Pre-built desktop PCs offer a convenient gateway into high-performance computing, and at Digital Tech Explorer, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate this landscape. ABS has demonstrated a knack for assembling compelling component arrays, and today, TechTalesLeo dives into one such offering. The ABS Cyclone Ruby promises solid 1440p performance, but as with any pre-built system, a closer look is essential to uncover its true strengths and potential compromises, especially concerning upgrade paths and SSD speed. When considering a new gaming PC, the external appearance can often hint at the system’s internal capabilities—or its limitations. Our goal is to look beyond the chassis and provide a transparent assessment.
It’s true you can’t always judge a PC by its case. Externally, the ABS Cyclone Ruby is a dead ringer for its sibling, the ABS Cyclone Aqua. Even their CPU cooling solutions, Thermaltake UX200 ARGB tower air coolers compatible with both AM5 and LGA1700 motherboards, are identical.
Both systems share fan placements, neat cable management, and a predominance of Gigabyte components. For instance, the Ruby features a Gigabyte B650M-C Wifi motherboard and a Gigabyte RTX 4070 Super Windforce 3X OC GPU, paired with the same 650W PSU found in the Aqua. The resemblance is uncanny.
The core distinction lies under the hood: the Ruby is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU, contrasting with the Aqua’s Intel Core i7 14700F. This is a significant difference, as the 7700X is an eight-core chip, while the 14700F boasts 20 cores (a mix of Performance and Efficient cores). While E-cores individually contribute less, their collective processing power is substantial, particularly in multi-threaded tasks.
System Specifications
At Digital Tech Explorer, we believe in transparency, so here’s a detailed look at what the ABS Cyclone Ruby packs:
| Component | Specification |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7700X |
| GPU | Gigabyte RTX 4070 Super Windforce 3X OC |
| RAM | TeamGroup Delta RGB 32GB DDR5 6000 MHz |
| Storage | Kingston 1TB SSD |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Front Panel I/O | 3x USB-A, 2x Audio Jacks |
| Rear I/O | 7x USB-A, 1x USB-C, Ethernet, PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse, 3x 3.5mm Audio Jacks, Wi-Fi Antennas, HDMI and DP for iGPU, 2x HDMI and 2x DP for Nvidia GPU |
| Price | $1,699 (refurbished) for the ABS Cyclone Ruby |
Benchmark Performance: CPU and GPU Insights
Our real-world testing, a cornerstone of Digital Tech Explorer reviews, began with 3DMark’s Time Spy Extreme. As anticipated, the Ruby’s RTX 4070 Super outperformed the RTX 4060Ti in the Aqua. However, the Ryzen CPU scored significantly lower than the Aqua’s i7 in this CPU-intensive test. While the 7700X (a 2022 release) is a capable gaming processor, it doesn’t quite match the multi-core prowess of the newer 14700F (released in 2024).
In Cinebench, a benchmark notorious for pushing CPUs to their limits, the 7700X demonstrated strong single-core performance, surpassing chips like the i9-13900K, Ultra 7 258V, and Snapdragon X Plus, while trailing slightly behind the i7 14700F. It remains a competitive option in its class.
The Ruby’s BIOS has overclocking disabled by default. Enabling it might allow Ryzen Master to extract additional performance, provided the Thermaltake UX200 ARGB cooler can manage the increased heat. Ideally, combining the RTX 4070 Super with a more powerful CPU would offer a more balanced high-end system, a configuration potentially achievable through ABS’s customization options if available.
Chassis, I/O, and Network Connectivity
The ABS case is a sleek, compact (200mm x 415mm x 321mm) black enclosure with a tempered glass side panel, showcasing the RGB fans and illuminated TeamGroup RAM. While Gigabyte software offers some lighting control, the case fans remain constantly active. This design choice prioritizes aesthetics and airflow, which is crucial for sustained performance during intense gaming sessions.
