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The Cybertron CLX Ra reviewed in 2016 was a premium full-tower desktop built around a 10-core Intel Core i7-6950X and two MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X cards in SLI. It cost $5,556 in the tested configuration, far above the Ra family’s $1,400 starting price. The spacious, customizable machine was designed as a luxury showcase, not a value build. Its 4K potential was substantial for its era, but the available review information does not establish game-by-game performance for this exact dual-GTX 1080 configuration.
What was in the 2016 Cybertron CLX Ra?
The Ra was CybertronPC’s flagship CLX full-tower gaming desktop. The review sample combined high-end components from 2016 with a large case, liquid CPU cooling, and a power supply sized for the dual-GPU setup.
| Part or feature | 2016 review configuration |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-6950X: 10 cores, 25MB cache, 3.0–3.5GHz |
| Graphics | Two MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X cards in SLI |
| Memory | 32GB DDR4-2666, installed as 4 × 8GB |
| Primary storage | 512GB Samsung 950 Pro NVMe PCIe SSD |
| Secondary storage | 4TB Seagate SATA SSHD hybrid drive |
| Cooling | CLX Quence 360 liquid cooling |
| Power supply | 1,000W EVGA Supernova G2 |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Dimensions and weight | 21.3 × 9 × 22.6 inches; 78 pounds |
| Warranty at review | One year of labor and parts |
How much did the CLX Ra cost?
The review sample cost $5,556 as tested. The Ra line started at $1,400 at the time, but that entry price described the family rather than the tested machine; it should not be mistaken for the price of a dual-GTX 1080 system. The tested configuration’s 10-core processor, two graphics cards, storage, cooling, and other components placed it firmly in luxury-PC territory.
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Could two GTX 1080s handle 4K gaming?
The system paired two GTX 1080s in SLI, but the available figures do not give frame rates for that exact 2016 configuration. The presence of two cards alone is not enough to promise a particular 4K result: performance depends on the game and its SLI support. Treat “4K-capable” as a description of the system’s ambition, not a guarantee that every game would run smoothly at 4K.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
- NEXT-GEN BLACKWELL ARCHITECTURE — The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering a massive generational leap in rasterization and ray tracing performance so you can experience your games the way they were meant to be played.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Cool While Gaming: In conjunction with an ARGB fan Air Cooler, the Codex R2 features four system cooling fans; three in the front and one in the rear to pull in cool air and push heat out of the PC.
- Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.
Later CLX Ra reviews provide useful context for the chassis and product line, but they tested different hardware. Tom’s Hardware’s 2019 system, with a Ryzen 9 3900X and RTX 2080 Ti, delivered the following results:
| Game or test (2019 Ra) | 1080p result | 4K result |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 98 fps | 46 fps |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 129 fps | 48 fps |
| Hitman | 129 fps | 103 fps |
| Metro Exodus RTX stress test | 77.8 fps average across 15 runs; a separate 1080p/4K split was not stated | |
Those are results for the 2019 RTX 2080 Ti configuration, not the dual-GTX 1080 PC. PC Gamer also reviewed a separate 2019 Ra with an Intel Core i9-9900K and RTX 2080 Ti, praising its QHD and 4K capability. Neither later review can be used as a benchmark for the 2016 sample.
Rank #2
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte basalt black finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
What made the Ra a luxury system?
A large, upgrade-oriented case
The full tower offered room for components and cable routing, and the Ra line was positioned to support up to four full-size graphics cards and up to 64GB of DDR4 memory. Those were platform or line-level capabilities, not a claim that the tested system contained four GPUs or could be upgraded without checking its specific motherboard and configuration. Optional custom liquid cooling for the CPU, graphics cards, and motherboard was also part of the line’s offering.
Custom appearance and substantial size
Egyptian-god branding and custom paint were part of the Ra’s showpiece identity. The trade-off was its footprint: the reviewed system measured 21.3 × 9 × 22.6 inches and weighed 78 pounds. PC Gamer also found access to the glass side panel less convenient than on some competing systems, because the front panel had to come off before the glass-panel screw could be released.
Rank #3
- Processor specifications: Adopting AMD Ryzen 5 5600 processor, with a basic clock speed of 3.5GHz and a turbo frequency of 4.4GHz, it can achieve fast response computing performance
- Graphics Card: Features GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 6GB dedicated video memory for gaming and multimedia applications
- Memory configuration: Equipped with 32GB DDR4 RAM (16GB * 2), providing sufficient memory capacity for multitasking and demanding applications
- Gaming Performance: Designed to handle modern gaming titles and graphics-intensive tasks with smooth frame rates and visual quality
- Desktop System: Complete gaming desktop computer system ready for setup and use out of the box
Was the CLX Ra better than building a PC yourself?
