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Testing the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC (i5 10400F + GTX 1660 Super) (2024)
Introduction
The Skytech Archangel Gaming PC balances cost with performance quite well. It packs some high-end components which handle the games I play pretty well, as well as some office tasks.
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 | 500 GB | Screen Size | 1 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Model Name | Archangel |
| Included Components | Power cord | CPU Model | Core i5 |
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Overall Performance and Gaming Experience
From the moment I powered on the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC, I knew I was in for a treat. The first thing that struck me was the smooth performance and crisp visuals in all the games I tried. Titles like Apex Legends and Fortnite ran at High to Ultra settings without a hitch, maintaining a consistent 60+ FPS at 1080p resolution. It’s a given that every gamer looks for that silky-smooth gameplay, and the Archangel certainly delivers.
However, it’s not all perfect. Here’s a quick rundown of my initial impressions:
Pros:
Excellent performance on modern titles.
High-quality brand-name components.
Aesthetically pleasing with a sleek white case and RGB fans.
Decent out-of-the-box cooling with three pre-installed RGB ring fans.
Comes with the convenience of a keyboard and mouse.
Cons:
Potential limitations in the Wi-Fi card’s throughput.
Some concerns about the power supply brand reliability.
Component brands vary, which might affect uniformity and personal preference.
While I’m not thrilled that the Wi-Fi card caps speeds somewhat – I mean, who wants game lag due to connectivity issues? – it’s an easy fix with a cheap upgrade or simply opting for an Ethernet connection. Also, while the power supply hasn’t given me any troubles, experienced builders know power is the lifeblood of a gaming rig, so any uncertainty there is a yellow flag.
Speaking of the power supply, my personal preference tilts towards known brands for that extra peace of mind. Although this isn’t a dealbreaker and the brand provided is certified, it’s something I’ll keep an eye on.
Despite these caveats, the overall gaming experience has been stellar. The combination of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and GTX 1660 Super means I’m ready for action with just about any title out there. The 16GB RAM seems like overkill for some games but it’s future-proofing. It’s also nice to know that an upgrade is possible if required.
I must mention the included RGB keyboard and mouse. They’re not top-of-the-line but are surprisingly adequate and RGB illumination is a sweet touch, especially if you’re new to the PC gaming world and don’t already have a preferred set.
In true gaming spirit, the visual appeal can’t be understated. The white case is simply chic, and the RGB fans add that quintessential gamer flair without being overbearing. It’s clear that visual design was not an afterthought, which is more than I can say for some competitors in the market.
In the end, I believe the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC hits the sweet spot for price-to-performance value. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play option that offers a potent concoction of style, performance, and gaming readiness, this might just be your rig.
Compatibility and Upgradability
Regarding the compatibility and upgradability of the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC, I’ve garnered a fairly positive impression. One of the factors that swayed my decision in favor of this PC was the ease of future upgrades and compatibility with various components.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I mean:
Motherboard Options: It offers sufficient room for addon cards and replacement if you desire later on.
Storage Expansion: With additional slots for SSD or HDD, increasing storage is hassle-free.
Ram Ease: Adding more RAM, if needed, is straightforward thanks to accessible slots.
Power Supply: The included power supply has ample wattage to handle component upgrades.
However, it’s not all perfect. I’ve noticed a couple of drawbacks:
BIOS Update Hiccups: The inability to easily update the motherboard BIOS can be a gripe for some.
OEM Limitations: Certain OEM parts might restrict your choices, depending on their proprietary nature.
Getting into more specifics, I appreciate that the Archangel came with a Ryzen 5 3600, which implies that the AM4 socket on the motherboard is ready to support newer Ryzen processors should I opt for a CPU boost down the road. This versatility in CPU choices is a big plus for me.
For memory, the 16GB of DDR4 RAM is adequate for now, but I like that there’s the option to pop in extra sticks to double the memory — a good feature for future-proofing. When it comes to graphics, the GTX 1660 Super can be exchanged with the latest cards, ensuring longevity of the rig.
Storage-wise, the 500GB SSD is plenty quick for boot and load times, but I’m already eyeing the spare slots for additional SSDs or a larger HDD for my expanding game library.
Not to be overlooked, the 80 Plus Certified 600W Gold Power Supply gives me peace of mind, knowing it has the juice to support future higher-end components.
