8/07/06 – ABS is one of the manufacturer that primarily is targeting PC gamers for their computer system. Most PC gaming desktop PCs tend to be quite expensive and fall outside of my price category of mainstream desktops. Thankfully, ABS does offer a lower end option with the Ultimate M5 Vortex. They are based around the AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor and have come down in price due to the release of the new Core 2 Duo processors. Let's take a closer look at what ABS offers ...
Processor:
As previously mentioned, the Ultimate M5 Vortex is based on the AMD Athlon 64 X2 processors, namely the 3800+. This is a good mix between gaming and general purpose computing. While not as fast as the new Core 2 Duo E6300/6400 processors, it still can keep pace with Intel chips. Those on a tighter budget can always opt to use a single core AMD Athlon 64 processor instead for reduced multitasking capability.
Memory:
While the Ultimate M5 Vortex uses the Athlon 64 single and dual core processor lines, it uses the older socket 939 chips. Because the memory controller is built into the processor, this restricts the system to using the older PC3200 DDR memory rather than the newer DDR2. ABS uses the high grade Corsair XMS memory modules for the system providing it with very low latencies and strong performance. Standard configuration includes 1GB of RAM.
Hard Drives:
The standard mainstream configuration includes a single 200GB 7,200rpm SATA hard drive from Seagate. This is a good balance of performance and storage. Optional upgrades to the drive include a higher capacity 320GB from Seagate or 400 and 500GB Western Digital models. For those looking for extreme performance but lower storage, ABS also offers the Raptor 74 and 150GB 10,000 rpm hard drives. Second drives are also optional with either RAID 0 or RAID 1 configurations.
CD/DVD:
Optical storage doesn't vary much between budget and even high end desktop PC systems. ABS stocks the Ultimate M5 Vortex with a NEC 16x DVD+/-RW dual layer compatible burner. This will let users read or record CD or DVD media including the 8.5GB dual layer media. Users also have the option of upgrading to a Samsung 16x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner with Lightscribe if they desire or adding a second drive or burner.
Graphics and Display:
Since the Ultimate M5 Vortex is geared to gamers, it is no surprise that the system comes standard with a dedicated PCI-Express graphics card. An eVGA GeForce 7600GT graphics card with 256MB of memory comes standard and provides enough performance to play PC games at even high resolution albeit with limited filtering enabled. Users can upgrade to the 7800 or 7900 series graphics cards, but they quickly push the system cost past the mainstream category. No monitor is included standard.
Audio:
In order to keep costs down on the system, the Ultimate M5 Vortex uses the integrated motherboard audio processor for sound. This will provide adequate sound for most tasks but gamers who want added audio experience can opt for a Creative X-Fi audio card upgrade. No speakers or headphones are included standard and have to be purchased as an upgrade.
Ports:
The Ultimate M5 Vortex uses the ASUS A8N-E nForce 4 Ultra motherboard as its base. This can support up to a total of 10 total USB devices but more than likely only 8 will be available when the system is configured. No FireWire is standard for connecting camcorders to the PC. Expansion slots include a PCI-Express x16 (in use), two x1 slots, one x4 slot and 3 standard PCI slots.
Software:
Like many system integrators, ABS typically only provides the operating system standard with the computer system and all other applications are optional add-ons. In the case of the Ultimate M5 Vortex, they provide the Windows XP Home operating system. Users have the option of purchasing productivity software such as Works or Office to be preinstalled. Since the system is sold as a gaming PC, a variety of PC games can also be purchase installed on the system.
Overall Impressions:
It is important to remember that the ABS Ultimate M5 Vortex is really designed as a budget gaming system. This means that it will do well for PC gaming, but it should also do well for general computing. The problem is that most gaming PCs will tend to lack certain features found in more general purpose computer systems.
The most notable area that the Ultimate M5 Vortex falls short is the software. The system comes with the very basic Windows XP Home operating system rather than more feature rich Media Center Edition or the more refined Professional. It also does not come with productivity applications standard at all.
On the other hand, the system is built from very recognizable and reliable manufacturer of components. This should give the Ultimate M5 Vortex an edge up on systems from the likes of Dell or Gateway in terms of performance and reliability.
Having said that, the ABS Ultimate M5 Vortex is still geared toward the PC gamer. If you are not planning on using the computer to play the latest 3D PC games, there are a number of features that you will not require and you would probably be better served by looking at more mainstream systems and manufacturers.
