14 DAY TRIAL // System builder Thirdwave has introduced a new Skulltrail-based gaming system built around Intel's flagship quad-core QX9775 processors. The extremely powerful computing system is packed with fans and coolers to ensure proper heat dissipation and top performance even when operating at full load.
The new desktop PC from Thirdwave is somewhat similar to the first dual G4 PowerPC offerings from Apple. It has the same number of fans and heatsinks, that makes the user mistake the computer itself for an advanced power supply unit. The extra cooling is a must, given the fact that the Skulltrail platform is built around two QX9775 powerhogs and a couple of Nvidia graphics processors.
Despite the fact that the Skulltrail processors are built on the 45-nanometer process and take up much less energy than a G4 / G5 PowerPC chip, the bunch of fans still take up a large amount of space inside the case.
Moreover, the Skulltrail motherboards are always based on the Intel 5400 "Seaburg" workstation chipset and two nForce 100 PCI-express bridges that ensure full compatibility with Nvidia's SLI technology. The chips allow users to stuff inside the computer case either two dual-GPU graphics cards from Nvidia (with the flagship GeForce 9800 GX2 model) or up to four AMD graphics cards in a CorssFireX configuration.
The high-end enthusiast platform also packs 4 GB of DDR2 FB-DIMM 4GB PC6400 memory, as well as a less-usual storage option, namely a 64 GB solid-state drive, to replace the default 160 GB hard-disk drive.
Called the Prime Galleria XS, the gaming rig from the Japanese manufacturer Thirdwave comes with a huge price tag of $12,740 for the basic configuration alone. However, the money would bring the enthusiast gamer two Nvidia GeForce 9800 GX2 boards and a 4X Blu-Ray drive.