PC

NZXT unveils $800 gaming PC with no dedicated GPU

Is a powerful built-in GPU a viable solution for bargain hunters?

Published

6 days ago

November 20, 2021

RV Cuarto

NZXT has released an intriguing pre-built PC for the age of graphics card scarcity: one powered by a Ryzen 5600G, a CPU with a built-in GPU that can be used for gaming. While NZXT’s $800 Foundation PC might not be the first choice for those looking to get into PC gaming under normal circumstances, the limited availability and high prices of dedicated GPUs (and machines that include them) make it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers.

The AMD processor and graphics card are the highlights of the build, but the rest of the specs are also impressive: it includes a 500GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of RAM. While its 650W Bronze power supply isn’t going to win any efficiency awards, it should be able to power an RTX 3060 in the future if you can get your hands on one.

Of course, having a dedicated GPU is preferable in almost any gaming scenario, which is why most vendors include one — even the GTX 1650 included with the lowest-end HP Omen can outperform the graphics on the 5600G.

NZXT introduces $800 gaming PC with no dedicated GPU

If you’re looking for one of those models, be aware that they’re a gold mine for scalpers, who will occasionally “shuck” a valuable GPU from a pre-built and sell the card and now-GPU-less PC separately (the $900 Omen’s Nvidia 1650 could sell for upwards of $300 on eBay). You won’t have to look long on eBay to find listings for pre-built gaming PCs with the words “NO GPU” or “without graphics card” in the title.

If you’re brave and know what to look for, you might be able to get a good deal on one of those scalper leftovers. While the integrated graphics on modern Intel CPUs aren’t as powerful as the 5600G, they’ll get you by until you can find a GPU.

Some manufacturers can at least alleviate concerns about scalpers snapping up their pre-builts by equipping base models with low-end GPUs that aren’t particularly desirable — iBuyPower’s AMD Ryzen 3rd Gen Starter PC, for example, ships with a Ryzen 3600 and an Nvidia GTX 1030 (which Tom’s Hardware claims are a tad slower than the 5600G’s integrated graphics for most games). However, that configuration is nearly $300 more expensive than the NZXT, and the CPU will be slower — iBuyPower will let you upgrade to a 5600G, but your 1030 will be rendered useless.

If the 5600G’s lack of utility to scalpers helps NZXT keep the Foundation in stock, it could be a good option for those who don’t want to build their own PCs but would be comfortable installing a graphics card later when they become more widely available. While some vendors will currently allow you to use the 5600G with an external graphics card, that configuration is unlikely to be worth fighting scalpers for.

PC

Acer launches new gaming desktop, Predator Orion 7000

Also expands its gaming ecosystem with a gaming desk and projectors.

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2021

RV Cuarto

New Predator Orion 7000 desktop series delivers serious power with the latest unlocked 12th Gen Intel^® Core^™ processors and NVIDIA^® GeForce RTX^™ 3090 GPU
Predator GD711 is a 4K smart LED gaming projector that is compatible with both consoles and PCs
A 55-inch Predator Gaming Desk maximizes space with a storage rack and built-in cable management

Acer today announced the expansion of its Predator gaming portfolio with new Predator Orion 7000 series desktops, featuring powerful performance in a stunning design, and two smart 4K gaming projectors. Further enhancing the gaming experience is the Predator gaming desk, which offers two practical surface options and a convenient storage rack.

“Predator Orion 7000-series desktops are premium, powerful rigs for serious players who demand incredible performance from even the most demanding titles,” said Jeff Lee, General Manager, Stationary Computing, IT Product Business, Acer Inc. “In order to offer that next-level performance, we’re excited to be among the first companies bringing the new 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs to our product portfolio.”

“12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors are a huge innovative leap forward for game performance and industry-leading memory, I/O, and connectivity,” said Marcus Kennedy, General Manager of Gaming and Esports, Intel. “Powering the pinnacle of its performance is the new performance hybrid architecture that combines two all-new compute cores to deliver blistering performance for high frame rates and multi-tasking performance that modern gamers expect.”

Predator Orion 7000 – Upgradeable, Liquid-Cooled Gaming PC

“Acer’s always impressed me in how well you know your customer and the velocity with which you can innovate for their needs. Gaming is one of those segments… Acer has a new beast of a machine… This machine was definitely designed with gamers in mind.” Said Steve Long, Corporate Vice President, Sales, and Marketing, Intel Corporation
The powerful new Predator Orion 7000 series (PO7-640) gaming desktops provide users with everything necessary to take on the latest generation games—and the next. Designed for hard-core gaming enthusiasts, these new upgradeable gaming PCs will be equipped with the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ overclockable processors, up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 3090 series GPUs, and up to 64 GB DDR5-4000 RAM.

