Feb 27 2011 - The iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 is a fully customizable AMD-based desktop computer that features a midrange starting price at just over $1,100. For this price, you get a six-core AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition processor. While it's best used in multi-threaded applications, this CPU also functions well in a gaming desktop. A few upgrades are recommended to fully take advantage of the system's potential, such as more memory and a higher-end video card, but overall this system is a decent value with a spacious hard drive and a budget-friendly price tag.
Pros
- Fully Customizable
- Fast Six-Core Processor
Cons
- Older Video Card
- Most Games Cannot Utilize Six CPU Cores
Description
- AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Six-Core CPU
- 4GB DDR3 Memory
- ATI Radeon HD 5830 1GB Video Card
- Gigabyte GA-870A-UD3 - AMD 870 Motherboard
- 700 Watt Power Supply
- 1TB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- 24x DVD-RW
- Xion Echo Gaming Case
Review - iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 Gaming Desktop Computer
The iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 is a fully customizable desktop PC with a six-core AMD Phenom II X6 1100T CPU. This setup is perfect for those using multi-threaded applications, such as Adobe Photoshop. The Phenom II X6 1100T is also fast enough for gaming, although most titles don't take advantage of all six cores. As stated in other reviews of custom PCs, it's really nice to be able to pick and choose every component that goes into the system. Many times when you buy a stock desktop, it's difficult to find out what motherboard is used in the system prior to purchase. This iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 uses a Gigabyte GA-870A-UD3. But as with every component, you have the option to upgrade or change the hardware to fit your needs.
With a base price of $1,109, the iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 comes with 4GB of DDR3 memory. And like most PC makers, iBuyPower typically offers free upgrades. At the time of publication, a free upgrade to DDR3-1600 memory is available, but 1333MHz modules are standard.
Graphics are supplied by an ATI Radeon HD 5830 1GB video card. If you have the budget, an upgrade to the powerful AMD Radeon HD 6970 2GB model may be worth considering for smooth gameplay even at high settings. Another option is to add a second video card in CrossFireX configuration, but beware you'll have to upgrade the power supply from the base 700 watt model to at least 750 watts if you're adding an additional Radeon HD 5830 to the mix.
Storage space is ample thanks to a 1TB 7200RPM hard drive that is plenty fast enough for mainstream gamers. This is becoming the standard as hard drive prices continue to drop as solid state and hybrid drives enter the market.
If you enjoy choosing how your system looks, the iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 allows just that. The standard Xion Echo case comes in a variety of colors, including the red model pictured. There are also quite a few additional cases available including Antec, Corsair, and CoolerMaster chassis.
Overall, the iBuyPower Gamer Fire 600 is a budget-friendly desktop PC that is best utilized in a multi-threaded environment. There are a few upgrades worth considering to take advantage of the six-core processing power, such as additional memory. And although the video card may be worth updating if you have the cash, it still provides smooth gameplay at medium settings.