The base model Maingear Spark is outfitted with an AMD A8-5557M quad-core processor running at 2.1GHz, an AMD Radeon R9 M275X graphics card, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB 7,200 rpm hard drive. These specs are quite modest for a gaming PC, but at the very least, the base model’s $699 price tag reflects that.
Sure, it’s not half as cool looking as the newest from Zotac — which looks like R2D2’s spray-painted head — nor as intimidating sounding as some of CyberPower’s systems.
But it’s got it where it counts: potability and versatility. On the ports and wireless fronts, the Maingear Spark features four USB 3.0 connections, HDMI, a mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, an audio jack, and a Kensington lock slot. The Spark’s Wi-Fi adapter supports 802.11ac wireless, along with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Bluetooth 4.0 is here as well.
Measuring 4.5 × 2.34 × 4.23 inches and weighing less a pound (0.89 to be exact), the Maingear Spark is absolutely dwarfish. However, given the specs, you shouldn’t expect to play Crysis 3 on it, regardless of how you configure it on Maingear’s site. Although you can add more RAM and storage, you’re locked into the CPU and graphics card. However, if you’re a regular participant in DOTA 2, WoW, or League of Legends tournaments, the Spark could be a great fit for you given its combination of extreme portability and mid-range specs.
Or you could just buy something that fits in the palm of your hand. Now that’s portable.