Not automatically. Its case, assembly, cooling, customization, and convenience were part of what the buyer paid for; a DIY build could prioritize component value instead. The two later reviews illustrate why there is no single, timeless price comparison: PC Gamer judged its 2019 configuration to carry an approximately $1,000 premium over DIY pricing, while Tom’s Hardware found the assembly premium could be modest—about $50—under the component prices relevant to its review. Those comparisons concerned different 2019 machines and market conditions, not the 2016 dual-GTX 1080 sample.
For the 2016 system, the $5,556 review price is evidence of what that particular premium configuration cost then, not a guide to its value today. Current used prices and the availability of Cybertron support are not established here. A prospective buyer should compare the exact machine’s present condition and price with the parts and support they would receive, rather than treating either the historic price or a later Ra review as a current quote.
Rank #4
- POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
- 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
- BUILT-IN 11.3-INCH Smart DISPLAY - An integrated smart screen shows real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, and weather while you play, adding a distinctive and functional touch to your battlestation.
- 850W 80+ GOLD POWER SUPPLY, 360MM LIQUID COOLING & WiFi 7 - An 850W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply provides stable, efficient power with headroom for future upgrades, while a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, WiFi 7, and an ARGB mid-tower case keep the Ryzen 7 CPU cool and connected in a clean build.
- READY TO PLAY OUT OF THE BOX - Arrives fully assembled and tested with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so your prebuilt gaming computer is ready to set up in minutes. Assembled in the USA, and backed by a one-year limited warranty and lifetime free technical support.
Can you upgrade an older CLX Ra?
The chassis was designed with substantial expansion room, and the Ra line’s advertised platform capacity included up to four full-size GPUs and 64GB DDR4. That does not guarantee that every Ra configuration supports every later component. Before replacing parts, identify the exact motherboard, power supply, cooling setup, and case clearances in the individual PC; then confirm that the intended upgrade is compatible. The reviewed sample already had a 1,000W supply and a 512GB NVMe boot drive, alongside a 4TB hybrid drive, but its exact motherboard model is not stated here.
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Best Value
- CPU: AMD Ryzen7 5700X (up to 4.6GHz) 8-Core 16-Thread to easily handle multi-line tasks
- Main board: MSI B550M-A PRO motherboard provides reliable performance and stability
- GPU: Geforce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 Graphics Cards (Brand may vary) Support DLSS 4 multi frame generation, ray tracing, and Reflex 2 delay optimization
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz (16GB*2) SSD: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe
- Power supply: 650W (80plus bronze) certified for energy efficiency and stable performance
How did later CLX Ra reviews differ?
“CLX Ra” refers to a configurable product line, not one fixed bill of materials. The 2019 systems show how much the platform changed over time:
| Review system | Core configuration | What the review emphasized |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 HotHardware sample | Intel Core i7-6950X; 2 × GTX 1080; 32GB DDR4-2666; 512GB Samsung 950 Pro SSD plus 4TB SSHD | Luxury dual-GPU build; $5,556 as tested |
| 2019 PC Gamer sample | Intel Core i9-9900K; RTX 2080 Ti; 32GB DDR4-3200; 500GB Samsung 970 Evo Plus plus 2TB HDD | Scored 73; praised QHD/4K performance, customization, and upgrade-friendly space; criticized footprint and DIY premium |
| 2019 Tom’s Hardware sample | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X; RTX 2080 Ti; PCIe 4 SSD | About $3,842; strong test results and praise for clean assembly and reasonable quietness |
The 2019 systems are not revisions that can be used to fill in missing performance data for the 2016 machine. Their different CPUs, GPUs, storage, and market prices make them separate configurations.
Is the 2016 Cybertron CLX Ra worth it?
As a historical luxury gaming PC, it was an unusually ambitious build: a 10-core processor, two GTX 1080s, liquid cooling, custom presentation, and a large, expandable chassis. Its principal drawbacks were the $5,556 tested price and the physical demands of a 78-pound full tower. The original review price does not establish what one is worth now, and the dual-GPU configuration does not guarantee modern game compatibility or performance. Whether an individual unit makes sense today depends on its current price, condition, and verified component compatibility.
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