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My review of the Skytech Gaming Desktop (Chronos): i7 12700F CPU and Intel Arc A770 GPU (2024)
Introduction
For my team I recent purchased the Skytech Chronos gaming PC. The Chronos, which has an Intel Core i7 12700F processor and Intel Arc A770 graphics card, runs the latest games quite well. Below I discuss its performance, gaming experiences, customer support, and potential for upgrades - based on my own and my team’s experience.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Multimedia, Personal, Gaming | Brand | Skytech Gaming |
| Personal computer design type | Computer Tower | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB | Screen Size | 1 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Model Name | Chronos |
| Included Components | Power Cord | CPU Model | Core i7 |
Photos
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Prices
Check prices of the Skytech Gaming Desktop i7 12700F A770 on:
Skytech Chronos Performance Review
Delving into the capabilities of the Skytech Chronos, I was intrigued by the advertised specs promising a high-fidelity gaming experience. Right out of the box, the Intel Core i7 12700F processor proves to be the heartbeat of this system, with a base clock of 2.1GHz that boosts up to 4.9GHz, ensuring swift load times and multitasking capabilities. The complement of a 1TB NVME Gen4 SSD offers a substantial storage solution with the speed to match, making for lightning-fast system boots and game load times.
The Intel Arc A770 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card caught my eye as a novel addition, promising a fresh take on gaming visuals. While I’ve had delightful experiences running various games on ultra settings, I did note the potential for some growing pains with a newer GPU line, considering driver maturity and game optimizations.
Here’s a quick rundown of my thoughts:
Pros:
Swift Core i7 processor handles intensive tasks with ease.
1TB NVME SSD - a speedy storage solution for games and apps.
New Intel Arc A770 graphics card offers a fresh gaming experience.
Generous I/O options with HDMI and Display Port guarantees easy monitor connections.
WiFi 802.11 AC included, eliminating the need for additional adapters.
Minor Drawbacks:
Intel Arc Graphics are fresh on the scene - may require some patience for driver maturity and optimization.
The aesthetics of the system, while pleasing, might not appeal to those preferring a more understated design.
The addition of a 240mm AIO keeps the system cool and stable during long gaming sessions, and the Skytech Chronos White Edition Case with front mesh and 4 RGB fans not only offers efficient airflow but also adds a visually striking element to my desk setup.
Despite the thorough positives, one must consider that no system is without fault. While the Intel Arc A770 GPU is a spirited performer, it’s part of a new line, and as such, might go through some initial hiccups when it comes to driver support and game compatibility.
Overall, the Skytech Chronos strikes a solid balance between price and performance. It indeed delivers as a capable gaming rig—evident in the smooth and detailed gameplay across various titles. For those curious about new technologies and willing to navigate the early adopter waters, the Skytech Chronos is a robust workstation that barely breaks a sweat under load, making it a worthy contender in today’s market.
Gaming on Ultra Settings Experience
Embarking on the realm of ultra settings in gaming is something of a dream for most gaming enthusiasts, and I recently had the opportunity to test this echelon of performance with the Skytech Chronos Gaming PC. Here’s a rundown of my experiences navigating the latest AAA titles with this rig:
Graphics: The Intel Arc A770 graphics card is a solid performer for a mid-range gaming setup. Playing titles like Elden Ring and Call of Duty Warzone on ultra settings delivered crisp visuals and beautiful textures, although not without the occasional dip in frames during heavy action sequences.
Processor: The Intel Core i7 12700F is more than capable of keeping up with demanding workloads, ensuring smooth gameplay and quick load times, especially when coupled with the fast 1TB NVME Gen4 SSD.
RAM: The 16GB DDR4 RAM is adequate for current games, but with memory-hungry applications and future-proofing in mind, I’m considering an upgrade to ensure even more multitasking capacity.
The Skytech Chronos boasts impressive build quality and the front mesh design contributes to a temperature-controlled environment, thanks to the airflow from the 4 RGB fans. The aesthetic is undoubtedly a plus for those who appreciate a gaming vibe in their setup.
On the downside, while the performance is reliably good after initial setup, the experience can be a bit of a gamble if you encounter any technical issues. Customer support is there, but based on other reviews, resolutions can be slow, so patience may be required in such scenarios.
The lack of bloatware is a personal win for me, meaning I didn’t need to spend hours cleaning up unwanted software. Instead, I could jump straight into optimizing my games and tweaking settings to match my preferred gaming experience.
Here’s a brief summary:
Pros:
Crisp and detailed graphics on ultra settings
Solid build quality and efficient cooling system
Fast boot-up and load times with the SSD
Spacious for future upgrades
Cons:
Possible future need for RAM upgrade
Potential for slow customer service resolution times
In my hands-on experience, the Skytech Chronos has mostly lived up to the task of providing a top-tier gaming experience at ultra settings. Games load swiftly, and the visuals are a testament to the hardware’s aptitude. Yet, for the price point, some might argue for a more flawless experience, including post-purchase support responsiveness.
