Origin’s Millenium desktop is already our favorite gaming PC, but the massive chassis and flashy exterior aren’t for everyone. Now, Origin is reaching beyond the classic desktop approach with a new small form factor (SFF) case for the Chronos line, and the Omni gaming all-in-one. In addition, the new Sentinel software suite allows for complete system management from a smartphone, over both the system performance and lighting.
Starting small, the Chronos has always been a versatile lineup with configuration options across a number of different cases. With the larger systems transitioned first, Origin is moving away from off-the-shelf builder cases and into its own first-party options. Measuring just 11.75 inches tall, 13.75 inches deep, and 4 inches wide, the Chronos SFF is ready to squeeze into even the most real estate-minded setups.
But that doesn’t mean it cuts corners on performance. The system is configurable with options up to an Intel Core i7-5960X, an Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan X, and up to four 2.5-inch drives, with room for a single 3.5-inch as well. Frostbyte liquid cooling and Origin professional overclocking are available as well, as part of the fully fleshed out SFF suite. It’s not limited to an upright configuration either, with magnetic feet and a rotating logo. Price on these systems is highly volatile because of component price fluctuations and vast configuration options, so the debut price is not known, but the Chronos SFF with the new case will be available in February of 2016.
For those in need of a more simplified approach, the all-new Omni is one of the only gaming all-in-ones on the market. That doesn’t mean compromising where it counts, as the Omni still supports up to an Intel Core i7-5960X, an Nvidia GTX Titan X, and is compatible with Z170 and X99 Mini ITX platforms.
The built-in display is impressive, 34-inch, 21:9 curved display with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,400. Players can open up the field of view much wider than normal for a truly immersive experience, helped along by the top-shelf internals. If you want to show off a little more, there’s also an option for a top-mounted USB webcam, or clear back cover to show off that fancy GPU. Like the Chronos, price is going to change massively based on the configuration, but Origin will begin selling the made-to-order Omni in the first quarter of 2016.
There’s also the new Sentinel app. which allows for precise control of lighting and system settings, as well as reporting back real time diagnostic info. It’s the perfect companion for a gamer without a second screen to monitor their system, even in the heat of battle. Along with the new app, Origin is including improved UV lighting as part of the Genesis and Millenium systems to take full advantage of the Sentinel app.
Finally, the full size and mid tower options, the Genesis and Millennium respectively, are both receiving a bit of a face lift in the form of new interior accent colors. It’s still the same case we loved in our review of the Millennium, but now with the option for white or red internals instead of black. The new colors add an extra $100 to the price.
