Gaming PCs are often expensive, especially those equipped with the latest hardware, like the RTX 4090 GPU or the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (or 9950X) processor. While many people prefer building their own rigs using individual components, you can also choose a pre-built option like Cooler Master’s Shark X, which is currently available for pre-order. However, this PC has attracted the attention of many hardware enthusiasts not just for its unique design, but for its high price tag as well.
What does the Shark X PC offer?
These days, you can get a gaming PC with an RTX 4090 for anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the other components included. The higher-end models, priced around $5,000, typically feature top-tier specs like 64GB of RAM, a high-performance processor such as the Core i9-14900KF, and other premium components. However, Cooler Master has recently put one of its unique PCs up for pre-order that, despite featuring some mid-range components, carries a price tag higher than those with the latest hardware.
The Cooler Master Shark X was first revealed during CES 2023. As the name suggests, the PC is designed to look like a Shark and measures 31.10 x 35.75 x 35.20 inches. It’s made of plastic and steel and looks absolutely stunning. The components are strategically placed in different sections of the shark-shaped case, such as the tail, body, and head. On top of that, the case stands on a hexagonal RGB base, and there are RGB lights at various points on the case to improve its visual appeal.
| Specifications | Cooler Master Shark X ‘The Apex’ |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-14700F 2.1 GHz 20-Core Processor |
| GPU | Geforce RTX 4070 Ti Super 16 GB |
| Motherboard | B760I DDR5 WIFI |
| RAM | 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5 6000MHz |
| Storage | 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Color | White + Black |
| Materials | Plastic, Steel |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 790 x 908 x 894 mm / 31.10 x 35.75 x 35.20 inch |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX (Intel and AMD) |
As far as the specifications are concerned, the Shark X PC features an Intel Core i7-14700F processor paired with an MSI RTX 4070 Ti Super GPU. It also includes 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD for storage, along with a custom MasterLiquid Atmos liquid cooler to keep the CPU cool under load. If you prefer AMD over Intel, you can replace the mini-ITX B760I motherboard with an AMD-compatible board and use one of the latest Ryzen 9000 series processors. The graphics card can also be replaced, as long as it fits within the dimensions of 30.4 x 13.7 x 6.1 cm.
How much does it cost?
If you were to build a PC with the same components using a standard gaming case, it would cost between $1,500 and $2,500. However, due to its unique design, the Shark X costs $7,000, a price tag we rarely see on gaming PCs. The PCs that come with such a massive price tag usually have some of the most powerful components and a custom liquid cooling system and theme. While we do agree that the Shark X looks stunning and creative, a $7000 price tag seems a bit too high. For this amount, you could build an RTX 4090 PC, get a high-resolution monitor with a high refresh rate, and a comfortable gaming chair to sit on.
In any case, the Shark X is currently available for pre-order with only one configuration of specs and will be shipped out later this year.
