We also applaud Reactor's inclusion of a Sony NEC Optiarc BC-5600S Blu-ray player and DVD read/writer combination, because that's its only optical drive. The case's connection options could be a bit more extensive: eight USB and four Firewire 400 ports are nice, but an eSATA option anywhere on the case could have sweetened this ten-thousand-dollar deal. The included Logitech G9 mouse is acceptable, but the DPI adjustment buttons are difficult to access in the heat of the moment. We also miss the fancy flip-up screen that used to be a staple element of the included Logitech G11 keyboard. A G15 keyboard, with screen included, would have been a better choice.

There's no question that the Hardcore is an impressive, delightfully imposing machine. But the gimmick of oil-based cooling doesn't sweeten the deal (or its benchmarks) enough to make this $10,000 machine an instant buy. You can find a faster PC that's far easier to upgrade for thousands less.