COMEX 2016

Desktops

1 Acer Predator G1 PHOTOS: ACER, ALIENWARE, ASUS, LENOVO

1 Acer Predator G1
$3,999

Booths 311, 6138, 6621, 6751, 8108, 8111, 8130, 8139, 8143, 8205, 8235, 8321

Making its debut at Comex is Acer's new Predator G1 gaming computer, which is small enough to be carried under your arm.

Inside its compact 16-litre chassis are some of the latest PC components, including a sixth-generation Intel Core i7 processor and up to 64GB of system memory. The computer also has a 512GB solid-state drive and a 2TB hard drive.

Its best gaming feature is the new Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card. It performs very well in the latest games, including virtual reality titles.

A nice touch: you can rest your gaming headset on the headset cradles that slide out from both sides of the computer.


2 Alienware Aurora R5
$2,199

Booth 8241

After almost five years, the Alienware Aurora R5 has finally gotten a refresh. As expected, the new R5 model boasts the latest gaming hardware, including the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card.

But it is the chassis with its customisable LED lighting that catches the eye. It is sleek and compact, with front ventilation slits. A rear handle makes it easy to carry the computer to your next LAN party.

The real innovation sits inside the computer, with a liquid-cooling system and a clever internal design that makes it easy to change hardware components without requiring a screwdriver.


3 Asus ROG GT51
From $3,498

Booth 8238

Barely four months after launching the ROG GT51 here, Asus has given its first liquid-cooled desktop PC a significant graphics upgrade.

Buyers can have their gaming PCs configured with up to two Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 graphics cards, which should provide enough graphical horsepower to run games smoothly on a 4K display.

An interesting feature is the bundled ROG Band. Swipe this wristband near the computer and it will either access a hidden 1TB partition on the hard drive, or increase the clock speed of the GT51's Intel Core i7 processor, depending on the option chosen beforehand.

If you buy the GT51 at Comex, you will receive a free hoodie (worth $119) and a backpack (worth $139).


4 Asus VivoPC VM42
$329 (usual price $339)

Booth 305

Unlike the other desktop PCs featured here, the Asus VivoPC VM42 is not built for gamers.

This computer takes up barely more space on the desk than a standard DVD jewel case, yet it is powerful enough, with an Intel processor and up to 16GB system memory, for day-to-day computing tasks, such as browsing the Internet, editing documents and playing videos.

The VM42 supports up to two storage drives, which means there should be ample storage space for your files. It comes with both Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port to connect to your home network.

Asus is offering $20 worth of NTUC vouchers for every purchase of the VM42 at Comex.


5 Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 Cube
From $2,499

Booth 8210

With its LED-sporting front facade looking like something out of a sci-fi movie, Lenovo's new Y710 Cube appears to be targeting gamers and PC enthusiasts.

Its chassis is more angular than cube-like, though its size and weight (7.4kg) is handy enough to take along to LAN gatherings.

The Y710 Cube can be configured with high-end gaming hardware, from an Intel Core i7 processor to a brand-new Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card capable of supporting 4K resolution and running virtual reality games.

Out of the box, the Y710 Cube supports the Xbox One controller, so you can get a console-like gaming experience without having to install any additional hardware.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 08, 2016, with the headline Desktops. Subscribe