On the flip side, the motherboard supplied does create an obstacle. Not being able to easily update the BIOS could limit compatibility with new processors that require an updated BIOS. The OEM nature of some components may also mean I’ll have to do more homework to ensure any new parts play nicely with the existing setup.
In summary, the Skytech Archangel surely checks many boxes on the upgradability front, and it’s compatible with a healthy range of peripherals out of the box. While not entirely future-proof — no tech truly is — it has room to grow which, for a gaming enthusiast like me, is pretty much essential. Plus, the process for upgrades seems mostly user-friendly, barring a few niggles which are, thankfully, not deal-breakers.
Cooling and Noise Levels
When I first turned on the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC, I braced myself for the noise - often a concern with high-performance machines. To my pleasant surprise, the system runs remarkably quiet, even when under load during intense gaming sessions. There’s a soft hum, indicative of the cooling system at work, but it’s never been a distraction. Here’s a breakdown of my observations regarding cooling and noise levels:
Quiet Operation: At idle, the machine is whisper-quiet. I often have to glance at the LEDs just to confirm it’s powered on.
Effective Cooling: The 3 included RGB ring fans are not just for show; they create substantial airflow that keeps the hardware at comfortable temperatures.
Heat Management: During gameplay, I found the CPU and GPU temperatures were maintained well below the thermal throttling range.
Fan Speed Control: Entering the BIOS allows for the adjustment of fan curves, so you have the option to prioritize lower noise levels or cooler temps as you see fit.
Sleek Design with Functionality: The tempered glass case does a great job of displaying the interior aesthetics and contributing to effective heat dissipation.
However, there are a couple of trade-offs to consider:
The CPU fan, which does an excellent job cooling, is tied to its own RGB controller. It would be more convenient if this could be synced with the case fans for a unified control method.
While generally quiet, the transition from idle to load can cause a noticeable spike in fan noise. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me but might catch you off guard if you’re accustomed to a silent space.
As a side note, I found that the temperatures remained consistent even after hours of gaming, which speaks volumes about the efficacy of the cooling solution implemented by Skytech. Temperature spikes in a PC can be a major concern, but that’s one worry off my list with the Archangel.
Overall, the cooling system in the Skytech Archangel is efficient and the noise level is impressively low. While there is always room for improvements such as a single RGB control hub for all your fans and perhaps an option for additional case fans for those wanting to push their systems even harder, these are minor points. The cooling performance aligns with the high standards set by the rest of the system; thus, my gaming and day-to-day computing tasks have been a breeze—literally.
Value for Money and Conclusion
When considering the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC, value for money is of paramount importance. Through my experience, weighing the pros and cons has been crucial in reaching a conclusion about this device:
Pros:
Excellent gaming performance for the price.
Good brand-name components used.
Ample upgrade potential.
Customer support has been helpful.
Attractive aesthetic with the RGB lighting and clean cable management.
Cons:
WIFI card issues, suggesting a need for improvement in connectivity.
Minor issues with certain parts like the missing case panel or power cord.
Some cases of receiving a unit with different specs than expected.
My experience with the Archangel has been largely positive. The raw performance and stable FPS in games cannot be understated. It effortlessly runs all titles from Fortnite to Escape from Tarkov at high to ultra settings, making it a joy for everyday gaming scenarios. Furthermore, seeing it have the potential for upgrades means I’m not worried about future-proofing for a while.
On the other hand, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The WIFI card has been a letdown. I’ve seen first-hand the frustration of connectivity issues that can hinder online gaming experiences, recommending an Ethernet cable or a new WIFI card as essential for a stable connection. Also, there have been instances where small but critical components like a power cord were missing, albeit the customer service was prompt and resourceful in resolving such issues.
Considering the drawbacks, which seem relatively minor set against the overall value, I’m inclined to rate this PC highly for anyone wanting a strong entry to mid-level gaming experience without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for something that works out of the box with minimal additional investment, this seems like a robust choice.
The Archangel has left an impression of being a machine built with gamers in mind, but there’s a caveat: be prepared for some potentially necessary tweaks or upgrades down the line. It’s an investment that might require small additional spends, yet in return, it promises performance that punches above its price point.
In conclusion, my verdict is that the Skytech Archangel Gaming PC stands as a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a competent gaming setup. Despite some hiccups, it’s a machine that offers serious bang for your buck, particularly for gamers looking to step into the PC gaming world without commiting to a custom build. If you’re in the market for a solid baseline gaming PC, the Archangel is definitely worth considering.