The 3K Computers Approxima 500WS is definitely a winner here at Reviewboard Magazine. In fact, 3K Computers Swept every class they entered into, defeating names like Alienware, Dell and Polywell in the gaming arena. It came down to simple basics, Alienware's computer was the fastest, and if you can deal with 12+ system crashes a day it's the computer for you! Dell has a great system, if you are into throw-away systems and the Polywell while a fine computer in its own right, just could not keep up with the raw power offered by the 3K Computers Approxima 500WS Dual Quad Core Xeon Processors.
Another major perk is the fact that you can get this computer configured exactly the way you want to. It's upgradeable, there is plenty of space to add extra drives in the future, and it has one of the nicest looks you'll ever see in a Desktop Gaming Machine. The pictures really do not do this system justice, the paint is the same paint you see on cars. Imagine a brand new 2008 Chevy Corvette Z6, the luster, the sparkle, the shine... that's what we are talking about here.
The system we received had the following specifications:
Approxima 500WS-Power Supply: 750 Watt Power Supply. RoHS Lead-Free Compliant
Approxima 500WS-Processor: Intel Quad-Core Xeon E5345 / 2.33 GHz ( 1333 MHz ) - L2 8 MB ( 2 x 4MB )
Approxima 500WS-Primary HDD Configuration: Integrated SATA RAID Controller Card and Cables
Approxima 500WS-Primary Hard Drive: 1TB 7200 RPM SATA/Serial ATA 3Gbps 3.5-in Hot Plug Hard Drive
Approxima 500WS-Operating System: Microsoft® Vista Business Operating System (32-bit)
Approxima 500WS-Optical Drive: CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive - 52x32x52x/16x SATA
Approxima 500WS-Floppy Drive: 1.44MB 3.5" Floppy Drive & Media Card Reader Front Panel
Approxima 500WS-Network Adapter: Embedded Dual Port Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Approxima 500WS-Graphics Card: 256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 3500, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI + VGA
Approxima 500WS-Keyboard: Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser - Keyboard and Mouse - Bluetooth 2.0, Black
Approxima 500WS-Mouse: USB, 2-Button Optical Mouse with Scroll Wheel, Black
Approxima 500WS-Speakers: Altec Lansing 5.1-channel Speaker System - 70W (RMS), 5-Piece+Subwoofer
Approxima 500WS-Documentation: Electronic Documentation and Resource Kit included
Approxima 500WS-Diagnostic Testing: Factory Workstation Integration and Certificate of Diagnostic Testing from 3K Computers
Approxima 500WS-Shipping: Ground Shipping within the Continental United States included
Approxima 500WS-Operating System Backup Media: No Operating System Backup Media
Approxima 500WS-Second Monitor: No Second Monitor
Approxima 500WS-Chassis: (Red) Mid Tower - SECC Japanese Steel Metal; Automobile Paint used for Front & Side Panel SATA/SAS Ready - USB/Audio - (3) x front accessible - 5.25", (2) x internal Bays - 3.5" Bays - Exterior Color: RED w/ Black/Silver Air Vents
Approxima 500WS-Motherboard: SSI-CEB - UDMA100, Serial ATA-300 (RAID), 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x ATA, 6 x SATA, 4 x memory (1.8 V) - DIMM 240-pin slots, 2 x PCI Express x16 Slots, 2 x PCI-X, 1 x PCI, 1 x PCI Express x8, Supports up to two Intel Quad Core Xeon Processors
Approxima 500WS-Additional Processor: Intel Quad-Core Xeon E5345 / 2.33 GHz ( 1333 MHz ) - L2 8 MB ( 2 x 4MB )
Approxima 500WS-Memory: 4GB 667MHz (2x2GB), ECC FB DIMM, Dual Rank, x4
Approxima 500WS-Monitor: Samsung 22" Height Adjustable Stand LCD w/ Pivot - 1680 x 1050 Widescreen - 1000:1, 5ms, VGA DVI, Black
In the two weeks of testing we kept every computer on running full out 24/7. The 3K Computers Approxima 500WS was the only system in the round up that didn't crash, blue screen, or have an issue requiring a reboot. This system is very likely the most stable computer we have had in this office this year. As with all 3K Computers they have 10,000 english speaking certified service people in the United States available to do warranty work on your computer. This system is top notch, gets 3 out of 3 stars, and is the winner of the 2008 Q1 Ultimate Gaming Machine competition.
Have you ever gone so fast around a corner that the oil in your engine gets swished so far into the corner you do damage to your car? Chances are if you don't have something like the new 2008 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette you won't have that problem, but if you do... they have a Dry-Sump Oil System that uses a small oil reserve to pump oil through your engine to prevent this very thing. Chevrolet really knows how to design a world class sports car.
