Pros & Cons
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- Compact chassis.
- AMD Radeon graphics.
- Speedy SSD.
- 802.11ac.
- Includes external DVD burner.
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- Some fan noise.
- Steam OS still doesn't exist.
Maingear Spark Specs
| All-in-One Screen Type | 0 |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon R9 M275X |
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 |
| Optical Drive | external |
| Processor | AMD A8-5557M |
| Processor Speed | 2.1 |
| RAM (as Tested) | 8 |
The Maingear Spark ($699 as tested) was introduced at CES 2014 as part of the first-generation of Steam Machine (aka, Steam Box) gaming consoles running the Steam OS. Fast forward to the present, and Steam OS is still vaporware, but the hardware is ready. You can use the Spark with Steam's Big Picture interface for an advanced look at Steam OS, but Big Picture is still just an overlay over Windows instead of a true Linux-based OS replacement. The Spark, which comes with Windows 8.1, is a very compact desktop PC, and is equipped with an AMD A8 processor with discrete AMD Radeon R9 graphics. Basically, it's an inexpensive system capable of playing games on high-definition monitors and HDTVs.
Design and Features
The Spark measures about 2.5 by 5 by 4.5 inches (HWD), which is similar in physical size to less-powerful mini PCs like the Asus Chromebox M004U and the Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) Kit D54250WYK. The black and red box is attractive, with a Maingear logo on the top, next to the power button in the corner. The front of the system has a pair of USB 3.0 ports and headphone and microphone jacks. The rear panel has the AC adapter jack, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, a Kensington lock port, a mini DisplayPort, and two more USB 3.0 ports. The system is pretty well-connected, and can support a variety of monitors through mini DisplayPort adapters. Since it is so compact, you don't have the option of full-size replaceable graphics cards, as you would in our Editors' Choice for entry-level gaming desktops, the iBuypower Revolt A960 (AMD A10-6800K).
View All The system boots quickly, thanks to a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) for boot-up, and the 8GB of memory ensures you have the space to load large games or multitask while playing games on the Spark. The system also includes a 500GB, 5,400rpm SATA hard drive for extra storage, so you can download HD movies and not worry about storing multiple-gigabyte video files on the SSD. The system has Windows 8.1 and the needed drivers preloaded, and nothing else. This is just what you'd want for a gaming rig or home-theater PC.
Final Thoughts
Maingear Spark
The Maingear Spark budget gaming desktop is as small as basic PCs like Google's Chromebox or Intel's NUC. If you're a moderate or casual gamer, it should keep you happy, particularly if you want to connect your gaming PC to your HDTV.