Hypersonic Sonic Boom OCX

Hypersonic built themselves as a company that builds computers for gamers. Much of this business is built around notebook computers with high end discrete graphics cores, but they also make a line of gaming desktop computers. The Sonic Boom OCX is their latest top of the line gaming system that is based upon the Intel Core 2 processor line. Let's see what they have to offer ...

Processor: While most companies are now offering the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 quad core processor from Intel, Hypersonic instead offers the Core 2 Extreme X6800 dual core processor. Since the system is targeted at PC gamers, this isn't much of an issue as the dual core processor fares somewhat better in PC games than the new quad core model. Those wanting the quad core Extreme models or less expensive Core 2 Duo models also have options available to them.

Memory: Typically companies offer users memory bundles when ordering a system. Hypersonic instead offers users to select the individual modules for each of the four memory slots. This gives it great flexibility with memory sizes of 512MB up to 4GB in size, but can cause complications. The best performance is provided when users select pairs of the same memory modules. All memory modules come from Mushkin and are rated at either PC2-6400 or PC2-8000 memory speeds.

Hard Drives: Hypersonic offers a variety of hard drives for use with the Sonic Boom OCX system. They range from the 74GB Raptor drive from Western Digital up to the 750GB drive from Seagate. A total of six hard drives can be purchased with the system letting it have up to a maximum of 4.5 terabytes of storage space, far more than any individual might actually require. Options for RAID 0, RAID 1 or RAID 5 are available for multiple drives.

CD/DVD Drives: There are only three choices for optical drives from HyperSonic. The default selection is the new 18x DVD+/-RW burner from Plextor. Those wanting support for the new high definition platform can upgrade to a Sony Blu-Ray burner. Those not requiring a burner can elect to use a 16x DVD-ROM drive although it doesn't really save much money. Two optical drive bays are available to mix and match the drive combos.

Graphics and Display: Since the Sonic Boom OCX is geared towards gamers, Hypersonic has chosen the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS in an SLI setup to be the default selection. This provides plenty of performance in today's games even at high resolutions. Of course, users have the option of upgrading to the 8800 GTX models. They don't currently offer the Ultra models. Those who may want to save some cash can elect to have it come with a single GeForce card or opt to get the new ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT or X1900 cards.

Audio: Previously Hypersonic offered users a choice of cards beyond the Creative Sound Blaster monopoly. They have since given up that by providing the option of using either the integrated 7.1 audio or selecting an X-Fi XtremeGamer, Fatal1ty FPS or Platinum card. Users will need to supply their own speakers as none are offered with the system.

Software: No productivity or security software is offered with the Sonic Boom OCX, but they have a wide range of options for the operating system. In fact, they will even let you purchase the system without any operating system installed at all if you so desire. All versions of the Windows Vista operating system are offered including 64-bit versions of the Business and Ultimate editions. Windows XP Professional and Media Center 2005 are there for those not willing to use the new OS just quite yet.

Overall Impressions:

Hypersonic tends to fall between the price ranges for their performance system. Its not as inexpensive as offerings from companies such as ABS, Gateway or Dell but not as expensive as those found from companies such as Alienware, Falcon and Voodoo. This is evident from the choice of what they do and do not include.

Many of the extremely expensive computers offer a high level of personalization in terms of the case design and colors. Hypersonic only offers three case designs and colors to choose from for the Sonic Boom OCX. This helps keeps the costs down.

Performance is quite strong with the Sonic Boom OCX, especially when it comes to PC gaming. Those choice of components is very well suited to playing current and upcoming games at high resolutions and frame rates. The optional liquid cooling helps reduces the noise from all of the parts that would otherwise require fans. Silencing material for the fans is included in the cost, but it won't make much difference in the noise.

Overclocking is something that is fairly common with many high end systems. Users have the option of getting the system overclocked at no additional cost by Hypersonic. They do not guarantee any specific levels of overclocking and instead state that the level of overclock will be highly dependent upon the components that you select.

So, does the Hypersonic Sonic Boom OCX make the cut as a gaming system? It certainly will appeal to those looking for the performance. The price and features make it a tough call though. There are system that offer similar performance for slightly less, but it is cheaper than those that offer a high level of unique case designs for personality.