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When it comes to performance, the Isotope has all the bases covered. As far as general Windows applications go, the SYSmark 2004 score of 186 shows that this baby can handle pretty much anything you’re likely to throw at it, but it’s the gaming performance that really matters. With the GeForce 7800GTX ticking along inside, the Isotope makes for a formidable gaming platform. Firing up Far Cry showed that frame rates didn’t drop below 60fps until you hit 1,600 x 1,200 with 4x FSAA enabled, and even then you still get 56fps.

If you’re hooked on Counter-Strike: Source or Half-Life 2 you’ll be happy, since even at 1,600 x 1,200 with 4x FSAA and 8x AF enabled, the Isotope managed 66fps on our HL 2 benchmark. Doom 3 proved to be equally impressive, staying about 60fps all the way up to 1,600 x 1,200 with 8x AF.

Of course when you’re looking at a high-performance machine, that looks great, has solid build quality and top notch components, you expect the price to be high. However, at £1368.04 including VAT, the Isotope is priced far more reasonably than I thought it would be. OK, you don’t get a screen, speakers or even a keyboard and mouse, but even so, I’d be tempted to spend my cash on an Isotope – you may be able to buy a similarly specced PC for less, but it won’t look as cool as this.

Verdict

Scan has created something very special with the Isotope. It looks fantastic, is built beautifully and performs superbly. Why buy another utilitarian box when you can buy a computer that wouldn’t look out of place on the bridge of the Enterprise.

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