The Fusion Galaxy uses an Asus P8B75-M LX motherboard, featuring Intel’s B75 Express chipset designed for business PCs. Being a business-oriented chipset, it doesn’t allow you to overclock the Intel Core i5-3570K processor. See Group test: What's the best mid-range desktop PC?
However, there’s still room for some fun and games as this board incorporates USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps as well as LucidLogix Virtu support. This lets you access the features of integrated Intel graphics alongside a discrete graphics card. Take a look at Chillblast Fusion Raven.
It doesn’t support Intel Rapid Storage Technology (SRT) so you don’t get features such as SSD caching or RAID which rely on it. Visit See Microsoft Windows 8 review.
In fact there’s no SSD included at all on this system, which has resulted in significantly lower scores from the PCMark 7 benchmark. Not only does this mean longer boot times, but the system will feel slower in use than one with solid-state storage. See also Braebo Hermes 8 review.
Plenty of storage is provided though, in the form of a 2TB hard disk, while 8GB of RAM is provided as standard. The system also includes a VTX-branded AMD Radeon HD 7770 graphics card, which is a big step up from the processor’s integrated graphics, although noticeably slower than the Radeon HD 7850 of the Arbico and Eclipse systems. You can certainly play games on this PC if you wish, even if it’s not designed as an industrial-strength gaming rig.
The Xigmatek Asgard Pro system case offers a better finish than most of the budget PC housings. It includes a front-facing USB connector as well as a matt black paint job inside and out, extra fan mounting points and handy cable management.
The all-inclusive £799 price includes a Blu-ray drive and Logitech MK260 wireless keyboard as well as a pair of Logitech S220 speakers. But perhaps the most interesting addition is the Dell ST2220T multi-touch display.
With a 22in diagonal, it’s noticeably smaller than 23 and 24in models but offers the same full-HD 1920x1080 resolution so it’s great for HD video playback.
It also boasts a high-quality IPS display panel delivering image quality which far outclasses the budget competition. Its hinge allows it to fold back almost flat for a less awkward touchscreen experience.
Unfortunately, like most currently-available touchscreen displays, this monitor has a protruding bezel frame which obstructs the fingers when making gestures which sweep in from off screen. The touch interface should be regarded as a bonus rather than the primary input.
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