To my disappointment, the Flex scheme still exists, even after 2024s embarrassing fallout.
Ill say upfront that I do not and will not endorse the Flex subscription in this review.
Is NZXTs solution a bit pricey at $3,399?
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
Absolutely, but thats the same for any RTX 5080 prebuild Ive found so far.
Specs
As I mentioned, Ive been testing the RTX 5080 Edition of NZXTs Player Three range.
It combines a Gigabyte-flavoredNvidiaRTX 5080 with theAMDRyzen 7 9800X3D processor, which is quite the combination.
This configuration launched earlier in the year along with an RTX 5090 Edition that houses an Intel Core i9-14900K.
The way I see it, the 5080 is a much more appealing build.
Lets also be honest, the 5090 is going to be overkill for the majority of gamers anyway.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
The motherboard, interestingly, isn’t one of NZXTs own, instead it’s a Gigabyte Aorus one.
The case and cooler are both homemade by NZXT though, and do excellent jobs.
The only issue, which I deem to be a massive one, is the SSD you get.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
I saw as much from theiBUYPOWER SlateI reviewed a little while back.
And to add insult to injury, its sitting in a Gen 5 M.2 slot on the motherboard.
For a full-size ATX build, the H6 Flow chassis used here isnt a hulking great monster.
Connectivity is also a big plus for this rig.
In terms of futureproofing, I have to say Im a big fan of this motherboard.
It has an easily accessible Gen 5 M.2 port, which can sometimes be hidden away on other boards.
It has clearly labeled headers and its USB slots are all clearly listed on the back too.
Everything has been built well, and the case has a really practical feel to it.
You dont need any awkward tools to access its various parts.
Even the RAM was working with AMD EXPO enabled and integrated graphics were disabled.
Whoever put this machine together knew what they were doing.
If I had to nitpick, the only thing I feel is missing is a GPU bracket.
The PC arrived to me very securely packaged, with internal cushioning for the PCs components as well.
Having just reviewed theNZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB, I did have a few reservations about this brands coolers.
Throughout the entire benchmarking process, I couldnt get this CPU to boost above 41 degrees Celsius.
And not once did it even take a serious look at 50 degrees.
Even then, Id argue the Ryzen CPU trounces it based on its temperature control alone.
Its write speed was no better at 4,197MB/s.
Fortunately, this PC has pulled off some of the best 3DMark scores of any build weve tested.
Thats what Ive been enjoying while testing this PC.
In Avowed, Im easily maxing out my displays 144Hz refresh rate, with occasional dips down to 133fps.
I also loved that besides NZXT Cam, there was hardly any bloatware or proprietary headaches in this PC.
In November of 2024, YouTuber GamersNexus published a video that exposed predatory business practices taking place at NZXT.
This is a rental scheme only, which is totally out of the ordinary for any large purchase.
I cannot recommend against the Flex subscription strongly enough.
Should you buy the NZXT Player Three PC?
All in all though, I cant seriously fault the NZXT Player Three.
This involved Cinebench, CrystalDiskMark, AIDA64 Extreme, and 3D Mark.
In my own time, I also used the PC for gaming like I would my own.
I compared my experience closely with other gaming PCs Ive tested to come to a verdict.
For more onhow we test the latest gaming PCs, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
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