Reviews

COMPUTER SHOPPER, November 2006
Reviewed by: Denny Atkin
Vigor Force Recon QXN

Processor:   2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 (overclocked to 3.54GHz)

Memory:   2GB DDR2 (800MHz)

Storage:   Two 150GB 10,000rpm hard drives; one 500GB 7,200rpm hard drive

Optical Drives:   Double-layer DVD±RW/DVD-RAM

Graphics:   Two nVidia GeForce 7900 GTX cards (512MB, SLI)

Monitor:   Not included

With even mainstream manufacturers like Gateway jumping on the overclocked-quad-core bandwagon, Vigor Gaming Computer's $3,999 Force Recon QXN distinguishes itself by offering complete customizability and cutting-edge performance.

The Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor can run extremely hot when all four cores are working at full capacity, but it's in no danger of overheating in Vigor's sleek black-and-silver Force case, which features three neon-lit 120mm fans, as well as a gigantic 180mm unit mounted on the side. While this keeps things cool, it also makes the QXN fairly noisy, even when the processor is idling.

The solidly built, tool-less case is huge, leaving plenty of room for additional drives. It also offers ample bling appeal, thanks to its neon fans, internal lighting, large side window, and front-mounted LCD temperature readout. Assembly quality is first-rate, with all the cables neatly routed and tied into place.

Our QXN was equipped with a 2.66GHz QX6700 processor overclocked to 3.54GHz, as well as 2GB of 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM overclocked to 900MHz. Despite the overclocking, the system was rock-stable during extended testing, with Vigor's thermoelectric cooler keeping the processor temperature down without the hassles of watercooling.

Storage is courtesy of a pair of 150GB 10,000rpm Western Digital Raptor drives in a RAID 0 configuration, as well as an additional 500GB 7,200rpm drive and a 16x DVD writer. Despite including a pair of 512MB nVidia GeForce 7900 GTX graphics cards (each of which blocks two slots), two additional PCIe slots and a PCI slot remain open for expansion. Audiophiles may want to drop a sound card into the PCI slot, as our unit used the motherboard's built-in HD sound.

Rounding out our test machine were Logitech's G15 gaming keyboard and G5 laser mouse. Keep in mind that nearly every component in the QXN's configuration is customizable, from the hard drive to the video card to the mouse.

Performance was stellar, with the system rendering our Sony Vegas video project in just 4 minutes and 1 second, edging out the Gateway FX530XT but slightly trailing the Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 1950. The fast CPU and a pair of GeForce 7900 GTX cards in an SLI configuration make for excellent gaming performance, delivering 192fps at 1,600x1,200 in Half-Life 2: Lost Coast. (Expect even better 3D performance soon, as next-generation graphics cards from nVidia become available in early November.)

Warranty support is good. Vigor offers three years of parts coverage and lifetime labor, with onsite service available for an additional fee. Also, Vigor provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. Though toll-free phone support is available for the life of the system, hours are limited to 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET) on weekdays only.