Dino PC Matteodon review
A great choice if gaming is a priority, and the big monitor is a plus. Image quality isn't the best, though, and it's slower than overclocked systems.
Specifications
3.06GHz Intel Core i3-540, 4GB RAM, 25in 1,920×1,080 display, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Connectivity on the motherboard is average. As well as two PCI slots there’s a single PCI-E x1 slot, but it’s obstructed by the dual-slot graphics card. Thankfully there are two free DIMM slots to make upgrading the 4GB of memory easier. Upgrading won’t void the warranty, which covers parts only for the first year.
If you do install extra components, it’s worth investing in some extra cooling, as the Matteodon doesn’t have any case fans. The dual-slot graphics card has an exhaust fan, but the stock Intel CPU cooler simply circulates hot air around the case. While this isn’t a problem if you don’t plan to upgrade, heat can quickly become an issue when you add any extra heat-generating components. Despite this lack of case fans, noise levels were quite high, even when the PC was idle.
It might be the first system we’ve seen from Dino PC, but we were pleased to see a well-built PC with good cable management. It’s also good to see a graphics card that can play modern games, and a large monitor. However, the latter’s image quality was below par and it lacks a digital input. Plus, it would have been nice to see a little overclocking to bring performance up to the level of rivals such as the CyberPower Infinity i3 Apollo Elite . As it stands, the Infinity is the better-balanced system.
Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rating | **** |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-540 |
| Processor external bus | 133MHz (2.4GHz DMI) |
| Processor multiplier | x23 |
| Processor clock speed | 3.06GHz |
| Processor socket | LGA1156 |
| Memory | 4 |
| Memory type | DDR3 |
| Maximum memory | 16GB |
| Motherboard | ASUSTeK P7H55-M SI |
| Motherboard chipset | Intel H55 |
Ports | |
| USB2 ports (front/rear) | 2/6 |
| Firewire ports (front/rear) | 0/0 |
| eSATA ports (front/rear) | 0/0 |
| Wired network ports | 1x 10/100/1000 |
| Wireless networking support | none |
Internal Expansion | |
| Case | Midi tower |
| PCI-E x1 slots (free) | 1 (0) |
| PCI-E x16 slots (free) | 1 (0) |
| Free Serial ATA ports | 4 |
| Free memory slots | 2 |
| Free 3.5in drive bays | 7 |
Hard Disk | |
| Hard disk model(s) | Seagate Barracuda (ST3500418AS) |
| Interface | SATA II |
| Total storage capacity | 500GB |
Graphics | |
| Graphics card(s) | Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 |
| Graphics/video ports | VGA, DVI, HDMI |
Sound | |
| Sound | VIA VT1708S |
| Sound outputs | 5.1 line out |
| Speakers | none |
Removable Drives | |
| Supported memory cards | none |
| Optical drive type(s) | DVD+/-RW +/-DL |
Display | |
| Viewable size | 25 in |
| Screen model | Hanns.G HH251 |
| Native resolution | 1,920×1,080 |
| Screen inputs | VGA, DVI |
Other Hardware | |
| Keyboard | Logitech Deluxe 250 Keyboard |
| Mouse | Logitech M-U0004 |
Software | |
| Software included | none |
| Operating system | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
| Operating system restore option | burn own restore disc |
Buying Information | |
| Warranty | three years RTB (three years labour, one year parts) |
| Price | £550 |
| Details | www.dinopc.com |