Review: PC Specialist SkyFire III X14 and Optimus V X17

Conclusion

Gaming laptops built around barebone chassis continue to offer bags of performance at an affordable price, yet they aren't without a proviso or two.

With the latest high-end components at the helm, these systems face thermal challenges that aren't always easy to overcome. As we've seen from the two laptops under the microscope today, larger chassis are generally better equipped at dealing with hot-running components and tend not to run into the throttling issues that hamper smaller, more portable models.

On paper, PC Specialist's SkyFire III X14 ticks so many of the right boxes. It's a decent size, maintains an optical drive, has flexible storage options, a quad-core Intel Haswell processor and dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 760M graphics - all for £699. The idea is certainly right, but would-be buyers should be mindful of a couple of shortcomings; the CPU may throttle under load; noise can be an issue; and the basic TN panel isn't as vivid as we'd hoped.

The quality of a display can define the laptop experience, and for that reason alone we've found ourselves leaning toward the bigger Optimus V X17, priced at £879. Despite losing out in terms of portability, the Optimus' larger chassis doesn't fall foul of performance throttling, and the potent underlying hardware is allied to an enjoyable full-HD display.

Neither model is perfect, but if you're willing to accept the provisos and the limited battery life, there's a good dose of gaming potential on offer at an agreeable price.

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PC Specialist Optimus V X17

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The SkyFire III X14 and Optimus V X17 laptops are available to purchase from PC Specialist. Readers should note that the reviewed models are only available at the advertised prices when purchased via the above link.

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