Conclusion
The performance difference between GeForce Quad SLI and CrossFire X1900 is clear in shader-heavy games. While the CrossFire system is overclocked, the stock frequencies and the limitations of Quad-SLI in the DirectX 9.0 age, combined with the limitations of the code of current games, make Quad-SLI perform below expectations. That said, we will review this debate when part 2 shows a pure apples-to-apples comparison, as the only thing changing is the motherboard and the graphics subsystem.
The iBuyPower Dream 2006 would be a nice upgrade for anyone. I would like to see a more durable case with thicker aluminum, however. Being a gamer, I like something that can take the bumps and bruises that go with being a LAN partier. I would like to point out, though, that iBuyPower has a large selection of cases to choose from online. So if you don't like the NZXT Lexa in this review, you can pick one that suits you.
Author's Opinion
Overall I like the system, less the plastics in the case. For $4,100+, I would like to see durability as well as stability.
Being an enthusiast can be expensive, whether you build yourself or buy from a high-end company. It is well worth it when you build a system yourself, because you learn lessons when you do something wrong. Still, some people don't want to experience that, as mistakes can cost money, which is why system builders do what they do. However, when it comes to having a company build your system for you, I would expect more than a 1-year warranty on parts. Most CPU, graphics and HDD manufacturers warrant parts for 3 or even 5 years. I would expect a system builder to back its core parts for at least 3 years from the point of sale.
