Compact, Powerful Punch: iBuyPower Revolt Game PC
Introduction and Specifications
Custom PC makers are getting increasingly creative, particularly with small form factor gaming systems. There was a time when the lion's share of the sexiest gaming rigs consisted of high-end components mounted in large, gaudy (but fun) chassis with lots of lights, killer paint jobs, and perhaps a wild mass of liquid cooling tubes and hardware.
Although those systems are still around, and we still love to play with them, the boutique builders are using their design and engineering skills to build smaller systems that still pack a mean punch on the performance side. We’re starting to see beautiful custom chassis with cool asymmetric angles and components packed in with the utmost care and creativity.
iBuypower’s Revolt is a perfect example of this trend. We first got an up-close look at this thing at CES this January, and now we’ve had the chance to pore over it in detail.
Although those systems are still around, and we still love to play with them, the boutique builders are using their design and engineering skills to build smaller systems that still pack a mean punch on the performance side. We’re starting to see beautiful custom chassis with cool asymmetric angles and components packed in with the utmost care and creativity.
iBuypower’s Revolt is a perfect example of this trend. We first got an up-close look at this thing at CES this January, and now we’ve had the chance to pore over it in detail.
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| Model: CPU: Memory: Graphics: Motherboard: Storage: Optical: Cooling System: Operating System: Internet: Front Panel Ports: Rear Panel Ports: Sound: Power Supply: Keyboard/Mouse: Dimensions: Warranty: Price: |
Revolt R570 Intel Core i7-3770K (3.5GHz) 8GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 MHz (1 x 8GB) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 (2GB) Intel IBP-Z77E/S mini ITX 1TB WD Caviar Blue 7200RPM, SATA 6Gbps Intel SSD 330 Series 120GB Slot load DVD+/-RW NZXT Kraken X40 Liquid CPU Cooling System w/ 140mm Radiator Windows 8 WiFi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet USB 3.0 (x2), SD card reader, mic, headphone, ODD slot PS/2, optical S/PDIF, USB 3.0 (x4), USB 2.0 (x2), eSATA2, LAN with LED, Clear CMOS button, HD audio jacks (x5) Realtek 7.1-channel w/content protection, Blu-ray audio support Revolt Custom 500W FSP 1U, Gold Certified Not included 16 x 4.6 x 16.2 inches (HxWxL) 3yr limited, with lifetime phone support $1,399 (as configured) |
There’s a powerful Intel Core i7-3770K (unlocked, you’ll note) nestled into the Intel IBP-Z77E/S mini ITX mainboard, and iBuypower paired that with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 graphics card. There’s 8GB of G.Skill DDR3-1600MHz memory inside, but it’s all on a single DIMM, which is a little odd; usually you’d expect that 8GB to be a 2x4GB kit to take advantage of the platform's dual-channel memory architecture.
iBuypower did not skimp on the storage side of things, and in fact it’s one of the strengths of the system. There’s a 1TB WD Caviar Blue hard drive, which is a solid offering at 7200RPM and with a SATA 6Gbps interface, but it’s paired with a 120GB Intel SSD 330 Series SSD. The optical drive is a slot loading DVD+/-RW that’s built right into the front panel.
iBuypower did not skimp on the storage side of things, and in fact it’s one of the strengths of the system. There’s a 1TB WD Caviar Blue hard drive, which is a solid offering at 7200RPM and with a SATA 6Gbps interface, but it’s paired with a 120GB Intel SSD 330 Series SSD. The optical drive is a slot loading DVD+/-RW that’s built right into the front panel.
There are six total USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, eSATA2, a front-mounted SD card reader, mic and headphone jacks, audio jacks (5), PS/2, and optical S/PDIF available on the Revolt. For connectivity, there’s a Gigabit LAN port as well as built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.
The PSU is a custom 500W unit (FSP 1U, Gold Certified), and the system enjoys an NZXT Kraken X40 (140mm radiator) liquid cooling system that’s far more understated than the name implies.
Predictably, the Revolt also runs Windows 8. Although the Revolt starts at just $639, our unit as configured costs $1,399.
The PSU is a custom 500W unit (FSP 1U, Gold Certified), and the system enjoys an NZXT Kraken X40 (140mm radiator) liquid cooling system that’s far more understated than the name implies.
Predictably, the Revolt also runs Windows 8. Although the Revolt starts at just $639, our unit as configured costs $1,399.
