CNET Desktops Reviews are the most comprehensive resource for unbiased personal technology advice.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

The 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.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

AVADirect Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System

AVADirect has a very strong value proposition in its Core 2 SLI DDR3 Gaming System. Assuming you can navigate the daunting shopping Web site, we recommend this system to tech-savvy shoppers who know exactly the components they want.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Falcon Northwest FragBox 2 (Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650)

Falcon Northwest's high-end, preconfigured FragBox 2 leans on a pair of top-of-the-line ATI 3D cards to achieve some of the fastest 3D scores we've seen. You might rightly wait for Intel's new CPUs to ship before making a pricey PC purchase, but if you buy this system now, you'll be treated to a superfast little desktop.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz)

Apple's smaller-scale iMac remains our favorite all-in-one. And while its looks, its ease of use, and its performance are all selling points, Windows PCs are starting to catch up (at least with the latter). A few components could also stand an update, but in general you'll find the 20-inch iMac a remarkable computer for its price.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Velocity Micro Edge Z-5 (Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 Overclocked)

By tweaking its internal components to achieve maximum 3D performance, Velocity Micro has made its $999 Edge Z5 one of the most impressive lower-end gaming desktops we've ever seen. As long as you don't mind sacrificing a bit of productivity speed to get it, we recommend this system to any PC gamer on a budget.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Maingear Prelude (AMD Phenom X4 9850)

The Maingear Prelude has the best bang for the buck among midrange gaming PCs. It also has a certain stocky visual appeal. It's missing a few features, and you'll have to jump through a few hoops to make upgrades, but on balance, this system is a great deal.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Gateway FX6800-01e

With lots of useful features (some cleverly hidden), Gateway's FX6800-01e stands out from the boring mainstream pack. It also uses Intel's new CPU and motherboard combination to provide speed and upgradeability. You can find faster PCs for a similar price, but few with this much promise.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Sony Vaio JS190J (black)

By virtue of its price, its desktop processor, and its Blu-ray drive, the Sony Vaio JS190J makes a case for itself as the new king of the all-in-ones. Its screen might be a bit smaller than some, but no other all-in-one, including Apple's iMac, can do as much, as fast, for the same price.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Sony Vaio LV180J

Sony's Vaio LV180J updates its digital-media-oriented all-in-one with a larger LCD, more powerful hardware, and an exceedingly smart method for switching between the Windows desktop and other components connected via the unique HDMI input. No other all-in-one can make as strong a claim as this one as a command center for your digital media.

Wed Jun 17 10:04am 2009

Dell Studio Desktop Computer (Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200, 750GB HDD, 6GB)

This off-the-shelf version of the Dell Studio Desktop reminds us of a classic Dell computer. This system is faster and better equipped than its competition, and at a better price. You can certainly get away with a cheaper everyday PC, but this one is a bargain among lower midrange desktops.