Chillblast Fusion Apache

There are two kinds of desktop gaming computer – expensive models that use the most powerful components to ensure games run at the best quality, and others such as the Chillblast Fusion Apache, which sacrifice some of the specifications to fit a more modest budget. Such ‘mid-range’ gaming PCs are still powerful computers, though.

The Fusion Apache uses 4GB of memory, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (running at 3.6GHz) rather than a more modern Core i7 model, and the included ATI Radeon HD4850 graphics card isn’t the fastest available. The Apache’s 500GB hard disk is average by modern standards, but perfectly adequate for most people’s needs.

This specification is more than capable of playing modern games, watching high-definition video, and running office applications with ease, and the £599 price includes a 20in flat-screen monitor.

Chillblast has increased the Apache’s performance by overclocking its processor. This means tuning it in the way that some people soup up their car engines so it runs faster than its normal speed.

Users can do this themselves but doing so invalidates the processor’s warranty. Here Chillblast has done the job in its factory and is offering its own two-year warranty on the whole computer at the faster speed.

The unit we received came with an early version of Windows 7 installed. Although Microsoft’s new operating system isn’t out yet, testing versions have been available to the public for some time. Chillblast will be offering Windows 7 to customers as an alternative: the Apache comes with either Windows Vista or the testing edition of Windows 7 Home Premium.

After Windows 7 is officially released on 22 October, Chillblast will send the final version to anyone who opted for the release candidate to be installed, while anyone who chooses Windows Vista will get a Microsoft voucher for a free upgrade to Windows 7.

Chillblast has installed the 64-bit version of Windows on the Apache, which is necessary to allow it to fully use the 4GB of memory. This didn’t cause us problems, but some older hardware and software may not work – if you have anything you’d like to use on the new computer, check with its manufacturer whether it will work on 64-bit Windows.

The 20in widescreen monitor included with the Apache is not the best quality display we have seen. It only has a single VGA socket at the back, with no HDMI or DVI connectors. It has a pair of built-in speakers, but these sounded tinny and distorted at loud volumes. However the overall quality of the monitor was better than that of many other budget displays, with a clear bright picture.

The Apache comes in a Cooler Master Elite 335 case, which is cheap and functional but not particularly attractive. It has a pair of fans to keep the internal components cool and two USB and audio ports at the front but little else.

The Apache would definitely look ugly next to an Apple Macintosh or a more expensive PC, but looks aren’t everything and value-wise the Apache certainly comes out on top.

The generous memory, respectable graphics card and overclocked processor combine to make it able to play any modern game, although perhaps not at the maximum possible detail settings. Although the Apache is a no-frills gaming PC, it’s one worth recommending.