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Eclipse Matrix i575R489 review

£749 inc VAT

Manufacturer: Eclipse Computers

Our Rating: We rate this 3.5 out of 5

By | PC Advisor | 15 October 09

With its superior multiprocessing capabilities, the Eclipse Matrix i575R489 will be a worthy challenger to any dual-core system.

With its superior multiprocessing capabilities, the Eclipse Matrix i575R489 will be a worthy challenger to any dual-core system.

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Eclipse's Matrix i575R489 is another PC to feature Intel's brand-new Core i5 processor. Although it didn't give the fastest performance in our WorldBench 6 real-world speed test, it gave a good showing. With its superior multiprocessing capabilities, the Matrix will be a worthy challenger to any dual-core system.

Graphics are powered by AMD's superb ATI Radeon HD 4890, and the Eclipse Matrix i575R489's gaming scores are just as fast as the chart-topping Chillblast Fusion Strider. Unlike that machine, however, the Eclipse uses an ASRock P55M Pro motherboard that comes with a pair of PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (one running at a maximum of quad-speed). This means you can add a second graphics card later.

Windows 7 PCs will be available from 22 December 2009

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Also worthy of note is the fact that the Eclipse Matrix i575R489 is the only system in the chart to provide a full terabyte (1TB) of storage space. This is twice what you'll get from any of the competition and perfect for use with Windows Media Center.

In another first, the Eclipse Matrix i575R489 is also the only system here to ship with Windows 7 Professional. This version of Microsoft's brand-new operating system (OS) is a step up from Home Premium, adding some extra business-oriented features and, perhaps more importantly for home users, Windows XP Mode for increased compatibility with older software.

So far so good, but not all is flawless in the Eclipse Matrix i575R489's specification. The supplied monitor is a 22in widescreen Hanns-G model with a 1,680x1,050 native resolution. It's not unreasonable to find such a display at this price point, but Chillblast has been able to offer a full-HD BenQ model with both of its systems reviewed here. Neither does Eclipse supply any external speakers, leaving you to buy your own or put up with the tinny cones found inside the monitor.

Chart ranking (December 09 issue)

  1. Chillblast Fusion Strider
  2. Chillblast Fusion Rage
  3. Eclipse Matrix i57R489
  4. Arbico HD5750 XL
  5. CyberPower Gamer Ultra Triton
Eclipse Matrix i575R489 Expert Verdict »
Post Review
2.66GHz Intel Core i5 750
Windows 7 Professional 64bit
4GB DDR3 RAM
1TB SATA
ASRock P55M Pro motherboard
8 x USB 2.0
650W EZCool PSU
22in Hanns-G HG221A (0.28mm pixel pitch
1,680x1,050 native resolution)
1,024MB PCI Express Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4890 (games scores: Crysis [High/Very High] = 69/29fps
Fear = 249fps)
onboard sound
speakers built into monitor
22x/22x/12x/16x/6x/8x/16x (DVD-R/+R/-R DL/+R DL/-RW/+RW/-ROM)
one-year return-to-base warranty
WorldBench 6 score: 128
  • Overall: We give this item 7 of 10 overall

The Eclipse Matrix i575R489 has some unique features, such as a larger hard drive and upgraded OS. It’s just a shame that it’s not supplied with a full-HD monitor and speakers.

There are currently no price comparisons for this product.
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