Anybody accustomed to my work right here on PowerUp is aware of that there are two issues about gaming PCs that I wholeheartedly endorse — small type issue PCs and Aftershock PC builders in Melbourne. After years of reviewing genuinely glorious rigs that gained’t break the financial institution, I took the plunge and ordered the Aftershock Vault Mesh from them, and I’ve been a cheerful camper ever since.
Now, Aftershock is again with a brand-new addition to their compact vary, they usually have been sort sufficient to allow us to stand up shut and private with it. The brand new Flux line, beginning at $1499 for the Flux Lite, $2499 for Flux and even an open-loop construct with the Flux Excessive beginning at $4699. Every of those will be absolutely customised with elements of your selection however all of them share the identical 33-liter MicroATX case, able to supporting the brand new, large RTX 40-series GPUs.
As with all Aftershock PCs, what you get primarily will depend on your selection of parts. Utilizing their on-line builder makes it tremendous straightforward to see which elements work greatest collectively and the way a lot the whole package deal will price. We opted for a midrange spec, which features a water-cooled Intel Core i5-13600K, 16GB DDR4-3733 reminiscence, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and a Gigabyte RTX 4070 Windforce OC.
This spectacular spec is available in at about $2600, and it consists of 3 years of guarantee and lifelong buyer assist. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
That’s Simply Prime
Now, let’s take a better take a look at the case that types the guts of the Flux. The case in query is an Asus Prime AP201, that includes quasi-filter mesh panels with over 57,000 precision-milled 1.5mm holes to boost airflow. The panels are tool-free, making it a breeze to entry the inside, very similar to the Meshlicious case I at present have. This ease of entry is a particular plus.
The case accommodates as much as six 120mm followers, with one on the rear and two on the backside. A detachable mud filter on the underside simplifies cleansing.
When it comes to measurement, the AP201 doesn’t exactly match the normal definition of SFF, given its bigger 33-liter dimensions, measuring 205mm huge, 350mm tall, and 460mm lengthy. It’s virtually twice so long as my Meshlicious, however this measurement gives some key benefits.
For starters, the Flux can accommodate these large new GPUs, with assist for playing cards as much as 338mm in size, all whereas leaving room for a 180mm PSU and a 360mm radiator. It helps ITX and MicroATX motherboards and options an prolonged motherboard tray with strategically positioned cutouts and a 32mm hole, offering ample house to cover any pesky cables out of sight.
The beneficiant unfold of ports on the entrance panel is a notable characteristic. It features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-C port, two Sort-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, in addition to headphone and microphone jacks. The rear ports will rely upon the motherboard you select, however my assessment unit with a Gigabyte motherboard had extra ports than I wanted.
Lastly, the Flux is out there in both White or Black, and you may even go for a completely custom-designed panel. Aftershock has state-of-the-art 3D printing and laser etching capabilities, permitting you to personalize this case extensively, together with your finances being the one limiting issue.
Performs as Anticipated — Distinctive
With the specs I outlined earlier and the spacious, well-ventilated AP201 case, the Flux delivers excellent efficiency. I’ve been utilizing it as my main pc for a number of weeks, dealing with the whole lot from writing critiques to enhancing 4K movies for my social media channels and, in fact, taking part in a large number of video games.
The mix of parts and fine-tuning by the Aftershock workforce ensures seamless operation. I’ve included some efficiency charts for 4K gaming, and as you may see, the Flux handles it effortlessly.
The RTX 4070 performs exceptionally effectively, delivering strong efficiency at each 4K and 1440p due to DLSS 3.0 and Body Technology. I’ve been taking part in Starfield, and even with out DLSS, the Flux effortlessly achieves over 60fps in 4K with a mixture of Excessive and Extremely settings.
One peculiar factor I seen was the aggressive habits of the followers when operating CPU-intensive duties. The followers shortly ramped as much as full pace (and noise) after which slowed down shortly after. It’s value noting that we’re coping with six 120mm followers, which might develop into noisy.
Nonetheless, you may simply modify the fan curves utilizing numerous software program choices, so it is a minor level. GPU temperatures have been persistently snug, with the RTX 4070 sustaining a secure 63-67 levels throughout prolonged 4K gaming classes.
However talking of software program, your expertise will range relying on the particular {hardware} in your Flux construct. In my case, the motherboard, RAM, and GPU have been all Gigabyte merchandise, so I had to make use of the Gigabyte management heart to handle issues. Regrettably, it’s fairly horrible software program with a consumer expertise that I wouldn’t suggest to anybody.
Verdict
The Aftershock Flux is a unbelievable addition to the corporate’s already in depth lineup of {custom} PC builds. It’s simply massive sufficient to accommodate among the most substantial GPUs in the marketplace whereas nonetheless being compact sufficient to avoid wasting house in your setup. The extent of customization choices is commendable, and the pricing is honest, as all the time.
Whereas there’s not a lot to complain about, I do want Aftershock may develop their very own common software program hub for managing PC and assist features. Moreover, I’m not the largest fan of the scale of this factor, being virtually double my Vault Mesh. I’d like to see Aftershock carry again some actually compact builds in one thing like a Fractal Design Terra or the brand new SSUPD Meshroom D that may disappear in a minimal setup.
That stated, beginning at beneath $1500 with a 3-year guarantee and lifelong buyer assist, the Aftershock Flux is undoubtedly one other winner of their lineup.
Aftershock PC Australia kindly loaned PowerUp the Flux for the aim of this assessment
Aftershock Flux Gaming PC Evaluate
Likes
Compact case for large parts
Nice airflow and cable administration
A number of configurations accessible
3 yr guarantee & lifetime assist
Dislikes
Costs can shortly climb
Nonetheless fairly huge for an SFF construct
