SkyTech Blaze RX580 Version Review and Specs. The SkyTech Blaze RX580 Version is a compact prebuild PC with intriguing looks and muscular performance both at daily computing workloads and entry-level gaming. It sports a hard-hitting combo of AMD Ryzen 3 1200 and AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB Card making it a good contender for gaming. Hence, it makes it to our top list for entry-level budget gaming desktops.
The SkyTech RX580 Version Blaze is a compact prebuild PC with intriguing looks and muscular performance both at daily computing workloads and entry-level gaming. It sports a hard-hitting combo of AMD Ryzen 3 1200 and AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB Card making it a good contender for gaming.
It makes it to our top list for entry-level budget gaming desktops.
Performance
SkyTech equipped this PC with an AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (4-core) processor, a good pick for entry-level gaming and general computing. Ryzen 3 1200 has a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and the ability to jump to 3.4 GHz when overclocked. The CPU has 4 cores and 4 threads and no hyperthreading (SMT). Released in March 2017, the chip is the lowest in the Ryzen 3 series which includes others such as Ryzen 1700, 1700X and 1800X.
Compared to team blue chips, the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 compares to Intel’s i3 lineup (Intel i3-7100 CPU). While the entry-level Ryzen CPU is massively handicapped compared to their middle-class Intel i3 brethren due to lack of cores and threads, they perform better than the i3-7100 processor. Overall, the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 offers excellent computational performance and entry-level gaming performance.
At this point, I know you’re asking yourself whether this is a good CPU for this PC, considering its 2 years old. Well, yes. It might be picking up some dust but it works just fine as casual home use and gaming desktop.
Memory and storage
Since the SkyTech [RX580 Version] Blake is built as a workhorse for video editors, creative professionals, and gamers, it handles plenty of demanding tasks at ago. That translates to plenty of memory to handle such workloads. SkyTech equipped this PC with an 8GB DDR4 memory which is enough for the above tasks but may not be enough for heavy multitasking.
Well, you can also upgrade to 16GB memory to handle more intensive workloads but as it is, it should handle less demanding tasks like word processing and web browsing with aplomb.
Also, well-represented is a 1TB hard disk which should be sufficient for data hogs looking to save data, media files, movies, and video games. We appreciate that SSDs are fast enough to keep boot-ups, software loading and game-loading times reasonable snappy. But there is no SSD installed here. You can add at least a 128G8 GB or 512 GB option.
Gaming Performance
As far as gaming is concerned, the Ryzen Blaze desktop brags of an AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB Video Card to handle gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. Truth be told, the card is a solid pick for multi-core computing, 1080p gaming at high settings, or 1440p play if 60fps isn’t your aim. Its main competitor is Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060 card but the RX 580 surges ahead delivering the “fine wine’ promise in a few aspects.
Overall, the resolution that works marvelously for this GPU is mostly Full HD (1080p) which means a steady rate of frames per second and minimal to no tearing.
It’s among the best graphics card we could recommend for entry-level gamers looking to get into gaming. That’s unless you have some extra spare cash you can spend on an RTX 2080 Ti or RTX 20 series card.
SkyTech Blaze RX580 Version Specs
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (4-core) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 2400 |
| Storage | 1TB 7200 RPM |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB Video Card |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
| Power Supply | 500 watts 80 PLUS Certified Power Supply |
| Motherboard | A320M AM4 Motherboard |
| Case | Thermaltake Versa H18 Tempered Glass |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 8.1 x 15 inches |
| Weight | 23 pounds |
| Ports | SIngle Dual-link DVI, 3 DisplayPorts, single HDMI | 9 USB (4 X USB 2.0; 5 X USB3.0) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Warranty on Parts and labor |
SkyTech Blaze RX580 Version Design and Features
The full story of the SkyTech RX580 Version Blaze is not only told by its components but also by its case. The case is a Thermaltake Versa H18 case which comes with big enough space for components, as well as enough room, for future upgrades. The front face has a meshed grille-like surface (that feels and looks like a grate) that lets out the red RGB lighting from three circular LED lights inside the case.A close up of the SkyTech [RX580 Version] Blaze desktop
It also doubles up as an inlet for air to flow through hence helping out with temperature control. That in itself is new since most desktops have a polished plastic face or at worst a metallic plate. It gives the PC a straight-from-hell monster vibe which is beastly and fits the gamer aesthetic theme. Moving on, the rest of the case is made of aluminum with exceptions of the left side that has a see-through glass panel.
Generally, it’s a neat design that enables easy access to the interior. The left side panel has four screws which allow tool-less access to the interior. A large case means you won’t be pushed around for space. If you’re one to tinker with the components, the SkyTech Blaze is a semi-tower with plenty of space inside.
Dimensions
The SkyTech Blaze, at 15.4 x 8.1 x 15 inches when upright, is barely comparable to the tower SkyTech [SkyTech 2080] Oracle X (18.7 x 8.27 x 18.5 inches, 31 pounds) we recently reviewed. It exalts a smaller footprint compared to the CyberPower’s Gamer Xtreme GXiVR8520A desktop (18.5 x 7.9 x 17.9 inches, 26.6 pounds) a few inches in either direction. There is no liquid cooling inside, just a stock fan for the CPU, that does its job well.
Looking through the side wind window on the panel, you can see the A320M AM4 Motherboard and the 500 watts 80 PLUS Certified Power Supply.
Internals aside, the one aspect that stands out just from looking at the SkyTech Blaze from a distance is the red RGB color scheme lighting the case’s interior. The understated RGB lighting means that it’s not going to distract you while you game. Because the lights can’t be adjusted or made to pulsate, that’s.
It just gives off a consistent red that creates a stunning ambiance for gaming … which if you’re like me and love setting the mood, is a welcoming setting.
Connectivity
There is an ample supply of ports on the Blaze desktop. Apart from the grate front panel, the front face is flush except for the power button, a single USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a microphone jack, and a headphone jack.
Related: CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Xtreme GXiVR8060A6 Review and Specs
As usual, the rear holds the bulk of the ports. There are four USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a single Dual-link DVI port, 3 DisplayPort, and a single HDMI port. I’m glad SkyTech included at least three DisplayPorts and an HDMI port to cater for external monitor connection. This desktop doesn’t come with a monitor, but you can always connect to one, better yet a triple monitor setup for your office or gaming station.
Our Opinion
The SkyTech [RX580 Version] Blaze has a few annoyances that I wish it didn’t have, but none of them are that bad that they can’t be remedied. First, the lack of a USB Type-C port is not a good thing for this PC at an age where futuristic ports are becoming a norm. And secondly, I have a problem with SkyTech for using a 2017 processor for this PC.
That said, based on my experience, none of these shortcomings are that bad. For the price the PC sells for, you can do without a USB Type C. And the AMD Ryzen processor works fine at this price point (SkyTech must have used this processor to cut down on expenses and therefore price). Bottom line, the CPU is still a valid option in 2019.
Because it blends well with the AMD RX 580 graphics to make a suitable PC for productivity and entry-level gaming at an affordable price, that’s.
Verdict
The SkyTech Blaze RX580 Version is a small gaming desktop PC that boosts strong performance, thanks to Nvidia’s latest GeForc GTX 2060 graphics card and a capable AMD Ryzen processor.
PROS
- Simple attractive design
- Fast performance on productivity and gaming
- Affordable pricing
CONS
- Lacks USB Type-C port