System Builder Marathon, Q1 2013: $1,000 Performance PC

Results: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim And StarCraft II

Our previous dual-GPU build appeared CPU-limited through Skyrim’s High Quality preset, while the new system’s single GPU bumps up against the same bottleneck only at our lowest test resolution. Because stereoscopic displays encourage you to pursue 120 Hz, anyone interested in those will also favor the more expensive build.

The frame rate difference between Skyrim’s High and Ultra quality presets is of little consequence to this class of hardware, allowing the cheap system to remain playable through 2560x1600.

Our previous build uses big StarCraft II numbers to bully the current cost-cutter. However, the cheaper system maintains its composure with ultra-smooth frame rates at 2560x1600.

Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.