Final thoughts and rating
The DinoPC Raptor X79 OC ticks many boxes yet somehow struggles to reach its full potential. On the face of it, there's an Intel Core i7-3820 processor overclocked to 4.4GHz, current-generation Radeon HD 7950 graphics, 16GB of quad-channel memory, USB 3.0 connectivity and solid-state storage all presented in a mean-looking frame.
The components are a recipe for success, but there are a couple of shortcomings. We've said it before but it's worth repeating; the underlying X79 chipset offers copious amounts of memory bandwidth and enough PCI-express lanes to run four-way graphics, but if you're unlikely to make use of such features, a standard Sandy Bridge chip on a Z68 platform can provide similar levels of performance at a lower cost.
Case in point, a regular Sandy Bridge system with beefier graphics offers greater gaming potential for less money. Sandy Bridge Extreme is a hard sell with next-generation Ivy Bridge looming near, but if you do have your heart set on Intel's current cream of the crop, DinoPC's component selection is strong. The Raptor X79 OC does pack a serious punch, and it's only a lack of refinement that prevents it from being truly attractive.
Premium high-end PCs shouldn't be dusty or clad in fingerprints on delivery, and any system integrator targeting the enthusiast market should pay particular attention to cable management. DinoPC needs to improve in these areas, and if it does, it'll remain well positioned for the Ivy Bridge boom that the entire industry eagerly awaits.
The Good
Overclocked Core i7-3820 processor
Potent Radeon HD 7950 graphics
Good cooling performance
Fan controller as standard
No bloatware
The Bad
Standard warranty offers only one-month collect and return
Could offer more graphics power
Default fan configuration is noisy
Build could be tidier
HEXUS Rating
DinoPC Raptor X79 OC
HEXUS Where2Buy
The DinoPC Raptor X79 OC is available to purchase from dinopc.com.
HEXUS Right2Reply
At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.
