UPDATE #3: My new job has been going well, so I did some more upgrades to this computer. I will see if I can add a pic after this typing. Anyways, first I squeezed in a 850W XFX Core Edition Full Wired PSU (Single 12v rail with something like 70A). This PSU is something like 1.5-2" longer than the stock unit. I went with 850W instead of 650W when I'm only going to be running a single graphics card because it was on sale for actually cheaper than the lower watt units. Next, I took out the GTX 650 previously installed (going into my HTPC with the old 500W stock PSU from this gaming rig as an upgrade to the integrated graphics on the HTPC unit, no wasted parts, yeah!) and replaced it with a GTX 670 FTW Signature 2 (10" in length for your reference). This card went in easy and it looks like you could probably go with an even longer graphics card as the hard drive bay doesn't look like it hangs low enough to interfere (but do your own measurements). I added a 120MM Antec Fan behind the G grille design to help keep the new graphics card cool enough to keep it from throttling down. This card is a beast, it runs Skyrim on Ultra with the Hi-res texture pack at 60 FPS without even having to go into the overclock. You might ask why I didn't just spend a little more money to begin with instead of upgrading this unit? Well, I needed an affordable gaming rig to hold me over until I got FT work and at the $800 sale price on 12/2012 when I bought it, it was a very good deal for the hardware. I knew my HTPC could use some upgrades for when I want to do some gaming on the projector, so I didn't mind buying two graphics cards and a better PSU for this unit since the old ones were going to be used in another machine. In the end I'm still ahead. I have seen the other comments about problems with this machine, but (knock on wood) it has been a pleasure for me personally to own.UPDATE #2: I have successfully replaced the GT 630 with a GTX 650 Ti SSC (SuperSuperClocked). I have seen a lot of people on here and the web complain that this computer cannot accept any video cards except the OEM, FALSE! Here's the secret to make it work. BEFORE taking out the GT 630 boot into the BIOS by pushing DEL when the Acer boot screen comes up before Windows 8 launches. You now need to look for something called "Secure Boot" and "Disable" that function. Now look for an option called "CSM" and enable that option and it should say legacy now. Now you can shut down the computer and install the GTX card. The first time you boot up the computer it may restart at the boot screen, but on the second boot it should boot fine. At first your resolution may look incorrect but this should auto-correct in a few seconds if you are using another nVidia 600 series graphics card. If you are using another series or brand, you are probably going to have to update the drivers. Upgrading to this card increased my WEI ratings for video from 6.7 to 7.4 (I might re-run the test now that the computer has been booted a few times). First thing, I tried Saints Row 3 on Ultra settings and 1600x900 resolution (should be adequate for 24" monitor), it looks beautiful and runs smooth! One last consideration when upgrading the video card, MEASURE the space you have to work. Some of the ATI cards give more bang for the buck but they are generally larger. They might still fit, but I decided to play it safe by getting the best of the 650's (Plus I'm NOT rich)... which is still a considerable improvement over the factory card.
UPDATE: I have now also tried Max Payne 3, Batman: Arkham City, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Microsoft Flight, MX vs. ATV Reflex, Portal 1 & 2, Serious Sam BFE and HD version of 1st & 2nd Encounter, Sleeping Dogs, The Sims 3, TrackMania Nations Forever, The Witcher: Enhanced Edition, Diablo 3, Titan Quest, and a few others I am sure I'm forgetting. All these games have run great with the factory nVidia GT 630. Some games you will have to turn down from 1080p to a lower but still HD resolution to get a decent frame rate, but I have mostly been able to leave texture, shadows, etc. on high or in some cases very high/ultra. If I get a job I am expecting, I will probably upgrade to a GTX card anyways, I'll let everyone know if it makes the noticeable difference I expect...
I see a lot of people nail pretty good computers if they have "gaming" in their product title but don't have a top of the line video card, even when they are priced as low as this one. Especially at the $800 sale price, this is a very good computer and will play most of the titles you also see on PS3 and XBOX 360 on high or above settings and 720p or above resolution. It is irrefutable that this is NOT a high-end graphics card, but it is enough to play most games on higher settings. I have tested Saints Row 2&3, Metro 2033, Red Faction Armageddon, STALKER, Minecraft, Duke Nukem Forever, and will continue to test over 20 games. I'll update if I have problems with any of them... I also wanted to note that on my 24" monitors I couldn't see any noticeable difference going from a 720p resolution to 1080p. Also, while I'm sure diehard gamers that know what they're looking for could tell the difference between high and ultra settings, I didn't really notice anything. So, if you're a casual gamer like me, I would recommend 720p and high settings for games even if they will run higher, this will keep the GPU temperature down and help the card last longer if you're not planning to upgrade it anyways. If you're a knowledgeable gamer and think these pre-built systems are junk, then build your own and quit bashing low-budget pre-built systems because they don't meet the technical standards of a customized high cost gaming system. I almost didn't buy this because of these "gamer" reviews, and I'm glad I blew them off. So far, I'm very happy with how this computer handles my games, especially since it cost $800 not $1,200, $1,600, $2,000 or more that some of the dual video card, water-cooled systems can cost.
