Review

Computer Power User
Heavy Gear     November 2007 Vol.7 Issue 11     Page(s) 18-26 in print issue
Vigor Gaming Force Recon QXN Sniper Edition

CPU Rating: 3.5

Specs: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 @ 3.7GHz; XFX MB-N680-ISH9; 2GB Mushkin XP2-9200; Evga GeForce 8800 Ultra (SLI); 1TB Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 (2x: RAID 0); 1,300W Tagan TG1300-U33 ITZ Series; 2x Samsung SH-S183L; Logitech G5; Logitech G15; Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit

Despite its top-shelf components and imposing stature, the Force Recon QXN Sniper Edition got off to a shaky start, crashing when we ran 3DMark06. Chuck Morris, a system engineer at Vigor Gaming, instructed us to reinstall the operating system via the original Windows disc. The PC blue-screened repeatedly when we attempted the reinstallation, so we lowered the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850’s clock speed (at Morris?instruction) from 3.8GHz until it finally stabilized at 3.7GHz. During our trial-and-error clock adjustments, Morris pointed out that he would have had the system returned to Vigor for repairs if we were customers.

Vigor Gaming’s new Vigor Argonautica Cooling powered by Swiftech features a single radiator sandwiched between two 120mm fans at the back of the system. It cools the processor and both Evga GeForce 8800 Ultras. We’re glad to see that the loop’s tubing is kink-free. The PC’s cable management is reasonably tidy, but we found that some of the cables block the motherboard’s trouble code LED display. Thanks to cable ties that held the cables firmly in place, we couldn’t pull these cables out of the way. This wouldn’t be a problem in a low-end PC, but enthusiasts will probably tinker with their luxury systems. That LED could come in handy if they encounter problems.

Once we found a stable clock speed, the Force Recon QXN offered up some solid benchmark scores, including 18151 in 3DMark06 and 96fps in Oblivion. The system also responded well when we played games. Although the Force Recon QXN provided solid benchmark scores, we can’t ignore the system’s initial stability woes, particularly considering its purpose: to play the latest video games at high settings. We certainly like to see high overclocks, but stability is the key that separates the worthy PCs from the duds.