Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The MAINGEAR APEX FORCE is a configurable, premium full-tower gaming PC built around a custom dual-loop open-liquid-cooling system. Its CPU and GPU have separate 420 mm radiators, each specified by MAINGEAR as 60 mm thick. That design offers extensive component and appearance customization, but it also means periodic coolant checks and maintenance. Here’s what the system includes, what upkeep MAINGEAR recommends, and what buyers should verify before ordering.
What is the MAINGEAR APEX FORCE?
APEX FORCE is MAINGEAR’s configurable full-tower gaming desktop, designed for demanding games ranging from competitive shooters to racing simulations and open-world titles. MAINGEAR says configurations draw from NVIDIA GeForce graphics and high-end Intel or AMD desktop processors. The exact parts available—and which combinations qualify for optional REDLINE overclocking—depend on the live configuration.
MAINGEAR describes REDLINE overclocking as available for AMD Ryzen 9000/9000X3D and second-generation Intel Core Ultra configurations; that does not establish that every processor and graphics-card combination can be ordered together. Check the configurator for current options.
The manufacturer also highlights tempered-glass panels, vertical airflow clearance, diffused RGB lighting, and choices for coolant, tubing, fittings, cables, and lighting. Its claim of more than 10,000 aesthetic possibilities is a manufacturer customization claim, not an independently audited count. See the MAINGEAR APEX FORCE product overview for the product’s current presentation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 GRAPHICS — Built for uncompromising 4K gaming and demanding creative workloads. Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell with DLSS 4, Multi Frame Generation, advanced ray tracing, and 32GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory for exceptional visual fidelity and elite high-refresh-rate performance.
- AMD RYZEN 9 9950X3D2 DUAL EDITION 16-CORE PROCESSOR — Built on AMD Zen 5 architecture with dual AMD 3D V-Cache technology, 16 cores, 32 threads, boost speeds up to 5.6GHz, and 192MB of L3 cache. Enjoy exceptional high-FPS gaming performance and powerful multitasking for streaming, content creation, and other demanding workloads.
- ALL-NEW, UPGRADEABLE MG-1 MK. II — Built around standard ATX hardware including 64GB DDR5-6000 memory, a 4TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, an X870E motherboard, and a 1250W 80+ Gold power supply for straightforward future upgrades. Reinforced construction, expanded airflow, an improved component layout, and refined RGB lighting elevate the MG-1 from the inside out.
- ZERO BLOATWARE. COOLED, TUNED AND STRESS-TESTED. — Start with a clean Windows installation free from unnecessary preinstalled software. A 360mm AIO liquid cooler, seven chassis fans, and custom fan curves balance cooling and noise, while CPU, GPU, and memory stress testing verifies reliable performance under demanding loads.
- BUILT AND SUPPORTED BY MAINGEAR — Hand-assembled by enthusiast technicians in New Jersey and supported by the same in-house team. Includes a 1-year limited warranty, award-winning lifetime technical support, protective double-layer packaging, and a custom GPU support bracket.
Is the APEX FORCE liquid cooling open-loop?
Yes. MAINGEAR calls APEX a fully custom open-loop liquid-cooling system. In the APEX FORCE, the CPU and GPU each have a dedicated loop and a separate 420 mm radiator, with radiator thickness specified at 60 mm. These dimensions are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements.
MAINGEAR attributes thermal headroom and quiet operation to the cooling design, but the available product information does not establish independent temperature, noise, or comparative benchmark results. Treat those benefits as the manufacturer’s claims rather than verified test findings.
Rank #2
- NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 GRAPHICS — Built for high-refresh 1440p and 4K gaming. Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell with DLSS 4, Multi Frame Generation, advanced ray tracing, and 16GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory for smooth frame rates and exceptional visual detail in demanding games.
- AMD RYZEN 7 9850X3D 8-CORE PROCESSOR — Built on AMD Zen 5 architecture with AMD 3D V-Cache technology, 8 cores, 16 threads, boost speeds up to 5.6GHz, and 96MB of L3 cache. Its large cache and fast clock speeds deliver exceptional high-FPS gaming performance with the multitasking power for streaming and everyday creation.