that aside, i've uploaded a stock photo of the computer's inside, as it depicts the exact condition mine came in.
i immediately noticed the chassis is a pretty standard size, i was expecting a huge "gaming computer" and also the exterior isn't obnoxious in any way. another highlight is the 500w power supply is slightly higher than what some competitors are offering. the noticeable downside is it comes with an average graphics card. you'll notice the motherboard offers only 1 pci express slot sized x16 and 3 other pci express slots sized x1. there shouldn't be a problem upgrading to even a bulkier graphics card in the future, simply replace the current one and move the wifi to a slot farther down. also, the 12gb ram uses 3 of 4 memory slots so there is room to expand.
i'll say this system is a pretty good starter for gamers who are maybe considering a few upgrades down the road, the type of consumer who doesn't feel like building an entire system from scratch, but getting reasonable performance for a decent price
Buy Acer Predator AG3620-UR308 Gaming Desktop (Black) Now
Despite having laptops and tablets, I find that I really do use a desktop most of the time. I was trying to decide between this Acer Predator and an HP Phoenix. The biggest difference between the two to me was the power supply. Although the 500 watt power supply for this machine is higher than some other brands, it is below the 600 watt and heat sink that the Phoenix offered.The deciding factor for me was watching a video showing the interior of the HP Phoenix. The heat sink took up so much room that I knew that trying to replaced anything would be a nightmare for me. Compared to most of the desktops that I have had, the interior of this Acer Predator seems positively roomy. The picture that another reviewer posted shows it very clearly. I find the exterior size to be comparable to most of the desktops that I have had in the past.
What I also liked was the number of USB ports as well as the accessibility. I was adamant about wanting the third generation Intel I-7 processor and 12GB of RAM and thought this Predator offered the best value.
It comes with a cheap wired mouse and lightweight keyboard but I would advise upgrading the mouse to one designed for Windows 8 since using the tiles with a traditional mouse is really a pain.
I was a bit disappointed to see that there is no separate S/PDIF audio outlet but there is a convenient headphones outlet on top as well as the traditional speaker outlet on the back.
This is the first Acer product that I have owned and though I haven't had it very long, I am pleased with my purchase.
Read Best Reviews of Acer Predator AG3620-UR308 Gaming Desktop (Black) Here
I had to ship it back to Acer Repair Center. I was recommended, not to use the box it came in. I had to shell out 60 bucks for packing and shipping, which wont be reimbursed. They'll take their sweet time of 10 working days to send it back. If you think the desktop is cheap for such a decent configuration, yes you are right. It is cheap alright, I just understood why. I am a student and I configured everything I require. I probably have to do that all over again. It could be that I am the unlucky one to get the one faulty system for every million good systems. but nevertheless I just wanted to share my experience.update: The computer was sent back after two weeks. still was faulty, this time the HDMI out wasn't working, they offered free shipping back to the repair center. But can't do this all over again. I returned it back to amazon. Thanks to amazon for such an excellent return policy.
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Five factors sold me on this machine. The price, the Intel Core i7-3770 processor 3.4GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology up to 3.9GHz (8MB Total Cache), the fact that it has a separate graphics card (upgradable and not integrated on the mother board), the HD size, and the 500 watt power supply. I've been wating a long time for a machine with an Intel Core i7 priced under $1000. True, the GT630 graphics card is somewhat low end, but there's plenty of power to upgrade to a high end card. (In fact, I'm thinking about replacing it with the GTX 650 Ti, which is priced at about $145 at this time). I'm NOT a gamer per se; however I do fly the Microsoft flight simulators FS9 and FSX. Even with the GT650, FS9 runs at 24.8 FPS out of 25 with all the graphics settings maxed out, and FSX works fine with the graphics set at high....19.9 out of 20 FPS. Also there's room to add an additinional hardrive. I've had this computer for a week now and must say, it's quiet, even when running the simulators, I've yet to hear a fan. Yes, there are those complaining about Windows 8, but like any other Microsoft OS, many people don't adapt well to change. There are folks saying that Windows 8 takes up fewer computer resourses than any previous version, so keeping a positive additude about it. So far I'm very satisfied with this computer.Save 12% Off
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