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Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 (2018)

 & Matthew Buzzi Principal Writer, Hardware

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Meet the Raptor Z55 (in Velocity Micro's GX5 Case)

The GX5 chassis is nice and slim, with a minimal desk footprint for a full-size tower. It has the same dark, brushed-metal finish and plain face as the previous GX4, but it adds a side window.

A Window With a View

The large window on this version of the chassis lets you see the costly components that tend to be in these high-end machines. The Raptor Z55 looks clean and organized inside.

A Plain Interior

The design in this PC is a little sparse, though. There simply isn't too much to look at inside this machine.

The Branded Window

Velocity Micro text and a logo adorn the window.

Top Fan Cutouts

Instead of the radiator fans showing out the side window, as on the previous case, they now blow out through a grate on the chassis top.

Top-Panel Ports

You get two USB 3.0 ports on the top panel, along with headset and mic jacks.

A Panel of Rear Ports

The rear has most of the ports, including two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 3.1 port (all Type-A), a USB Type-C port, not-used HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort outputs, and an Ethernet jack, as well as the usual array of audio jacks.

About Our Expert

Matthew Buzzi

Matthew Buzzi

Principal Writer, Hardware

My Experience

I’ve been a consumer PC expert at PCMag for 10 years, and I love PC gaming. I've played games on my computer for as long as I can remember, which eventually (as it does for many) led me to build and upgrade my own desktops to this day. Through my years at PCMag, I've tested and reviewed many, many dozens of laptops and desktops, and I am always happy to recommend a PC for your needs and budget.

The Technology I Use

The single piece of technology I use the most (by far!) is my self-built desktop. I spend a lot of my time gaming (and now, working) on this system, and I’m likely to continue upgrading it in some form forever. As it relates to my work at PCMag, it’s a vital window into keeping up to date with components, performance, and the latest titles. On the smartphone front, I’m a full-time Android user.

I’m always eyeing my next GPU upgrade, but the consistent part of my gaming setup has been a 165Hz 1440p monitor; I think this remains the sweet spot for the time being. A dual-monitor setup has been essential for work and play; my second screen is either a productivity monitor, playing videos for entertainment, or being used for console gaming, depending on the time of day.

Speaking of which, I may be primarily a PC gamer, but (like any good gaming enthusiast without enough discipline) I also own a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series S, a Steam Deck, and a Nintendo Switch 2. The PS5 and Xbox are hooked up to a living-room television for a more laid-back couch experience; I've found Gamepass to be especially handy for cooperative play and for taking my saved-game files from my desk to my couch through the cloud.

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