CyberpowerPC Gamer Ultra 2138 Desktop PC AMD FX-Series FX-8120(3.1GHz) 8GB DDR3 1TB HDD Capacity AMD Radeon HD 6670 1GB Windows 8

Pros: -Fast 8-core processor sort of future-proofs the machine so you can expand the other parts without ditching your motherboard at least for a few years hopefully.
-Good, clean sound on a flat EQ
-Windows 8 (used to be a con, but see "other thoughts")
-Awesome looking case minus the power button placement (see cons)
-Not overloaded with an unnecessary amount of ram to jack up the price

Cons: -First and foremost, the CPU and side fans are, to put it lightly, pieces of junk. I'm writing this review specifically for this reason as i have reviewed this product in the past without mentioning this, since back then (in winter) this wasn't really a problem. Now the included CPU fan and heatsink do not do justice under intensive situations. Yeah I'm using the machine now just fine, but doing anything CPU intensive like gaming, video rendering and such is likely to shut you down without warning. First I thought it was the power supply, but feeling the side of the machine with my hand where the CPU lies, and reading other reviews, i now know the actual problem. Frankly the side fan should help at least a little based on how loud it is, but nope, It's just loud. I disconnected it briefly just to be sure, and it pretty much accounts for like 75% of the noise on this thing. I plan on getting thermal paste so I can switch out this weak CPU fan with a much more powerful one I have with an older motherboard I don't use anymore. As for the side fan, I'm replacing that as well to cut down on the noise drastically. Having nice bookshelf speakers on my desk, I didn't think there was a machine so ridiculously loud to actually cut through the clean and direct sound these guys put out, but I was wrong. I got this computer on black friday of last year, so i consider the 150 bucks I saved to still be a good investment. I now know i can put that money into new fans and (see below) a new graphics card.
-Okay enough ranting about fans, lets get into the meat and potatoes (or at least what should be) of a gaming pc: the graphics. I give props for getting such a great processor for the price, but the graphics severely bottleneck my gaming experiences. I downloaded Tomb Raider thinking maybe this could at least support minimal 1080p graphics. Unfortunately the framerate gets hindered way too much. I ended up having to reduce the resolution to 720p and putting everything on low quality just to make the game playable. But honestly, this game wasn't even thought of when this machine first came out, so this isn't as big of a deal as the issue with the fans. In fact I bought this machine seeing that it was a cheap 8-core processor and knowing that, unlike the processor, I can replace the graphics card. But I still consider it a disadvantage that this card is far from impressive.
-One last finer detail which really isn't a big deal, is that the power and reset buttons are a bit discrete for my liking. They make for good aesthetics on the case, but they're just as black as the rest of the plastic around it and don't stick out at all so i really gotta feel around for it if I can't immediately see it.

Other Thoughts: -I was nervous jumping into windows 8 that i wouldn't like it, but because of how i had windows 7 set up, I really don't mind windows 8. Since this is a desktop, the interface for windows 8 is far from necessary I'll give that to the anti-windows 8 dudes. However, my go-to programs don't even need the start menu because I dock them all. This means unless I'm using a program less commonly opened, I don't have to touch (well, click i guess) the start menu. Plus on those occasions where I do need a program involving the start menu, I have them prioritized in reading order so they're super easy perhaps, dare I say it, easier to get to quickly than windows 7.
-One last thing worth mentioning is that I marked the sound quality as a pro because I do like the sound it gives on a flat eq, but if you do anything to the eq, the pro instantly turns into a con. Using Realtek's eq in the audio manager, the bass response is terrible. Maybe it's my high standard due to owning a Cowon MP3 player with BBE+ sound, but when i adjust those low bands, I expect punchy, exciting bass that feels like an inner ear massage. What I get is far from that. There is a setting to normalize the sound, I make sure that is off, but despite this, it seems when I want the bass to be substantially more, all it does is lessen the other bands during the boomy portions of songs, then when I turn the volume up to compensate and the music calms down to a lower dynamic, the sound suddenly gets really shrill and sensitive. I mentioned this in my other review, but I'm reiterating it because I find it important as a musician and an audiophile. Just keep the bands flat and just use VLC's EQ and you'll be fine. I'm just criticizing what is built in to this system.
- Bottom line is, although I seem frustrated about the vital issues regarding this system, hardware-wise, it is still a good value. Once I fix the issues noted, I'd still come to about even with the price of any other gaming PC with the same specs. Once the fixes are all said and done, selling the old graphics card to some poor soul using integrated graphics or something would help the cause as well. The beauty of owning a PC is knowing you can likely fix your own problems (whether or not they're your fault) and not having to spend hundreds of dollars shipping it to some company (who shall remain nameless) and have them charge you up the bum to fix it.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We do apologize for the inconvenience. If there is a problem with hardware, please allow our technicians to address the issue. We will be glad to help replace a defective component or help service the system, which ever is needed to resolve the issue. Please contact us directly by email to Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com for direct support or contact our direct line at 888/937-5582. Be sure to also include your full contact information since we do not have any information if the product has not yet been register.

Pros: Ready to run out of the box. Setting up Windows 8 was easy enough. Of course I had to go online and update drivers, as these company's put on the PC whatever disk came with the hardware and they don't update online for you. The system runs very cool. Am using gadgets to monitor load and temps on cpu, gpu, and hdd. They all look great!

Cons: The gpu fan made noise upo booting up for the first time. I simply went into the software that is provided with the system and bump up the percentage of speed on the fan (Was at 50%, bumped to 60%) and the noise went away. My only concern is that the bearings in the fan on the gpu itself may have issues that will cause failure of the fan later on.

