Skytech Chronos 3
Score: 81/100
MSI Codex Z2
Score: 82/100Rankings
The MSI Codex Z2 is a mid-range AMD-based gaming desktop featuring a Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5070 GPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM and a 2 TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, delivering strong 1440p performance with AI-enhanced cooling. Its drawbacks include the lack of an optical drive, a relatively heavy chassis, and a short warranty period. It is best for gamers and creators who want high performance out of the box with premium RGB and peripherals.
The Skytech Chronos 3 is a high-end pre-built desktop featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU, RTX 5080 GPU and 32 GB DDR5-6000 RAM, delivering strong 4K gaming and productivity performance. Early driver issues and a premium price are the main trade-offs. Best suited for enthusiasts who want a balanced gaming-productivity machine with future-proof specs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8best | 8best | |
32 GBbest | 32 GBbest | |
16 GBbest | 8 GB | |
3.9 GHzbest | — | |
5.4 GHzbest | — | |
2,000 GBbest | 2,000 GBbest | |
850 Wbest | 650 W | |
6,000 MHzbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | AMD Ryzen 7 8700F |
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 |
GPU Memory (GB) | 16 GB | 8 GB |
Storage(1) | ||
SSD Type | PCIe Gen4 NVMe | NVMe |
Power(1) | ||
Power Supply Wattage (W) | 850 W | 650 W |
Features(1) | ||
Cooling System | 360 mm AIO liquid cooler with ARGB fans | Air Cooling |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 17.8×9.1×17.2 in cm | 48.3×21.3×40.6 cm cm |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi‑Fi 6E |
Ports(1) | ||
DisplayPort Ports | 1 | 3 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Chronos Ultra 265K for its benchmark-leading performance, citing the 21,444 Cinebench multi-core score, a 16,309 Time Spy result, and the stability provided by its large CPU cache and robust cooling. They also note minor drawbacks such as slightly slower CPU rendering in Blender and the possibility of early driver teething problems with the new RTX 5080.
Everyday users praise the system for delivering smooth high-FPS gaming, rapid load times from the 2 TB SSD, and quiet liquid cooling, while generally expressing satisfaction with its 4K-ready capabilities. A few users mention early driver hiccups and wish for clearer chassis dimension details.
Professional reviewers praise the Codex Z2's AI-driven Frozr cooling system, premium mesh front panel, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and the inclusion of a gaming keyboard and mouse, positioning it as a solid mid-range option with strong performance and visual flair.
Cons: No optical drive or traditional HDD included, limiting options for legacy media or additional bulk storage. Weight of approximately 21.3 lbs makes the system less portable and may require sturdy desk support. Only a 1-year limited warranty is provided, which may be insufficient for users seeking longer coverage. Wi-Fi 6E is the default; Wi-Fi 7 is only available on some variants, potentially limiting the latest wireless performance. Limited professional and user reviews available, making it harder to gauge real-world reliability and satisfaction.
“Smooth high-FPS gaming, fast load times from 2TB SSD, quiet liquid cooling, and value for 4K-ready specs.”
