When they ask me for recommendations ready gaming computerI usually start by mentioning MAINGEAR. I’ve tested a couple of models over the years and both times I was very impressed with the build quality, build and support. The computers are hand-built in New Jersey, and the difference between something assembled on an assembly line is immediately noticeable.
MAINGEAR traditionally offers a range of ready-made models, as well as a deep customization tool that allows you to choose everything that goes into your computer. And while the current PCs are very attractive, they are nothing like the new APEX FORCE and APEX RUSH that MAINGEAR just announced at CES 2025.
There’s no confirmed release date or confirmed price yet, but you can put down a $100 deposit (fully refundable) if you want to be at the front of the line when these computers start shipping.
MAINGEAR’s New APEX Gaming PCs Expand Pre-Owned Capabilities
The MAINGEAR APEX range may look familiar; RUSH is an updated version of the old model, while FORCE is completely new. Let’s start with a new PC.
This is a Full Tower model, made in a Phanteks NV9 case, with wide tempered glass side panels and backlighting around the edges. Inside there is enough space for two 420mm radiators (each 60mm thick), cooled by three 140mm fans.
The radiators are connected to special MAINGEAR dual cooling circuits; There are separate cycles for the CPU and GPU. Honestly, this seems a bit overkill, but I’m not complaining, especially since PCs will come with New NVIDIA RTX 5000 GPUs and the latest Intel and AMD processors.
Fixing and setting up a custom cooling loop can be a daunting task, but FORCE has a quick access panel for the drain holes next to the pump to make it as easy as possible. In keeping with the classic MAINGEAR style, it offers plenty of customization options for tubing materials, colors, fittings, sleeves and more.
We reported MAINGEAR’s patented technology MG-RC technology presented at CES 2024.and he appears here. This moves many of the motherboard’s cable connections to the back of the board, resulting in a cleaner appearance when viewed through the side glass. MAINGEAR sent me some pictures of a model that used red and blue coolant with silver tubes, but keep in mind that everything is customizable.
Here are the characteristics of FORCE and its brother RUSH.
| Characteristics | UPPER POWER OF THE MAIN GEAR | APEX RUSH MAIN GEAR |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | “The latest high-performance processors from Intel and AMD” | “The latest high-performance processors from Intel and AMD” |
| Graphics | Latest NVIDIA RTX | Latest version of NVIDIA RTX |
| Memory | Up to 48 GB T-Force Extreme RGB DDR5-8000 MHz (or up to 96 GB at DDR5-6400 MHz) | Up to 48 GB T-Force Extreme RGB DDR5-8000 MHz (or up to 96 GB at DDR5-6400 MHz) |
| Storage | M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs up to 8TB | M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs up to 8TB |
| Motherboard | Z890 and X870E (ASRock, ASUS, MSI) | Z890 and X870E (ASRock, ASUS, MSI) |
| Cooling | 2x 420mm radiators, 6x 140mm RGB fans, custom APEX liquid cooling system, separate dual-circuit CPU/GPU systems | 2 x 360 mm radiators, 7 x 120 mm RGB fans, special APEX liquid cooling system |
| Power | 80+ Platinum power supply up to 1600 W | Power supply up to 1600 W |
| Happening | Phanteks NV9 (full turret) | Lian-Li O11 EVO RGB (mid tower) |
| Price | TBD | TBD |
| Availability | TBD | TBD |
Now on to APEX RUSH, it returns with a mid-height Lian-Li O11 EVO RGB case with tempered glass on the front and sides for a better look at the internal components. This is a great case that gets even better with MAINGEAR’s customization options. Cyber gamer, Good luckAnd Vaporwave Drive There are three options available, but of course there are also more standard models with a black body. As with APEX FORCE, you can customize the colors and materials used in the custom cooling loop.
APEX RUSH has a single liquid cooling loop that serves the CPU and GPU. It is cooled by two 360mm radiators, each equipped with three 120mm fans, and there is also a rear intake fan that creates positive pressure and prevents dust from accumulating inside. Need to set up a cycle? Easy access panels hide the pump and drains.
When you set up APEX RUSH, you’ll have access to the latest hardware from Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA, and MAINGEAR offers up to 8TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD and 96GB of DDR5 RAM.
As I mentioned, MAINGEAR hasn’t yet decided on an exact launch date and pricing, but you can put down a fully refundable $100 deposit to secure your spot in line.