Aria GLADIATOR Sparta i5 4.40GHz Overclocked Bundle Review

The Aria Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz is a rock-solid, pre-configured bundle with a healthy overclock applied and strong performance to match.

During our testing, the overclocked 4670K used in Aria's bundle proved that it was ready to trade blows with Intel's king of its Haswell line-up – our stock-clocked 4770K. Performance improvements over a similarly-priced FX-8350-based system were consistent and generally sizable.

We like the fact that Aria chooses to construct its Gladiator Sparta i5 bundle using high-quality components from well-respected manufacturers. Corsair's memory was rock-solid during testing, even when running at the low voltage of around 1.35V. We were also pleasantly surprised by the ability of Scythe's Ashura CPU cooler to tame the additional heat output by the 4670K's considerable voltage bump, and do so while maintaining quiet-enough operation.

As far as build quality goes, we don't have any complaints. Aria's system builders did an excellent job in constructing the sample that we received. An equally-important comment is that Aria's method of packaging the bundle is very sturdy and offers plenty of protection; a considerable factor of safety is added in the form of excess bubble wrap.

Thoughtful additions such as the screwdriver set, high-quality thermal paste, and back-up BIOS settings help to enforce the feeling that Aria's Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz bundle is aiming for high standards and ease-of-use. Backed by a 2 year warranty, Aria has aimed for long-term stability with its bundle.

Our main disappointment regarding the Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz overclocked bundle is its VCore setting. Putting 1.35V through a 4670K is right on the limit of what we would consider sensible for 24/7 usage, especially when coupled with a mid-range air cooler. On the positive side, Aria does provide a 2 year warranty with its bundle.

Priced at £461.99 directly from Aria, the Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz overclocked bundle is slightly more expensive than the stiff competition that similar offerings from competing retailers provide, but not without a valid reason. Aria includes a next day service with the Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz bundle, meaning that the time spent waiting for your product to arrive is cut by a considerable margin.

Buying the parts separately would save around £60 but it would also dictate the time-consuming process of manual frequency tweaking and stability testing while also voiding the CPU's warranty. If you want a system bundle quickly and need it to offer competitive performance, Aria's Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz overclocked bundle is a very good choice.

Pros:

• Strong overclock applied to the 4670K.
• Impressive performance.
• High-quality components used throughout.
• Solid build-quality and a 2 year warranty.
• ‘Free' screwdriver kit, USB flash drive and thermal paste.
• Good value if you need a bundle quickly.

Cons:

• Price is higher than competing options if you don't need it quickly.
• CPU VCore setting is higher than we would have liked.

KitGuru says: If you're in the market for a fast, well-priced system bundle and don't want to face the complications of Haswell's silicon lottery, the Aria Gladiator Sparta i5 4.40GHz overclocked bundle is a good choice, and you won't have to wait long for it to arrive.

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