gaming public to enhance or even radically change game play elements. Want to mash up the Star Trek and Star Wars universes on a console? You're out of luck. On a PC, it's almost a sure bet that there's a universe-bending mod for your space opera game of choice. The Alienware X51 is an excellent portal to any fictional universe, and our latest Editors' Choice for entry-level gaming desktop PCs.

Design and Features
The X51 marks the start of a new design philosophy for Alienware gaming rigs: small form factor (SFF). While there have been plenty of SFF media PCs in the past, SFF gaming PCs are relatively rare. That's because the half-height graphics cards that fit in budget SFF PCs are unimpressive performers, highlighted by the fact that integrated graphics have caught up to the cheap $25-50 graphics cards on the game benchmark tests. The X51 turns the design paradigm (literally) on its ear by shifting the PCIe x16 connector so that a dual-slot wide graphics card can fit in the SFF chassis. The last system to try this method that we looked at was the AVADirect GT3 Core i7. The result is virtually everything you need in a gaming PC is in the system. But doing so means that there really is no internal expansion room whatsoever, so if you want better components, you'll have to swap something out rather than just add on. Though the interior is full, getting to components is easy. Undoing three screws is all it takes to pop out the graphics card, and the hard drive is mounted right beneath the graphics card. The power supply is an external one, which helps keep the chassis interior uncluttered, but make sure you have some room on your floor for the 330-watt brick.

Inside the chassis, you'll find a quad-core Intel Core i5-2320 processor, 8GB of DDR3 memory, a 1TB 7,200rpm hard drive, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi card, and a slot-loading DVD burner. You really don't need too much else, since the system supports multiple monitors out of the box. Like the Alienware Aurora, the X51 comes with user-customizable lighting effects. There are three lighting zones on the X51, so you can make them all the same color, all different colors, or any combination of the three. Alienware's Command Center software controls the lighting effects and power usage, and you can even tailor each to correspond to what game you're playing. For example, you can turn the fans down and put red lights on for viewing DVDs, or turn the fans up and set the lights to Jedi green when playing Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The front of the system has the usual backlit alien head Alienware logo, flanked by the lit color panels. Next to the slot-loading DVD drive on the front are two USB 2.0 ports and two audio jacks for a headset. On the back, you'll find a Kensington lock port, TOSlink and RCA jack for digital audio out, an HDMI port for the internal Intel HD Graphics 2000, six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, analog audio ports, and two DVI-I ports and mini HDMI on the graphics card. Using a combination of the DVI ports, the motherboard HDMI port, and the mini HMDI port, you can use up to three monitors with the X51. Two connected to the graphics card and one to the HDMI port on the motherboard. Obviously, you'd want your game play on the monitor(s) connected to the graphics card, but the extra HDMI port is useful for keeping a browser window, IM window, or even watching a movie on the second (or third) monitor. Having multiple monitors running off the same PC will save you the hassle of balancing a tablet or notebook on your lap while storming the Hutt stronghold on your main screen.

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Lenovo IdeaCentre A720

Lenovo IdeaCentre A720. The IdeaCentre A720 looks to be in that same spirit. It uses an arm with two points of articulation to smoothly swing the screen up to vertical, then back down to horizontal. In the vertical position, the screen is in the traditional position for use with a keyboard and mouse. Closer to horizontal, and the screen works well as a touchscreen, like when you use a tablet. Since the horizontal screen can be placed at the same angle as a keyboard, it is much less fatiguing than holding your arm out straight to manipulate the screen in a vertical position. The design embraces the modern minimalism that's so trendy today: the base has a slot-loading optical drive, the display is frameless (it feels like one solid pane of glass to your fingers), and the screen itself is slim since the internal components are built into the base. The system's 27-inch screen is sure to be true 1080p HD (1,920 by 1,080 resolution) or better, with ten multi-touch points so you can use all of your fingers simultaneously. 27-inches matches the current generation of large-screen iMacs, and is sure to be joined by other manufacturers with 27-inch all in one PCs of their own.

Since the system is placed at the top of Lenovo's product offerings, it comes with lots of high-end options, including multi-core Intel processors, up to Nvidia GeForce GT 630M discrete graphics, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, up to 1TB of hard drive space, an optional solid-state drive (for bootup), DVD or Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0, HDMI in and out, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth, and an optional TV tuner. It's ready for Windows 8, with the aforementioned 10-point multitouch and high end hardware.

