October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Cybertron CLX Ra Review: The 2016 Dual-GTX 1080 Gaming PC

HotHardware’s 2016 CLX Ra paired a ten-core i7-6950X with two GTX 1080s in a 78-pound luxury tower. See its specs, historical price and trade-offs.
Length5 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The title-matching Cybertron CLX Ra was a 2016 luxury gaming desktop built around an Intel Core i7-6950X and two MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X cards in SLI. It cost $5,556 in the configuration HotHardware reviewed, far above the Ra line’s $1,400 starting price at the time. The huge full-tower offered room for upgrades and custom cooling, but this was a costly showpiece—not a value build, and its dual-GPU setup does not guarantee that every game will benefit from both cards.

What was inside the 2016 Cybertron CLX Ra?

HotHardware’s December 21, 2016 review covered a flagship Ra configured for high-end gaming and heavy multitasking. Its parts are a snapshot of that specific review unit, not a specification shared by every CLX Ra.

Part or feature HotHardware’s 2016 review configuration
Operating system Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Processor Intel Core i7-6950X: 10 cores, 25MB cache, 3.0–3.5GHz
Graphics Two MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming X cards running in SLI
Memory 32GB DDR4-2666, arranged as four 8GB modules
Boot drive 512GB Samsung 950 Pro NVMe PCIe SSD
Secondary storage 4TB Seagate SATA SSHD hybrid drive
Cooling CLX Quence 360 liquid cooling
Power supply 1,000W EVGA Supernova G2
Networking and wireless Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0
Dimensions and weight 21.3 × 9 × 22.6 inches; 78 pounds
Warranty One year of labor and parts

How much did the CLX Ra cost?

HotHardware’s 2016 review sample cost $5,556 as tested. The $1,400 figure was the Ra family’s starting price at that time, not the price of the ten-core, dual-GTX 1080 configuration. Those figures describe historical U.S. pricing; they do not establish what an old Ra costs used today or whether the same model is currently available.

The price bought a fully assembled system with premium components, liquid cooling and a large, customizable chassis. It did not make the machine a bargain. The more relevant question was whether that convenience and presentation justified paying substantially more than a comparable self-built PC.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.

Could two GTX 1080s handle 4K gaming?

The 2016 Ra’s two GTX 1080s were high-end cards for their era, but HotHardware’s 2016 review does not provide a game-by-game 4K frame-rate result for this exact machine. The presence of two cards alone is not proof that a particular game will run faster: the benefit depends on that game’s support for SLI. The cited reviews do not test current games’ SLI support, so they cannot establish how this setup performs across today’s library.

Later CLX Ra reviews are useful context, but they covered different PCs and cannot be treated as benchmarks for the 2016 GTX 1080 system. PC Gamer’s 2019 review tested a Core i9-9900K, one RTX 2080 Ti, 32GB DDR4-3200, a 500GB Samsung 970 Evo Plus and a 2TB hard drive. Tom’s Hardware reviewed another 2019 configuration with a Ryzen 9 3900X, RTX 2080 Ti and PCIe 4 SSD. Their results show what those later systems did, not what the dual-GTX 1080 Ra would do.

Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
2019 review and configuration Reported gaming results
Tom’s Hardware: Ryzen 9 3900X and RTX 2080 Ti
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 98 fps at 1080p and 46 fps at 4K
  • Grand Theft Auto V: 129 fps at 1080p and 48 fps at 4K
  • Hitman: 129 fps at 1080p and 103 fps at 4K
  • Metro Exodus: 77.8 fps average across a 15-run RTX stress test
PC Gamer: Core i9-9900K and RTX 2080 Ti Scored 73; praised QHD and 4K capability, but did not provide the benchmark figures listed for the separate Tom’s Hardware configuration.

These numbers are specific to Tom’s Hardware’s 2019 test system and listed games; they are not predictions for the 2016 model. In particular, the later Ra’s single RTX 2080 Ti configuration is not an SLI comparison.

