Project Christine might actually be happening

[Oshino Shinobu]

A while ago, we heard that Razer was working on something called Project Christine, a modular computer where components can be swapped out by just unplugging a module and putting in a new one. (admittedly, not unlike a normal computer) 

 

Shortly after it was announced, it was almost completely disregarded by everyone, as Razer had serious issues getting third party support, among other things. However, it seems like it might actually be a realistic thing. Razer have said that they've had serious talks with manufacturers and that they plan to have 3 OEM partners on by the end of the year. 

 

Although I'm interested to see what comes of this, I still have the feeling that it's either gong to be very expensive, or is just going to have such a lack of support and variation that it only fits people with very specific usage. 

 

 

Source: http://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/anton-shilov/razers-project-christine-modular-pc-may-materialize-later-this-year/

[Jerakl]

I saw this like 30 minutes ago on facebook!

I think it will be cool. If people who aren't familiar with PCs want one that will be easily upgradeable, this will be great for said people.

[Owen]

so freaking good looking 

[Oshino Shinobu]

I saw this like 30 minutes ago on facebook!

I think it will be cool. If people who aren't familiar with PCs want one that will be easily upgradeable, this will be great for said people.

It'a supposed to be silent, completely mineral oil cooled. Could be good for some people, but I don't think enthusiasts will like it too much, unless it's open to mods and such. 

[Albatross]

I like the concept but I'm not sure I like it...if that makes sense. Well, either way, it will be nice to see more of it.

[EmotionalSloth]

I doubt that it will sell well, but still a pretty cool idea

[Freaky_spider]

if razer is going to be licensing this, which i think they plan to do, it will be fricking expensive,

 

look at thunderbolt, its faster and because it isnt a rectangle like USB so that makes it its easier to use, but noone uses it because intel asks licensing fees...

[Entropy]

They're not going to make truck loads of money out of Christine, but I will buy one. Nice conversation piece, if nothing else.

[Misanthrope]

I understand if people want to get this as a fancy, unupgradeable desktop (a.k.a. the equivalent of an unprecedentedly powerful gaming laptop) but as a serious desktop with reasonable chances to get future updates? No, it's not going to happen: you don't just take into account gamers and enthusiasts when introducing a new form factor: the majority of desktops are still office computers, workstations and such so there's gotta be at least some semblance of practicality and interchangeability between high end parts, server stuff and entry level hardware pieces because even if the uses are completely different, the people making the parts are usually the same folks who just change a few features between server mobo, entry level mobo and gaming mobo.

[helping]

It'a supposed to be silent, completely mineral oil cooled. Could be good for some people, but I don't think enthusiasts will like it too much, unless it's open to mods and such. 

They probably meant to say "very quiet" because even mineral oil needs to move.

[MattP123]

It is going to be very, very expensive. Too bad though.

[Oshino Shinobu]

I understand if people want to get this as a fancy, unupgradeable desktop (a.k.a. the equivalent of an unprecedentedly powerful gaming laptop) but as a serious desktop with reasonable chances to get future updates? No, it's not going to happen: you don't just take into account gamers and enthusiasts when introducing a new form factor: the majority of desktops are still office computers, workstations and such so there's gotta be at least some semblance of practicality and interchangeability between high end parts, server stuff and entry level hardware pieces because even if the uses are completely different, the people making the parts are usually the same folks who just change a few features between server mobo, entry level mobo and gaming mobo.

I think it's a very niche market, but it will depend on how they make it. It would be cool to be able to swap out components on the fly. So if you're a serious poweruser, you could use one GPU module for gaming, then swap it out for a Quadro or something when you need to work, all without turning off the PC.  

[AnnoyedShelf]

I've always been interested in the product, but not sure if it'll catch on...  One cool thing (no pun intended) is that all parts connect to a central liquid-cooling loop.

[bob345]

$5000 for a i5 and 760 later...

[dizmo]

I saw this like 30 minutes ago on facebook!

I think it will be cool. If people who aren't familiar with PCs want one that will be easily upgradeable, this will be great for said people.

I don't think so. If they don't want to upgrade it, and aren't familiar with PC's, I doubt they'd want to pay what Razer will ask.

Especially since it's liquid cooled.

