The Bottom Line
Jun 18 2011 - The Digital Storm Renegade is a customizable desktop PC that starts at $1,292 for a Core i5-2500K processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 Ti 1GB video card, and 8GB of memory. For casual to moderate gamers, this configuration will let you play the latest DirectX 11 titles. The Digital Storm online configuration tool is easy to use, and the upgrade options are reasonably priced.
Pros
- Decent Value
- Customizable
Cons
- Lack of a Core i7 Processor for the Price
- Base Motherboard Doesn't Support SLI
Description
- Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Unlocked Processor
- ASUS P8P67 B3 Stepping Motherboard
- 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Memory
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB Video Card
- 1TB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- 750 Watt Power Supply
- DVD Burner
- Cooler Master Elite 430 Case
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
Review - Digital Storm Renegade Gaming PC
The Digital Storm Renegade is a customizable mid-tower desktop computer that features a $1,300 price tag for a well-equipped system. While you can upgrade pretty much every single component, gamers looking for a more budget friendly desktop will find the base configuration offers high speed parts that make it a very nice gaming rig.
For starters, the Digital Storm Renegade features an Intel Core i5-2500K processor. This chip has excellent overclocking potential considering it's fully unlocked. The Renegade also sports an ASUS P8P67 motherboard with the B3 stepping. One downside is the board doesn't support SLI, but it you're looking for a single graphics card solution it's a great option for the price.
Digital Storm also packed in 8GB of DDR3 1600MHz memory, which provides smooth performance when multitasking. Of course, if you find you utilize memory at lightning speed, you can opt for 16GB, although it will set you back an extra $210. Another great feature for those looking to get into overclocking is Digital Storm's overclocking service or "TwisterBoost Technology". You can get a free CPU overclock or opt for a boosted video card. Hey, every little performance increase counts, right?
In addition to an unlocked processor and 8GB of memory, the $1,292 Digital Storm Renegade desktop also features an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB graphics card. While it's not a high-end model, such as the GTX 590, it does allow you to play the latest DirectX 11 games with ease. The GTX 560 Ti also supports NVIDIA 3D Vision for 3D gaming with a compatible monitor and glasses.
Storage space is ample with a 1TB 7200RPM hard drive. Solid state drives and RAID options are available, although the price can increase substantially. The power supply is a 750 watt model, which is enough for the single GPU solution. What's nice about Digital Storm's online configurator is that it supports two modes - Easy and Expert, so you won't feel frustrated at the abundance or lack of options available depending on your level of comfort.
The base case is a Cooler Master Elite 430 with simple lines and a window to view your components in action. If the Cooler Master Elite 430 doesn't suit your style, though, there are a variety of additional options, including models from Antec and Corsair.
Overall, the Digital Storm Renegade desktop PC is a nice option for those who want an affordable gaming option. You aren't paying for fancy custom paintwork options. Instead, you can get only the components you desire, and the upgrade prices are quite reasonable.