Was the Ra better than building a gaming PC?

There is no single DIY price comparison that applies across both the 2016 and 2019 systems. The later reviews reached different value judgments under their own component-market conditions. PC Gamer said its 2019 Ra cost about $1,000 more than a comparable DIY build, while Tom’s Hardware described the assembly premium for its roughly $3,842 Ryzen-based 2019 configuration as potentially modest under contemporary component pricing. Those assessments concern different Ra configurations and review contexts; neither establishes the value of the 2016 GTX 1080 machine today.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
  • Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
  • 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
  • ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
  • ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
  • ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.

The Ra made most sense to someone who valued a ready-to-use, individually styled desktop and a roomy platform more than the lowest possible parts cost. A DIY builder could prioritize value and choose each component, but would take on assembly and troubleshooting. The Ra’s custom finish, optional cooling and convenience were part of what buyers were paying for, not evidence that the gaming performance alone justified its price.

What made the chassis useful—and inconvenient?

Cybertron positioned the Ra as its flagship full tower. A 2016 launch report described support for up to four full-size GPUs, up to 64GB of DDR4 memory and optional custom liquid cooling for the CPU, GPU and motherboard. Those are platform options, not components included in every Ra; the reviewed 2016 machine had two GPUs and 32GB of memory.

Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
  • Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
  • Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
  • Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
  • EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
  • Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.

The scale creates a clear trade-off. The large interior leaves room for components, cable management and future changes, but the reviewed tower measured 21.3 × 9 × 22.6 inches and weighed 78 pounds. PC Gamer’s 2019 review also found side-panel access less convenient than on some competing systems: the front panel had to be removed before releasing the glass-panel screw. The Egyptian-god naming and custom paint reinforced the Ra’s luxury-showpiece identity, but did not make it a compact or especially easy case to access.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can you upgrade an older CLX Ra?

The full tower’s room and the platform’s stated GPU and memory capacity give an owner options to explore, but they do not guarantee that any particular replacement part will work. The 2016 review’s configuration had a 1,000W EVGA Supernova G2 power supply and 32GB of DDR4-2666 memory; Cybertron’s launch report described a platform ceiling of 64GB DDR4 and up to four full-size GPUs. The 2016 review does not establish the exact motherboard model, connector clearances, available drive bays, BIOS support or compatibility for a specific modern graphics card.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
  • Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
  • Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
  • On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
  • Before replacing a GPU: identify the motherboard and case layout, check card dimensions and power connectors, and confirm that the installed PSU and its cables meet the replacement card’s requirements.
  • Before adding memory: check the motherboard’s supported memory type, capacity and module arrangement rather than assuming every Ra has the launch platform’s stated maximum.
  • Before changing storage: confirm the motherboard’s available interfaces and physical mounting options. The review confirms an existing 512GB NVMe boot drive and 4TB SATA SSHD, but does not document unused slots or bays.
  • Before buying used: verify the actual machine’s parts, condition, cooling setup and warranty status with the seller. The reviewed system’s one-year labor-and-parts warranty was the 2016 review configuration’s stated coverage, not a promise of remaining coverage on a used system.

Because the exact Ra configuration varies, checking the individual system’s labels and components is more reliable than buying parts based only on the Ra name.

Who should consider the CLX Ra?

The 2016 dual-GTX 1080 Ra is best understood as a historically expensive enthusiast desktop whose appeal combined high-end parts, a striking oversized case and assembly convenience. Its ten-core processor, two-card graphics setup and roomy chassis made it ambitious for its period. The trade-offs were the $5,556 reviewed price, substantial physical footprint, a one-year warranty on that configuration, and uncertainty about SLI gains in any particular game.

For a present-day buyer, the key question is not whether the old model once represented a luxury gaming rig, but whether the exact used unit’s working components and price make sense for the games they intend to play. The cited reviews do not establish current used pricing, present Cybertron availability or present-day performance of the GTX 1080 SLI configuration.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.