6 Best Desktops for the Gentleman Gamer
As gentlemen, we enjoy the finer things in life — quality food, sophisticated style, expensive cars — but that doesn’t mean we stay away from simple pleasures, like video games. In fact, gaming is a quick, constructive way to relieve stress and learn skills, like hand-eye coordination, spatial orientation, and more. Still, to live up to our status, we must strive to play only the most advanced games available — which means we can’t settle for anything less than amazing tech. For all the gentleman gamers out there, here are the computers you need to have the best gaming experience possible.
6. CyberPower Trinity Xtreme
Desktop towers aren’t particularly attractive features in a room, and many gentlemen take pains to hide theirs away — but with the CyberPower Trinity Xtreme, you don’t have to worry. This computer’s unique three-chamber design transforms the machine in to a work of art that gamers can confidently display. Plus, the unique look doesn’t detract from its performance: Its six-core Intel Core i5-5820K CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan X graphics card run any game magnificently. Unfortunately, the Trinity Xtreme’s tri-star shape does prevent gamers from tinkering with any ease.
5. CyberPower Zeus Mini
Striking in black and green, the CyberPower Zeus Mini could easily be confused with a game console — until gamers start playing. The four-core Intel Core i7-4770K muscles this tiny desktop into league with larger, more conventional gaming machines, and its EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Superclocked GPU produces an astounding frame rate. Plus, at around $1,800, the Zeus Mini leaves gamers plenty of cash to spend on new games — if they can tear themselves away from the simple beauty of multiplayer on their Minecraft servers, especially if they bolster the graphics with a few mods.
4. Falcon Northwest Mach V (GTX 980)
The Falcon Northwest Mach V (GTX 980) demonstrates that after 22 years on the scene, the Mach V is still a top-notch gaming machine. This latest update is big, bold, and beautiful: Measuring about 24.25 by 9 by 22.25 inches, it easily becomes the most prominent feature in any room — especially if you opt for a custom paint job (which you should). Yet, three Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 graphics cards and an overclocked Intel Core i7-5960X octo-core guarantees that the tower isn’t what gamers will be watching, but rather their eyes will be glued to the jaw-dropping quality of their games.
3. Origin Chronos
You should never judge a PC’s power on its size or price; case in point: the Origin Chronos. Built into a compact, small-form-factor chassis, the Chronos is filled to bursting with an overclocked Intel Core i7-4770K processor, a pair of 6GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 Ti cards, and a Corsair 850W power supply — all of which work to produce some of the best performance we’ve ever seen, especially in a sub-$5,000 machine. While its small size prevents any internal expansion, the Chronos is more than worth its $1,600 price tag
2. Digital Storm Coridium
Most people play video games to escape to new worlds, and the Digital Storm Coridium fulfills that desire with flying colors — literally. With dual AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics cards, the Coridium produces the gorgeous visuals gamers and game-makers hope for. Plus, an overclocked hex-core Intel Core i7 processor produces mammoth amounts of power, making the desktop spectacularly speedy. Gamers can set up multiple 4K monitors without a sweat for totally immersive game time. The only drawback is the Coridium’s price: At nearly $8,000, this computer costs as much as a used car — but can take gamers farther and faster than any set of wheels.
1. Maingear Epic Force Super Stock X99
The Maingear Epic Force Super Stock X99 is unparalleled. It has a monstrous eight-core Intel Core i7-5960X processor. It has dual VisionTek CryoVenom R9 295X2 graphics cards, which are essentially slimmer, more optimized AMD Radeon R9 295X2 cards. It has a wealth of overclocking options, including a specialized socket kit, on-board start and reset buttons, and extra cooling hardware, and it has a built-in display for monitoring CPU temperature, fan RPMs, clock speeds, and more in real time. Unfortunately, the Epic Force Super Stock X99 costs over $12,000 — which means only the most elite can afford to experience it wondrous power. Still, we’ll do almost anything for the love of the game.