Velocity Micro Press Reviews
Velocity Micro has long been recognized for its reliable high-performance PCs. The quotes below, taken from reviews of actual systems, show that the company's reputation for premium quality is common knowledge in the major PC industry press.
Featured Review: Level1 on our HD150 Workstation
You can also read reviews on our workstation, gaming, and completely custom PC builds below. If you'd like to hear from our individual customers, feel free to read what they have to say about us on our customer reviews page.
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2023-2024
PC Gamer, March 2023
“Extremely well built and, functionally speaking, the temps, noise levels and performance are truly excellent…It's a high-quality, no-nonsense gaming rig built to deliver fantastic frame rates."
Tweaktown, April 2023
“If you are in the market for a prebuilt gaming machine, Velocity Micro will build a machine to your specifications and we had very little to complain about when it comes to the Raptor Z55 in 2023.”
Digital Engineering, December 2023
“This updated ProMagix HD60 workstation again delivered some of the best scores ever recorded…[it] broke all previous records.”
PC Magazine, December 2023
“Velocity Micro is no stranger to our labs, and we always enjoy its high standards of build quality and performance. The Raptor Z95 is a fearsome performer.”
Tech Radar, February 2024
“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.”
Inside Hook, Februrary 2024
“The Velocity Micro Z55 is a well-built, performance-driven, high-end gaming desktop that delivers on its promise.”
CBS Essentials, Februrary 2024
"When it comes to a portable gaming machine, I found the Raptor S77 to be exceptional."
Digital Engineering, May 2024
“This new ProMagix HD80 workstation again delivered some of the highest scores we have ever recorded.”
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2022
PC Gamer, January 2022
“Velocity Micro knows how to build gaming PCs, and the level of detail here is phenomenal.”
Digital Engineering, November 2022
“Quite simply, this new Velocity Micro HD60 workstation is another winner.”
Tech Radar, December 2022
“Raptor Z95 is a high-performing desktop well-suited for those who want the best in terms of components and performance.”
PC Magazine, December 2022
“Velocity Micro's latest Raptor desktop tower offers admirable quality and performance.”
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2021
PC Magazine, November 2021
“The attention to detail and tuning pays off in the performance…Velocity Micro knows how to build a fast computer”
Post Magazine, June 2021
“It’s a lot of computer, and runs incredibly fast…It’s just built right.”
Digital Engineering, March 2021
"A deskside workstation equipped with the new, critically praised AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO... the 'ultimate processor for professional workstations.'"
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2020
PC Gamer, December 2020
“The Raptor's portability and power make it a deceptively versatile rig for professionals and gamers.”
Digital Engineering, April 2020
“A clear price/performance winner—the fastest system we have ever tested for under $5,000…Quite simply, this latest Velocity Micro HD60 workstation is a winner.”
PC Mag
“The Velocity Micro Raptor Z55a is a clean, straightforward gaming desktop with excellent performance.”
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2019
PC Gamer
“Every custom rig out of Velocity Micro is custom tuned to get the most performance out its components. A professional and understated build.”
Soldier Knows Best
“They blow [competitors] out of the water when it comes to performance. If you’re looking for a good gaming computer, check them out.”
Maximum PC, November 2019
Score: 8/10
“With many boutique builders out there, Velocity Micro stands out from the crowd.”
Digital Engineering 247, June 2019
“The ProMagix HD60 turned in the best results we have ever recorded…If you are looking for premier performance without spending six figures, the Velocity Micro ProMagix HD60 is definitely worth considering.”
PC Mag, June 2019
"The Raptor Z55 just about topped the charts in all non-3D tasks, and flexed its muscles for 1440p and 4K gaming. It's easy to recommend."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2018
Digital Engineering, September 2018
"With its high-end components, including the very fast 12-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPU, we had high expectations. And indeed, the Velocity Micro ProMagix HD80A lived up to them."
Intel Extreme Rig Challenge, Best performance
"That’s right, against the toughest competition the industry could throw at us, our PC outperformed them all. No tricks, no gimmicks, just meticulous craftsmanship and custom tuning using only the best parts available."
