12/18/07 – Velocity Micro has given the Raptor name to all of its high-end gaming desktop systems. This is regardless of whether it uses the AMD or Intel processors. For the sake of this profile, I'm using the Velocity Micro Raptor DCX gaming system. In addition to this model, they also offer a high end Signature system and an AMD based model the Raptor 64 DualX. Let's see what Velocity Micro has to offer ...
Processor:
The Raptor DCX has been upgraded to use the latest performance chipset from Intel, the X38. As a result, this is one of the few high end systems on the market that can support the new Yorkfield based Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX9650 processor and its faster bus speed. They also offer the Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6850, Core 2 Quad Q6600 and Q6700 or Core 2 Duo E6850 for those looking to spend a bit less on the system. The system uses a upright heatsink design rather than a liquid cooling system like many other high performance systems.
Memory:
Since the Raptor DCX uses the newer Intel X38 chipset, the system also use the newer DDR3 technology for faster possible speeds than the previous DDR2 generation. This ends up pushing up the cost and limited the number of selections for memory with the system. Users only have a choice between 2GB or 4GB of Corsair TWIN3X memory running at 1333MHz speeds.
Hard Drives:
Since the Raptor DCX is designed for performance, the base hard drive configuration uses a RAID 0 performance setup using two similar drives. Users can choose between a variety of Hitachi hard drives ranging in size from 320GB to 1TB in size. There is also an option to use the Western Digital 10,000rpm 150GB Raptor drives that offer higher performance but low space. Single drive configurations are also possible for those not wishing to use RAID. Additional sotrage space is also available with an extra Hitachi hard drive in the same sizes mentioned previously.
CD/DVD Drives:
A Lite-On 20x dual layer DVD burner and CD-RW/DVD combo drive make up the optical drives for the Raptor DCX. If users wish to have a drive that is compatible with the LightScribe media for burning labels, an optional Lite-On drive is available for upgrade. Also available is a Plextor drive that offers a slower 18x recording speed but at a high cost, so most people will want to avoid this.
Graphics and Display:
Velocity Micro's Raptor DCX is designed to use the ATI CrossFire technology. Previously they offered the Radeon HD 2900 XT cards, but their high cost and lackluster performance made them less than desirable. Thankfully ATI released the new Radeon HD 3870 and 2850 midrange cards that offered more reasonable performance for cost. Two of either of these cards can be used in a CrossFire configuration for higher performance. Those wishing for GeForce 8800 series cards also have the option instead of a single Ultra, GTX or GT card.
Audio:
Many game developers use the Creative EAX audio extensions as a way to get more immersive sound. As a result, Velocity Micro offers range of Creative Sound Blaster audio cards with the Raptor DCX. The default card is the XtremeAudio that provides the most basic hardware acceleration with EAX HD support. Users that want extra features can elect to get a higher model such as the Platinum and Elite Pro versions or save money by instead using the integrated 7.1 audio. Speakers are not included but options for several Creative speaker systems are available.
Software:
Software wise the Raptor DCX has a very limited selection. The operating system included is Windows Vista home Premium. Users can either upgrade this to the Ultimate edition or downgrade it to the older Windows XP Professional version. The only other applications included are Nero for digital media creation and FutureMark's 3DMark2006 benchmarking program. Several Microsoft productivity suites and Norton Anti-Virus are offered as software options.
Overall Impressions:
12/18/07 - The PC gaming hardware market is extremely fickle. With the rapid changes in technology, especially with graphics cards, a flagship system for a company can quickly fall out of grace. Velocity Micro bet their Raptor DCX design around the ATI CrossFire technology. This really limited their system before due to the HD 2900 XT's limited performance to cost. Thankfully the new mid ranged HD 3870 and 3850 offer a better performance to cost ratio while using significantly less power. It still can't top the GeForce 8800 in an SLI setup, but it is an improvement.
Gaming is still very strong with the Raptor DCX, its just not as strong as some of its competition. At least Velocity Micro is offering users the option of purchasing the system with the GeForce 8800 cards even if it is only a single card. Of course, if the fastest graphics is your goal (and it is for many gamers), then Velocity Micro offers the Raptor Signature Edition which has the SLI setup, but the cost is one of the most expensive on the market.
Beyond the graphics, the Raptor DCX does perform quite well, especially for the price. The amount saved on the system over more expensive, overclocked prestige system is more than enough to cover a large high resolution LCD panel.
Noise may be an issue for some individuals with the stock Raptor DCX system due to all the cooling fans needed for the components. Previously, Velocity Micro offered the option for a liquid cooling setup to be installed that can greatly reduced the amount of noise generated by the system but it seems they no longer carry it. This may be due to it using a Thermoelectic cooling system that used a lot of extra power.
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