Systemax X58 Extreme Performance Desktop PC

Dec 18 2009 - Systemax has outfitted their X58 Extreme systems with some interesting choices. The SLI configuration graphics combined with the Intel Core i7 920 processor certainly make this system very powerful for PC gaming. The 12GB of DDR3 memory allows the system to run a large number of very memory intensive applications but is a bit of overkill for most applications and users. If there is one weak spot in this system, it is the relatively weak 650W power supply that has just enough for the installed hardware but leaves little room for upgrades.

Dec 18 2009 - The Systemax X58 Performance is designed as a high performance gaming system and it does this job extremely well. It uses the Intel X58 chipset as the name implies and teams this up with the Intel Core i7 920 processor. While this is an older Core i7 processor, it still holds up well for performance computing even with the challenge from the Intel Core i5 and i7 800 series processors.

Many performance systems based on the Intel X58 chipset include 6GB of DDR3 memory in a triple channel configuration to provide the optimal level of performance while trying to keep the costs down. Systmax has decided to include twice this amount by maxing out the six memory slots for 12GB of total system memory. This gives it a big advantage for those that use very memory intensive applications or multitask heavily but it is a bit of overkill as most people won't notice any difference.

The storage features of the Systemax X58 Performance are fairly typical for a system in its $1600 price range. This includes a one terabyte hard drive for storing applications and data files. A dual layer DVD burner is also included for playing back or recording CD and DVD media. A 9-in-1 card reader handles interfacing with flash memory cards from digital peripherals.

For a high level of graphics performance, the Systemax X58 Performance employs two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 graphics cards in an SLI configuration. This allows the system to provide extremely high levels of 3D performance including support for resolutions up to 2560x1600 along with a fair amount of filtering effects. It would be nice to see some newer graphics cards be used but this is certainly a setup that will last for some time.

The biggest problem with the Systemax X58 Performance is the power supply. The 650 watt power supply is more than enough for a single graphics card system. The problem is that when both NVIDIA graphics cards are in use, the power supply is pushing the limits in terms of the amount of power it can supply. This leaves little room for adding additional drives or cards into the system without risking overloading it during gaming. It certainly prevents adding a third graphics card for a triple-card SLI configuration.

Even with the rather limited power supply, the Systemax X58 Performance does a very good job at its intended use for PC gaming. It is also a very good value considering the amount of memory and the twin graphics cards included. There is room for improvement though by either offering a version with different graphics cards or less RAM for those on a tighter budget.