Asus ROG launches its first Strix desktop PC, the GD30

[HEXUS]

Sci-Fi and cyberpunk inspired design has dual detachable white front panels.

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[EvilCycle]

Disappointed in the case design to be honest, it looks like one of those budget gaming pc cases you see for around £40 but with an asus logo stamped onto it.....

[Phage]

Yes - less would be more.
Who was it who had the signature about 'gamer' cases looking like epileptic frogs ?

[scaryjim]

Wouldn't the SOG Strix GD30 be a water-cooled version...?

(over-enthusiastic auto-correct, maybe?)

[Nobull]

Ugly and laughable that they only offer Nvidia, especially at 1050 level where the 460 offers better value IMO and up to 1060 where again, the 480 seems to be pulling ahead as drivers mature.

[Valantar]

I like the white-on-black aesthetic with both white panels attached (kinda-sorta Portal-ish), but with them detached it looks just like what it is: the ugly plastic backing that's meant to be hidden behind cosmetic panels. Also, do you have to remove the white panel to use the ODD? That's a ... weird concession. Is the Venn diagram overlap of ODD users and people who dislike cheap-looking black plastic really that small?

Also, the fact that the styling _only_ affects the front, leaving the side panels to look like standard cheapo gaming case fare is disappointing to say the least. How hard would it be to follow this up along the sides? Say they made magnetically attached plastic panels to go on the sides? How much would that cost them? Also, that would probably mesh better with the side window, which just looks tacked on as is.

[GrahamC]

Good god how ugly can one case be?

[kingpotnoodle]

Ugly and laughable that they only offer Nvidia, especially at 1050 level where the 460 offers better value IMO and up to 1060 where again, the 480 seems to be pulling ahead as drivers mature.

This type of PC is a glorified version of the mass-produced basic black boxes for office desks, limiting component choice reduces manufacturing complexity and only needs a single OS build with same driver. Less complexity = less cost; if you want more choice go to a boutique PC builder where they'll build it to order and charge more money.

[bergamot]

OK, the 'Star Wars' style white plastic bits are both ugly and redundant, but I'd at least like to commend ASUS for retaining an ODD- some of us still make use of one frequently enough not to want to be without one.

Would have liked to have seen a reversible C-type USB at the front of the case as well as the rear- its a PITA having to either keep attaching one to the back or untidy to have to leave a loose one permanently coupled. And no mention as to fan filters and how easy they are to access.

Otherwise, and with the right cooling options, could well be a good compact rig, if the price is reasonable.

[Ttaskmaster]

Ugly and laughable that they only offer Nvidia, especially at 1050 level where the 460 offers better value IMO and up to 1060 where again, the 480 seems to be pulling ahead as drivers mature.

Perhaps they have an exclusivity deal, though?

I like the white-on-black aesthetic with both white panels attached (kinda-sorta Portal-ish),

It's very Portally, Star Warsey, sort of general sci-fi-ish, yeah.
However...

"A particular attraction of the GD30 is said to be the two fitted white front panels which can snap on and off the chassis for a total of six different styles".
I counted four. Empty, full and one each at upper or lower.
I saw a fifth on their site, where the upper sist on the top of the case. Apparently we're supposed to guess the sixth...

Also, do you have to remove the white panel to use the ODD? That's a ... weird concession.

I expected it to hinge cunningly upward... but apparently not. Maybe take it off and put it on the top, as above?

I get where they were going with this, I appreciate the effort to try and do something different and even find it looks better the more you look at it... Still not my thing, though.