PC Mag, September 2018
"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."
Jon Peddie Research, August 2018
"For those few of you struggling with lengthy execution times for highly threaded, compute intensive applications, you owe it to yourself to check out the ProMagix HD360A."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2017
PC Mag Editors' Choice, August 2017
"For its class-leading performance and appealing form factor, the 2017 Velocity Micro Raptor Z95 is our Editors' Choice for high-end desktops."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2016
Top 10 Reviews, September 2016
"The CineMagix is a versatile unit that easily fits into your home theater setup." 9.58/10
PC World, March 2016
"A lean, clean small-profile gaming machine...[the] Raptor Z40 should be on your short list."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2015
Tom's Guide, October 2015
"The Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 is a powerful, no-nonsense gaming PC that offers big performance within a towering, yet sleek design."
Cadalyst Magazine, October 2015
"From the product packaging to the unique, almost ethereal vibe of the aluminum-clad machine to its solid benchmark scores, this is a system that stands out from the crowd."
Digital Trends, May 2015
"The Raptor Z40 gives gamers and professionals enough under the hood to handle any task, and doesn't ask for half of your desk in return." —Chris Stobing. Digital Trends' Velocity Micro Raptor Z40 Review.
Reprinted from www.digitaltrends.com with permission. © 2015 Designtechnica Corporation dba Digital Trends.
PC Gamer Magazine, March 2015
"Velocity Micro's GX3 chassis, on the other hand, is a stealth submarine...Our configuration of the Z55 blew through our benchmarks."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2014
Maximum PC, September 2014
“VM makes BMWs.The Raptor Z55 is a nicely adorned pleasant-looking box [and] it will save you a serious chunk of change.”
Score 8/10
PC World Magazine
"A good computer for gamers who don't want to pay for the desktop equivalent of a Corvette."
Top 10 Reviews Gold Award
"Velocity Micro is best known for its powerful gaming computers, so it makes sense that the company’s home PC offering has similar power...The base configuration provides bundles of computing power that’s sufficient for most home needs, but this PC is upgradable to meet the demands of entry-level graphic work and gaming. Plus, Velocity Micro offers a level of support other companies only provide after you purchase expensive warranties and support packages."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2013
Computer Power User Magazine
“There’s really no weaknesses in these benchmark numbers, which reflects how well Velocity Micro has designed and tuned the Raptor Z95.”
Maximum PC, March 2013
Score 9/10
"...the Velocity Micro MultiPlex is like a starship dropping out of warp speed while you look on from a covered wagon trying to get over Donner Pass without having to eat your fellow travelers."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2012
Digital Trends, September 2012
"This system is fully capable of providing hours of gaming entertainment, application crunching or Web browsing. Students looking for a new or replacement desktop should put the Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition on their short list."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2011
Computer Shopper, December 2011
"It's a fine choice as a versatile PC for handling homework or college tasks between gaming sessions."
Maximum PC, April 2011
“The [Raptor Signature Edition] is fast, stable, and can hang with the best boxes.”
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2010
Maximum PC, November 2010
"Against last month’s budget gaming build (“Builder’s Creed”) and the Acer Predator, the Raptor Z55 dominates by double and almost triple digits."
CPU Magazine, October 2010
"Compared to other systems in its price tier…it does outperform most systems here, and it’s build quality is among the best we saw."
G4 - Attack of the Show, September 2010
Score 4/5
"Performance is great for the price. If you're in college and you need a pc and you want to game, I think it's a great way to go."
Computer Shopper, August 2010
Score 7.9/10
"This PC a fine choice for students who need a college PC with a fair amount of speed… With its upgradability and desktop design, you'll be able to add or replace any hardware that might need updating, making it likely that this PC could go the four-year distance."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2009
Maximum PC, December 2009
Score 9/10
"The Raptor [Signature Edition] is now the benchmark king in five of our six benchmarks."
