WHAT'S HOT: This speed demon blazed to a score of 124 on our PC WorldBench 4 tests, making it the fastest system on the chart this month. That speed is due in no small part to its 1.4-GHz Athlon processor and 256MB of 266-MHz DDR memory. The system also has a 61.5GB hard drive, a 16X DVD-ROM drive, and a 16X/10X/40X CD-RW drive. The 19-inch ViewSonic PF790 monitor adds to the allure, delivering deep, rich colors and distinct, legible 12-point text that blurred only slightly at the maximum resolution of 1600 by 1200. A price cut this month helps the overall package.

WHAT'S NOT: In lieu of including a complete system manual with its PCs, Sys provides individual manuals for components, which can make identifying problems difficult. Sys's tech support earned a rating of only Fair in our latest round of anonymous calls because its reps answered two of our questions incorrectly.

WHAT ELSE: Opening the midsize tower involves loosening two thumbscrews and removing the solid metal side panel, which slides on and off easily on well-designed guide rails. The large and tidy interior includes two open internal drive bays and two open externally accessible drive bays, as well as four open PCI slots. A sturdy case lock on the back of the case helps keep the components secure. The comfortable and quiet Microsoft Internet Keyboard has ten multimedia and Web hot-keys. A network interface card is connected to the Wake-on-LAN-capable motherboard for network or broadband modem hookup.

UPSHOT: This swift Sys contains impressive components and would make an excellent system for a small office.

SUMMARY

Sys Performance 1400TD PC WorldBench 4 score of 124, Athlon-1400 CPU, 256MB of DDR SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows 2000, 61.5GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 16X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, ATI Radeon graphics card with 64MB of DDR SDRAM, 19-inch ViewSonic PF790 monitor, Integrated Creative CT5880 sound card, Altec Lansing ACS33 speakers, network adapter, midsize tower case. Six-year parts warranty on CPU and main RAM, three-year warranty on other parts, five-year labor warranty; free unlimited 24-hour toll-free tech support. $1774 800/613-9963 www.sys.com