Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition Mainstream Desktop PC

Aug 12 2009 - Velocity Micro's Campus Edition is kind of a mix between their Vector Z20 and Z35 desktops. It offers the added performance of the Intel Core i7 processor but scales back on some of the internal components to bring the price down to a more reasonable thousand dollars. The system is very well built from select parts by the company and has good overall performance. users can always switch out a few components which they definitely will want if they plan to do any 3D graphics with it.

Aug 12 2009 - The Vector Campus Edition desktop is sort of an upgraded Vector Z20 desktop. Rather than using the Core 2 processors, it uses the faster Core i7 920 quad core processor like their Z35 that gives it stronger performance. This of course does increase the base price tag somewhat, but it is pretty much inline with many other low cost Core i7 based systems. It also features 3GB of DDR3 memory in a triple channel configuration to provide the memory with some added performance.

The base storage for the system is slightly below average. The 500GB hard drive is less than the more typical 750GB capacity in this price range. The dual layer DVD burner does offer burning labels directly to LightScribe compatible media. The system also comes with a card reader than many system integrators tend to leave off.

One area that the Vector Campus Edition could use some work is with the graphics. The base GeForce 9400 GT graphics is fine for dealing with basic graphics and high definition video, but it lacks the performance for any real PC gaming. There are options for upgrades to a 9800 GT or Radeon HD 4850 for those interested in gaming at resolutions up to 1680x1050. It would be nice to see a few newer cards offered.

Those looking to upgrade the graphics on their own should be aware of the other issue. The base 400W power supply can support many mid-ranged graphics cards but is too small for supporting a top of the line card or multiple graphics cards. The 550W upgraded unit can support the faster single cards but still has issues with some multiple card configurations.

Velocity Micro does have an edge on many other companies when it comes to their systems build quality. They use high quality name brand components and take the time to make sure they are installed together properly and cleanly.