Review: Scan 3XS X99 Micro

Conclusion

Over the coming weeks, we can expect to see all of the industry's biggest system integrators roll out a deluge of high-performance PCs based around Intel's supremely-quick Haswell-E processors.

Scan Computers is quick off the mark with the 3XS X99 Micro, a small-form-factor rig that combines an overclocked, 12-thread Intel Core i7-5820K processor with 16GB of DDR4 memory and powerful GeForce GTX 780 Ti graphics.

The £1,899 price tag is considerable, but in return you get a guaranteed 4.25GHz CPU frequency, tidy implementation, a three-year warranty and, most importantly, a system that tears through CPU benchmarks and delivers ultra-high-end gaming performance from a single GPU.

The 3XS X99 Micro's extreme make-up obviously limits its appeal to all but the hardened and deep-pocketed enthusiast, but even if you fall into that niche category, there are one or two provisos to be aware of. If the latest gossip is true, sitting on the fence for a few more weeks could be to your advantage, as Nvidia's next-generation graphics cards are rumoured to be launching in mid-September.

Bottom line: Scan's 3XS X99 Micro is the fastest Micro-ATX PC we've seen, but Intel's latest-generation processor needs next-generation graphics to go with it. This system with a GeForce GTX 980? That's worth waiting for.

The Good

Six cores and 12 threads in a SFF PC
Immense performance in multi-threaded workloads
Neat and tidy build, good cable management
Keeps cool and relatively quiet during use
Powerful GeForce GTX 780 Ti graphics
Backed by a three-year warranty

The Bad

Pricey for a base unit
BIOS bugs on X99 platform

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Scan 3XS X99 Micro

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The 3XS X99 Micro base unit is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

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