It is powered by speed-binned processors that are factory-overclocked and liquid-cooled to sustain 4.9GHz across all cores and threads.

ASUS has announced the Strix GL12CX — the world’s first desktop to use the recently launched, range-topping NVidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics engine. Built to be the most powerful branded gaming desktop in ASUS’ lineup, the Strix GL12CX also features specially selected, factory-overclocked Intel CPUs. The highest available option in Intel’s fastest desktop chip: the octa-core Core i9-9900K CPU. The GL12CX is also fitted with a custom liquid cooling system to ensure reliable performance.

The 9th Gen “K” model Intel Core processor is fully unlocked for further fine-tuning via the Armoury Crate software, which also lets you customise the Aura Sync lighting inside and out.

To complement the hot-swap SSD bay demanded by esports tournaments, there’s a DIMM.2 module that can hold dual SSDs cooled by dedicated heatsinks.

The GL12CX was built with the most powerful components available, starting with the best processor for gaming: the new 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K processor. With 8 cores and 16 threads, the new Intel processor is capable of delivering high-frame rate gaming while simultaneously live-streaming, recording gameplay, and juggling chat and other applications. It’s also ideal for creative professionals, delivering incredible performance in multi-threaded workloads such as rendering, transcoding, and other tasks.

A customized Cooler Master CPU liquid cooler, along with an extra 90mm fan at the back on the overclocked models then help to keep processor temperatures in check, preventing heat-induced hitches and slowdowns in performance all while operating at a stunning 4.9GHz overclock on all cores and threads.

The ROG Strix GL12CX has sharp angles on the front and top of the case, evoking the gashes on a katana on armor. The included Armoury Crate software allows for the customisation of the RGB lighting that spills of these intake and exhaust vents. ASUS’ Aura Sync technology also allows users to synchronise the system lighting with compatible peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and even monitors. The Aura Sync lighting can also reach to in-game events and environments in compatible games such as the new Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.

In addition to the front hot-swap SSD bay, other front panel ports include a 2-in-1 card reader, two USB 3.1 and two USB 2.0 ports. The GL12CX has carries an optical drive to serve any legacy DVD needs. The back offers a total of six USB ports along with five audio jacks and a digital S/PIDF connector for compatible receivers. The 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi card is capable of greater than gigabit speeds and also includes Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to all the latest peripherals in supported low energy modes, output to more than once device at a time and makes connections at a greater distance and with greater throughput than before.