Yoyotech Warbird i750X review

Intel's Core i5-750 processor was only released at the end of 2009, but it's already proved to be a hit in the PC Pro Labs. We've seen systems from Chillblast, CyberPower and Mesh built around this impressive CPU, and now Yoyotech is getting in on the act with the Warbird i750X.

It's easy to see why this 45nm part is so popular. As with the more expensive Core i7 chips, the Core i5-750 boasts Turbo Mode which, depending on CPU load, allows one or more cores to run at above the advertised clock speed. It's been improved for Core i5 too, with the maximum automatic boost raised from 266MHz to 667MHz. Yoyotech has also raised the core clock speed of this i5 from 2.66GHz to a mighty 4GHz with its own ambitious overclock.

The result? A stunning benchmark score of 2.7, which indicates the overclocked Core i5 will swipe the most intensive applications aside with ease. It also means the Warbird is quicker than its rivals in the high-end PC category of the A List and, more impressively, it's faster than all three machines in the Enthusiast PC section. In fact, only one system we've seen - the £1,999 Chillblast Fusion Eyefinity - can boast a quicker score than the Yoyotech score - and that was with an Intel Core i7-920 also overclocked to 4GHz.

Yoyotech has partnered the processor with another impressive component. ATI's Radeon HD 5850 proved twice as quick as its predecessor when it made its first appearance in the PC Pro Labs, and it helped the Warbird soar through our High quality Crysis benchmark at 65fps. It handled the game's most intensive settings easily too, running our 1,920 x 1,200 Very High quality test at 34fps.

Elsewhere, the Warbird's specification is merely serviceable. Four gigabytes of RAM, a half-terabyte hard disk and DVD writer are all perfectly fine, but are nothing out of the ordinary.

The chassis, a SilverStone PS02, also speaks volumes about the Warbird's budget. The side panels feel exceedingly flimsy and, aside from the Yoyotech logo on the front of the case, the design hardly inspires either, with the meshed panels a pale imitation of those found on higher-quality products from Antec and Cooler Master. Yoyotech has made one attempt to spruce up the interior with a blue case fan, but with no side-window and a faux-metal panel in front of it, it's hardly visible.

Nevertheless, Yoyotech has made the best of a bad situation. Every cable inside is routed neatly and lashed firmly to the chassis, so none dangle free to interrupt airflow. And the Warbird makes no more noise than any of its competitors.

There's plenty of room to grow, with a PCI Express x16 slot, three standard PCI slots and pair of DIMM sockets empty, alongside four hard disk bays and three 5.25in slots. The selection of ports and sockets is generous, with ten USB ports, eSATA, a pair of PS/2 sockets plus DVI-I, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs on the graphics card.

Yoyotech has also chosen wisely when it comes to cooling, with the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ heatsink performing well even under the added pressure of the Warbird's overclock. Despite the massive speed boost, it kept the processor at a balmy 45 degrees while idling, with this figure rising to 83 degrees when the CPU was stress-tested - a figure that isn't the lowest we've seen, but well within the chip's operating parameters.

Finally, the Warbird offers good value for money. At £760 exc VAT it's a shade cheaper than the Chillblast and, thanks to a remarkable overclock nearly as quick as machines more than double the price. It isn't quite as well rounded as some of its competitors on the A List but, if you're willing to trade some finesse for sheer clout, the Yoyotech offers incredible speed.

Author: Mike Jennings