Systemax Wildcat AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 SLI Gaming PC

Due to the fact that we're an on-line PC hardware enthusiast and technology news publication, the majority of our readers tend to be the do-it-yourself type that build their own custom systems. We cover the gamut of PC hardware, from high-end motherboards and graphics cards, to optical drives and speakers. And while we typically focus on the latest "hot" hardware here, we also like to diversify our content with mainstream hardware that has greater appeal to the masses as well.

To that end, we've begun evaluating full production systems in addition to individual components here at HotHardware.com. We may be a team of DIY enthusiasts, but we know there are many of you out there that have a fondness for hardware and are not necessarily inclined to building your own rig.  In fact, we often get questions via e-mail or through our forums from users with questions about how to configure a retail system they are contemplating, in an effort ensure it is outfitted with the best hardware they can afford.  Our full system evaluations are for you.

In this article we'll be taking a look at gaming rig from Systemax dubbed the "Wildcat".  Actually, its full name is the Wildcat AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 SLI Gaming PC, but for the sake of brevity and our sanity we will refer to the system as the "Wildcat" for the remainder of this article.  Some of you may remember Systemax as a budget and workstation-class PC builder, but rest assured, times have definitely changed.  Currently, Systemax boasts a complete line-up of workstation and gaming PCs designed to fit virtually any budget.  Furthermore, most models can be custom configured to suit each buyer's individual needs.  As you can see in the specifications below, the "Wildcat" comes equipped with serious high-end components for the equally serious gamer.  The Wildcat is loaded to the gills with performance equipment that's designed to deliver a solid gaming experience.  In the pages ahead, we'll assess the "Wildcat" from an "Out-of-Box" perspective and compare it to a slew of comparable systems to see if it truly is as wild as its name implies. 

Systemax Wildcat AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 SLI Gaming PC Specifications

When reviewing the specs above, you'll see that the "Wildcat" comes fully-loaded.  Sporting 2GB of PC-3200 DDR memory, a dual-core Athlon 64 FX-60 processor, dual 512MB GeForce 7900GTX graphics cards in SLI mode, and a pair of 150GB Western Digital Raptors configured in RAID 0, this gaming PC has all the makings of a speed demon.  Topping off the specifications is an Ageia PhysX Accelerator for enhanced physics effects in supported titles, while a Saitek Eclipse Illuminated Keyboard and Razer Copperhead mouse are included for better visibility and control.

Please note that the Systemax Wildcat AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 SLI Gaming PC comes with a One Year Limited Warranty and a One Year On-Site Service Agreement.  Additionally, Systemax offers a Toll Free support line with free support for in-warranty items.  For out-of-warranty products a per incident charge of $39.95 per 30 minutes is offered.  Gaining access to a support representative takes a bit of navigation through a call center menu, but each time we tried, a support agent picked up in approximately 4 minutes or less.