CPU Magazine, October 2009
"Unmatched wiring expertise.gaming is this system's strong suit."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2008
Computer Shopper, December 2008
Score 8.2/10
"Justly lauded for the quality and cleanness of its builds, [Velocity Micro] always adheres to a philosophy of functional minimalism that shows up in its PCs' outward design and performance."
"If beauty and functionality are as important to you as power, the Raptor Z55 is tough to beat."
Hot Hardware, November 2008
"We'd recommend the Z55 for anyone who is looking for a fast gaming desktop, especially if a pricier system is out of reach or outside the realm of budgetary sanity."
Maximum PC, November 2008
Raptor Z90
"Blazingly fast, aesthetically pleasing, and well made.The Raptor Z90 blew through our benchmarks."
Wired, October 2008
Score 9/10 (Test Best 2008)
"We're not arguing with the benchmark scores - or the price tag, which is half that of its closest competitor in the bunch."
CPU Magazine, September 2008
"Multimedia enthusiasts with deep pockets (but not Skulltrail-deep) should give the Raptor Signature Edition a close look."
Hot Hardware, August 2008
"It's not often that you hear the word "value" applied to an enthusiast system, but that is exactly what the Raptor Z55 represents."
Cadalyst Labs, May 2008
ProMagix™ W160 High Performance Workstation PC
"With its good performance and moderate price, the Velocity Micro ProMagix W160 reaps some of the benefits of its acquisition of Overdrive PC. Highly Recommended."
Consumer's Digest Best Buy, May/June 2008
Velocity Micro CineMagix™ Grand Theater
"…goes a step further and accepts a Cable Card provided by your local cable provider, allowing it to record all your subscribed channels, including premium channels in high definition. This model also has more than enough oomph for gaming."
Computer Shopper, April 2008
"If you don't feel like coughing up $4,000 or more for an über-expensive 3D performance rig but require more horsepower than a budget gaming PC has to offer, the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 is for you."
CMP Channel, February 2008
"The Velocity Raptor is for users…who absolutely must have the best graphics and processors at hand."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2007
PC Mag, November 2007
ProMagix™ HD Custom Digital Media PC
Blazing Quad-Core Rigs
Wired, October 2007
CineMagix™ Grand Theater Entertainment System
"The Windows-powered CineMagix…for TV junkies, the hunt is over."
"Elegant case looks at home in the living room. Stocked to the gills…"
Wired, October 2007
Raptor™ DCX Custom Gaming Computer System
"The Velocity Raptor is a graphics powerhouse…We dig the classic mod look of the case, as well as its side window for peeking at the primo components."
Tech Republic, October 2007
NoteMagix™ C90 Ultra
"With a notebook like the C90 Ultra, you can take advantage of the pervasive workplace and get some real work done. And when you are done with the serious stuff, you can crank up a serious game requiring serious hardware and frag your friends."
PC Mag, September 2007
2007 Reader's Choice Award Winner for Service and Reliability
Velocity Micro received an overall service & reliability score of 8.6 out of 10, the highest among Windows PC manufacturers.
The average score for a Windows-Based PC was 7.8 out of 10.
Velocity Micro also received the highest reliability rating in the survey with a score of 8.6 out of 10, and the best "likelihood of recommending" score of 8.3 out of 10.
CNET, August 2007
Vector™ GX Campus Edition
Score 8.3/10
2007 Editors' Choice Winner
Maximum PC, August 2007
CineMagix™ Grand Theater
"A near-perfect balance of beauty and beast."
"...the Grand Theater will be not only a fantastic home-theater PC but also a rig that's adept at gaming."
"Velocity Micro seems determined to keep us addicted to muscle PC's."
"Ok, we'll admit it: We succumbed to Velocity's 'Come on, you know you want it' approach."
Associated Content, May 2007
ProMagix™ 2EE30
Score 4/5
"You will really "wow" your friends with this desktop as well as "wow" yourself with the speed and brilliance of this desktop computer. If you are looking to purchase a new, or secondary computer, than I highly suggest taking a look at this one."
