 |
||
| Home | Forums | Article Search | Subscribe & Shop | Contact Us | Log Out |
| Überclok Reactor |
 Email This
 Print ThisView My Personal Library |
|
Heavy Gear March 2008 • Vol.8 Issue 3 Page(s) 34 in print issue |
|
|
Überclok Reactor |
|
Reactor $4,118.99 (as tested) Überclok www.uberclok.com CPU Rating: 3.5 Specs: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 3.2GHz, XFX 680i SLI (MB-N680-ISH9), 4GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2-800, BFG GeForce 8800 GTX (SLI), 150GB Western Digital RaptorX, 1TB Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 7,200rpm, Cooler Master Real Power Pro 850W, Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer, D-Link DWA-556, Lite-On LH-20A1L , Lite-On DH-16D2S-04, Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit.  Überclok is relatively new to the custom PC scene, and the Chicago-based builder offers preoverclocked gaming systems to provide customers good price-to-performance value. Currently, Überclok offers two models: the Ion and the pricier Reactor. The Reactor we evaluated is an example of a midrange gaming configuration. You could upgrade to dual GeForce 8800 Ultras, a 3.7GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6850, and add as much as 8GB of system memory. To maximize airflow to the overclocked components, Überclok uses an Antec Nine Hundred case, which features a perforated front bezel with two 120mm fans, one 120mm rear fan, and a 200mm fan at the top of the case. Additionally, the Reactor included a Tuniq Tower 120 heatsink with a 120mm fan in the center of the heatsink’s fans that’s perpendicular to the CPU to blow air directly out to the 200mm top fan. Surprisingly, the Reactor ran fairly quiet with the five fans. Aesthetically, the all-black case isn’t going to drop any jaws (currently, Überclok doesnot offer custom paint jobs), but with a DVD±RW DL, a DVD-ROM, a 6-in-1 card reader, and top-facing FireWire and USB ports, the Reactor gave the impression of a no-nonsense power user PC. The case appeared roomy from the window side panel, and you have room to work inside the case thanks to Überclok’s tidy routing of cables. The Reactor we tested includes both a 150GB Western Digital RaptorX and a 1TB Hitachi Deskstar, so you have plenty of storage. And the Creative X-Fi Xtreme-Gamer audio card and D-Link DWA-556 wireless card are nice inclusions that provide a well-rounded lineup of hardware on the system. As for overall parts selection, Überclok lets you choose from a few options for every component but the motherboard and the case. We particularly liked the choice of a DVD±RW DL, BD-RE, or HD DVD ROM drive. Our Reactor came packed with components, so there wasn’t too much room for expandability, but there were two empty hard drive bays. The graphics power in the system comes from two BFG 8800 GTX OC2 cards, and Überclok updated the Reactor at press time to offer the option of two 8800 Ultras. The Tuniq Tower 120 CPU cooler let Überclok raise the Intel Core 2 Quad from 2.4GHz to 3.2GHz, and the 4:01 (minutes:seconds) and 1:30 Cinebench 10 results show the benefits. We experienced some issues with Crysis at the 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, but a reinstalling of our graphics driver got the Reactor to run the game at the highest settings with AA disabled. (And Überclok was quick to answer our tech support call and was helpful dealing with the problem.) Overall, the Reactor delivered good scores for a midrange gaming system, particularly the overall 3DMark06 score of 15382 and 64fps in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Despite the issues with Crysis, the overclocked components seemed stable, and the Reactor offers plenty of ventilation to keep the components cool. Überclok systems come with a 30-day guarantee and a three-year parts and labor warranty, including the overclocked components (of course, provided you don’t further overclock them).  by Nathan Lake
|
| User Reviews | Be the first to write a review of this product |
|
 |
| Home Copyright & Legal Information Privacy Policy Site Map Contact Us |
| Copyright © 2010 Sandhills Publishing Company U.S.A. All rights reserved. |