I like computers. Computers allow me to do homework, watch movies, listen to music, access a plethora of information, and play games. Playing games - the reason why many people buy computers. A top of the line computer will grant you better graphics than those of a Nintendo Gamecube, or even a Microsoft XBOX. What is a top of the line computer? Read on.

In order to gain an understanding of what the term "top of the line" is defined as, we must undertake a brief comparison of two "top of the line" computer systems. Generally, these two systems would be used for gaming (playing games), but a computer that is good at running games is also good at anything else that one might do.

First, consider the Dimension XPS computer by Dell. The specifications are as follows:

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB with HT
RAM: 1GB 400MHz DDR Dual-Channel
VGA: ATI Radeon 9800
SOUND: Sound Blaster Audigy 2
HD: 80GB UATA/100 7200RPM
DVDROM: 16x DVD-ROM
CDRW: 48x24x28 CD-RW Drive

Price: $2283

Keep in mind, that was a Dell computer, which are built by Dell (called pre-built). This next computer will be one that is built to the same specs as the above system, which is built by Dell. The following system would be built by the person who would purchase the parts necessary to built the system:

CPU: AMD AthlonXP 1700+ T-Bred || $50
RAM: 512MB Buffalo 400MHz DDR, which can be run in Dual-Channel mode || $90
MOTHERBOARD: ASUS A7N8X Deluxe || $130
VGA: Sapphire ATI Radeon 9500 Pro || $133
SOUND: On-Board (built in to the motherboard) || $0
HD: 80GB Western Digital 7200RPM 8MB Cache || $70
DVDROM: 16x Lite-On DVD-ROM || $40
CD-RW: 52x24x52 Lite-On CD-RW Drive || $50

Price: $563

These two systems, as is made clear by the content shown above, vary greatly in price. Surprisingly, the difference in performance would be almost identical. Dell is a company for people who don't know anything about computers. The Dell system is very fast - do doubt, however, the second system would be just as fast, if not a very small amount slower. For information on what the above parts do, please refer to Karbo's Guide at www.karbosguide.com.

Anyone can see that the AMD CPU in the second system is slower than the Intel CPU used in the Dell system. Under normal conditions, that observation would be true. However, if the user of the second system were to oveclock the components (the CPU core speed, FSB, and video card) of his computer, its performance would suddenly rival that of the much more expensive Dell. For information about overclocking, refer to Karbo's Guide. With the Dell system, not only does the system cost much more, but the quality of the parts is not as good as if you were to hand pick them yourself (as you would with the second system). The Dell computer says it has 1GB of 400MHz DDR RAM, however; it doesn't say what brand it is. Brand is very important when it comes to memory (RAM). What brand is the video card? Again, Dell does not tell you. Dell does not even give the brand of the motherboard that they use, which is extremely important, as well. Both of these systems would play any game very well (by "very well", it is meant that one could run the newest game at maximum detail at a high resolution, or very close to it).

The term "top of the line", according to the above information, can be defined as an equivalent to one of the above two systems. Now, you are probably wondering, "Why would anyone choose a Dell computer if they are so much more expensive?" The reason why so many consumers buy from Dell, or any other pre-built retailer is that they build the systems for the buyer (which is also true of other companies: Gateway, Compaq, etc.), and they will fix it if anything should go wrong with it. The Dell system configured above comes with a 1-year warranty. So, perhaps you are thinking, "If Dell will fix your computer for free, then why would you buy the parts separately, and assemble the computer yourself, as in example system #2?" The great advantage that comes with buying the parts and building the computer yourself is that you, the consumer, have much more control over what it is that you are purchasing. With Dell, what you are actually getting is really a mystery. When you select the parts yourself, you can choose which brand of motherboard, videocard, RAM, and hard drive you want. When overclocking the components of a computer, these factors (brand) are crucial. Again, overclocking is the means by which you make the custom-built (computer built by you, like the second system, above) computer as fast as the pre-built from Dell. Before overclocking, the custom-built is much slower than the system from Dell.

What are the disadvantages of overclocking? For detailed information about overclocking, please go to www.karbosguide.com. Basically, overclocking is the act of forcing one or more of the components in your computer to run faster than advertised. This results in the overclocked component generating more heat than it would if it were running at stock specifications. Heat is any component's enemy. Too much heat can cause errors, and eventually, melt the component in question. To counter the increased heat generation of overclocked components, better cooling products (fans, heatsinks) are used. Generally, one could purchase all of the necessary elements of a cooling system (for overclocked components) for around $50. Since the extra cooling is really necessary for an overclocked system, we will add that to the price of the computer that we will be overclocking (computer #2, above), which will make the price $613. Also, the Dell system includes a copy of Windows XP Home Edition*, which will add another $100 to the price of system #2, bringing the total cost to $713**.

Along with the equivalent performance that the overclocked computer brings us, comes learning about computers, and electronics in general. Much research must be done before one builds a computer, and with that research comes knowledge. the only disadvantage of overclocking a system would be the fact that it takes time to do the research that is required in order for one to be able to overclock. Overclocking voids the warranty of the overclocked part(s), as well - however; at a price of less than half of the Dell, or any other pre-built, one could destroy all of the components of the custom, overclocked computer, and still have funds left after buying replacement parts for the destroyed parts.