Cheap Gaming Computers:
Value vs. Quality
Is it possible to find a CHEAP gaming PC in regards to the economy today? YES! Since computers have become so elaborate and technical, its easy to distinguish a system that features quality hardware compared to value based machines. Honestly, using a value based appraoch to purchase your system may not produce the best graphics out there, but you can expect to play the vast majority of PC games at decent FPS. Below, will feature a few computers that are prime examples of value based gaming computers and a brief summary on what makes their value significant to performance.
If you have ever searched the web for a particular hardware component, you probably have noticed the multiple brands associated with your search have different prices amongst each other. Its easy to configure a custom computer with value in mind, and even easier to purchase a value based prebuilt gaming computer despite being reasonably more expensive. I will guide you through a selection of processor, motherboard, storage devices, optical drive, graphic card(s), and power supply that have the best value to price ratio.
Lets use this gaming PC as an example -
iBUYPOWER Gamer Power 938 Gaming PC - This PC is a perfect example to express value in the gaming computer market. It features 
the most performance for your dollar and doesn't let any resources go to waste. From proper cable management to efficent airflow techniques, this computer definatley carries on a strong reputation with iBUYPOWER gaming PC's and their affiliates. Featured below, are references to this systems primary performance contributors and added features to benefit this gaming assciated computer.
Central Processing Unit - This PC is equipped with a very fast Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 processor, perfect for ethusiasts and serious gamers. Sharing a total of 4MB of L2 cache, this leaves plenty of mutil-tasking and multi-threading resources. Also with four cores, your games will run stable and smoothly while running intensive applications and various other tasks.
Motherboard -The MSI G31M3-L V2 gaming motherboard delivers new technologies supporting the LGA 775 Socket type for the Intel core 2 Duo and Quad processors. It also supports Dual-Channel DDR2 Memory for applications built around a 64 bit processing system and features faster overall performance. The G31 Express Chipset uses a 1333 mhz system bus for fast access between the processor, RAM, and PCIe expansion slots etc. Using the mATX form fator, this motherboard is perfect for moderate gaming setups when paired up with simliar components.
Video Card - The Gigabyte GeForce 9800GT 512Mb gaming video card is a great performer for its value, running solo in operation, only lacking SLI support for dual video cards. The Zalman VF-830 aftermarket heatsink/fan combination offers efficent cooling performance and works great under pressure. Overall, this card works great for most games, running at 600MHz core clock speed and can produce a max resolution of 2560 x 1600 using the PCIe 2.0 interface. Plus with its own 512 Mb of dedicated GDDR3 memory, there will be crisp and clean images displayed cosistently.
RAM - The MSI G31M3-L V2 gaming motherboard supports 4GBs of High-Speed DDR2-800 memory. This memory capacity is typical, allocating the usage of 4Gbs for above average memory performance and peaking at a transfer rate of 6400 Mbs, a solid performing module for gaming oriented computers.
Hard Drive - This system also comes with a large amount of secondary storage using a 500 Gb Serial ATA drive spinning at a speed of 7,200 RPM for quick access when the user requests data. The install bay demensions are 3.5 in., letting you have to option to upgarde in the future if needed.
Power Supply - This gaming system uses a 680 watt power supply typical for the average gaming PC. Keep in mind, that if you want to upgrade other components, then check your PSU to ensure that your purchase dosen't turn tragic just to find you dont have an adequate power supply to back up your new hardware. Look into our motherboard page for a reference to gaming.
Case - This case has been optimized to represent the Halo community having a custom design across the side of the chassis. The iBUYPOWER Vantage case with Halo2 graphic has a slick look and will impress your friends and associates with its stylish design. Lets not forget the fans that come along with this machine, because airflow plays a big roll in system function to. Plus as mentioned before, if you intend on upgraing in the future, look into better quality fans to equalize the the new degree of heat this PC will produce.
Optical Drive - This unquie chassis also houses a DVD±RW DL disc drive for installing and burning all your applications, associated media, and sensative data. This drive can also be upgraded for your benefit, but I recommened sticking with this preinstalled drive as it has the best value to price ratio. You could also upgrade a more significant component to allocate resources to the GPU or CPU, rather than another optical drive.
In Conclusion, the iBUYPOWER Gamer Power 938 Gaming PC is a solid investment if you are considering a new pre-built gaming computer. Though its hardware is based on value, this system has a wide range of upgrade options and can adapt to the new games and graphic settings being produced by todays gaming companies. I recommned this also as an option to build your own value based computer, becuase you can drop the price a little bit more if you configure a comparable rig yourself. TigerDirect.com offers this gaming system, as well as many similiar hardware components to consider, but also various other well qualified and reputable gaming computers for you to browse and compare. Lets hope you get your new PC built and operating soon!