The idea of a prebuilt PC is one that is still gaining traction here in South Africa, where we traditionally chose components and easy upgrading over preset systems. But those preset systems are changing fast particularly with the view that gamers are now becoming a very strong target market for them. And just because they are ready built in the box doesn't mean they don’t offer options.
That’s where Asus’ ROG G20 steps in. Not only is it a powerful gaming desktop right out of the box, but the consumer can find a healthy balance between power and price by selecting the components they want inside.
The G20 looks the part; it features a striking overall design that looks like it was lifted from the Death Star, which is accented by patterned red areas for a bit of extra predatory impact on the aesthetic side. It even features customisable lighting effects and an awesome symmetry that bellows “performance”. And it is all a surprisingly small package, with the chassis topping out at a meagre 12.5 litres.
The design also beautifully works in the numerous ports that the system uses. These include two front USB 3.0 ports and two back USB 3.0 ports (with another four USB 2.0 ports in the back for good measure). And there are all the expected graphics, networking and other necessaries, too.
But the real beauty of this system is what’s inside… or what the user chooses to be inside. There are a lot of options here: the CPU ranges from i3 4150 to i7479; graphics options run the gamut from Geforce GTX GT705 with 2GB RAM through to GTX780 with 3GB of RAM; 2.5 inch SSD options up to 256GB; 3.5 inch HDD up to 3TB; even the optical drive comes in Multi DVD burner, Blu-ray combo and BD writer flavours.
The unit we tested was a middle of the road option, with an i5 4460 CPU, GTX 750 (2GB) GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB 8G SSD Hybrid storage solution. What we found was a remarkable solution for PC users particularly gamers that delivers performance more than the sum of its parts implies. And aside from the great performance, we were also surprised at how quiet the unit is, particularly when idle.
The ROG G20 is certainly an example of great design and sensible approach from Asus. It demonstrates that this company understands gamers, not just in terms of performance requirements, but also as far as aesthetics and accessibility go. The G20 (and it’s smaller, console sized sibling, the G8, which we hope to have the opportunity to review soon) is packed with power and appeal, making it a great option for those wanting a brilliant prebuilt PC.
SCORE 9.5/10
That’s where Asus’ ROG G20 steps in. Not only is it a powerful gaming desktop right out of the box, but the consumer can find a healthy balance between power and price by selecting the components they want inside.
The G20 looks the part; it features a striking overall design that looks like it was lifted from the Death Star, which is accented by patterned red areas for a bit of extra predatory impact on the aesthetic side. It even features customisable lighting effects and an awesome symmetry that bellows “performance”. And it is all a surprisingly small package, with the chassis topping out at a meagre 12.5 litres.
The design also beautifully works in the numerous ports that the system uses. These include two front USB 3.0 ports and two back USB 3.0 ports (with another four USB 2.0 ports in the back for good measure). And there are all the expected graphics, networking and other necessaries, too.
But the real beauty of this system is what’s inside… or what the user chooses to be inside. There are a lot of options here: the CPU ranges from i3 4150 to i7479; graphics options run the gamut from Geforce GTX GT705 with 2GB RAM through to GTX780 with 3GB of RAM; 2.5 inch SSD options up to 256GB; 3.5 inch HDD up to 3TB; even the optical drive comes in Multi DVD burner, Blu-ray combo and BD writer flavours.
The unit we tested was a middle of the road option, with an i5 4460 CPU, GTX 750 (2GB) GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB 8G SSD Hybrid storage solution. What we found was a remarkable solution for PC users particularly gamers that delivers performance more than the sum of its parts implies. And aside from the great performance, we were also surprised at how quiet the unit is, particularly when idle.
The ROG G20 is certainly an example of great design and sensible approach from Asus. It demonstrates that this company understands gamers, not just in terms of performance requirements, but also as far as aesthetics and accessibility go. The G20 (and it’s smaller, console sized sibling, the G8, which we hope to have the opportunity to review soon) is packed with power and appeal, making it a great option for those wanting a brilliant prebuilt PC.
SCORE 9.5/10
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PC Only