Samsung Series 7 Gamer ($1,799)

Supercharged with the processing power of a quad-core Intel processor and Nvidia graphics with 2GB of video memory, the Series 7 notebook also boasts a 17.3-inch Full HD 1080p display and an optimized gaming mode, which turbo cools the CPU to keep it working at full speed.

This beefy notebook offers ultra-fast double data rate type 3 (DDR3) system memory and Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M graphics with 1.5GB of video memory, as well as two USB 3.0 ports and Intel Quick Sync Video software.

With the combined power of a second-generation Intel Core i7-CPU and Nvidia GTX 560M GPU with 3GB of RAM—not to mention support for DirectX 11, this Asus machine is one of the most powerful and stylish gaming rigs in town.

With Nvidia 3D Vision technology, users of enjoy full stereoscopic 3D entertainment for gaming on a 17.3-in. HD+ TruBrite LED-backlit display. The system also boasts Harmon/Kardon speakers, a Blu-ray drive, and sound-enhancement technologies from Dolby and MaxxAudio 3 by Waves Audio.

More like a tower PC stuffed into a notebook, this 17-inch monster packs six core desktop-class CPUs, two graphics cards and three hard drives, not to mention 5 USB ports, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and DVI-out, memory card reader, 3-megapixel camera and even biometric fingerprint-reader security. Phew.

This beast boasts hyperthreaded hex core Intel Core i7 silicon and 16GB of quad channel RAM, alongside next-gen Radeon HD 7970 graphics, an Xtreme Gear USB mouse, 12-in-1 media card reader and a liquid cooling system.

Complementing the Intel i7-2600k core processor is 12GB of DDR3-1,333MHz memory for an overall accelerated performance and a huge 2-terabyte hard drive. A dedicated AMD Radeon HD 6850 graphics processing unit (GPU) with AMD’s App Acceleration Technology and DirectX support round out the package.

Stepping down from the high prices of its competitors, you still get an AMD Phenom II X4 965 Quad-Core 3.4GHz processor, 1TB hard drive, available six-channel 3D Premium surround sound, Logitech USB keyboard and optical mouse, and a rugged steel case with see-through window.

Though it looks a bit like a desktop of Decepticons, this puppy will work for you, using an Intel i7-2600 Quad-core Overclocked Turbo Boost to 3.9GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB hard-disk drive and Blu-ray reader to wring the best performance from state-of-the-art games.

The system that inspired the Digital Storm Black|OPS brand, this PC offers hot-swap bays compatible with newer solid-state drives, an Intel Core i7 3770K 3.50GHz processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 2GB chip and a liquid CPU cooler.