Think Computers, March 2007
Gamers' Raptor™ DualXT
Score 9/10
"you get what you pay for with this system. Some places charge you a ton extra for custom built systems; Velocity Micro has very reasonable prices... Your custom PC will be built perfectly and look better than a lot of other systems out there."
Cadalyst, March 2007
ProMagix™ W160
"All the test scores were on the high side, indicating all-around good performance for the system"
Richmond Times Dispatch, January 2007
The 2007 Consumer Electronics Show: High-tech Connections
"[Velocity] displays its systems in the giant booth with Microsoft. Velocity also showed off a gaming PC in the Intel coop"
"[Velocity Micro President Randy] Copeland said that he still manages to have a little fun during the week--it is Vegas, after all. He attended functions with vendors and partners. 'The parties are fun, but we're still working...There are business reasons for hanging out.'"
PC Gamer, January 2007
NoteMagix™ L80 Ultra
Scored "Excellent"
"The L80 Ultra packs a lot of features and one of the fastest processors on the planet, so it's a fairly good deal for gamers"
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2006
[H]ard|OCP, December 2006
Best Overall Value OEM System Builder
"[Velocity Micro] offers some of the most competitively priced builds in the landscape, and it packages its systems around one of the best consumer experiences that can be found. The systems always have high build quality, and VM’s technical support staff has demonstrated that they are willing to stand by their products."
Consumer Reports, December 2006
Gamers' Raptor™ PCX
Best Specialty Model (Desktop PCs)
"It's a very good to excellent performer"
CRN, December 2006
NoteMagix™ L80 Ultra
Six Notebooks That Don't Burn
"Velocity Micro's NoteMagix L80 Ultra notebook computer was the fastest of all units"
Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 2006
NoteMagix™ L80 Ultra
Six Notebooks That Don't Burn
"Velocity Micro's NoteMagix L80 Ultra notebook computer was the fastest of all units"
[H]ard|OCP}, November 2006
Gamers' Raptor™ PCX
Editor's Choice Consumer Gold Award
"[The Gamers' Raptor PCX] did well in our benchmarks, ran all of our games at high resolution, and the company’s tech support was on the ball every time we called."
New York Times, November 2006
For Specialized Users, a PC Concierge to Meet Your Needs
Randy Copeland, Velocity Micro's founder and CEO, discusses with The New York Times how Velocity places emphasis on high-performance and going the extra mile for the customer.
Tech News World, October 2006
PC Gaming Perseveres
"[Randy] Copeland, who now oversees one of the last independent PC manufacturers for gamers and other enthusiasts, contends his business model of using the latest and greatest components and providing ultra high-end PC support has been vindicated."
LaptopMag.com, October 2006
NoteMagix™ L80 Ultra
"The Velocity Micro NoteMagix L80 Ultra’s graphics performance makes it a good choice for handling Windows Vista and playing 3D games. Plus, it’s relatively portable compared with full-fledged desktop replacement systems."
Men's Fitness, September 2006
Vision 64™
"Velocity Micro is one computer manufacturer you can trust with your most precious data."
[H]ard|OCP, August 2006
ProMagix™ E2200
Score 7.9/10
"The E2200 is a great machine, as both our general usage tests and gaming tests indicate. It’s very likely the best machine that can be bought in a brick-and-mortar establishment."
About.com, August 2006
Score "5 Stars"
Vector™ GX
"Velocity Micro's Vector GX is probably the best customizable Intel Core 2 Duo system currently available."
PC World, July 2006
Vector™ GX Campus
Score 87/100
PC World "Best Buy"
“it provides excellent value for the money and would be a good pick if you were looking for a fairly powerful system on a budget.”
Maximum PC, June 2006
Raptor™ 64 DualX™
Score 8/10
CPU Magazine, April 2006
Raptor™ 64 DualX™
Score 3.5/5
"The Raptor is powerful but still extremely quiet."
