Review: Scan 3XS Carbon Fluid Xp

Conclusion

Intel and AMD locking horns has resulted in a new wave of innovation in the HEDT arena. After years of middling releases, consumers now have compelling choices in the form of the Intel Core X Series and rival Ryzen Threadripper.

Opportunity beckons for system integrators who have been starved of selling points for ultra-high-end PCs. Eager to stress that the premium end of the market now holds plenty of appeal, Scan Computers has introduced the highly persuasive Carbon Fluid Xp, priced at £4,000.

It has been easy to dismiss HEDT systems at this price point over the course of the past few years - single-thread performance has typically been below par while the potential of SLI and CrossFire has waned - but current hardware holds more sway and Carbon Fluid Xp makes sense for the enthusiast who creates by day and games by night.

Core i9-7900X is a seductive choice for users demanding strong IPC, top-notch gaming and multi-core prowess from a single chip, and Titan Xp is in a class of its own when outfitted with suitable cooling. Save for an uninspired chassis, Scan's component choices are well thought out and integration is excellent, with guaranteed overclocks, cool operating temperatures and, best of all, very little noise when running at full tilt.

Bottom line: Carbon Fluid Xp is one of the most compelling HEDT systems we've tested in recent years. Going by this example, we're already looking forward to seeing what Scan can do with Ryzen Threadripper 1950X and, in the near future, Core i9-7980XE.

Scan 3XS Carbon Fluid Xp

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The Scan 3XS Carbon Fluid Xp base unit is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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