The stunning, EMI-compliant chassis features transparent, tempered glass side panels showcasing two 140 mm (5.5-inch) Predator FrostBlade™ 2.0 front fans and a third 120 mm (4.7-inch) Predator FrostBlade™ 2.0 rear fan that can be lit with a dazzling array of ARGB colors. The top of the Orion 7000’s case features an opening, making it possible for users to replace this 120 mm (4.7-inch) fan with a 240 mm (9.45-inch) one, while integrated PredatorSense software lets gamers control the ARBG lighting, fan speed, and overclocking. Accenting the bold lighting and design is an illuminated teal blue Predator logo on the chassis’ front and an easily accessible teal prism-refraction power button on the system’s top.

Beyond these eye-catching aesthetics is exceptional thermal management, with the three aforementioned Predator FrostBlade™ 2.0 fans in addition to an AIO liquid CPU cooler and advanced airflow management to effectively cool system components. The FrostBlade fan’s thin and curved blades are designed to smoothly increase airflow without causing turbulence and to quickly dissipate heat. In addition, the fan’s wear-resistant and fully-sealed rifle bearings prevent lubricant leaks and the ingress of dust in order to maintain stability and extend the computer’s lifespan.

Intel® Killer™ 2.5G LAN gives gamers a competitive edge by detecting and prioritizing game traffic over other network traffic, resulting in smoother and faster connectivity for online games and streaming media. Intel® WiFi 6E (AX211)[1] and 2×2 MU-MIMO technology provide fast and secure wireless connectivity. A gaming beast, the Predator Orion 7000 provides plenty of ports for leveraging the latest gaming accessories. On the chassis’ front for quick access are three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C, and two audio jacks. On the back, there are three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, two USB 2.0 ports, and three audio jacks.

Featuring ample storage, the rig includes a 2.5-inch USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C hotswap drive bay, 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVIMe SSDs (up to 1 TB each) and two 3.5-inch SATA3 HDD (up to 3 TB each).

Predator GD711 and Predator GM712 Gaming Projectors

The Predator GD711 is a smart 4K LED gaming projector that is compatible with both console and PC gaming systems. The projector also features a built-in app market[ ] that offers users access to a variety of streaming services. The Predator GD711 features a wide color gamut that amounts to 125% of the area ratio of Rec. 709[ ], covering most of the color space within the gamut in addition to a significant area outside of it to offer gamers impressive levels of color saturation. 4,000 LED lumens of brightness, high dynamic contrast, and HDR10 performance ensures that content looks brilliant.

The projector includes several modes that users can shift between depending on their mood. Standard mode offers 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution for enjoying movies and videos in sharp detail, while two game modes—one for bright scenes, another for dark ones—let users pick frame settings optimized for the aesthetics of the game they’re playing. The Predator GD711 projects images with a variable refresh rate mode[ ] of [email protected] Hz for consoles or up to a blazing fast [email protected] Hz for PCs, delivering buttery smooth performance even in the busiest of scenes. Furthermore, projecting at just 23 dBa when in ECO mode, this game-ready home theater won’t break your immersion, either.

The Predator GD711 features a throw ratio of 1.22, which means it supports a wide range of throw sizes. Acer’s recommendation is a 100-inch screen thrown from just 2.70 m (8.85 ft). It also comes with the convenience of a 10W speaker and remote control that has an antimicrobial[ ] coating on its surface and buttons. Excellent airflow dissipates heat, helping to deliver a long 30,000-hour lifespan. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports for PCs and consoles, audio out for an extra speaker, and three USB Type-A ports: One for the projector’s hidden wireless dongle, another for connecting wireless accessories, and another for DC 5V-out that also enables users to update the device’s firmware.

For users who prefer lamp-based projectors, the Predator GM712 is also available with 4K resolution and 3,600 ANSI lumens of brightness.

Predator Gaming Desk

The large 55-inch Predator gaming desk (PGD110) provides ample room for a gaming system, monitor, accessories, and more. Gamers can choose from two surfaces: one coated in easy-to-clean, stylish carbon fiber or another covered with a custom-designed Predator mouse pad. Outfitted with ample storage space, the Predator gaming desk comes with a rack for storing gamepads and/or cartridges, a headphone hook, a cup holder, and a tray tucked in the back for AC adapters. It also has the convenience of a headset cradle to save desk space, a cup holder to prevent spills, and a cable management cutout on each side of the desk to keep cables organized and out of the way. The desk is sturdy with the ability to hold up to 120 kg (264 lbs).

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications, and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via their official website.