Velocity Micro Raptor Z55

Incredible customization options ; Great airflow ; Starting price isn't terrible for a custom PC

Gets very expensive pretty fast ; No Threadripper or Ada options

The Velocity Micro Raptor Z95 is a highly customizable PC for professionals, gamers, or both, who want a serious system custom-tuned by pros who know what they're doing. Just be prepared to pay the premium to get you in the door.

Powerful components for top-notch performance ; Solid build quality and sleek design ; Fast storage and memory ensure efficient multitasking

Expensive compared to other desktops

The Velocity Micro Raptor Z95 is a high-performing desktop well-suited for those who want the best in terms of components and performance. Its solid build quality and sleek design are also notable, but this does mean it comes at a premium price.

The Raptor has a subtle, discreet black design that fades into the background. It offers excellent high-end performance and a separate front panel for connecting VR headsets.

It's still a little plain-looking for such an expensive PC, and it takes up a ton of space. The front-mounted VR connection panel isn't sturdy enough.

The Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 is a VR-ready desktop with a very conservative look, but excellent performance and plenty of configuration options.

This is a new era where custom PC makers are ready to prove to the world that smaller form factors don’t necessarily have to mean smaller performance. With careful planning and optimal usage of all the available nooks and crannies, as long as you’ve...

Fast processor ; Excellent gaming performance ; Lightning-fast SSD

Awkward internals ; Not a great price

Despite a few flaws, the Velocity Micro Raptor M60 is a solid gaming desktop. Aside from its problematic internal layout, it stands up to its nearest competitors and performs well for the price — but does it perform well enough?

Superlative build quality and customer support ; Phenomenal gaming performance ; Subtle rather than garish design ; Ample component options at checkout

Very expensive ; Almost too plain-looking for hardcore gamers

While its mighty price puts it out of reach of most gamers, Velocity Micro's latest Raptor desktop tower offers admirable quality and performance.

Blistering performance ; Available "Alder Lake" Intel Core i9, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti options ; Pristine custom build ; Professional aesthetic ; Robust US-based support

Pricey, particularly for base model ; Conservative, professional design may turn gamers off

Velocity Micro delivers on its reputation for performance-first builds in the new "Alder Lake"-based Raptor Z55 boutique desktop PC, which beats all comers in our Core i9/GeForce RTX 3080 Ti configuration.

Strong all-around performance. ; No-fuss case design that fits professional settings. ; Clean installation and cable management. ; A ton of storage in our configuration.

Some competitors offer comparable performance at lower prices. ; Minimalist aesthetic may not please all shoppers.

The Velocity Micro Raptor Z55a is a clean, straightforward gaming desktop with excellent performance. It's a bit pricey, though, and doesn't do a lot to differentiate itself from its rivals.

Breakneck performance. Capable of 60fps 4K gaming. Case is easy to work with. Test model uses unique factory-overclocked, limited-edition Core i7 chip.

Plain design and interior layout for such a pricey system.

Bottom Line: It isn't a major head-turner, but Velocity Micro's Raptor Z55 gaming desktop is highly configurable, well built, and low-fuss. As tested, with a limited-edition Intel CPU and top graphics, it's blazing-fast for 4K gaming—and all other tasks.

Extraordinary all-around performance. Overclocked Intel Core X processor and dual graphics. Slim, attractive case with easy access for maintenance and upgrades.

Expensive as configured.

At its exorbitant price, this PC as configured is obviously not meant (or necessary) for the average user, or even most gamers. Its targets are media professionals, artists, hardcore hobbyists, and enthusiast gamers, all of whom will need to have some...