Maingear Potenza Super Stock SFF System Review
Introduction & Specifications
Notebook makers aren't the only ones trying to cram big performance parts into little form factors. Desktop system builders are attempting the same thing, and if you require proof, all the evidence you need is packed inside Maingear's Potenza Super Stock (SS) gaming PC. Built around the mini-ITX form factor, the Potenza SS is a small form factor (SFF) system that rises above moderate expectations of what a comparatively itty-bitty PC can truly deliver. As it turns out, a mini-ITX rig can pack quite the payload.
It starts with an Intel Ivy Bridge foundation, and Maingear bumped up the default processor option to an unlocked Core i7 3770K chip. Maingear then goosed the CPU past its stock 3.5GHz clockspeed as part of the company's optional Redline overclocking service, and while that's usually asking for trouble in a cramped form factor, cooling chores are carried out by Maingear's Epic 120 Supercooler, a self-contained liquid cooler built by CoolIt. That's some serious hardware for a mini-ITX system, and we haven't even begun to talk about the Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 graphics card or the speedy Corsair Force GT solid state drive (SSD). We'll get to all that in due course, but first, let's talk size.
This is a compact system that measures just 7.4 inches (W) by 15.6 inches (H) by 9.25 inches (D). It isn't particularly light, as we found out when this editor dropped it on his foot (more on that later), but it's certainly compact. It's not much larger than a typical bookshelf speaker, yet it's remarkably capable thanks to the continued march of technology, which led to Maingear being able to stuff it full of fast hardware. Let's have a look at the configuration Maingear sent us.
It starts with an Intel Ivy Bridge foundation, and Maingear bumped up the default processor option to an unlocked Core i7 3770K chip. Maingear then goosed the CPU past its stock 3.5GHz clockspeed as part of the company's optional Redline overclocking service, and while that's usually asking for trouble in a cramped form factor, cooling chores are carried out by Maingear's Epic 120 Supercooler, a self-contained liquid cooler built by CoolIt. That's some serious hardware for a mini-ITX system, and we haven't even begun to talk about the Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 graphics card or the speedy Corsair Force GT solid state drive (SSD). We'll get to all that in due course, but first, let's talk size.
This is a compact system that measures just 7.4 inches (W) by 15.6 inches (H) by 9.25 inches (D). It isn't particularly light, as we found out when this editor dropped it on his foot (more on that later), but it's certainly compact. It's not much larger than a typical bookshelf speaker, yet it's remarkably capable thanks to the continued march of technology, which led to Maingear being able to stuff it full of fast hardware. Let's have a look at the configuration Maingear sent us.
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Model
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Potenza Super Stock |
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CPU
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Intel Core i7 3770X (Overclocked) |
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Memory
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8GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600 |
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Graphics
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Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 |
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Storage |
120GB Corsair Force GT SSD (OS) |
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Optical
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24X DVD burner w/ Lightscribe |
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Operating System |
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
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Internet
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10/100/1000 Ethernet; Integrated 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi; Bluetooth |
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Front Panel Ports
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2 x USB 3.0; Headphone and Mic |
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| Rear Panel Ports | 4 x USB 3.0; 4 x USB 2.0; 2 x eSATA 6Gbps; GbE LAN; Audio Inputs; Optical SPDIF; HDMI; DisplayPort; DVI-I; PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard; Bluetooth module; Clear CMOS Button | |
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Weight
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Dimensions
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7.4" (W) x 15.6" (H) x 9.25" (D) |
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Warranty
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1 Year Limited Parts & Labor |
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Price
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$2,031.00 (as configured) |
Glancing at the parts list and all the amenities, there's nothing to tip that this is a compact PC, though that's quickly revealed when observing the dimensions. As well spec'd as it already is, the Potenza SS is capable of uncorking even more power if you choose to shake more bills out of your wallet. Maingear's configuration page allows you to choose up to 16GB of RAM, a GeForce GTX 680 or Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition graphics card, up to three hard drives or SSDs configured in a RAID array, Blu-ray burner or reader, and more.
One thing you can't upgrade on the Potenza SS is the 450W power supply. That shouldn't be an issue since you're not going to feed this rig multiple graphics cards, but a 650W or even 550W PSU would make us feel better about things. Our quibble with the sole PSU choice aside, there's not a ton to criticize here, but there's plenty to like.
