The demand for high-performance PCs continues to grow, pushing component sizes and thermal management to new heights. The Falcon Northwest Talon, a boutique gaming PC, exemplifies this trend, boasting top-tier components like the Core i9-14900KS and RTX 4090 within a meticulously crafted chassis. This review explores the Talon’s pricing, design, performance, and overall value proposition.
The Falcon NW Talon on a table in front of a window.Image: The Falcon Northwest Talon, a testament to meticulous PC building.
Pricing and Configuration: A Bespoke Experience
Unlike many competitors, Falcon Northwest doesn’t offer pre-configured PCs. Each Talon is built-to-order, offering unparalleled customization but at a premium cost. Starting prices for the mid-tower Talon begin at $3,596, even with a relatively modest RTX 4060 and Core i5-14600K configuration. This contrasts sharply with pre-built options like the HP Omen 45L, which offers an RTX 4080 for significantly less. The reviewed configuration, featuring the i9-14900KS and RTX 4090, reaches $6,217. While this represents a substantial investment, the individual component pricing is competitive, reflecting the current market value.
Design: A Blend of Classic and Modern
The side panel open on the Falcon NW Talon.Image: Inside the Falcon Northwest Talon: meticulous cable management and high-quality components.
The Talon’s design emphasizes quality and functionality over flashy aesthetics. The 4mm thick metal chassis, smooth to the touch, and thoughtful details like a finger groove on the glass panel, demonstrate a commitment to premium materials and user experience. While the exterior might appear conventional compared to modern mesh and glass designs, Falcon Northwest prioritizes thermal efficiency. The subtle mesh strips and open bottom panel, combined with precise internal airflow management, contribute to lower operating temperatures. Customization options include custom paint jobs, although the prominent light-up Falcon Northwest logo might not appeal to all.
The back of the Falcon NW Talon.Image: Rear view of the Falcon Northwest Talon showcasing its clean and organized layout.
Internals: Optimized for Performance and Accessibility
Cables tied around the back of the motherboard in the Falcon NW Talon.Image: A closer look at the exceptional cable management within the Talon.
The Talon’s spacious interior comfortably accommodates the large ATX motherboard and RTX 4090. Despite the powerful components, the thermal solution remains relatively simple, featuring a custom 280mm AIO liquid cooler, a strategically placed intake fan beneath the GPU, and an exhaust fan at the rear. This minimalist approach contributes to surprisingly quiet operation. Falcon Northwest’s meticulous tuning and component selection ensure a balanced and efficient system, prioritizing performance over sheer clock speeds. The GPU is securely mounted to the chassis with a metal bracket, eliminating GPU sag and enhancing stability. Modified CableMod StealthSesnse 12-volt connectors further ensure a safe and reliable connection to the RTX 4090.
The internals of the Falcon Northwest Talon, showing the CPU cooler, RAM, and motherboard.Image: Key internal components of the Falcon Northwest Talon, highlighting the build quality.
Performance: Unbridled Power, Effectively Harnessed
| Falcon Northwest Talon (Core i9-14900KS / RTX 4090) | |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single/multi) | 3221 / 21585 |
| Cinebench R24 (single/multi) | 137 / 2132 |
| Handbrake | 33 seconds |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 33534 |
| Pugetbench Premiere Pro | 10848 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 (4K, Ultra) | 130 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (4K, Ultra, DLSS Quality) | 111 fps |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (4K, Ultra High) | 126 fps |
The Talon’s performance is predictably exceptional, delivering high frame rates in 4K gaming and impressive benchmark scores. While the Core i9-14900KS can reach high temperatures under extreme stress tests, real-world gaming and application performance remains smooth and efficient. The Talon effortlessly handles demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, achieving over 100 fps in 4K even with demanding settings.
Is the Falcon Northwest Talon Worth It?
The Falcon NW Talon on a table in an office.Image: The Falcon Northwest Talon: a premium gaming PC built for discerning users.
The Falcon Northwest Talon represents a unique proposition: a fully customizable, expertly built PC with top-tier performance and exceptional support. While significantly more expensive than comparable pre-built systems, the Talon caters to a specific audience that values bespoke craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and hassle-free ownership. For those willing to invest in this premium experience, the Talon delivers a truly exceptional gaming and productivity machine.
