Source: IGN
This week at CES, Razer introduced its new Nabu smartband,
but it seems that’s not all the gaming hardware maker had up its
sleeve. Today, it unveiled a new modular desktop gaming PC unlike
anything we’ve seen before. Dubbed Project Christine, the concept design
takes every component of a PC and integrates it into a small,
metal-encased pod that can be snapped in and out of the tower on the
fly.
Modular PC design isn’t a novel concept, but in most examples, comes
with significant limitations. While products like Xi3’s Piston simplify
expansion to the core makeup of the machine, swapping the CPU, GPU, RAM,
or other internal components still requires disassembly. Project
Christine makes the process of swapping, adding, or upgrading components
effortless and wire-free. The system uses PCI-Express architecture to
connect and sync each component for what Razer calls “plug-and-play”
upgradability.
The modules will house everything from GPUs, SSDs, RAM, power
supplies, and the CPU, which can be organized in any configuration the
user sees fit. Each will feature active liquid cooling and noise
cancellation, which Razer says will allow them to factory overclock
components for higher performance. The tower will also come equipped
with a built-in LCD touch screen, which offers controls and maintenance
information for each module.
The design is certainly one of the most ambitious we’ve seen on a
gaming PC concept, and stands to make the process of upgrading your rig
simpler than ever, but the big questions remain: how much it will cost
and will it make it past the prototype concept stage? Based on Razer’s
track record, Project Christine will likely come at a premium, and if it
follows the precedent established by the Edge gaming tablet at CES
2013, could arrive within the year.
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