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The BOXX APEXX S3 is a compact professional workstation aimed at CAD, 3D modeling, rendering, visualization, simulation, and motion-media work. BOXX’s US product page lists a starting price of $5,198 and a sample configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 200 Series 24-core processor, 32GB of DDR5 memory, an NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 Blackwell GPU with 16GB of memory, a 1TB Gen 5 NVMe SSD, and Windows 11. Those are listing details, not a fixed specification for every order: confirm the current price and parts in a quote before buying.
Its single-GPU design, stated memory and storage limits, small-tower dimensions, and support package are more useful buying facts than any unverified performance claim. BOXX lists SOLIDWORKS certification, but the available material does not establish current independent benchmark results, noise or thermal measurements, or a like-for-like comparison with competing workstations.
What is the BOXX APEXX S3?
The APEXX S3 is a small-tower workstation in BOXX’s S-Class lineup. BOXX positions it for professional CAD, 3D modeling, motion media, rendering, visualization, and simulation. Its product page says the system is SOLIDWORKS certified. That certification and intended-use description can help narrow application fit, but they do not by themselves establish how quickly a particular configuration will complete a specific job.
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BOXX’s live US listing starts at $5,198 and displays a sample build with a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 200 Series processor, 32GB DDR5-5600 memory, NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 Blackwell 16GB graphics, a 1TB Gen 5 M.2 NVMe SSD, and Windows 11. This is a dated listing snapshot; configured components and price may change. Check the current build and written quote directly on the BOXX APEXX S3 product page before comparing it with another system.
#1 Best Overall
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
BOXX APEXX S3 specifications
| Component or feature | What BOXX lists |
|---|---|
| Platform | Intel Z890 chipset and socket 1851 |
| Processor | Sample build: Intel Core Ultra 200 Series, 24 cores. BOXX says S-Class processors can reach up to 5.7GHz; this is a manufacturer specification/claim, not an independently verified result for every configuration. |
| CPU cooling | Closed-loop liquid cooling |
| Memory | Up to 256GB DDR5-5600 across four DIMM slots |
| Graphics | Support for one x16 GPU; sample build lists NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 Blackwell with 16GB. BOXX specifies a 350-watt GPU power budget. |
| Storage | Up to four M.2 drives, up to 4TB each, and two 3.5-inch drives, up to 18TB each; RAID 0/1 listed |
| Power supply | 750-watt, 80 PLUS Gold |
| Chassis dimensions | 6.84 × 15.28 × 17.80 inches |
| Wireless and wired networking | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and 5.0 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Connections | Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI, and multiple USB ports; see BOXX’s specification sheet for exact port details and configuration combinations. |
These are platform limits and listed features, not a promise that every maximum can be ordered together in every build. For the current component combinations and port details, consult the APEXX S3.12 specification sheet and have BOXX confirm the configuration you intend to buy.
How to judge whether the S3 fits your workload
CAD and modeling
BOXX specifically targets CAD and 3D modeling and states that the S3 is SOLIDWORKS certified. Match the quoted processor and GPU to the applications and project sizes you use; certification is not a substitute for checking the configuration’s suitability for your workflow.
Rank #2
- Powerful 8th Generation Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7060 desktop computer is powered by an Intel 6-core 8th Generation i7-8700 processor, which can reach up to 4.60 Ghz, enabling efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – This Dell small form factor desktop computer comes pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system. Microsoft has reimagined how the PC should work for you and alongside you, and this Windows 11-powered desktop is redefining productivity.
- Smooth Multitasking – The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing-fast new 512GB M.2 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), which stores important files and applications while supporting faster boot speeds and higher data transfer rates.
- High-Performance Office Desktop – This business desktop computer serves as a reliable workstation, suitable for both home and business computing. The spacious desktop tower case allows for future expansion, making it an excellent fit for use as an office PC.
- Rich Ports – This Dell OptiPlex computer is equipped with 5 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 DisplayPort ports, supporting dual-monitor connections. Additionally, a wireless keyboard and mouse are included.
Rendering, simulation, and motion media
Rendering and simulation requirements vary with software, scene or model size, and whether work is CPU- or GPU-limited. The platform’s single-GPU support is an important constraint if your workflow depends on multiple graphics cards. Before ordering, confirm that the selected GPU, its power requirements, memory capacity, and the workstation’s storage configuration meet your application’s requirements.
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Memory, storage, and desk space
Four DIMM slots and a stated maximum of 256GB DDR5-5600 give buyers a clear memory ceiling to assess against large assemblies, scenes, or datasets. The listed capacity of up to four M.2 drives and two 3.5-inch drives provides several storage paths, but verify the exact combination in the quote. Measure the 6.84 × 15.28 × 17.80-inch chassis against the desk, cabinet, and cable-clearance space available.
Rank #3
- Powerful 9th Gen Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7070 desktop computer driven by the Intel 8 Core 9th generation i7-9700 processor upto 4.70 Ghz for efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - This Dell small form factor desktop is Pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system,Microsoft has re-imagined how the PC should work for you and with you. This Windows 11 desktop computer is redefining productivity.
- Multitask Smoothly - The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing fast New 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD to store important files and applications, support faster Boot speed and faster storage rates.
- High Performance Office Desktop- The business desktop computer is a solid workstation that is suitable for both home and business computing. The roomy desktop tower case allows for future expansion making it a great fit for an office PC.
