Review

Computer Shopper, July 2007
Vigor Force Recon QX4
Reviewed by: Matthew Murray

Key Specs

Processor:Two 3GHz Athlon 64 X2 FX-74

Memory: T2GB DDR2

Storage:Two 150GB hard drives (RAID 0); one 500GB hard drive

Optical Drives:18x DVD±RW

Monitor:None

Graphics:nVidia GeForce 8800 GTX (768MB)

Operating System:Windows Vista Ultimate

We've seen some interesting paint jobs on gaming-oriented desktops, but none quite like the one gracing the side of our test model of the Vigor Force Recon QX4. Emblazoned with the AMD logo, the words "The Quadfather" in enormous type, and the shadowy green semi-silhouette of a mobster type, the Force Recon QX4's case is definitely distinctive. But the performance of this four-core PC is less so.

The high-end components are certainly there. Our $3,869 test configuration included the new AMD Athlon 64 X2 FX-74 platform, which features two dual-core 3GHz processors. Our build also came with 2GB of DDR2 RAM, plus two 150GB hard drives (in a RAID 0 configuration) and an additional 500GB drive for mass data storage. A 768MB nVidia GeForce 8800 GTX graphics card supplied the graphics power, and optical-disc needs were handled by an 18x DVD±RW drive. Vigor loaded Windows Vista Ultimate as the OS of choice.

Powering on the system, you'll probably notice that it's uncommonly loud. The reason? Seven fans: two exhaust fans (one 80mm, one 120mm) at the back of the case, two large hard drive cooling fans in the front, one CPU fan for each processor, and one on the 1,100-watt power supply. We realize that any system decked out with such high-end components needs to dissipate a lot of pent-up heat, but the noise of the QX4 even when idling is unusually distracting.

On the plus side, we appreciate the twin temperature monitors with digital displays mounted in two of the external 5.25-inch drive bays. And four internal 3.5-inch bays remain free, which means you'll have plenty of room for adding even more hard drive space down the line. Screwless construction inside makes for quick component swapping, and the case interior has no shortage of room in which to work.

For the price, though, we expected slightly better gaming performance, especially in light of the Cyberpower Gamer Infinity Ultimate we reviewed recently. That system costs only $150 more, but it delivers more 3D punch thanks to its pair of 8800 GTX graphics cards, and Cyberpower throws in a keyboard, mouse, and 20-inch wide-screen monitor, to boot. We like the extra 500GB of storage space in the Force Recon QX4, but for a machine at this price we think we'd prefer components that would result in better scores in our benchmarking tests for FutureMark 3DMark06, Company of Heroes, F.E.A.R., and Supreme Commander.

A three-year limited warranty on parts and lifetime coverage for labor eased our discomfort somewhat. But given the noise and the spooky visage staring back at us from the side of the case, we're not sure we'd be in for a good night's sleep with the Force Recon QX4 in the room. We do like this PC, but it's an offer we certainly can refuse.