What is the Best Desktop Gaming Computer for January 2009? Gaming, Desktop, Computer, Best, January

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You guys couldn't wait for me to post an updated "best of" list, so here is the best gaming computer your money can buy for January 2009:

Processor - Intel Core i7 965 Processor Extreme Edition BX80601965.

Sure, it comes at at hefty price, but with 4 3.20 GHz cores, Hyperthreading, 8MB of cache, 6.4GT/s Qucik Path Interconnect, and an Unlocked Multiplier, you'll be set for a years to come. You'll also pay $1080

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-EX58-EXTREME Motherboard.

You might be wondering why the more expensive ASUS Rampage II isn't here. In a word: features. the Gigabyte Extreme has more features - and supports twice as much memory as the Rampage II. Combine that with 3x SLI support, on-board RAID support, and 10(!) SATA headers, and you've got yourself a board built for power. It's also going to take a chunk out of your wallet at $350.

RAM - Corsair Core i7 Dominator 6GB PC15000 DDR3 RAM.

While it won't push the Gigabyte motherboard to its limits, this top of the line memory is the best you can get for your motherboard right now. At only 6GB, it leaves you with three empty RAM slots, so I recommend picking up a second set of this RAM to top out your Gigabyte motherboard at 12GB of RAM (and then upgrade to 24GB when the 4GB individual modules come to market). This 6GB of high performance RAM is going to set you back $410.

Hard Drives, Mass Storage - Seagate Barracuda ES.2 1TB Hard Drive.

For all of your personal media - photos, movies, and music - the Seagate Barracuda line of hard drives is the best way to go. Pick up about 5 of these, they're only $150.

Hard Drives, High Performance - Intel X25E Extreme Solid State Drive.

For performance, you just can't beat the abilities of a solid state drive. For all of your high performance needs - like operating systems and games - you'll find nothing better than SSD. Just don't put your swap file on them or you'll replace it within 6 months, and you don't want to be doing that at $770.

Optical Drives - Lite-On DH-4B1S Serial ATA Interface Blu-ray Disc Writer.

I'm only recommending one drive - a Blu-Ray writer - because I've never seen the need for more than one optical drive. With this drive you'll be able to write and play all of your BD, DVD, and CD discs, for a reasonable $270.

Video Cards - BFG GeForce GTX 295 Video Card.

As of right now, this is the king of video card performance. while it technically supports 4x SLI, your motherboard doesn't, so get 3 of these for the absolute best in video performance this side of anywhere. Just try not to cry at the price per card: $500.

Power Supply - Ultra X3 ULT40070 1600-Watt Power Supply.

With all of the gear going into this computer, you're going to need to feed that hungry beast. With a modular design and 1600 Watts of power, it ought to be enough, and it costs enough too: $330.

Computer Case - Thermaltake Spedo VI90001W2Z Full-Tower Case.

With all of the stuff you're going to be putting into your computer, you're going to need a lot of space, and this Thermaltake not only has space, but it has proper airflow design. By allowing the power supply to sit on the bottom of the case, and directing air through a 230mm fan, your gaming computer should stay cool even during the most intense firefights. Sure it's big, but it's worth it at $225.

Keyboard - Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard.

I know it's an older keyboard, but the functionality of the G15 just hasn't been beat. The LCD screen is probably the most underrated but useful features, especially when you're trying to find out what time it is, and the special gaming keys are a lifesaver for macro-heavy games, like World of Warcraft. Plus it's relatively cheap at $80.

Mouse - Microsoft SideWinder USB Gaming Mouse.

Yes, the old Logitech gaming mouse has been dethroned (well, according to me, anyway). This sidewinder, while not wireless, packs a punch with its own adjustable weight system, LCD screen, very responsive buttons and scroll wheel, and the ability to switch between DPI settings (for switching between desktop work and gaming). I love it, and you will too for $60.

Monitors - Sceptre x24wg-Naga 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor.

Yeah it's not 30" and to tell you the truth, 30" screens are terrible for gaming. Sorry, I just don't like having to tweak my neck to see what's on the screen. With a 2ms response time, a 1920x1200 native resolution, and 24" of real estate, it's fast enough and big enough to give you an immersive gaming experience, but small enough to not be physically painful to use. Get two of them for the ultimate experience. It won't break the bank at $290.

So, what's the January 2009 Ultimate Gaming Computer going to cost you?
For the absolute top of the line, with multiple video cards, insane amounts of RAM, and multiple monitors? $6,255.
For a single video card and single monitor setup? $4,965.

Considering that a custom rig from Falcon-NW costs upwards of $20,000, that's not too shabby of a price.