Maingear, one of the original boutique PC makers that helped popularize water-cooled gaming rigs over two decades ago, is making a triumphant return to its roots with the Apex Rush desktop PC. After spending recent years focusing on air-cooled systems, the company unveiled this stunning mid-tower powerhouse that represents the perfect marriage of aesthetic beauty and raw gaming performance[2].
A Stunning Design Built Around the Lian-Li O11 EVO RGB
The Apex Rush is built inside the Lian-Li O11 EVO RGB mid-tower case, featuring a dual-chamber design with panoramic tempered glass that showcases the intricate water-cooling system within[1]. What sets this system apart is Maingear’s attention to detail in the cooling loop design, with options for both soft neoprene tubing with braided sleeving or premium acrylic and metal hard tubing[1]. The pre-configured tube routing and 10-degree offset angles ensure every line flows naturally with the case’s geometry, creating a cohesive visual experience.
The system features diffused RGB lighting that can be synchronized with the motherboard and case controls, allowing users to create custom lighting zones throughout the cooling system[1]. Maingear offers multiple translucent coolant color options and premium metal fittings in various colors, enabling over 10,000 aesthetic possibilities for personalization[3].
Powerhouse Specifications
The Apex Rush doesn’t compromise on performance despite its mid-tower form factor. At its core, the system supports top-tier Z890 and X870E motherboards from ASRock and MSI, providing the foundation for either AMD or Intel builds[1]. On the AMD side, configurations range from the Ryzen 9700X up to the flagship 9950X3D, while Intel users can opt for the Core Ultra 265K or 285K processors[1].
Graphics options include NVIDIA’s latest GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs, ensuring the system can handle any modern game at maximum settings[1]. Memory configurations support up to 64GB of T-Force Extreme RGB DDR5 running at 6000MHz, with options to expand to 96GB at 6400MHz for content creators and power users[1].
Storage flexibility is another strong point, with support for up to 8TB of Gen4 or 4TB of Gen5 M.2 NVMe SSDs[1]. The system is powered by up to a 1650W 80+ Titanium PSU, providing ample headroom for even the most demanding configurations[1].
Next-Generation APEX Integrated Cooling System
The heart of the Apex Rush is Maingear’s custom APEX Integrated Cooling System, which has been reimagined from the inside out for this fourth-generation release[3]. The system features dual 360mm radiators paired with seven 120mm RGB fans that create a positive pressure environment to ensure optimal airflow while keeping dust out[2]. In fact, Maingear is so confident in this fan arrangement that the company opted not to include dust filters, claiming they would actually decrease thermal performance and cleanliness[2].
The cooling system incorporates user-friendly maintenance features including easily accessible drain and fill ports, a serviceable pump, and quick-disconnect fittings on drain ports[1]. These thoughtful touches make maintaining the water-cooling loop straightforward, even for users who may have zero experience with liquid-cooled setups[2]. The clear reservoir not only looks fantastic but also makes it easy to perform visual checks on water levels[2].
Handcrafted Excellence and Themed Variants
Each Apex Rush is hand-built from start to finish by a single master builder, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail throughout the assembly process[3]. The system comes with a bloatware-free user experience and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure peak performance and reliability right out of the box[3].
Perhaps most exciting are the three themed Artist Series variants Maingear offers. These special editions feature automotive-grade paintjobs with hand-drawn art, including a Miami Vice-inspired model, a cyberpunk-styled version, and a lucky cat-themed option[2]. Each variant includes subtle details with various textures within the same illustration, gamer-themed easter eggs, matched tubing, and coordinated RGB lighting to fit the particular aesthetic[2].
Pricing and Availability
The Apex Rush starts at $6,259, positioning it firmly in the premium gaming PC market[1]. This base configuration includes the essential components, with numerous upgrade options available for processors, GPUs, RAM, and storage that will increase the final price. All systems come with a one-year warranty that can be extended to three years, with financing options also available[1].
For those seeking an even more premium experience, the Apex Force—Maingear’s flagship model based on the Phanteks NV9 full-tower case—starts at $7,469 and features dual 420mm radiators with separate CPU and GPU cooling loops[1].
Conclusion
The Maingear Apex Rush represents a masterful blend of form and function, showcasing why the company earned its reputation as a pioneer in custom water-cooled gaming PCs. With cutting-edge components, a sophisticated cooling system, and unprecedented customization options, the Apex Rush delivers both stunning aesthetics and uncompromising performance. While the starting price of over $6,000 places it well beyond budget gaming territory, those seeking a truly premium, handcrafted gaming experience will find the Apex Rush difficult to match.
Sources:
[3] https://maingear.com/collections/apex-rush
[4] https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8ZwYuMZKvPQXh8z3KqHNY8-970-80.jpg.webp