WHAT'S HOT: Combining a 1.8-GHz Athlon XP 2200+ processor, 512MB of 333-MHz DDR memory, and twin 60GB hard drives connected to a RAID controller, the ambitiously named Awesome 3300 earned a PC WorldBench 4 score of 123--one of the highest we've seen. The six speakers of the Creative Inspire 5.1 5300 set reproduced excellent surround sound effects with booming bass during our CD audio and DVD movie tests. The price for this powerful system, however, is a modest $2019.

WHAT'S NOT: Images on the 15-inch Samsung SyncMaster 151S LCD didn't impress us. We noticed some dark colors and blotchy flesh tones in our test photo, even after adjusting contrast and brightness.

WHAT ELSE: The large, beige tower case opens easily after you remove two thumbscrews, and the side panel has a built-in lock. One PCI slot and three drive bays (two of them for removable media drives) are available for expansion. Press tabs on the sides of a removable media drive, and you can slide it out for upgrades. The hard drives are mounted with regular screws, but sit in cages that snap out to provide easier access.

ABS bundles Corel WordPerfect Office 2002 and the games Giants, Deus Ex, Dronez, and Gunlok. A big yellow binder holds all the software and documentation, including a setup poster and a manual; the manual is limited to generic information on all ABS systems, though it provides thorough upgrading and troubleshooting advice.

UPSHOT: This system delivers high performance at a low price, but you should invest some of those savings in a better monitor.

SUMMARY

ABS Awesome 3300 PC WorldBench 4 score of 123, 1.8-GHz Athlon XP 2200+ CPU, 512MB of DDR333 SDRAM, Windows XP Home, two 60GB hard drives with IDE RAID, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 40X/12X/40X CD-RW drive, Leadtek WinFast A250 Ultra graphics card with 128MB of DDR SGRAM, 15-inch Samsung SyncMaster 151S LCD monitor, Creative Labs Audigy Gamer sound card, Creative Inspire 5300 5.1 speakers, network adapter, V.90 modem, midsize tower case; Corel WordPerfect Office 2002, and games Dronez, Gunlok, Giants, Citizen Kabuto, Deus Ex. Three-year parts warranty, lifetime labor warranty; free, unlimited, 9-hour weekday, toll-free tech support. $2019 800/876-8088 www.abspc.com