Other Thoughts: I got this system for my wife to play Sims 3 on. She is able to play at ultra setting with no lag. It rungs flawlessly. I used it to play Guild Wars 2 on until I got the system I wanted for that, and was running settings at med/high with 60fps while exploring. At meta-events I was getting 40-50fps.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for purchasing a CyberpowerPC gaming computer from Newegg.com. We are glad that you are enjoying your brand new system and that its able to support your software with no problems. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at our technical support line at 888/937-5582 or you can reach us at cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com

Pros: Good case, good wire management

Cons: Above average operating noise for a gaming rig, but at the price level its acceptable. Suspect PSU that may damage components and in my case it was the motherboard.

Other Thoughts: My previous review I had a motherboard failure that was handled, albeit slowly. Upon receiving the repaired or refurbished PC the hard drive failed two days being back in my care. I have tried repeatedly to contact Cyberpower by phone and email, but have yet to get a solid response to resolve this issue. It appears they're trying to delay until my warranty runs out.

I originally purchased this PC in November and between the two issues it has been operational for 1 and 1/2 months. I have a BBB complaint filed and the 1st letter went unanswered. The BBB has sent a 2nd letter and we're currently waiting on a reply.

If you're looking for a budget gaming rig please do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. You're not going to get any support from Cyberpower should it turn into a lemon.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We do apologize for the inconvenience. If there is a problem with hardware, please allow our technicians to address the issue. We will be glad to help replace a defective component or help service the system, which ever is needed to resolve the issue. Please contact us directly by email to Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com for direct support or contact our direct line at 888/937-5582. Be sure to also include your full contact information since we do not have any information if the product has not yet been register.

Pros: The first two days it was great, it played all my favorite games and did just what I need.

Cons: After two days of having this computer when I try to turn it on it shuts off and then once I turn it on again it finally works. It does this every time I try to turn it on. Also after it randomly turned off the first time it now is slower and it makes a clicking noise every few seconds while its in use.

Other Thoughts: I upgraded to this computer because my old computer had an abundance of problems so I bought this hoping I would have minimal problems, but it seems I was wrong. I haven't even had this computer for a week and it has already been giving me trouble. I am not a hard core gamer that expects this computer to go above and beyond like a extremely expensive computer would, but I expected it to at least be reliable and not give me this many problems, especially this early in owning it. I am very disappointed and I regret this purchase more and more every day. I payed good money, and in return I wanted a reliable computer. Is that too much to ask?

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We apologize for the issue you are having with your brand new system. Our technicians will do what is needed to help resolve the issues, especially since an RMA had already been issued. When issues do arise, allow our technicians to troubleshoot the issue otherwise we can always assist in retrieving system back for services. Please contact us directly by email to Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com for direct support or contact our direct line at 888/937-5582.

Pros: Good Price
Serviceable video card
Nice case
Worked like a dream for five months or so

Cons: After six months of use, it now shuts down randomly during gaming. Suspect PSU/Heat issues.

Other Thoughts: While I don't have the tools to confirm it, I'm thinking the PSU or heat problems are pretty much what you're signing up for when you get this model. Enjoy about a half year of being able to play pretty much any game before it starts shutting off randomly.

If the shutdown problem could be fixed, I would easily give this model five eggs. Good price and a good amount of room to upgrade.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We do apologize for any issues you may have with your computer. Cyberpower will always stand behind their product. Please give us a call for any technical support. Please email your name and contact information to Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc if you have not yet register the system.

Pros: Pretty decent
Graphics Card Not to bad

Cons: Loud
PSU is Bad

Other Thoughts: Its decent 3 months in to it i go for chirstmas just now gettting around to fixing PSU died on me

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We do apologize for the inconvenience. If there is a problem with hardware, please allow our technicians to address the issue. We will be glad to help replace a defective component or help service the system, which ever is needed to resolve the issue. Please contact us directly by email to Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com for direct support or contact our direct line at 888/937-5582. Be sure to also include your full contact information since we do not have any information if the product has not yet been register.

Pros: Got the speed: 8-core AMD CPU.
OK memory: 8GB
OK Video card.
Game mouse.

Cons: No build in wireless network card.
Windows 8 instead of Windows 7

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for purchasing a CyberpowerPC gaming computer from newegg. If you have any questions about the computer, please feel free to contact us at our technical support line at 888/937-5582 or you can email us at cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com.

Pros: PC runs well, can handle most games at mid-max graphic settings with few problems, as stated in Cons.

Cons: The PC will shut its self down sometimes, (rarely) I've had it shut down on me 5-6 times since I got it back in Nov. 2012. Its shut down while playing games on max settings, as well as sitting idle with nothing except for the desktop open.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for purchasing a CyberpowerPC gaming computer from Newegg.com. System comes with a warranty and if there is any issue, please feel free to contact us at our technical support line at 888/937-5582 or you can reach us via email at cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com.

Pros: When it works, it works well. This gets it 2 eggs.

Cons: It worked well for a few months... then random shutdowns and fan failures. Possible power supply failure as well. Mobo is so tiny for a big case.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We are sorry to hear that your computer is not working. If there is a problem with hardware, please allow our technicians to address the issue for you. We will be glad to replace the defective component or helped service the system if needed. The system comes with a warranty and the parts can be simply replace, please contact us directly by email at Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com for direct support or contact our direct line at 888/937-5582. Also, include your full contact information since we do not have any information if the product has not yet been register.

Pros: Fassssst, Quiet. Cost effective. Plays most games on medium to high setting, nice and smooth.

Cons: none so far

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for buying a CyberpowerPC gaming computer. We are glad that the computer is able to handle your games with no problem. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at our technical support line at 888/937-5582 or you can email us at Cyber_tech2@cyberpowerpc.com