Chillblast’s Fusion Atom desktop PC is a fantastic performer, thanks to its Intel Core i5-2500K processor. Under normal circumstances, this would be the fastest processor in the chart. However, due to motherboard restrictions, this 3.3GHz multiplier-unlocked chip is unable to run in overclocked mode. But you’ll still benefit from improved Intel GMA HD 3000 graphics over the standard i5-2500’s HD 2000.
Although the Chillblast Fusion Atom came in slightly behind most of the competition in our WorldBench 6 test with 157 points, you won’t notice the small difference in speed – it’s still a blisteringly fast PC.
Budget PCs chart ranking
- Chillblast Fusion Atom
- Arbico eXcel i5255 Pro
- Eclipse Matrix i525z68
- Dino PC Plutosaur 2500
- Chillblast Fusion Summit
The Chillblast Fusion Atom uses an Asus motherboard that’s very similar to the one fitted by Dino PC, but it adds USB 3.0 support. The Arbico boasts an even better version, which offers a 6 gigabits per second (Gbps) SATA interface, HDMI and an optical digital audio output.
A one-terabyte (1TB) hard drive and 4GB allocation of DDR3 RAM are standard offerings in this chart, with only the Dino PC offering more memory. Here, the RAM is provided in two 2GB sticks; any upgrades will involve replacing rather than adding to the Chillblast Fusion Atom PC's existing memory provision.
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Other upgrades will be more attractive: the Chillblast Fusion Atom’s large EZCool A200B system case towers above the Arbico, for example, offering plenty of tinkering room inside.
A 21.5in AOC F22 display is provided. This is a popular model at this price – in fact, every PC here comes with a 21.5in AOC monitor of some description. It’s fitted with dual analogue and digital inputs. A pair of external speakers is also supplied with the Chillblast Fusion Atom, which isn’t always a given at this price.
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Comments
Mervyn Patterson said: I emailed Chillblast with some questions- No response-Bought a Mac.Mervyn Patterson
Neil herbert said: I upgraded the fan with the £15 arctic cooler 7 option and it is whisper quiet. I cant comment on the standard fan unfortunately but can recommend the £15 upgrade. I didn't upgrade the the case and to be honest it seems very well ventilated being mesh on the front and plenty of holes on the sides. The mesh on the front is back lit with a pleasing red when in use which is not shown on the pictures and the surround on mine is silver not black like is shown on the pictures. A pleasant surprise when i opened the box. A month of ownership and i am still very happy with my purchase. The one thing i have added since is a HP Elite wireless keyboard and mouse because i just couldn't get on with the keyboard that it came with. Not to say there is anything wrong with it i just prefer chiclet keyboards (like Apple Macs).
Sjoban said: Is the system you bought fairly quiet? In retrospect, would you have upgraded components such as the case, cooling, etc?
Neil Herbert said: I can confirm that they are 100% still in business. I bought my fusion atom from them on Friday the 22nd July.I picked it up from there small warehouse in Ferndown.They were very nice and helpful and i can 100% recommend them.As for the PC it is fantastic and way more powerful than i will ever need and stupidly fast.Much much better than anything PC world, Comet etc had on offer for similar money.All i can say is that the review is very accurate and this PC is fantastic. I bought it off the back of this review and i am glad i did. My only gripe is the speakers which are easily upgradable at purchase.