One of the more complex aspects of the Supernova is its custom liquid cooling system, which uses separate loops for cooling the GPU and the CPU. That's done to keep the cooling for more sensitive components such as the CPU separate to others, according to Parry.
"The GPUs are on two quad radiators, so we effectively have 24 mil of rad space [literally space for the radiators] per GPU to cool," he says. "For the CPU, that's on a quad water cooling radiator and a double radiator. We've then got plenty of heat dispersion for the CPU itself, which is six rads.
"This is all connected to an Aquaero cooler, which uses software and sensors to let you set the speed of the fans compared to the coolant temperature."
Not only is this an effective method of cooling the system, it also allows the machine to run quietly, Parry adds.
"As the temperature heats up when you put the CPU or the GPU under load, the fans kick up accordingly," he says, "and when those components are under less load, or are idle, the fans stop spinning. That means you can easily place the system in someone's lounge and it won't make a lot of noise while providing the absolute utmost cooling performance."
Constantly evolving
Like stars (the gaseous type, not the vacuous Hollywood variety), the 8pack systems are in a continual state of evolution (and are probably less prone to combusting after several millions of years, such are the levels of testing they are subjected to).
In recent years, gaming PCs such as Alienware's Area 51 have popularised the idea of beefy machines housed in unconventional cases, and Parry says that something similar could be in store for the 8pack range.
"We are exploring many avenues, designing some cases by ourselves and others with our partners," he says. "But it's not always easy because the 8pack systems need cases with very specific requirements to house the cooling and other components that they need.
"But we realise that everyone has their own tastes and likes a different look. If someone likes the design of a Ferrari, somebody else might like an Aston Martin or a range rover. That's why it's being worked on by all parties."
And on the inside, work is already underway to identify the next set of components that could feature in the Supernova, which has already evolved several times since its introduction two years ago.
"At the minute we're on the launch of the Titan, and in the next couple of weeks I'll start testing theTitan X," he says. "It'll take time for the water-cooling side to catch up, but when it does I'll look at three or four Titan X cards in this system. After that I'm sure there will be the Titan Black edition, as that's what Nvidia tend to do.
"AMD are also looking to release a card soon, which may be incorporated in the 8pack systems provided it keeps up with the ethos, it's an efficient card and the drivers are well-developed in Crossfire.
"We'll then test three or four cards to see what the best combination is for the games that the customers want to play. Whether it's virtual reality like the Oculus Rift or 4K gaming and beyond, the Supernova is designed to handle whatever is thrown at it."
And yes: that includes Crysis.
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