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Lenovo IdeaCentre B540

Lenovo IdeaCentre B540. The Lenovo IdeaCentre B540 is a large screen touch-enabled all-in-one desktop PC made for the media enthusiast. It packages a number of desirable technologies in a compact, easy to setup package.

Design and Features
The Lenovo IdeaCentre B540 comes in a newly redesigned chassis, which is more svelte than older Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 series systems. Like many all-in-one desktops, the B540's components are built into the screen, which follows the easel style: The screen rests on two removable feet, with an easel-like stand in the rear propping up the screen. The hinge and screen support are much less complex than Lenovo's other new all-in-one form factor on the Lenovo IdeaCentre A720 . A benefit to the easel style is that you can easily slide the keyboard underneath the system when you're not using it, another is the optional VESA mount, which lets you bolt the B540 to the wall or an articulating arm. The IdeaCentre B540 comes with a seamless glass panel over its touch screen, which allows the user to use the whole touch sensitive surface: older indented touch screens are a little less precise at the edges of the screen.
The IdeaCentre B540 is designed to be a video enthusiast desktop. It includes instant-on TV viewing using a built-in HDTV tuner. You don't even need to turn the Windows 7 system on to watch TV. Other video enthusiast features include 3D (with glasses), true 1080p HD (1,920 by 1,080 resolution) screen, and Blu-ray option, so you can use the B540 as a 23-inch desktop theater. The IdeaCentre B540 can be equipped with a multi-core Intel Core processor and up to 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 650M for a rich 3D gaming experience. The B540 can handle up to a 2TB hard drive, comes with Wi-Fi, wireless keyboard and mouse.

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Lenovo ThinkStation E30

Lenovo ThinkStation E30. The Lenovo ThinkStation E30 has an attractive marketing angle: It's an ISV-certified system, with an Intel Xeon processor and a true Nvidia workstation video card, for less money than you'd pay for some run-of-the-mill performance business desktops. It's hampered in a few areas, but if you're looking for certified systems for your demanding users, the E30 is a sensible entry-level workstation.

The Lenovo ThinkStation E30 is a good way to dip your toe in the world of ISV-certified professional workstations. It's faster than similarly priced business desktops, and could be a factor in obtaining and fulfilling your next business contract work. Faster than a run-of-the-mill desktop. ISV certified. Well marked interior. No USB 3.0 or eSATA ports. Limiting 280-watt power supply. 4GB of RAM is light for a workstation.

Design and Features
The E30 looks like a standard tower, with the addition of an easy-to-use handle on the top that lets you easily move the system from one cubicle to another. The perforated front panel of the E30 is all business: two USB 2.0 ports, audio jacks, a digital media card reader, and a DVD burner. But it's a party in the back, with six more USB 2.0 ports, more audio jacks, Ethernet, serial port, and DVI and DisplayPort jacks (on the discrete Quadro 600 video card). The system's low price explains why it lacks high-speed ports like USB 3.0 and eSATA, but these are standard on $400-$500 media PCs and should really be included here. The rest of the chassis is painted black metal, as you'd expect of a corporate-oriented PC.

There's plenty of room inside for upgrades. You can add (now or in the future) an additional 3.5-inch hard drive, a second optical drive, as many as three more DIMMs (the E30 comes with only 4GB of RAM), two PCI cards, and one PCI Express x1 card. But the power supply is somewhat limited: It maxes out at only 280 watts. Granted, the Quadro 600 uses only up to 40 watts and the Xeon E3-1230 processor up to 80 watts, but that still gives you a fairly low ceiling for planning future upgrades. The "touch points" in the chassis are marked in Lenovo blue, so you know where to push to pop out hard drives or slide in drive sleds. The system can be upgraded without using a screwdriver, a plus if you need to replace hard drives regularly.

The system comes with a standard 500GB 7,200rpm SATA hard drive, though faster 10,000rpm hard drives and solid-state drives are also options; and RAID Level 0 and RAID Level 1 are supported on the motherboard. There's also a TPM chip for added security. The power supply is 80Plus Bronze certified, the system is GreenGuard certified, and the whole shebang has EPEAT Gold certification. The system is very quiet, thanks to the low power usage in the Quadro 600 card and Xeon processor. As mentioned, the system is ISV certified, so you're covered in case you need support or if ISV certification is a mandatory checkbox on your contracts for projects.