- Rich Ports - This Dell OptiPlex Computer with 5 x USB 3.1 ports,4 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x display ports,which support for two displays. Also wireless keyboard & mouse.
What is known about performance—and what is not
BOXX describes the S-Class CPU as performance-enhanced to maintain boost speeds indefinitely and says its processors can reach up to 5.7GHz. These are BOXX claims, not results independently verified here for the currently listed configuration. BOXX’s October 10, 2024 announcement also quoted founder and CTO Tim Lawrence saying Intel Core Ultra processors “unlock new levels of performance” through features including AI optimization, increased PCIe lanes, and peripheral connectivity. CEO Kirk Schell said the processors “maximize application performance” for architects, engineers, 3D designers, and motion-media creators. Both statements are manufacturer commentary, not independent test findings; see the October 10, 2024 BOXX announcement.
The product page also reproduces a Digital Engineering review excerpt credited to David Cohn and dated August 31, 2023, which praised the S3’s price/performance among systems tested by that publication. It is historical reviewer commentary, not a current controlled benchmark for the configuration BOXX lists now. The same page identifies a March 30, 2023 ServeTheHome overview by Peter Liu of an S3 with an Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada; that is a different configuration and cannot establish the performance of today’s sample build.
Rank #4
- 🖥POWERFUL PROCESSOR and SUPERIOR STORAGE: Configured with top of the Intel Core i5 processor for lightning-fast, reliable and consistent performance to ensure an exceptional PC experience. 16GB RAM memory to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. 2TB HDD storage space to store apps, games, photos, music, and movies. Loaded with 16GB to zip through multiple tasks in a hurry without lag.
- 🖥️New 22 Inch Full HD (1920x1080) LED monitor: with 75hz, High-Quality panel with quick refresh rate and response time. With 1080p resolution, you can enjoy gaming or a modern computing experience. 22 Inch monitor has a Smart Contrast to provide optimized image quality. Bezel-less and sleek design with glossy finish, crisp edge-to-edge visuals. Wide Viewing Angles for clarity from any viewpoint. VESA Mountable and built-in tilt options allow for a variety of monitor configurations.
- ⌨️ +🖱️ RGB KEYBOARD AND MOUSE | RGB SPEAKER: 3 LED Colors - Blue, red, green, Backlight LED Lights for use at night time, looks amazing. The keyboard mouse and speaker are responsive, reliable, and probably plastered in RGB lights. It's important you pick the right one for your desktop.
- 💿 WINDOWS 10 Pro LATEST: A new installation of the latest Microsoft Windows 11 Professional 64 Bit Operating System software, free of bloatware commonly installed from other manufacturers. As Microsoft's latest and best OS to date, Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit will maximize the utility of each PC for years to come. Optional software such as Anti-Virus and Office 365 can also be easily downloaded through the Microsoft Windows App Store.
The available cited material does not provide named, dated statistical benchmark results for the currently listed configuration, controlled current comparisons, noise readings, thermal measurements, or like-for-like competitor pricing. A useful performance or value judgment therefore requires current comparable tests and an exact, configured price—not an inference from manufacturer claims or older reviews.
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BOXX lists the APEXX S3 from $5,198 on its US product page, alongside a sample build. Treat the starting figure and sample parts as listing information that can change, not as a guaranteed price or a quote for a particular specification. Compare total configured prices only after confirming processor, graphics, memory, storage, operating system, and support coverage.
Best Value
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
- [SOLID STATE STORAGE] - This Dell Computer setup comes with an ultra-fast 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD); Setup as the primary boot device; Boot and load programs with lightning speed ; Additional expansion available
- [BUY & OWN WITH CONFIDENCE] - From the world's largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher; Quality Guarantee and Free Tech Support; Award-winning Customer Service; | Support Sustainable Business
- [MODERN HI-SPEED PORTS] - USB 3.0 (x4) | USB 2.0 (x4) | DisplayPort (x1) | HDMI Port (x1) | Audio Combo Jack (x1) | Audio Out (x1) | RJ-45 Ethernet (x1) | Internal SATA (x3)
BOXX states that its systems include a three-year limited warranty. The first year includes Premium Support & Services, with 24/7 phone support and next-business-day onsite repair. BOXX says Premium Support can be extended into year two and/or three only when purchasing the system. Confirm the warranty terms, extension cost, and geographic eligibility at sale.
What to verify before ordering
- Get a current written quote and confirm the exact processor, GPU, memory, storage, operating system, and total price.
- Check that one supported GPU is sufficient for your software and workload; the listed platform supports one x16 GPU.
- Confirm the desired memory and drive combination is available together, rather than assuming every listed maximum can be combined.
- Review the specification sheet for the exact ports and configuration details you need.
- Measure the chassis location and allow for the connections and clearance your setup requires.
- Ask which warranty and support services apply in your location and whether extended Premium Support must be selected with the purchase.
- For a performance or value comparison, seek current results and prices for systems configured comparably for your applications.
Verdict
The APEXX S3 is a purpose-built small-tower option to consider if you need a BOXX workstation for professional CAD, 3D, rendering, simulation, or motion-media work and its one-GPU platform suits your plans. BOXX lists substantial memory and storage ceilings, modern connectivity, SOLIDWORKS certification, and a defined first-year support package. The buying decision turns on the exact current quote and configuration: the available evidence does not establish today’s system’s independent speed, acoustics, thermals, or relative value.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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