As a PC Pro, I Recommend the Quoted Tech Shield for New Gamers

For those entering the world of PC gaming, the Quoted Tech Shield presents a compelling option as an entry-level 1440p gaming desktop. It combines solid hardware like an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with a remarkably simple setup process and a design that welcomes future upgrades. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the complete absence of USB-C ports, these are largely offset by its strong performance and an excellent warranty package that includes three years of parts coverage and five years of labor support.

The Quoted Tech Shield stands out as a pre-built system designed specifically to welcome newcomers to PC gaming. It focuses on delivering quality components, straightforward setup, and easy access to its internals, all backed by reliable repair and warranty services should any issues arise.

The specific model reviewed, known as the Shield Extreme, carries a price tag of CA$1299 (approximately US$927, £975, AU$1,993). Its configuration includes an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB SSD. This hardware provides excellent frame rates for 1080p gaming and very respectable performance at 1440p resolution, though some minor setting adjustments may be needed for optimal QHD gameplay.

Newcomers will likely appreciate the effortless setup. Having evaluated numerous gaming computers over time, it is clear that few rival the Shield’s user-friendly out-of-the-box experience, especially when compared to the frustrating setup sometimes encountered with lower-quality pre-built systems.

This simplicity extends to the interior, which is accessible via a pin-drop hinged side panel, and the welcome absence of the complicated bloatware that often comes pre-installed on many ready-made PCs.

Perhaps the most reassuring feature is the warranty. The three-year parts and five-year labor coverage provide significant peace of mind for those navigating their first gaming PC, ensuring a more reliable and less intimidating experience than what many competing brands offer.

Of course, no product is perfect, and there are a few considerations for potential buyers.

Most of the Shield’s limitations relate to its chassis design and port selection.

Firstly, the system completely omits USB-C ports. This could become inconvenient if you plan to use modern peripherals like the latest gaming mice and keyboards, as many are now transitioning to USB-C connectivity.

The overall case construction also feels somewhat lightweight. More experienced PC enthusiasts might find the lack of robust personalization software disappointing, particularly for RGB lighting control. The Shield offers only a few pre-configured lighting effects, which are cycled through using buttons on the top panel. However, for users who prefer a simpler approach, these preset options could be seen as a benefit rather than a drawback.

Despite these points, the Quoted Tech Shield compensates with its strong 1080p and capable 1440p performance, quiet operation, and a design that facilitates future upgrades. When combined with its generous warranty terms, the Shield firmly establishes itself as a top-tier choice for a welcoming, low-risk introduction to PC gaming, free from the complexities of building a system from scratch or dealing with overly complicated pre-built alternatives.

Quoted Tech Shield: Price & Availability

The Quoted Tech Shield starts at $1299 CAD (roughly USD $930, £975, or AU$1,995).

It is currently available for purchase in the US, UK, and Australia directly through the Quoted Tech website.

The product line includes eight distinct configurations, ranging from an entry-level 1080p esports build to high-end setups capable of 4K gaming, with the top model priced at CA$3,049 (approximately US$2,205, £1,820, AU$3,530).

The “Extreme” configuration reviewed here, aimed at 1440p gaming, is priced at CA$2,449 (about US$1,775, £1,465, AU$3,530).

These price points are generally competitive for a gaming PC across various performance tiers, though shoppers seeking either more budget-friendly or more premium options can certainly find them elsewhere.

Value Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Quoted Tech Shield: Specifications

The Quoted Tech Shield stands out for its flexibility, offering multiple configurations to suit different needs and budgets.

Starting Configuration: Priced at $1,299 CAD, the entry-level model includes an AMD Ryzen 5 7500F CPU, Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU, 16GB of DDR5-5600 memory, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

All models share the same core connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and 1Gbps Ethernet. You’ll also find nine USB-A ports, a 120mm tower air cooler, and identical physical dimensions of 40.5 x 21.0 x 42.5 cm. Power supply units vary by configuration, base models use a 650W 80+ Bronze non-modular PSU, while higher-end versions step up to a 750W 80+ Gold fully modular unit.

Specs Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Quoted Tech Shield: Design

The Shield’s design follows a clear principle: simplicity and accessibility. Internal components can be reached effortlessly thanks to a side panel that opens via a pin-drop hinge, making upgrades and maintenance easy.

However, that convenience comes at the expense of sturdiness. The chassis feels somewhat light, and the review unit showed minor dents on the rear port panel and front mesh, an indicator that the steel panels might be thinner than expected. Those who plan to move their setup often might find durability a concern.

Aesthetically, the Shield keeps things minimalist with an all-black finish. Its RGB lighting system is deliberately pared down: no bloatware, no over-the-top effects. Lighting modes are limited to a few presets toggled via a top-panel button, with an option to turn them off entirely.

Connectivity is solid, though not flawless. The case includes three top-panel USB-A ports and separate 3.5mm audio jacks for headphones and microphones. The major omission? No USB-C ports. Given how common the standard has become, users with newer peripherals will likely need adapters.

Design Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Quoted Tech Shield: Performance

Performance is where the Shield finds its footing. The combination of the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 delivers consistently strong results, striking an effective balance between accessibility and capability.

At 1080p and 1440p, the Shield handles modern titles with confidence. Battlefield 6, Fortnite, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Valorant all ran well above 100 fps at 1440p on maximum settings. Marvel Rivals averaged around 60 fps at the same resolution. These results were achieved without upscaling, leaving room for even smoother visuals when enabling technologies like DLSS.

More demanding games, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Black Myth: Wukong, benefited from upscaling to maintain high frame rates at 1440p. Without it, both hovered near 55–60 fps at 1080p on ultra settings. The most challenging title, Cyberpunk 2077, initially managed just 20 fps at 1440p Ultra, but enabling DLSS 4 (Balanced) lifted that to a steady 74 fps.

Beyond gaming, the Shield handles productivity and creative workloads efficiently. Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro ran smoothly, with quick export times, and even heavy Chrome multitasking caused no noticeable slowdown.

Overall, the Shield is plug-and-play friendly, a gaming desktop that requires little tuning but delivers dependable performance across the board.

Performance Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Despite its lightweight construction and the absence of USB-C, the Quoted Tech Shield earns high marks for performance, accessibility, and warranty coverage. It’s particularly well-suited for new PC gamers or creators who value reliability without the complexity of custom builds.

Total Score: ★★★★☆ (3.75/5)

Buy it if you want consistent 1080p/1440p performance from a well-balanced system powered by Ryzen 7 and RTX 5070.
Skip it if USB-C connectivity is essential to your setup.

Other Options:

• Alienware Aurora ACT1250 , a performance powerhouse with a distinctive design, though less upgrade-friendly than the Shield.

Testing Notes:
This review is based on over a week of hands-on evaluation, combining real-world use with benchmark testing across both creative workloads and modern titles. Games tested included Dying Light: The Beast, Black Myth: Wukong, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Battlefield 6, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals.

Final Verdict: The Quoted Tech Shield strikes a smart balance between simplicity, power, and value, an appealing choice for anyone entering the gaming PC scene.

(Source: techradar)