Windows 7 Professional 64-bit came preinstalled on our test unit, but the E30 also supports 32-bit Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows XP (both Professional and x64 Edition), and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6. Like most Lenovo desktops, the system comes with the Lenovo Rescue and Recovery utility and the Lenovo update manager. The ThinkStation E30 is mostly free of other bloatware, as it should be. About the only other software applications you'll find are Office 2010 Starter, a shortcut for Skype, and an installer for Norton Internet Security.

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HP Compaq 8200 Elite All-in-One PC

HP Compaq 8200 Elite All-in-One PC. The HP Compaq 8200 Elite All-in-one PC is a quad-core powered, large screen business desktop PC. It has an intelligent yet sedate design, good performance numbers, and would be a good fit for your space-constrained line workers who need just a bit more performance and screen room. It's a little pricey, especially considering that you can get systems with a few more bells an whistles for less money. Ultimately is the 8200 Elite is a decent choice if your business already has a buy contract for HP Compaq 8200 Elite PCs, but consider a lower-clocked processor to lock in a better price.

The HP Compaq 8200 Elite All-in-one PC is a nice performer with a restrained, yet intelligent design. However, it's a smidge too expensive for what you get in this configuration. Compact all-in-one form factor. Storage area for keyboard. Quad-core processor. Wireless mouse and keyboard. 802.11a/b/g/n dual channel Wi-Fi. Lots of options. 3 year warranty. No USB 3.0, eSATA, nor HDMI in. External power brick. A few pieces of bloatware.

Design and Features
The 8200 Elite has the same design ID as previous business all-in-one desktops, similar to but distinct from HP systems like the Editor's Choice winning HP Omni 220-1080qd. The 8200 Elite has a basic black motif, with glossy and matte finish panels all over. It's built into an easel-style chassis, with a simple stand and a single hinge attached to the back panel so you can tilt the screen to your liking. The system's speakers are built below the screen, perfectly placed for kiosk or reception desk use. The screen chassis floats above the system's stand, similar to the HP Omni and Apple iMac systems, so there's a handy spot below the screen to stow your keyboard. The desktop includes a 1.3MP webcam for video conferencing. The only other notable feature on the front panel is the power button.

The left hand side of the 8200 Elite is where you'll find two USB 2.0 ports, audio, and a 6-in-1 card reader (mainly variants of SD and Memory Stick). The right side has the system's tray-loading DVD drive, drive activity light, and brightness controls. The back is relatively Spartan, with four more USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, audio, and the power connector for the external power brick. The back panel can be removed relatively easily to swap out the drives and get to the memory DIMM slots (two total). There are a few ports we'd like to see in every business PC that this system lacks: eSATA and USB 3.0 for connecting speedier hard drives, HDMI-in or DisplayPort-in for connecting laptops or newer desktops, and HDMI-out or DisplayPort-out for multiple monitor support. HDMI-in or DisplayPort-in really come into play when the Core i7-2600S processor becomes too slow: you can hook up a laptop or newer desktop PC in the future to extend the monitor's life.

The desktop comes with plenty of pre-installed software, including a package that can take the sting out of the HDMI port's absence. The system includes HP's LinkUp software, which lets you remote control and mirror the screen on any Windows 7 laptop or desktop on your LAN. This way you can work on any PC in your local network, using the 8200 Elite's large screen. Other pre-installed software may (or may not) have a use in your organization. The extra software includes Uola (website creation and hosting), Huddle (collaboration, workflow, and virtual work spaces), Office 2010 Starter, Norton Internet Security (a paltry 60-day subscription), HP MyRoom (video conferencing), HP Virtual Rooms (multi-user virtual meetings), MSN, YouCam, HP Protect Tools, HP CA Management agent (asset management), and Xobini (address book). Most of this stuff is benign, but your IT folks may need to spend some time uninstalling unwanted programs or cleaning up this system before dropping it on users' desks.

