Bargain Hunt: Gaming Desktops

Gaming desktops are often wonders to behold, with the fastest speeds, loads of memory, incredible graphical capabilities, and great-looking cases. However, these machines usually cost way too much for the average computer buyer. Thankfully, if you know where to look (as we do), you can find a decent price drop on configurations that are less than a year old. Here are three terrific gaming rigs that have recently dropped in price by more than 18 percent.

HP Firebird with VoodooDNA 803
Was: $2,099
Is: $1,299 direct (after rebates)
Savings: $800 (38.1 percent)
Why You Want It: The HP Firebird is an incredibly sexy-looking gaming rig. Its energy-saving mode can save you a few bucks, and you can turn up its awesome graphics power when you need it. The only drawback is that the HP Firebird doesn't offer a Blu-ray reader option like our review model had.

Falcon Northwest Mach V (Core i7)
Was: $7,995
Is: $6,249 direct
Savings: $1,746 (21.8 percent)
Why You Want It: This Mach V (Core i7) has a beautiful Exotix chassis, yields some of the best multimedia performance around, and is quiet for its size. The only difference from the review model we tested is that this model comes with a 256GB SSD primary hard drive instead of an 80GB SSD drive.

Velocity Micro Edge Z55
Was: $3,834
Is: $3,134 direct
Savings: $700 (18.2 percent)
Why You Want It: In only a matter of months, the Z55's components have dropped in price, making it possible for you to score this incredible, sleek gaming and multimedia box for $700 less. We especially liked the rig's Blu-ray reader and attractive styling.