Thoughts
Getting a sneak peak at a new, unreleased SKU in the midst of production completion, especially one like the Chameleon where it's more than just performance that defines it, is a rare privilege. The chance to see something take shape and not only that, but to offer suggestions and opinions that might even shape the final product Scan bring to market, was a treat. I hope you can appreciate the work that goes into production of products like that, as I discussed in the intro.The Chameleon is a product unique not only in Scan's approach to its conception, development and prototyping (they're a new company to creating boutique PCs like this after all), but unique in its final appearance. The paint effect, no matter how expensive, is professionally applied and very striking in the flesh. The final effect with a different colour choice will be even more so. And it's not just the paint, it's the little detail touches and the work Scan have done customising the chassis for the water-cooling hardware that also appeal. I've deliberately held off showing you much of them, in anticipation of the final hardware landing at Casa Del Rys sometime in the future.
Basic performance is definitely there, Scan just needing to sort out their final target clocks with either the DFI or new ASUS A8N-SLI Premium, depending on what they choose, combined with the new watercooling hardware. It looks like Athlon 64 FX-57 is what they'll run with initially, for the higher overall gaming performance compared to an X2, although you're likely to be able to spec either in the long run.
I've deliberately kept the juicy bits back, in preparation for the final hardware arriving for full review in the near future. Scan are just about there with the Cool Chameleon development, so that shouldn't be too far away. There are some clear changes to be made before final production, most notably in the disk subsystem and cooling hardware with full Swiftech refit, Elan being keen to iron out all the kinks before he signs it off and offers it up for sale, but they're pretty much there.
They tested the water with the Cobra systems and the Chameleon and Cool Chameleon should move them onto the next step nicely, price permitting. Stay tuned for more Chameleon coverage, along with a Scan company profile, very soon. Near silent Athlon 64 FX-57, GeForce 7800 GTX in SLI, all watercooled, tuned and overclocked, 5 drive Raptor disk subsystem, dual DVD-R drives and all in a highly-customised and very unique chassis should get the geek within salivating. If it doesn't, seek help.
Davids take:
Scan have done it again - they have delivered a system with some personality. This system is something special, and without doubt people will talk and as Rys said lust after for years to come. Whilst Rys was running the numbers we had a chance to see the 7800GTX air-cooled solution, so whilst this system is available now - Scan have told us that the 7800GTX air-cooled (which indeed beats this system on performance) is just around the corner.
It was good to see the routines which Scan had in place are still being done. Scan build and test every system by hand - every port, and socket is tested and checked. Every single system which leaves the building is configured, tested, and stable. It is rare for a system builder to go to this extent on high end systems, let alone all systems. In this world of cheap systems and rush jobs, attention to detail is still very important, we applaud Scan for the measures they take to make sure customers are satisfied with the end results.
HEXUS also spent some time with Elan Raja III who told us about the future plans for the system, and whilst we can't go in to this now I check back at HEXUS soon for even more exciting stuff.
It is nice to see a British company taking on the American 'big boys' at their own game. I think we can consider Voodoo, SavRow, and Alienware 'pimped' by Scan at the moment.
HEXUS will have an exclusive review of the 7800GTX solution in the next few days.
Pricing:
Water-Cooled, Modded System - as tested £3084.34
Air-Cooled, Modded System (/w 6800Ultras) - £2,715.16
Air-Cooled, Modded System (/w 7800GTX) - £2,886.58
Note All prices are +VAT, and also +Paint Price (Depending on option selected).
Check out more over here on the Scan 3XS site.
