Since the GTX 1080’s release, we’ve been inundated with systems utilising this astounding piece of graphics hardware. Even though the performance is staggering, the asking price in the UK remains extremely high, especially for custom models with a substantial factory overclock. Unfortunately. the GTX 1080 can cost more than an entire budget gaming system and recent price hikes have cemented the card’s position as a niche product. The overwhelming majority of people cannot justify spending so money on the GTX 1080 and opt for a less powerful solution. In the past, cheap graphics cards have struggled to provide an enjoyable gaming experience due to the consistent stutter, and jarring frame dips. Thankfully, the situation has improved and GPUs like the RX 460 and the GTX 1050Ti can cope with modern games at modest settings.
After spending quite a lot of time reviewing elite-grade systems, it’s refreshing to critique something which can be purchased by a wider audience. The highly-respected system integrator Freshtech Solutions agreed with this approach and decided to send an entry-level gaming rig. More specifically, the Freshtech Solutions Aerocool DS230 utilises an Intel Core i5-6500, 8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 3000MHz DDR4 RAM and the Zotac NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB Mini. Additionally, the system is powered by a 600-watt Corsair CX600 PSU and comes with a 240GB Hynix Sl300 boot SSD. Please note, an operating system isn’t provided with the default package and the lack of a secondary drive may prove problematic. Nevertheless, the configuration is going to have some concessions to maintain an affordable price point. Whether or not the right areas have been prioritised remains to be seen.
Specifications
Packaging and Accessories
The system is contained in a rather large box which offers excellent protection against damage during transit. The cardboard is remarkably thick which helps to deal with the product’s substantial weight and the precautionary labels ensure the courier adopts a gentle approach. On another note, the side handles make the package easy to carry which reduces the likelihood of the system being dropped or mishandled.
Once opened, we can see the main chassis box is covered by a good supply of foam inserts alongside the motherboard box. As you might expect, the motherboard box houses all the accessories in a neat and tidy manner. Even though some additional padding could have been used, it’s not really necessary and the foam inserts are more than adequate given the system’s lack of delicate parts like water cooling hardware.
Before powering on the system, Freshtech Solutions clearly instructs the buyer to remove any internal packaging. This message is presented around the chassis and it’s impossible to miss. Clearly, it’s very important to follow these instructions because the foam supports could damage the GPU’s fan if left in position. Some users might think this is stating the obvious, but there are customers who want a pre-configured system and scared to remove the side panel. Thankfully, this makes sure they are on the right track.
The graphics card is supported by a large number of foam pieces which reduces the pressure on the PCI-E slot. When you take into account the GPU’s small size and light construction, it’s essential to add some kind of structural support while the system is being moved.
In terms of accessories, the system comes with a case sticker, various documentation, AC power cable, SATA cables, SSD box, door hanger, World of Warships promotion leaflet and a driver/software disk.
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
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