Alright guys listing part builds for a descent gaming box. Yes you or I can do that just fine.
List me a retail solution that is a good gamer compareable to an Xbox 360 or PS3. Then tell me the price. I don't want a one time limited time only deal. I want a set price this is the price kind of deal.
So let me have it.
Oh and make sure two or three players can play on the same machine at the same time while your at it.
Ok ready??? GO!
Answer is really that is not feasable. If you want a pure entertaintment device for the money nothing beats a console.
If you want to tweak and modify and take advantage of a community that knows the program backend better than you ever could and you know computers OF COURSE the computer is the choice for you.
If you are the parent of a couple kids that want a gaming solution you probably don't want a computer unless it is also for educational use. Plus it is easier to police what a person does on a console as opposed to a computer.
Custom built? Heres one. You could probably cut costs even more if you went with a slower processor or maybe an HD 3850 (however the 9600GT is practically the same as an 8800GT) You could probably go with a different case but I just chose that one randomly.
C2D E4500 = $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115031
GIGABYTE GA-P35-S3G = $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128084
ECS 9600GT = $149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134038
Kingston 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800 = $38.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134635
EXCELSTOR Jupiter Series160GB 7200 RPM = $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822210004
FSP Group Blue Storm II 500W = $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104034
Pioneer 20x DVD-RW = $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129018
RAIDMAX Elite = 26.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156192
Total = $580.92 before any rebates vs 80GB PS3 which is usually $499.99
Probably have to buy Windows as well so thats also an added cost, but prices fluctuate a lot on that and you can find it used or new plus you could buy an upgrade if you already had a prior copy.
I would say that outdoes the 360 or the PS3 handily. Granted there aren't many split screen PC games anymore, and it won't play high def movies in Blu ray format but this is about gaming.