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OverdrivePC Gemini.SLI

Overdrive PC sells viciously overclocked systems at great prices. Their Gemini.SLI model gaming computer is a tremendous performer. Let’s see how Overdrive PC is bringing the art of overclocking into the "mainstream."

Introduction

Overdrive PC is the latest company to go under the microscope of our system evaluation program.

As many of you might know by now, HardOCP doesn’t "review" systems, we evaluate the experiences they facilitate. We order the system the same as you would and evaluate every aspect of the end-user experience. Not only does this give us a better idea of what hardware an end-user actually receives, it also allows us to obtain a more accurate picture of just how each company functions and treats its customers. As fast as PC hardware has become over the years, we think giving a personal computer "5 stars" based on how fast it ran a synthetic benchmark is simply irresponsible. We think service, support, and reliability are much more important factors in today's climate rather than speed. Fast is easily bought, but purchasing and ownership satisfaction can be elusive.

Overclocks’R’US

Overdrive PC is a company that specializes in systems using over-clocked processors and GPUs. We ordered a customized version of the Gemini.SLI, one of their three flagship products along with the Torque.SLI and the Gemini.Pro. The Gemini.SLI in its base configuration sells for $3,447.00 US, our evaluated system as configured came to $2,933.00 US.

A shade under three thousand dollars isn’t most people’s idea of cheap. For this price, the consumer should expect a strong, stable and fast system, capable of efficient multimedia playback and quality 3D gaming, whatever components the company decides to include.

If you can’t stand the heat...

Overdrive PC overclocks the CPU and GPU on every system they build, a process they call “Hyperclocking.” Overdrive PC achieves this by using both hardware modifications and BIOS tweaks; and in the case of video cards, even BIOS flashing. They call the resulting performance increase “free power.” It’s a bold claim, and we'll put it to the test.

What We Bought

It is worth noting here that while this system is outlined as an "SLI" system, we did not in fact opt to have both video cards included, so this system did not ship to us in an SLI configuration. The motherboard does support SLI and will of course allow you to add a second video card in the future.