RL Supplies Modula Vivo review

It’s easy to look down the list of specifications and write off RL Supplies’ Modula Vivo as it only has a dual-core processor, while other budget PCs at this price have quad-core chips. However, the Modula’s AMD Phenom II X2 550 processor runs at a swift 3.1GHz.

The upshot of this fast clock speed is that this PC scored 85 overall in our 2D benchmarks, which is similar to quad-core equipped PCs that cost the same amount. The lack of two extra cores was apparent only in the multicore-optimised video-encoding test, where it was noticeably slower than a quad-core PC. The Vivo has a Black Edition processor, so it can be overclocked easily for even faster performance.

The Vivo’s 3D performance isn’t quite as impressive. The Radeon HD 4650 graphics card managed just under 17fps in our Call of Duty 4 test, so you’ll need to settle for less detailed graphics or a lower screen resolution to achieve a playable frame rate in modern games.

Although the Radeon graphics card isn’t especially powerful, at least it doesn’t block any of the other PCI expansion slots. There are two PCI slots and a PCI Express x1 slot for adding peripherals such as TV tuners and wireless cards. There’s space for another two hard disks and an optical drive, but there aren’t enough SATA ports to connect them all to the motherboard. The Vivo is quiet, but this is because it has no case fans, so you’ll need to add some if you add lots of power-hungry parts. A comfortable Emprex keyboard is included. There’s also a four-button laser gaming mouse with fast and smooth tracking.

We’d expect to see a one-year warranty with a PC at this price, but the Vivo is backed by a two-year collect-and-return warranty.

The Modula Vivo is quick at certain tasks and can be overclocked for even better performance, but it lags behind the competition.