Asus ROG has launched the first ever Strix desktop PC. The Asus SOG Strix GD30 gaming desktop has the "power for any games you throw at it," with the optionon of high-end components from Intel and Nvidia plus lashings of memory and storage. However, Asus ROG looks to differentiate the GD30 on style, with its "Sci-Fi- and cyberpunk-inspired design," said to look just the part in a Star Wars themed gaming room.
Appearance and visual customisation is important to the appeal of the GD30, and Asus ROG concentrates on the design for the first few paragraphs of its press release. A particular attraction of the GD30 is said to be the two fitted white front panels which can snap on and off the chassis for "a total of six different styles". In other design choices there is a triple section side window and Asus uses an iron honeycomb screen for its looks and EMI shielding benefits. The Asus SOG Strix GD30 also packs in Aura RGB lighting over the central motherboard section.
Asus SOG Strix GD30 desktop key tech specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-7400 or Intel Core i7-7700 CPU
- Memory: up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM (4 slots)
- GPU: from Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 2GB up to GTX 1080 8GB
- Storage: various SATA HDD, SSD and M.2 options plus an ODD
- Connectivity: wired and wireless LAN plus Bluetooth 4.1
- Ports: four USB 2.0 ports, and seven USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (one is a reversible Type-C connector with 15W fast-charging (3A/5V))
- Front panel access: two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, a memory card reader, and both microphone and headphone jacks. Plus power and reset buttons.
- Size and weight: 230 x 550 x 540mm, 17Kg
Cooling considerations are discussed by Asus ROG in its press release. The chassis design is said to feature large air vents at the front and underside plus an isolated power supply chamber. There is room inside for up to five fans, and a water-cooling system but the GD30 comes equipped with just one rear 120-mm system fan with red LED lighting.
Users can monitor system performance, and temperatures plus control fans and lighting via the Aegis III software from Asus. This software tool also provides XSpilt Gamecaster recording access and Sonic Studio III audio tweaking.
Asus ROG hasn't released any pricing and availability details.
