- Higher Performance Graphics Card Standard
- Excellent Build Quality
- Relatively Expensive
- Intel Core i7 920 Quad Core Desktop Processor
- 3GB PC3-10600 DDR3 Memory
- 500GB Hitachi 7200rpm SATA
- Lite-On 20x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner and 16x DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
- Visiontek Radeon HD 4870 Graphics Card with 512MB Memory
- Intel HDA 7.1 Audio
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Ten USB 2.0, Two FireWire, eSATA, 8-in-1 Card Reader
- Vista Home Premium 32-bit
12/19/08 - Velocity Micro does a lot to tell consumers how much effort their put into the building of their systems. This level of detail and thought is displayed in the quality of the build for their Edge Z55 gaming desktop. Cabling and components are installed to allow for the best airflow and also make it extremely easy to work within the system.
The Edge Z55 is based around the new Core i7 processors from Intel with the built-in DDR3 memory controller for improved performance. This combined with three gigabytes of PC3-10600 DDR3 memory modules in a triple channel configuration give it very fast access to memory and performance.
Storage is typical of what would be found in just about any desktop on the market. The Hitachi 500GB hard drive isn't one of the largest available but is better than the 250GB that many other companies offer on their base gaming systems. A dual layer DVD burner is standard as is a DVD/CD-RW secondary drive. All of these have a large number of upgrade options for those needing mroe space or performance.
One of the better aspects of the Edge Z55 is the base graphics. Rather than relying on an older graphics card or a mid-range model, Velocity Micro is using a faster ATI Radeon HD 4870 base card. This card provides it with a solid base for playing games at higher resolutions or with filters. It would have been nicer to see a 1GB model base but the 512MB will probably be sufficient for most gamers immediate needs.
The biggest downside to the Edge Z55 is the cost. With its overall component select, it is more expensive than a number of competing companies. Consumers can get more of a system from other companies but they probably won't have the same level of build detail as Velocity Micro provides.