VideoMaker.com, March 2006
NoteMagix™ Z71 Ultra
"the NoteMagix Z71 Ultra is definitely worth a look. This machine doesn't disappoint with its raw speed, combined with great battery life"
[H]ard|OCP, February 2006
Raptor™ 1500
Score 9.4/10
"We enthusiastically and exuberantly recommend this computer for great performance in a midrange computer and we would easily recommend this to friends and family."
Computer Shopper, February 2006
Raptor™ DualX™ T1300
Score 7.2/10
"A serious gaming machine"
"A smart configuration and good value for a gaming PC"
PC World, February 2006
Vision™ 64
Score 84/100
Top Power Systems
"Fast, SLI-ready dual-core system suits advanced gamers and graphics enthusiasts."
PC Mag, January 2006
ProMagix™ MSX with Dolby® Master Studio™
World's First Dolby PC
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2005
Computer Shopper, October 2005
ProMagix™ DCX
Top 100 (Best High-End PC)
"Velocity Micro's ProMagix DCX PC is for serious power junkies with to-do lists that include digital image and video editing, content creation, and intense number crunching."
PC Gamer, October 2005
Raptor™ DualX™
"I love this DualX. It's great-looking, well-built, and ridiculously powerful."
PC World, September 2005
Vision 64™
Score 84 (Very Good)
"great for power users who like to open the case and get their hands dirty"
Popular Photography & Imaging, September 2005
Digital Media PCs
"But it’s not just the looks that tell you these [PCs] go beyond typical, plain-vanilla Windows PCs. Inside is an image-processing powerhouse with AMD’s new lightning-fast Athlon 64 FX-57."
CNET, August 2005
Raptor™ DualX™
Score 8/10
"great for power users who like to open the case and get their hands dirty"
PC World, August 2005
Vector™ PCX
Top 15 Desktop PCs
"This affordable system supplies plenty of power for the money"
Business Week, August 2005
Raptor™ DualX™
"the most serious gamers now demand another kind of dual power: two graphics cards… [a] less expensive option is the Velocity Micro Raptor DualX"
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2004
Wired, December 2004
Raptor 64™ Special Edition
Score 4/5
"For top speed, this is your flyboy."
"...screamed through kill after kill in Unreal....far outpacing the others."
PC Gamer, Holiday Issue
Raptor 64™
Editors' Choice
"The Raptor is a true juggernaut."
"Velocity Micro knows how to build super-premium gaming PCs, and they're a large enough force in themarket to be able to price them competitively."
Has "super-elite, superbly organized wiring job."
FHM, November 2004
ProMagix™
"The ProMagix is evidence that a tricked-out game machine doesn't have to dent your wallet."
Computer Shopper, October 2004
ProMagix™ A/V/D
Score 8.4/10
"the overclocked ProMagix A/V/D's application performance was outstanding"
Mobile PC, October 2004
NoteMagix™ B50 Ultra
"great all around gaming machine"
Maximum PC, June 2004
ProMagix™
Score 9/10
"It's hard to look down on the fastest PC the Maximum PC lab has seen to date."
PC World, June 2004
Vision 64™
Score 4.5/5
"Given the components it contains, the Vision 64 is a reasonably priced value PC that performs more like a power system."
Cadalyst, March 2004
ProMagix™ A/V/D
“The Velocity Micro ProMagix A/V/D earned the highest scores across the board in this roundup .... Highly Recommended."
Computer Games Magazine, March 2004
Raptor™ 1500
Score 4/5
“The Raptor 1500 lives up to the reputation of Velocity Micro's high-end systems."
Computer Games Magazine, March 2004
Raptor™ 1500
Score 4/5
“The Raptor 1500 lives up to the reputation of Velocity Micro's high-end systems."
Mobile PC, March 2004
NoteMagix™ S88
Score 4/5
"The S88's innards rival most desktops for sheer performance ... setting new records on both our Sysmark and Unreal Tournament 2003 benchmarks."
CNET, February 2004
ProMagix™
Editors' Choice
PC Mag, January 2004
ProMagix™ DXW
Best of 2003
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2003
About.com, December 2003
Raptor 64™ Special Edition
"The Raptor 64 Special Edition has plenty of performance in all areas of the computer that make this one top computer system."
