Top 10 Power Desktop PCs

Many of these powerful desktop PCs boast the latest technologies, including Intel's Core i7 processor, making them the right choice for demanding users.

ThinkStation S10

Bottom Line: This system's quad-core QC 6700 CPU gives it decent oomph, but we were unimpressed after putting it against other power PCs.
PC World Rating: 64.0 (Fair)

CPU: 2.66-GHz Core 2 Quad Q6700
Graphics Adapter: Nvidia Quadro FX 1700
Monitor Model: ThinkVision L2240p
Total HD Size (GB): 500
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Good

Minibox 780G-9950

Bottom Line: An attractive, compact PC with a medium level of expandability.
PC World Rating: 76.0 (Fair)

CPU: 2.6-GHz Phenom 9950
Graphics Adapter: Gigabyte ATI Radeon HD 4870
Monitor Model: Samsung 2253BW
Total HD Size (GB): 600
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Good

Poly X5800i

Bottom Line: Though the X5800i comes close to being a top performer, some rival desktops match its speed and beat its cost.
PC World Rating: 76.0 (Good)

CPU: 3.2-GHz Core i7 Extreme 965
Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon HD4870 X2
Monitor Model: Acer AL2416WB
Total HD Size (GB): 792
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good

MTower PCIe 965

Bottom Line: The MTower PCIe 965 offers strong general-purpose performance, but fails to excite as a gaming system.
PC World Rating: 77.1 (Very Good)

CPU: 3.2-GHz Core i7 Extreme 965
Graphics Adapter: EVGA GeForce 9800+ GTX
Monitor Model: 2343bwx Samsung SyncMaster
Total HD Size (GB): 600
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior

Studio XPS

Bottom Line: The Studio XPS delivers powerful performance for its price; but the internal design hampers this awesome PC.
PC World Rating: 77.4 (Fair)

CPU: 2.93-GHz Core i7 940
Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon HD4850
Total HD Size (GB): 500
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good

MTower PCIe Centurion

Bottom Line: A nicely expandable system with blue LED bling, gaming muscle, and bundled Logitech peripherals.
PC World Rating: 78.3 (Very Good)

CPU: 3.16-GHz Core 2 Duo E8500
Graphics Adapter: EVGA e-GeForce 9800 GTX
Monitor Model: Samsung SyncMaster 245BW
Total HD Size (GB): 600
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good

FX6800-05

Bottom Line: This Gateway is one of the better power PCs available, if the price and limited upgradability don't scare you away.
PC World Rating: 77.5 (Good)

CPU: 2.93-GHz Core i7 940
Graphics Adapter: Ati Radeon HD 4870 X2
Monitor Model: Gateway FHD2401
Total HD Size (GB): 1080
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior

Poly X4800-EXTREME

Bottom Line: Pricey desktop provides blow-your-socks-off performance and lots of rear port connectivity.
PC World Rating: 80.6 (Superior)

CPU: 3.2-GHz Core 2 Extreme X9770
Graphics Adapter: MSI Nvidia GeForce GTX280
Monitor Model: Acer AL2416WBSD
Total HD Size (GB): 600
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior

Microflex 92B

Bottom Line: The MicroFlex 92B's speed, price, and upgradability make it a winner.
PC World Rating: 86.4 (Good)

CPU: 2.93-GHz Core i7 940
Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon HD4870X2
Monitor Model: LG19" WL1942
Total HD Size (GB): 300
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good

Gamer Xtreme XT-K

Bottom Line: It’s not the fastest PC around, but this gaming-oriented power desktop delivers stellar graphics performance.
PC World Rating: 79.2 (Very Good)

CPU: 2.66-GHz Core i7 920
Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2
Monitor Model: ViewSonic VA2226W Widescreen
Total HD Size (GB): 1000
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior