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Just can't get enough PC power? AMD's latest 1.33-GHz Athlon processor stands ready to answer your call. We tested three of the first systems equipped with this speedy new chip: the impressively decked-out but costly Poly 880-K7 from Polywell, the bargain-priced MicroFlex 1333A from Micro Express, and the preproduction Valera from Tangent Computer. All were terrific performers, and the MicroFlex topped the list of all the Windows 2000 systems we've tested to date.

The $1799 MicroFlex shipping unit earned a score of 231 on our PC WorldBench 2000 tests, nearly 13 percent better than the average of two comparable systems we've tested based on Intel's 1.5-GHz Pentium 4--a difference you'd notice while using standard business applications. The MicroFlex was about 5 percent faster than the average of three 1.2-GHz Athlon systems, a less detectable increase. The $2095 Tangent and the $2888 Polywell weren't far behind the Micro Express, garnering PC WorldBench 2000 scores of 225 and 224, respectively.

All three 1.33-GHz systems run Windows 2000 and have robust features sets, including 256MB of 266-MHz DDR SDRAM, 10/100 ethernet, a 56-kbps modem, a fast NVidia GeForce2 Ultra-based graphics card with 64MB of RAM, a Digital Video Interface (DVI) port for digital LCD monitors, and a DVD-ROM drive (12X for the Tangent and the Micro Express, 16X for the Polywell).

Micro Express sweetens an already good deal by adding a basic 15-inch Bell Office NWB156A LCD monitor and an 8X/4X/32X CD-RW drive to its configuration. The system also has a 40GB hard drive and integrated sound. Unfortunately, when set at a refresh rate other than 70 Hz, the LCD had areas of blurred text and graphics as well as noticeable flicker--you may be better off choosing a 17-inch CRT and saving $300. I also saw a bit of pixelation during DVD playback. The tower case of the MicroFlex 1333A has a neat interior and offers sufficient room for expansion.

Tangent's Valera comes with a 45GB IBM hard drive, integrated audio, a good pair of Altec Lansing ACS 45.2 speakers with subwoofer, and a clear 19-inch Optiquest Z90 monitor, but no CD-RW drive. DVD playback was good. The Tangent's tower case sets aside adequate room for future additions, but a support bar that runs along the expansion cards and helps to keep them in place complicates upgrades.

Polywell rounds out its high-end multimedia package with a top-notch, six-piece Creative Labs Cambridge SoundWorks 5.1 Dolby speaker package, a SoundBlaster Live Platinum card, a 16X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, Lotus SmartSuite, and a 19-inch ViewSonic GS790 monitor with a crisp picture. DVD playback was very good. The Polywell we tested carried a pair of 30GB IBM disks in a RAID 0 configuration. This lowest-level RAID setting does speed up throughput--but if you lose one drive, you lose your data. On the other hand, RAID also lets you configure your system so that one drive mirrors the other, generating a redundant copy. Of course, you may prefer to take advantage of the full 60GB of space available to you on two separate hard drives. This shipping unit's tower case provides plenty of expansion room and clear access to all components.

Priced to satisfy a range of pocketbooks, any of these three systems will give power users the performance they crave; which price you pay depends on which additional features you desire.

SUMMARY

MicroFlex 1333A PRO: Top performer at a good price. CON: Subpar LCD monitor. VALUE: High-end performance that doesn't break the bank. Street price: $1799 Micro Express 800/989-9900 www.microexpress.net

SUMMARY

Poly 880-K7 PRO: CD-RW and DVD-ROM drives, top-notch sound, RAID card. CON: Pricey. VALUE: Strong components yield a high-end multimedia system. Street price: $2888 Polywell 800/999-1278 www.polywell.com

SUMMARY

Valera PRO: Strong performance, adequate expansion room. CON: No CD-RW drive, some interior components a bit awkward to reach. VALUE: This is a decent system at a reasonable price. Street price: $2095 Tangent Computer 800/342-9388 www.tangent.com

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