For anyone dipping their toes into serious gaming or considering streaming their gameplay, the Skytech Chronos presents as a commendable option. It grants the power to transform any desk into a gaming studio, albeit with the understanding that the journey might include some hiccups along the way.
Customer Support Quality Evaluation
Evaluating the quality of customer support can often be a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to tech products. With my Skytech gaming PC, there have been moments of smooth sailing as well as some bumps along the way.
Customer Service Interaction
Prompt Callback and Testing: After a disappointing system crash, Skytech’s tech support returned my call within two hours. Going through their proposed tests was straightforward, which I appreciated.
Shipping and Repair: When an issue required sending my PC for repairs, Skytech provided a shipping label swiftly. The turnaround for repair, including shipping, was about a week.
Quality Post-Repair: Post-repair, the system worked great, reinforcing the value for the price and reaffirming the quality of support.
However, when it comes to customer support, not everything was perfect:
Parts and Service Delays: Facing months of emails to get a missing part and defective fan replaced was frustrating. The continuous assurance of being busy isn’t comforting when you need your rig at full operation.
Initial Troubleshooting: Dealing with a non-operational PC right out of the box made for a rocky start. Troubleshooting driver and GPU issues is the last thing you want when you’re excited about a new system.
Despite the hiccups, I must commend the knowledgeable tech support team at Skytech. They’ve been instrumental in the moments when my PC operated flawlessly. Their guidance over the phone and via email has often been a beacon in the sea of technical complexities. Moreover, it’s important to note their assembled in the USA tag and the promise of lifetime technical support, providing a certain peace of mind.
Warranty and After-Sale Support
Additionally, Skytech stands behind their product with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, which is commonplace but vital in today’s tech market. Knowing that there’s a safety net for any significant malfunctions during the initial use period is reassuring and suggests a confidence in their build quality.
While my experience with Skytech had its share of downsides, the overall positive interactions with their customer support, the quality of the repair work, and the system’s performance once up and running are commendable. It’s this level of service and responsiveness that often tips the scales for me in favor of a brand, especially one that specializes in gaming rigs. The assurance that, should issues arise, there’s a dedicated team ready to assist, adds an intrinsic value to their offering that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Upgrade Potential and Longevity
In the realm of gaming and workstations, thinking about the future-proofing and upgrade potential often determines whether I’d recommend a machine like the Skytech Chronos. Out of the box, this PC comes packed with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and a robust Intel Arc A770 graphics card, which speaks volumes about its ability to handle current titles and demanding applications with ease. However, a crucial aspect for any tech enthusiast like me is how it holds up to the test of time.
Upgrade Potential:
Right off the bat, the inclusion of a 1TB NVME Gen4 SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM indicates a decent headway into future requirements. Yet, the beauty lies in its expandability:
RAM: Easily accessible slots suggest I can bump up the memory as needed, which is a comforting thought with next-gen games and applications becoming more RAM-hungry.
Storage: A 1TB SSD is spacious, but the ease of installing additional SSDs or HDDs means storage woes are a thing of the past.
Cooling System: With 4 RGB fans, it’s clear that this machine was built with cooling in mind. This is critical for long gaming sessions and ensures that the components don’t throttle under load.
Longevity:
Having a machine that’s built well initially gives me confidence in its longevity. The Skytech Chronos, assembled in the USA and backed by a year of parts and labor warranty, leaves a solid impression of trustworthiness. Sure, parts may eventually wear out, or new technologies might replace old ones, but this system’s foundation is strong.
From an honest perspective, the notion that “this PC is capable of running all your favorite games at Ultra settings” needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Upcoming titles are sure to push hardware limits further, and although the system performs admirably now, there’s no certainty regarding the capabilities of future games and software demands.
Drawbacks:
While the promise of high frame rates and smooth performance is enticing, one cannot ignore the inevitable. Technology advances quickly, meaning that despite the solid starting point, upgrades will likely become necessary to maintain an edge in performance. Additionally, while the system appears well-built, any potential issues with components could pose a challenge, as they would with any pre-built system.
In conclusion, as a part of “Skytech Gaming Desktop Chronicles: My Powerhouse Experience,” the Skytech Chronos offers a formidable package for gamers and professionals alike. Its up-to-date specs, coupled with expansion slots for future upgrades, underscores a commitment to longevity. While it’s not immune to the relentless march of technological advancements, this machine provides a solid, upgradable base that could very well be a smart long-term investment for any passionate gamer or professional user.