Left-Click MicroPwn System Review

[One4yu2c]

Longtime readers know that at HardwareLogic, we're mostly interested in reviews and guides that cater to the new and upcoming enthusiast in the DIY market. Because of this, it may seem silly to review pre-built OEM machines, but while our focus remains on indulging the hands-on builder, we recognize that there are situations when even a veteran DIYer just wants to pick out a rig and have it built and delivered with no fuss.

Our OEM disclaimer out of the way, today we look at a newcomer to the land of pre-built machines by the name of Left-Click. It's a snazzy title for a company hoping to make a splash in crowded waters, but we don't grade on naming creativity, and we're all about performance and features. We're also about integrity and full disclosure, so before jumping into this review, let us make clear that one of our forum regulars is a system builder for Left-Click. We know him as 'WTF jackass!' or 'Dead-weight' (play enough Counter Strike Source with him and those will make perfect sense), but you'll recognize him as JazzyJake. While JJ may be part of our forum family, rest assured we won't take it easy on the system Left-Click sent us for review. Dubbed the MicroPwn, we put this LAN party friendly machine through our usual gauntlet of benchmarks and white glove inspection, and because we like to razz JazzyJake at any opportunity, we're determined to find any boneheaded flaws. Will we uncover any?
Paul Lilly

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[Jokerswild]

Nice review Paul. It looks like they could use a little refinement when it comes to their web page and wiring. Does the computer come with a retail Windows disc?

[Yellowhello]

Great review Paul!! I like that 8800GTS in there... Quadcore too...

I'd be really scared to OC a quadcore on stock cooling... Maybe I missed it, but did you say the temps?

[Quakindude]

Very good review Paul. I enjoyed it as usual.

Not a bad showing from Left-Click considering it was their first review with us and a SFF PC at that! While shipping having rearranged a couple things is always a hazard one can expect when purchasing a system online, there are some lessons to be had. Tighter wiring controls would have prevented this of course. That being said, the performance is very decent given the form factor and, the inclusion of a dual boot with a Linux distro for only $50 is really sweet. Just having Linux installed and not having to configure everything yourself is worth that added cost!

I hope we get to see more of these guys in the very near future. I think they have a solid introduction with us.

I'm diggin it too.

[One4yu2c]

Update: The pricing structure was an error on their website, and they've changed it to reflect a $100 savings if you ditch Vista and go with Ubuntu or Kubuntu.

Joker: Yes, it comes with the original Windows Vista DVD, along with all other CDs (motherboard, videocard).

Quakin: That's a great point regarding the $50 dual-boot charge. That's not a bad price to avoid the headaches that sometimes accompany a Linux install. DIYers might scoff at paying anything for a Linux configuration, but then again, DIYers would be building their own system in the first place.

[JazzyJake]

paul, you should play around with beryl some more before you send the rig back. ^^

Thanks for the review, and hopefully we can do this again in the future

[One4yu2c]

I'd play with it more, but I accidentally spilled a two liter of pop into the system. I put the MicroPwn in the dishwasher in an attempt to wash out the pop, but it didn't work so well, so I tried the washing machine. That did okay, but I learned that PCs really don't mesh well with dryers.

Other than that, the rig's in great shape though.

[Jokerswild]

Sounds like you got that sucker clean though.

[JazzyJake]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

I'd play with it more, but I accidentally spilled a two liter of pop into the system. I put the MicroPwn in the dishwasher in an attempt to wash out the pop, but it didn't work so well, so I tried the washing machine. That did okay, but I learned that PCs really don't mesh well with dryers.

Other than that, the rig's in great shape though.

You would of had me paul, had i not known how dishonest you are...all those "knife fights" taught me a lot about you...

[One4yu2c]

I'm thinking it could have been much worse myself:

BEFORE:


AFTER:


Heck, I think I can still make out the handle. And return shipping should be very reasonable; can just stuff it all into a large envelope, and no need for any insurance.