Laptop, November 2003
NoteMagix™ B50
"The NoteMagix B50 delivers an unbeatable combination of overall and multimedia performance, and does so in a package that's both attractive and well finished."
Computer Shopper, August 2003
Vector™ VX
Top 5 Desktops
"Reasonably priced, the Vector VX is well-configured with excellent components. Its fast CPU, integrated multichannel sound, big hard drive, and top-notch graphics add up to impressive performance to please the gaming, home, and small-office crowds."
Maximum PC, August 2003
Raptor 64™ Special Edition
Kick Ass Product
"...the Vector VX-W lets consumers from small-business owners to 3D gamers indulge their champagne tastes on a beer-and-pretzels budget."
CNET, July 2003
NoteMagix™ B50
Editors' Rating: 7.9/10 (Avg. User Rating: 8.5/10)
"The NoteMagix B50 offers plenty of portable power for work and play. For those who crave ultimate performance, this is your notebook hot rod."
PC Gamer, July 2003
Raptor™
Editors' Choice
"It lacks the famous name, but Velocity Micro knows how to give Gamers an edge."
"Low price comparable to Dell and Alienware; fast; stylish and functional case."
Tech Edge, July 2003
NoteMagix™ S56
"It's one of the few portable systems that can be recommended for use by serious multimedia fans and gamers."
ZD Net, June 2003
NoteMagix™ B50
"The NoteMagix B50 offers plenty of portable power for work and play. For those who crave ultimate performance, this is your notebook hot rod."
Tech Edge, June 2003
Raptor™
Editors' Choice
"The Velocity Micro Raptor DX is one PC to beat. It's one heck of a computer at a good price."
PC Upgrade, May 2003
Raptor™
"A powerful, expandable, attractive system that'll be the envy of power users everywhere."
CPU Magazine, April 2003
Raptor™
Score 4/5
"The lab techs ran the usual slew of benchmarks, and the Raptor performed beautifully for all of them."
CPU Magazine, March 2003
Vector™ VX
Top 5 Desktop Systems ($1500-$1999)
"It looks like Velocity Micro has done it. With its Vector VX, the Virginia-based company has put together one of the best-performing, least-expensive Barton-based system available today."
Computer Shopper, March 2003
Vector™ VX
Top 5 Desktops
"Oustanding 3D performance; lots of expansion space; comparably low price."
ZD Net, January 2003
Vector™ VX
Top 5 Performance Computers
"You should consider one of these systems for your gaming habit or small office."
Velocity Micro Product Reviews: 2002
CPU Magazine, December 2002
Raptor™ DX
"Top 5 Desktop Systems ($2000+)"
"Looking for a made-to-order high-end system that provides intense gaming performance yet isn't housed in a tower that's baked like a new Mustang or looks like it was tinkered with by Santa's elves? Check out the Raptor, a truly awesome system from decade-old Velocity Micro."
Computer Gaming World, December 2002
Vector™ VX
Editors' Choice
Maximum PC, August 2002
ProMagix™
"Kick Ass Product"
"The Velocity whomped all the other desktop systems reviewed in this issue. In fact, when it comes to all the systems we've ever reviewed, the Velocity's closest competition is the Alienware Area 51."
PC Gamer, July 2002
Raptor™
Editors' Choice
"Add Velocity Micro to our short list of highly recommended premier system builders."
Maximum PC, February 2002
Raptor™
"...the wiring was superb...put together with the kind of care and craftsmanship the behemoth manufacturers can't offer.at a fair price."
Hardcore SIM Racer, 2002
Raptor™
"Like a well-tuned race car, its parts obviously were collected and assembled with performance and reliability in mind with a generous amount of upgrade-ability should you choose to add some features down the road. The bottom line on the Velocity Micro Raptor SX [Athlon 1900+XP, $1409]; If, like most of us, you simply can not afford the "bleeding edge" systems and still demand no compromise in your gaming equipment investment, Velocity should be at the top of your shopping list."