12/11/06 – ABS tends to differ from many of the other manufacturer's when it comes to high performance desktop. Most companies tend to use their high end product as a way to generate extra revenue through the use of high end parts and fancy case designs. ABS's Ultimate X9 still has a very attractive exterior but offers many more price ranges below the prestige makers. For this profile, I take a look at the high end Gamer Choice version of the Ultimate X9. Let's take a look at what ABS has to offer ...
Processor:
For the Gamer's Choice version of the Ultimate X9, ABS only offers the two current Intel Core 2 Extreme processors. The newest is the quad core QX6700 model. This version offers better multitasking performance but overall it is slightly slower for most games as the game companies haven't moved over to the multi-threaded code yet. To save a little cash, gamers might be better suited by the older Core 2 Extreme QX6800 that offers better gaming performance but slightly lower multimedia performance.
Memory:
The default memory configuration for the Ultimate X9 is two gigabytes of PC2-6400 DDR2 memory from Corsair. This is plenty of memory for most applications including PC gaming and even encoding DVD video. For those that need even more memory for smoother application performance, ABS also offers an upgrade to 4GB of the Corsair TWINX memory. They even offer a 1GB configuration for those looking to shave some from the price tag of the system.
Hard Drives:
As with many performance systems, ABS offers a huge range of options for storage via hard drive. Users can select up one or two primary drives and a third storage drive. The highest performance possible would be from two Western Digital Raptor 150GB 10,000rpm hard drives in a RAID 0 configuration plus a 750GB Seagate Barracuda for storage. Those looking for the ultimate storage space can purchase three over the 750GB drives for over two terabytes of storage. Other drive sizes and types are also offered for those who might not want to spend quite so much.
CD/DVD Drives:
DVD burners are common for all desktop systems now including those under $500. So it is no surprise that the Ultimate X9 offers a Sony 16x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner standard with the system. Users have the choice of upgrading this to a newer Samsung drive that supports 18x recording on select media and also supports LightScribe media. There is also an option to purchase a second Samsung drive and this is the extent of the CD/DVD drive options.
Graphics and Display:
ABS designed the Ultimate X9 systems around an ATI CrossFire board setup. As a result, users have the ability to purchase two ATI Radeon X1950 class cards for a high level of performance. This setup has been surpassed by the latest graphics core from NVIDIA with the GeForce 8800. Users do have the option of purchasing either a GeForce 8800 GTS or GTX graphics card in place of the ATI cards, but only a single card configuration is possible. For those looking for less cost, a single GeForce 7950GT or 7900GTX card can also be selected.
Audio:
Audio is an important factor for those using high end desktops. Whether it be for gaming, listening to music or watching a movie, the audio card can directly impact the experience. The default setup is to use an on board Intel HDA solution that is alright but far from what most gamers want. Users can instead opt for one of three different levels of Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi audio cards randing from the XtremeMusic to the Elite for improved audio performance and features.
Software:
Performance systems tend to offer some of the least options when it comes to software. The OS selections for the Ultimate X9 are limited to either the XP Home or Professional versions. If you were hoping to use it as a media center, the Media Center Edition isn't an option. The choices for the application software are just as limited. Users can select Microsoft Office Business 2003 and Panda Internet Security. ABS offers more games to be purchased with the system then applications.
Overall Impressions:
The ABS Ultimate X9 Gamer's Choice is somewhat of a misnomer in the market currently. In order to get the highest performance from games currently on the market, it would need to be able to support two GeForce 8800 graphics cards in an SLI configuration for the highest resolution and frame rates possible. The ATI Radeon CrossFire configuration may offer high levels of performance compared to the previous generation of NVIDIA cards but the cost is just not justifiable. Consumers would be better off getting the single GeForce 8800 cards.
Those looking for high computing performance without breaking the bank or putting the effort into building their own machine can get a great value from the Ultimate X9 though. The components offered in the system do provide some very high levels of performance. If they are willing to pay extra to ABS, they can get the system overclocked to either 10% or 20% above the stock performance done for them. The only real reason for doing this would be to prevent the warranty from being voided though as this is something users can do on their own with some research.
The biggest drawback though for the Ultimate X9 system though is the noise. The system does feature a large number of cooling fans that can be disruptive towards the computing experience. They do offer a water cooling configuration with the Gigabyte 3D Galaxy II liquid cooling kit, but this is not one of the higher rated water cooling setups currently available. If noise is a concern for you, you might want to look into other computer options.
Having said all of this, the ABS Ultaimate X9 offers some of the best value in terms of performance for a high-end gaming PC. This segment of the market is extremely expensive but the prices that ABS offers for the configuration can easily allow for those savings to go into other items such as a 30-inch LCD monitor and it would still cost less overall than some other high end gaming desktop PCs.
ABS could have a real hit on their hands if they were to update the system to user the newer NVIDIA 680i SLI chipset to allow for two GeForce 8800 graphics cards. Maybe they will take this to heart and quickly update the line with a new Ultimate X10 system.
Manufacturer's Site
Read/Leave Comments