- ALL-NEW, UPGRADEABLE MG-1 MK. II — Built around standard ATX hardware including 32GB DDR5-6000 memory, a 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, an X870E motherboard, and an 850W 80+ Gold power supply for straightforward future upgrades. Reinforced construction, expanded airflow, an improved component layout, and refined RGB lighting elevate the MG-1 from the inside out.
- ZERO BLOATWARE. COOLED, TUNED AND STRESS-TESTED. — Start with a clean Windows 11 installation free from unnecessary preinstalled software. A 360mm AIO liquid cooler, seven chassis fans, and custom fan curves balance cooling and noise, while CPU, GPU, and memory stress testing verifies reliable performance under demanding loads.
- BUILT AND SUPPORTED BY MAINGEAR — Hand-assembled by enthusiast technicians in New Jersey and supported by the same in-house team. Includes a 1-year limited warranty, award-winning lifetime technical support, protective double-layer packaging, and a custom GPU support bracket.
How does APEX cooling compare with air cooling and an AIO?
MAINGEAR’s support guide frames the choice around what is cooled, how the system is built, and how much upkeep it needs. An AIO is a closed-loop cooler that the guide describes as CPU-only; air cooling uses fans and heatsinks. APEX is custom open-loop cooling that can cover both CPU and GPU.
| Cooling approach | CPU/GPU coverage described by MAINGEAR | Loop or cooling type | Upkeep described by MAINGEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air cooling | Not specified in the guide | Fans and heatsinks | No routine maintenance |
| AIO | CPU-only | Closed-loop | Not specified in the guide |
| APEX | CPU and GPU | Custom open-loop, with dedicated reservoirs and custom pumps | Periodic coolant checks and top-offs as needed; MAINGEAR recommends a full flush every 12 months for best results |
These are descriptions in MAINGEAR’s APEX cooling support guide, not a controlled comparison of performance or reliability. The tradeoff is straightforward: APEX provides custom cooling for both major heat-producing components, while adding coolant upkeep that the guide does not associate with air cooling.
Rank #3
- NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 GRAPHICS — Built for uncompromising 4K gaming and demanding creative workloads. Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell with DLSS 4, Multi Frame Generation, advanced ray tracing, and 32GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory for exceptional visual fidelity and elite high-refresh-rate performance.
- AMD RYZEN 7 9850X3D 8-CORE PROCESSOR — Built on AMD Zen 5 architecture with AMD 3D V-Cache technology, 8 cores, 16 threads, boost speeds up to 5.6GHz, and 96MB of L3 cache. Its large cache and fast clock speeds deliver exceptional high-FPS gaming performance with the multitasking power for streaming and everyday creation.
- ALL-NEW, UPGRADEABLE MG-1 MK. II — Built around standard ATX hardware including 32GB DDR5-6000 memory, a 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, an X870E motherboard, and a 1250W 80+ Gold power supply for straightforward future upgrades. Reinforced construction, expanded airflow, an improved component layout, and refined RGB lighting elevate the MG-1 from the inside out.
- ZERO BLOATWARE. COOLED, TUNED AND STRESS-TESTED. — Start with a clean Windows 11 installation free from unnecessary preinstalled software. A 360mm AIO liquid cooler, seven chassis fans, and custom fan curves balance cooling and noise, while CPU, GPU, and memory stress testing verifies reliable performance under demanding loads.
- BUILT AND SUPPORTED BY MAINGEAR — Hand-assembled by enthusiast technicians in New Jersey and supported by the same in-house team. Includes a 1-year limited warranty, award-winning lifetime technical support, protective double-layer packaging, and a custom GPU support bracket.
How often does the APEX FORCE need coolant maintenance?
MAINGEAR advises owners to monitor coolant levels periodically and top off only when needed. Its guide says most users can expect to top off about once a year if the reservoir level calls for it, but usage can change the interval. Separately, it recommends a full drain and refill every 12 months for best results. These are maintenance recommendations, not a guarantee that every system will need exactly the same service on the same schedule.
