Best of the Best - Maximum PC-approved hardware and components for your rig building needs

AM3 Motherboard
Asus M5A99X Evo

This is a genuine AM3+ board, so it will work with a host of AMD's latest and greatest processors, including everything in the new FX lineup. AMD's new 990X chipset supports all the latest features, including front-panel USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s, but it will also allow you to run multiple videocards in your choice of CrossFire or SLI. It's a solid mid-range board that crosses all the t's and dots all the i's.

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LGA1155 Motherboard
Asus P8Z68-V Pro

While not a huge jump forward, we think Intel’s Z68 chipset has enough features that folks building new rigs should opt for it over P67. Asus’ P8Z68-V Pro gives you access to LucidLogix Virtu as well as Intel’s Smart Response Technology. It also features Bluetooth, and you still get Asus’s lovely UEFI interface and out-of-the-box SLI and CrossFire support. 

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Price-No-Object Video Card
Asus GTX 590

Nvidia's GTX 590 has two Fermi GPUs, both slightly underclocked, but this card still posts incredibly fast performance. It's a full inch shorter and considerably quieter than AMD's Radeon HD 6990, although the 6990's performance is slightly higher.

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Performance Videocard ($300+)
XFX Radeon HD 6970

Driver updates and price changes help XFX's implementation of the Radeon HD 6970 take over the Best Performance Videocard slot. And the presence of two Mini DisplayPort 1.2 connectors will let the card take full advantage of up to six compatible monitors via daisy-chaining.

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Mid-Range Video Card (less than $300)
MSI NGTX560 Ti Twin Frozr OC

MSI takes Nvidia's new GTX 560 Ti GPU, overclocks it to 880MHz, slaps two fans on it, and delivers performance 5 to 7 percent faster than a stock 560 Ti. The NGTX560 Ti Twin Frozr OC outperforms AMD's Radeon HD 6870 and even holds its own against the 6950.

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Budget Video Card (less than $200)
XFX Radeon HD 6870

The Radeon HD 6870 boasts exceptional price/performance ratios, with an even more impressive performance-per-watt ratio. This card is most definitely a winner.

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Full-Tower Case
Corsair Obsidian 800D

Go big or go home. That’s a lesson Corsair apparently took to heart for its first chassis, a 24x24x9-inch full-size enclosure. Corsair’s Obsidian 800D is all black, from its matte steel frame and side panels to its brushed-aluminum front bezel, and the 800D has everything you’d expect from a premium case: quick-swap SATA bays, thermally isolated compartments, plenty of cable-routing cutouts, and more.

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Midtower Case
Corsair White Graphite Series 600T

The 600T Special Edition just kicks ass, plain and simple. It features groundbreaking design, glorious looks, and a spacious interior that has no parallel in the mid-tower market. Dual LED fans, managed by onboard controller, snap-off mesh fan mounts, and a host of other features seal the deal. Think something this awesome costs a fortune? This piece of class could be at your desk much less than 200 bucks. 

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High-End Air Cooler
Prolimatech Armageddon

Sure, by the time you've bought the two 14cm fans, the Armageddon is close to $90. But its mounting bracket is satisfyingly chunky and easy to use; and with two fans, the Armageddon is just about the best air cooler we've ever tested.

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Budget Air Cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo

Yes, we've been in love with Cooler Master's Hyper 212-series of CPU coolers. And why not? Each new model has been better than the last, and each one has been incredibly affordable. We don't see a big reason to switch from the older Hyper 212 Plus, but if you're building anew or need to upgrade from a stock cooler that's not getting the job done, this is our pick.