 

I understand if people want to get this as a fancy, unupgradeable desktop (a.k.a. the equivalent of an unprecedentedly powerful gaming laptop) but as a serious desktop with reasonable chances to get future updates? No, it's not going to happen: you don't just take into account gamers and enthusiasts when introducing a new form factor: the majority of desktops are still office computers, workstations and such so there's gotta be at least some semblance of practicality and interchangeability between high end parts, server stuff and entry level hardware pieces because even if the uses are completely different, the people making the parts are usually the same folks who just change a few features between server mobo, entry level mobo and gaming mobo.

While I do agree with a lot of what you said...look at Razer as a company. Pretty much their only focus is gamers and enthusiasts, so that's who they cater to.

Because of this I could see it working. Not in huge volumes, but enough to profit.

[Fred Castellum]

Wonder what pricing will be.... 

[Misanthrope]

While I do agree with a lot of what you said...look at Razer as a company. Pretty much their only focus is gamers and enthusiasts, so that's who they cater to.

Because of this I could see it working. Not in huge volumes, but enough to profit.

I think it's a very niche market, but it will depend on how they make it. It would be cool to be able to swap out components on the fly. So if you're a serious poweruser, you could use one GPU module for gaming, then swap it out for a Quadro or something when you need to work, all without turning off the PC.

To give you both a further example: the exact same interface you use for gaming GPUs you can use for workstation cards, PCI express. Hard drives often vary in the chips and all but not in the interface: sata, m.2 now, etc. Sometimes there's even some interoperability between sockets too: a typically consumer oriented platform like 1150 might be used for some workstations and low capacity servers for small businesses for example, but the basic tech is exactly the same. This helps keep costs down, so yeah my guess is that the other people here are actually not too far off when they say that they can expect a tremendous price premium, even beyond that of a water cooled GPU so like a thousand bucks for a simple 780 wouldn't surprise me and that's even a bit conservative.

So no, sorry to say but not even power users will adopt this quickly enough to make any sort of sustainable business plan. Yes there is an enthusiasts market but that market is highly dependable of all sorts of other markets behind the scenes where production happens.

[Sauron]

I hope this becomes a thing and they sort cooling out (you can't cool a 295x2 in those modules lol).

[terrytek]

Now my non-techie family can finally build their own PC. Let's hope the price doesn't kill our vibes.

[Misanthrope]

I hope this becomes a thing and they sort cooling out (you can't cool a 295x2 in those modules lol).

Actually you might: this is a mineral oil rig so it should be able to perform as good as a liquid cooling set up. But a hell of a lot more expensive obviously not only cause it's mineral oil but because it's a new form factor and all that implies

[terrytek]

Mineral oil? Damn.

[Fred Castellum]

To give you both a further example: the exact same interface you use for gaming GPUs you can use for workstation cards, PCI express. Hard drives often vary in the chips and all but not in the interface: sata, m.2 now, etc. Sometimes there's even some interoperability between sockets too: a typically consumer oriented platform like 1150 might be used for some workstations and low capacity servers for small businesses for example, but the basic tech is exactly the same. This helps keep costs down, so yeah my guess is that the other people here are actually not too far off when they say that they can expect a tremendous price premium, even beyond that of a water cooled GPU so like a thousand bucks for a simple 780 wouldn't surprise me and that's even a bit conservative.

So no, sorry to say but not even power users will adopt this quickly enough to make any sort of sustainable business plan. Yes there is an enthusiasts market but that market is highly dependable of all sorts of other markets behind the scenes where production happens.

I haven't done alot of research into this thing but I think its safe to say if its able to have a good start it will most likely have a consumer base for at least the first year. That's the trend I see with these unnecessary but interesting tech products.

 

If Razer does it right, they might actually have a place in the market with this. Though I personally see this falling flat on its face and going into the trash can.  

[Sauron]

Actually you might: this is a mineral oil rig so it should be able to perform as good as a liquid cooling set up. But a hell of a lot more expensive obviously not only cause it's mineral oil but because it's a new form factor and all that implies

 

Oh I didn't know that! I thought the showpiece has mobile parts with low profile cooling, but if it's mineral oil it's a different thing entirely mineral oil is the future b) (if they can start making graphics cards with mineral oil all in one coolers I'll be the first the get them imagine, a glass rectangle with inside the pcb immersed in mineral oil and liquidproof outputs on the back, with the pcie connector sticking out from the ermetic glass)

[MangoJuiceStain]

Dat cable management

[CoffeeBlack]

While I would never get one of these, I love the innovating that Razer has been doing lately. They seem to really care about pushing PC gaming to the mainstream.