X-bit labs

Condor – Small Form-Factor Barebone System from FIC (page 8)

Category: Mobile

by Doors4ever

[ 08/30/2004 | 11:21 AM ]

I ran my tests in several games as well as in 3DMark 2003 and 2001 SE. I always used 1024x768 resolution and the maximum graphics quality settings (except with Doom 3, for which I selected the High Quality settings). I forced 4x full-screen antialiasing and 16x anisotropic filtering in the graphics card driver’s Control Panel. I ran each test at least three times to avoid any fortuities.

No wonder a system with PAT and better memory timings is the performance leader, but we see that the Condor can challenge a full-size computer of the same configuration.

Now, about the noise level. The TaiSol cooler from the Condor’s accessories is purely aluminum and very sensitive to the increase of the load and temperature – it immediately speeds up its fan. Of course, cooling a Prescott-core processor is not a trivial task even for roomy system cases with additional fans. This cooler did the job done, but at the expense of noise. The speed was so high that the case was even vibrating a little.

I don’t think this is a serious drawback of FIC’s barebone, though. My tests show that the system can work under the most difficult conditions, which it is unlikely to encounter in real life. Versatility is the main advantage of the Condor Small Form-Factor PC. You can plug a Celeron in and use an integrated graphics core, if that’s enough for your tasks, but you can also install a powerful CPU and a modern graphics card to use the system as a portable gaming station.

The FIC Condor is a regular computer that you can adjust for your particular needs. It only lacks overclocking capabilities.