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Velocity Micro Raptor Z90 (Intel Core i7-3930K)

Velocity Micro Raptor Z90 (Intel Core i7-3930K). If you're in the market for a gaming rig, chances are you're either going in with a budget in mind or looking for the best, most tricked-out system money can buy. The Velocity Micro Raptor Z90 (Intel Core i7-3930K) fits the latter category and is not a gaming desktop for the miserly; it features Intel's latest Sandy Bridge-E series processor, which alone has a market price of $555, and two Nvidia GeForce GTX 580 graphics cards. In addition to its potent internal components, the Velocity Micro throws in such wireless features as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—rare in custom gaming rigs.

Money burning a hole in your pocket? The Velocity Micro Raptor Z90 (Intel Core i7-3930K) will fix that quickly and make sure your desktop gaming needs are covered for the next few years. Blu-ray is read/write. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onboard. Great overall performance. No bloatware. Nice aluminum chassis.

Design and Features
The Raptor Z90 isn't small, but won't leave a Jolly Green Giant-sized footprint like the Falcon Northwest Mach V (Core i7-3960X). It's a full silver aluminum tower with a little more heft than a standard tower PC.

Looking inside the chassis through the clear side panel, the interior is lit up by several blue LEDs. It's spacious and clean, with enough room to fit two extra optical drives; two hard drives (two SATA ports for SSD caching are open on the motherboard); perhaps another graphics card in the extra PCIe x16 slot (though between the two Nvidia GeForce GTX 580 graphics cards it's a tight squeeze); and four more DIMM slots for RAM.

The unit has two 120GB solid-state drives and a 2TB spinning 7,200-rpm hard drive, built for speed and storage space. The Polywell Ignition X7900i-3960 comes out ahead here, boasting two 120GB SSDs plus a 3TB spinning hard drive. There's a 1,200-watt power supply installed to help power all these components.

The Raptor Z90 comes with a total of 16GB of RAM, but once again the Polywell X7900i-3960 trumps it with a total of 32GB of RAM. The Raptor Z90 does, however, come equipped with more creature comforts, like 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (via a USB receiver), and a Blu-ray burner, whereas the Ignition X7900i-3960 has only a Blu-ray player.

There's no shortage of connectivity options. Behind a swinging aluminum door is a media-card reader supporting microSD, SD/MMC, xD, M2, CF/MD, and MS formats, as well as a solitary USB 2.0 port. The back has a USB BIOS Flashback port, six USB 2.0 ports (one occupied by the Bluetooth receiver), four USB 3.0 ports, two powered eSATA ports, a Gigabit Ethernet connection, two mini HDMI and four DVI-I video outputs, and S/PDIF and a multitude of audio jacks to hook up to a surround-sound system.

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HP Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix (h9-1100z)

HP Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix (h9-1100z). The HP Pavilion HPE h9 Phoenix (h9-1100z) is HP's (re-) entry into the gaming PC market. While HP's HPE h8 series PCs go after multimedia enthusiasts, the h9 Phoenix goes after the entry level to mainstream gaming enthusiast with similar gusto. What HP brings to the table, in addition to performance, are a lot of standard features that would've been extra-cost options on other entry-level gaming PCs.

The h9 Phoenix line extends the usual HP HPE tower chassis' looks by adding a new faceplate and side panels. The HP Pavilion Elite h8-1124 and its brethren are basic tower desktops, with fairly sedate looks. The h9 Phoenix swaps in a more aggressive front panel with angry red backlighting and a perforated side panel with red internal lighting. It's not quite as outré as the Alienware X51 or Velocity Micro Edge Z40, but it's definitely going for the same slice of the gaming market. The inside of the chassis has the room you'd expect from a tower, with plenty of breathing room for the included Nvidia GeForce GTX 550 graphics card. Another improvement over the HPE h8 series is an up rated 600W power supply (compared to the relatively paltry 300W in some h8 PCs).

The h9-1100z comes with an eight-core AMD FX-8100 processor, from AMD's new multi-core FX line of processors. Other niceties include a Blu-ray player optical drive, 802.11n WiFi, a 1TB hard drive, and Beats Audio. As on HP's all in one PCs, Beats Audio modifies the system's internal audio to enhance music listening and movie watching. Beats Audio works through headphones or through external speakers, and you don't have to be using Beats Audio branded headphones to use the sound enhancements. The h9-1100z comes with a two-year warranty, double that of most other desktops. There is some bloatware, but the system comes with a 15-month subscription to Norton Internet Security, which is a totally useful period of time compared to the paltry 30-day subscription included with many PCs.

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