The Origin Genesis is an excellent gaming PC. It posted some of the fastest 3D performance we've ever seen, and it's particularly well-suited to playing current games at high resolutions. For a boutique PC, it also has a relatively modest price tag of $3,399. For all of its appeal, it's hard to get around the fact that the Genesis' new processor, the Intel Core i7-3770K (aka Ivy Bridge), is not as overclockable as the previous Sandy Bridge-generation Core i7-2700K. If Origin will continue to offer that older chip at a lower price than the new one, I would recommend that you configure this same PC with that CPU to get the best performance for your dollar. Otherwise, if you already have a decent gaming desktop, you would be wise to wait for Intel's next-generation Haswell CPUs, due out next year, before making a major new PC purchase.
Origin Genesis (Intel Core i7-3770K)
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
Design
The Origin Genesis uses a full-tower BitFenix Shinobi XL case, a larger version of the ATX Shinobi chassis Maingear uses for its Vybe Super Stock. The larger XL model supports XL-ATX motherboards, and it also has a 2.5amp USB 2.0 porton top for speedy mobile-device charging. Aesthetically, the two cases are similar, from the colored piping to the rubberized exterior coating that helps the Genesis feel like a sturdy, well-built machine.
Inside, the Genesis is a typically exquisite boutique gaming PC. Stuffed as it is with liquid-cooling hardware, multiple graphics cards, and three hard drives, Origin's system builders routed all of the cables and tubing neatly, maximizing internal airflow and ensuring that it will be easy for you to add or remove hardware as necessary.