The Ruby’s I/O is adequate, though not exceptional. It features a single USB-C port (not Thunderbolt) on the rear, alongside several USB-A ports. The top-mounted USB-A ports offer convenient access for peripherals. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 5 and an older Bluetooth version might be a drawback for some users seeking the latest wireless standards. However, for a static desktop PC, the reliable gigabit Ethernet port often remains the preferred connection for optimal stability and speed, aligning with the needs of many tech enthusiasts.
Storage Speed and Competitive Context
Comparing the Ruby to systems like the iBuyPower RDY Y40 Valorant VCTA R003, which shares a similar core specification but with slightly slower RAM, reveals interesting insights. While Time Spy results are comparable, with the Ruby holding a slight edge, the Ruby’s Kingston SSD (identical to the Aqua’s) underperformed in our tests compared to both the Aqua and, notably, the Valorant’s WD Blue drive. A difference of 180 MB/s in average bandwidth is significant and could translate to marginally longer game load times, a factor we at Digital Tech Explorer always scrutinize.
Purchase Considerations: Pros and Cons
To help you make an informed decision, TechTalesLeo breaks down the key advantages and disadvantages:
For:
-
Strong 1440p performance for current titles
Clean and tidy internal build quality
Generous amount of fast DDR5 RAM
Against:
-
The 650W PSU offers limited headroom for future high-end upgrades
CPU performance, while good, is outpaced by some newer competitors in multi-core tasks
Inclusion of some last-generation components like Wi-Fi 5
Consider the ABS Cyclone Ruby if: You’re seeking a hassle-free entry into desktop power without DIY complexities. Pre-built systems like this offer immediate gaming readiness, though component selection is predetermined, potentially involving some trade-offs.
Perhaps look elsewhere if: Those trade-offs—such as Wi-Fi 5, an SSD that isn’t top-tier in speed, or a CPU from a previous generation—are significant concerns for your specific needs and future-proofing expectations.
Real-World Gaming and Value Assessment
Ultimately, for gamers, performance in titles is paramount. The RTX 4070 Super is an excellent GPU for 1440p gaming, and its capabilities remain strong. In this ABS build, the card operates coolly and performs admirably, approaching the Radeon RX 7900 XT in non-ray-traced scenarios. In demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, it delivers a smooth experience, maintaining a minimum of 60 fps at 1440p with medium ray-tracing settings, DLSS Quality, and frame generation enabled. It also handles upcoming titles like Black Myth: Wukong at 1440p above 60 fps with DLSS on (frame-gen and ray-tracing off).
The combination of the Ryzen 7 7700X and RTX 4070 Super creates a potent duo for 1440p gaming. If found at a discount—ABS PCs are frequently on sale, and their refurbished line offers further savings—the value proposition becomes even more attractive. While newer RTX 5070-powered machines might appear around similar price points offering access to technologies like Multi Frame Gen and DLSS 4, the 4070 Super remains a formidable card for today’s games.
Understanding ABS Refurbished Options
In a market often challenged by stock issues and fluctuating GPU prices, a complete pre-built PC, especially a refurbished one, can be a smart way to acquire capable hardware at a reasonable cost. Digital Tech Explorer investigated ABS’s refurbished line to assess their value. These units are customer returns, thoroughly inspected, with any faulty components replaced from standard stock. Each machine undergoes a three-stage testing process, culminating in the same stress tests applied to new ABS gaming PCs, ensuring reliability.
The Cyclone Ruby, as reviewed by TechTalesLeo for Digital Tech Explorer, may not be the absolute pinnacle of PC gaming technology aiming for blistering 4K frame rates. However, it stands as a well-assembled, performant PC that delivers significant gaming value, particularly when acquired during a sale. Its full price might make it less competitive against other options, but its strengths in 1440p gaming and build quality are undeniable for enthusiasts seeking a ready-to-go system.
Authored by TechTalesLeo for Digital Tech Explorer.
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