XMG Prime: Two alternatives to the mini gaming PC

With the XMG Prime, Schenker has presented its first own desktop computer. In this article we present two alternatives that can stand up to the compact PC. All three computers come with Windows 8.1 as standard.

XMG Prime: First complete PC in Schenker's gaming series

The XMG Prime is a compact desktop computer that offers plenty of space inside for powerful hardware. The gaming PC can be adapted to all requirements via the in-house configurator. The basic equipment costs 1099 euros and offers the following components:

• Graphics: With the GeForce GTX 750 Ti you can play the latest games in medium settings. In mass battles in MMOs or MOBAs, the graphics card quickly reaches its limits. If you need more, you can choose between other mid- and high-end graphics cards from the GeForce series.
• RAM: The XMG Prime is preconfigured with 8 gigabytes of RAM. The second slot expands it up to 16 gigabytes.
• Hard disk: Two disks are slumbering in the XMG Prime: a 128 gigabyte SSD hard disk and a fast 1000 gigabyte HDD disk. Bargain hunters can deselect one of the two hard drives and thus reduce the basic price by around 60 euros. A special feature of the XMG-Prime are two additional hard disk slots - this means that a total of four 2.5 "hard disks can be installed in the compact PC.
• Processor: The processor appears surprisingly weak - an i5-4590 clocks in the XMG Prime. However, it provides enough power for gaming - if you still want more, choose the i7-4790 or -4790K.
• Mainboard: A Z97N board is used as the main board. Schenker could have installed something better here - the board is nevertheless a good basis for a finished computer.

Compact alternative: Alienware X51 - gaming desktop for beginners

Alienware's smallest computer is available from a price of 670 euros. This also includes the mouse and keyboard from Alienware, which makes the computer the perfect entry-level package. Even compared to the XMG Prime, the X51 is a dwarf - this saves space, but also makes upgrading later difficult.

• Graphics: A GTX 745 is standard in the X51. As usual from Alienware, the manufacturer relies on the original Nvidia card - but this is not enough for demanding games. The GTX 750 Ti, which the XMG Prime also uses, is available at an additional cost of 80 euros.
• RAM: The cheapest X51 has poor memory. Only 6 gigabytes of RAM, which consist of two different sticks (2 and 4 GB), make little sense. We recommend spending 15 euros to get 8 gigabytes of RAM.
• Hard disk: On the 1 terabyte HDD you have enough space for all your games. Alienware refuses to upgrade or convert as long as you configure the cheapest option. If you start with a more expensive model, you can choose an SSD or SSHD here.
• Processor: In the economy version you get the Alienware dwarf with an i3-4150 processor. This is enough for hidden object games - as soon as more than just puzzle pieces move on your screen, the CPU surrenders. Nothing can be configured here - you only have the handle to the more expensive basic configuration.
• Mainboard: The main board in the X51 is an H61 express board. This motherboard hardly allows any upgrades and offers disappointingly few connections. If you plan to replace components yourself later, you should stay away from it.

Mid-end alternative to the XMG Prime: Asus ROG GR8

The "gaming flounder" ROG GR8 from Asus takes even less space than the XMG Prime. In the cheapest variant, you can buy the RG8 at a price of just under 1000 euros. You also get a gaming mouse and an illuminated keyboard. You can also expect the following components in this configuration:

• Graphics: Just like Schenker, Asus installs a Geforce GTX 750 Ti in the flat case. In contrast to the XMG Prime, the Asus RG8 is equipped with an Nvidia card - Schenker only uses graphics cards from Gigabyte.
• RAM: If you choose the cheapest model, your system is supported by 8 gigabytes of RAM.
• Hard disk: As in the X51, 1000 gigabytes of hard disk space are available in the Asus ROG GR8. You have to do without additional hard drives - if you also need an SSD, you have to resort to the model, which is around 100 euros more expensive.
• Processor: While the XMG Prime comes with a rock solid i5 processor, this compact PC from Asus with the i7-4510U disappoints. In fact, there is an economical dual-core processor behind it, which is designed for notebooks and ultrabooks. For down-to-earth games like DotA 2, League of Legends or World of Warcraft, this is sufficient. However, if you wait for games like Battlefield Hardline, GTA 5 or Doom 4, the calculator will soon disappoint you.
• Mainboard: The Asus ROG GR8 is based on a mainboard specially developed by Asus. However, the manufacturer does not disclose any further details.

Conclusion: XMG Prime vs. Alienware and Asus

The XMG Prime is a computer for gamers and hobbyists. It offers scope for expanding the hardware and allows you to adapt it exactly to your needs. In addition, at Schenker you do not lose the guarantee if you open the housing. But all these advantages come at a price: the cheapest version of the XMG Prime costs 1099 euros. This is sufficient for most games, although sufficient for many games, it is still tempting to upgrade. Depending on your requirements, you are better off with one of the competitors:

• X51: The mini gaming PC from Alienware is a complete PC that brings the mouse and keyboard with you. For about 800 euros you get the computer in a medium configuration, in which it can handle most games at medium resolution. You should refrain from the entry-level model - an i3 processor is simply not suitable for gaming.
• GR8: Asus' flat gaming computer impresses across the board. Only the processor leaves its performance in doubt. If you like it to save energy and do not expect upcoming game releases, you are well served with the computer. Before buying, however, please note that you cannot subsequently install a second hard drive.

If none of these computers convince you, we will tell you how to put together your own gaming PC.