However, the extra budget does allow for some significant improvements in design. First of all, this is the only PC we’ve tested recently to provide both the graphics power of an overclocked MSI Twin Frozr GeForce GTX 760 and the official overclocking support of the Intel Z97 Express chipset in a single PC. See what’s the best gaming PC?
Scan 3XS Performance GT gaming PC: performance and benchmarks
Scan has overclocked the Pentium Anniversary processor to 4.5GHz which ensures good performance through the benchmarks, although it’s the Nvidia GeForce GTX 760 graphics card which pushes this system into the top three for gaming. This means you can enjoy some of the best gaming performance at a reasonable price point, while staying safe in the knowledge that overclocking support won’t be removed at some point in the future. We did notice that this system ran hotter than any other under our stress tests, with one processor core peaking at 100 degrees Celsius – a full 25 degrees hotter than the Chillblast and hotter than we’d like to see any processor running for any considerable length of time.
Scan 3XS Performance GT gaming PC: motherboard
The Gigabyte GZ-Z97M-DS3H motherboard used here lacks many of the premium features usually associated with the Z97 Express chipset, such as M.2 support and comes with a maximum of only five USB 3.0 ports. However you do get support for RAID and Intel Smart Response Technology if you want to add additional drives later on. Inside the compact Fractal Design Core 1000 case, the 1TB hard drive is mounted vertically – much less convenient solution than the multiple tool-free drive bays you’ll find in systems such as YoyoTech’s Warbird RS5. A welcome extra is the inclusion of a multi-format card reader, emblazoned with an illuminated Scan logo and fitted with a pair of from-facing USB 3.0 ports, bringing the total number of external USB 3.0 ports up to six. A pair of small control sliders allow you to change both the brightness and the colour of the logo to suit your preference. You also get a DVDRW combo drive which, uniquely in this group, supports Blu-ray playback. Scan’s pricey system includes a one year on-site warranty, with the following two years under a return-to-base policy but covering both parts and labour. See all budget PCs reviews.