What to use when topping off
The current guide says to use distilled water or MAINGEAR High-Performance Coolant for a top-off. Do not mix different PC-grade coolants with existing MAINGEAR coolant. MAINGEAR says clear or translucent coolant generally lasts longest and that it currently offers clear and translucent options.
Rank #4
- NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 GRAPHICS — Built for high-refresh 1440p and 4K gaming. Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell with DLSS 4, Multi Frame Generation, advanced ray tracing, and 16GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory for smooth frame rates and exceptional visual detail in demanding games.
- AMD RYZEN 7 9850X3D 8-CORE PROCESSOR — Built on AMD Zen 5 architecture with AMD 3D V-Cache technology, 8 cores, 16 threads, boost speeds up to 5.6GHz, and 96MB of L3 cache. Its large cache and fast clock speeds deliver exceptional high-FPS gaming performance with the multitasking power for streaming and everyday creation.
- ALL-NEW, UPGRADEABLE MG-1 MK. II — Built around standard ATX hardware including 64GB DDR5-6000 memory, a 4TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, an X870E motherboard, and an 850W 80+ Gold power supply for straightforward future upgrades. Reinforced construction, expanded airflow, an improved component layout, and refined RGB lighting elevate the MG-1 from the inside out.
- ZERO BLOATWARE. COOLED, TUNED AND STRESS-TESTED. — Start with a clean Windows 11 installation free from unnecessary preinstalled software. A 360mm AIO liquid cooler, seven chassis fans, and custom fan curves balance cooling and noise, while CPU, GPU, and memory stress testing verifies reliable performance under demanding loads.
- BUILT AND SUPPORTED BY MAINGEAR — Hand-assembled by enthusiast technicians in New Jersey and supported by the same in-house team. Includes a 1-year limited warranty, award-winning lifetime technical support, protective double-layer packaging, and a custom GPU support bracket.
Filling, draining, and service support
MAINGEAR says the latest APEX generation has tool-less fill and drain access and user-replaceable pumps. However, its support guide, updated July 6, 2026, says dedicated service guides and instructional videos for APEX RUSH and APEX FORCE are still in development. Before opening or servicing a system, confirm the applicable instructions with MAINGEAR rather than assuming that general APEX guidance covers every APEX FORCE configuration.
MAINGEAR also offers paid maintenance service. Service costs vary, and customers pay freight shipping fees. Contact MAINGEAR to confirm current service availability, cost, shipping arrangements, and instructions for your specific system before sending it in.
Best Value
- System: Intel i5 14400F 4.7GHz 10 cores 16 threads, Intel B760 chipset, 16GB DDR4, 1TB NVMe gen4 SSD, 5 ARGB fans, 650w gold power supply, windows 11 home 64-bit
- Graphics: Geforce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 CPU, HDMI and displayPort
- Connectivity: USB 3.2, USB 2.0 , LAN, WiFi 5, bluetooth, 7.1 channel audio, keyboard and mouse
- Tempered side case panel, custom RGB lighting, case size 16.6" x 10.2" x 14.4"
- Suitable for seamless gaming, streaming, and multitasking, 3 years labor, 1 year parts, 1 year shipping, free lifetime tech support
What independent review evidence is available?
MAINGEAR’s press-review index lists HotHardware’s review under the headline “A Custom Liquid-Cooled Masterpiece” and reproduces a favorable excerpt praising the system’s custom cooling and overall experience. That excerpt is selected by the manufacturer; it is not a substitute for the full review’s context or test methods. The cited index passage does not establish measured frame rates, temperatures, noise levels, or comparative results. You can read the MAINGEAR press-review index and follow its HotHardware review listing for the underlying coverage.
What should you check before buying?
Current price and ordering details are not established here. Before making a purchase decision, check the live APEX FORCE configurator and confirm the details that matter for your location and build.
- Current base price and prices for component upgrades.
- Available processor, graphics, memory, and storage options, including which builds qualify for REDLINE overclocking.
- Whether the system can be ordered in your geography and the expected lead time.
- Current warranty, shipping, and return terms.
Do not assume a specific standard configuration, price, or delivery window: those details can change and should be confirmed directly in the configurator or with MAINGEAR.
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.
