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The Aftershock Next AIO Gaming PC boasts a fully upgradeable design and a 32-inch 144Hz display

By Koh Wanzi - on 25 May 2017, 4:36pm

The Aftershock Next AIO Gaming PC boasts a fully upgradeable design and a 32-inch 144Hz display

Image Source: Aftershock

Aftershock has announced the Next AIO Gaming PC, an all-in-one machine that defies traditional expectations of this product category. AIO systems are more commonly associated with sleek workstations rather than gaming powerhouses, but the latter is exactly what the Next wants to be.

One of the standout features is its 32-inch VA display, which features a 144Hz refresh rate, a rarity for an AIO machine. The VA panel offers improved viewing angles and color reproduction over TN displays, and Aftershock is touting 100 per cent coverage of the sRGB color space.

However, you’re limited to just a 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution if you want a 144Hz screen, although a higher resolution 2,560 x 1,440-pixel and 60Hz option is also available. That said, we have a feeling most gamers will opt for the butter-smooth experience that 144Hz offers over the crisper QHD option.

So while you can configure the Next with an affordable NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, it’s probably best to go for at least a GeForce GTX 1060 to make the most of the high refresh rate.

Here’s a quick overview of its specifications:

  • 32-inch 144Hz 1,920 x 1,080-pixel / 60Hz 2,560 x 1,440-pixel VA display
  • Intel Core i5-7500 (3.4GHz, 6MB L3 cache) / Intel Core i7-7700 (3.6GHz, 8MB L3 cache)
  • Up to 32GB DDR4 2,400MHz RAM
  • Up to an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Up to a 1TB SSD
  • 74 x 24.5 x 51.5cm (with stand)

 

Image Source: Aftershock

We’ve seen gaming AIO systems before in the likes of the MSI Gaming 27XT and Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO Y910, the latter of which also comes with a 144Hz display, but few of these systems come close to the degree of upgradeability that Aftershock offers.

The Next AIO is fully upgradeable, which means you can swap out parts as you go along just as you would with a regular desktop. And yes, this means replacing everything, down to the CPU and motherboard. The AIO works just like a normal PC, and there's even a standard-sized I/O cutout at the bottom for the motherboard, so I/O options will vary with the board used. There is one USB 3.1 (Gen 1) and one USB 2.0 port on the front, and connecting the board to the front panel headers is the same as on any other desktop. 

One of the key advantages of AIO systems is their clean design and ability to minimize clutter, but their lack of upgrade options has often been a deal breaker for some.  The Next addresses these concerns, and you can kit it out with powerful hardware and still retain the option to upgrade in the future.

In addition, there is retractable headphone stand built into the side of the machine to keep your setup looking as neat as possible.

The Next AIO Gaming PC will retail at a starting price of S$1,637. It is available to buy now, and you can also check it out at the upcoming PC Show.

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