-->

Acer Computer Parts

In the lower high-end sector Acer has recently launched a very impressive desktop computer with a well balanced hardware configuration. It's called Acer Predator AG3610-UR10P. The main part of the computer is an LGA1155 Core i7-2600 processor (the simple “locked” version), which beats all LGA1366 high end processors, but comes second the the newest LGA2011 platform.

This processor features four processing cores running at 3.4GHz, automatically overclocked to 3.8GHz by Intel's TurboBoost technology, when needed. Consuming up to 95Watts of power, this processor is one of the most efficient high-end models available.

Acer Computer Parts (Source: images.highspeedbackbone.net)

Strangely enough Acer has chosen a barely mid-range video card for this desktop, the nVidia Geforce GT 530 with 2GB of on-board memory. This allows the user to run most applications at pretty decent speeds (including CAD software), buck lacks that extra horsepower that's needed for 3D gaming in high resolutions and high image quality.

By default 8GB of DDR3 system memory is installed, which is enough for most applications and games with the page file disabled. On the other hand video editing and 3D modeling may ask for up to 16GB memory (RAM + page file). In my experience 8GB of memory is enough for the average user, as it can boost even the performance of low-end computers, based on Celeron, Pentium, Athlon or Llano processors. I have recently purchased a Celeron G530 dual core processor and the cheapest LGA1155 motherboard from Asrock, and I have to say that the extra 4GB (4+4 total install) of memory makes all the difference while multitasking in Windows 7.

As for internal storage, Acer has installed a standard high-end part in this desktop, a 2TB 7200RPM SATA hard drive – to be more exact. Removable storage consists of a lot of USB ports and the internal 16X DVD burner. Yes, a lot of recent DVD burners can climb up to 24X reading and writing speed, but in reality there's very little difference in MB/s, so it's better to use slower and quieter units.

Acer Computer Parts (Source: images.highspeedbackbone.net)

A pleasant surprise is the 450Watt power supply inside this stylish desktop computer case. The total power consumption of the installed parts stays at 200-250Watts on average, so the 450Watt power supply is more than enough. It needs to be said that Intel and nVidia chips tend to exceed the official TDP for a few seconds from time to time, so this is why the extra 200Watts o power is needed in this desktop. I'm not saying that AMD chips behave much better when it comes to power consumption, but they are known to stay within the official limits (at least 5% lower then the maximum allowed).

The Acer Predator AG3610-UR10P desktop computer costs 1050 USD with the parts mentioned above (at newegg and tigerdirect), and will serve you well if you don't want to run the latest games in the highest detail.