Black Friday is almost upon us, but there are already plenty of bargains to be had for those looking to supercharge their computers with some fancy new upgrades. Every year, shoppers all over the US and beyond spend time scouring the Internet for Black Friday computer parts, but there’s little room for compromise when it comes to building or upgrading a high-end desktop machine. As such, we’ve shortlisted some of the best products of their kind to help you choose wisely.
#1. ASUS GeForce GTX 1080 8GB ROG STRIX Graphics Card
The ROG (Republic of Gamers) label only applies to the highest-end computer parts from Asus, and this top-of-the-line graphics card is no exception. This factory-overclocked version of the current-generation GTX1080 sports a core clock speed of 1936MHz and 8GB of RAM, making it more than capable of powering any high-end gaming machine. The card also features Asus’ patented DirectCU III cooling technology for lower temperatures and quieter operation during full loads.
#2. Razer DeathAdder Elite Mouse
From one of the leading manufacturers of high-end peripherals for gamers comes the Razer DeathAdder Elite. With its 16,000 DPI optical sensor, it’s one of the most accurate mice currently on the market, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy fast-paced online multiplayer gaming. The mouse also features Razer’s distinct design and ergonomics, including mechanical switches, customizable lighting effects and a high-end braided fiber cable.
#3. ASUS ROG MAXIMUS VIII Ranger Motherboard
The Z170 chipset is the current gold standard for gaming machines and other high-end home desktops based on Intel architecture. This top-range motherboard from Asus provides just about every expansion and connectivity option you could want from a Z170 gaming motherboard, including support for 3-way SLI and professional-grade audio thanks to the integrated SupremeFX 2015 chipset. It also comes with an impressive software suite, including one-click overclocking right from your desktop.
#4. Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz DDR4 Memory
Most experts recommend 16GB as the optimal amount of memory for gamers and most power users. Corsair’s Vengeance LPX series is designed for maximum overclocking, while the included heat-spreaders help to keep the modules cool and maximize their lifespan. This 16GB kit ships with two RAM chips, allowing you to take advantage of the performance boost provided by the dual channel interface. It also sports C15 memory timings for the best memory performance money can buy.
#5. Intel Core i7 6700K Processor
Intel processors consistently outperform those manufactured by AMD, making the Intel Core i7 the favorite choice for those building or upgrading a mid- to high-end gaming desktop. The Intel i7 6700K might be the most expensive of the Skylake series of processors, but it’s by far the fastest, and it comes with an unlocked multiplayer. Paired with a Z170-based motherboard, it’s often possible to achieve overclocks of around 20%, particularly if you’re using an aftermarket cooler.
#6. Razer Ornata Chroma Keyboard
With its stunning backlighting colors and extensive customizability, this keyboard makes the ideal accompaniment to the DeathAdder Elite mouse. The most unique feature, however, is the combination of mechanical and membrane keyboard technology, which makes for a quiet and comfortable typing experience combined with the improved force-feedback of fully mechanical designs. Other features include an ergonomic wrist wrest, multiple lighting effects and a 10-key rollover.
#7. EVGA SuperNOVA 850W G2, 80+ Gold Power Supply
Power supply units aren’t exactly the most glamorous components in a high-end desktop rig, but they certainly are one of the most vital if you want to avoid disaster. This high-end PSU sports an 80+ Gold efficiency rating, which means it’s at least 80% efficient at loads of 20% and higher. With a maximum theoretical output of 850 watts, it’s also more than capable of powering two graphics cards and, with its fully modular design, it’s also highly flexible when it comes to future upgrades.
#8. Corsair Hydro Series H115i CPU Water Cooler
To achieve a decent CPU overclock, an aftermarket water cooler is practically a must. This offering from Corsair packs in a 280mm radiator, dual fans and software allowing you to easily control fan speeds and monitor temperatures. The H115i also features a closed-loop, factory-seal design making it no more complicated to install than any standard heat sink and fan unit. It’s compatible with all current-generation Intel and AMD socket types too.
#9. Samsung 850 EVO 1TB Solid State Drive
It took some years for solid state drives to hit the mainstream, given the enormously high prices they demanded. Fortunately, however, things have changed in recent years, and SSDs have practically become standard on any mid- to high-end machine. The Samsung 850 EVO continues the trend of affordable SSDs with decent amounts of storage space, making this 1TB option a must-have for anyone with a large collection of games.
#10. NZXT Phantom 820 Case
When it comes to bragging rights, a good-looking case with a top-quality build is a must for any serious gamer. The NZXT Phantom 820, which is available in black, white or chrome, features a stylish, futuristic design highlighted by integrated interior and exterior lighting. However, there’s much more to this case than looks alone. The full-tower chassis sports removable hard drive enclosures, 6 USB ports, removable dust filters, an acrylic window, a four-channel fan controller and much more.
#11. Razer Kraken 7.1 V2 Gaming Headset
No gaming rig would be complete without a decent headset, particularly if epic multiplayer battles are your thing. This offering from Razer provides virtual 7.1 surround sound and powerful 50mm audio drivers for deep bass tones, clear highs and excellent immersion. It also sports large ear cushions, a fully retractable microphone and a padded headband. Like many of Razer’s gaming products, the Kraken 7.1 V2 also sports customizable lighting.
Conclusion
Assembled from components such as those above, your gaming desktop should happily be able to play all modern games at their highest settings for the next three or four years. Add in an extra GTX1080 graphics card, and you shouldn’t have any problem pairing your dream desktop with an ultra-high-definition monitor as well.
Leave a Reply