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The first systems based on the Athlon XP 1800+ processor (which runs at 1.53 GHz) climb aboard our power chart this month, including the number two Micro Express MicroFlex 18A. This $1199 system achieved an impressive PC WorldBench 4 score of 127, a mark that ties it for fastest on the chart with the third-ranked Sys Performance 1800+, which also uses the new processor. Our test Sys unit came with a 17-inch LCD monitor, evidence that LCDs are becoming more mainstream.

Also making its debut on the power chart is the number four Millennia Max XS from MicronPC. This system comes with Intel's best CPU, the Pentium 4-2000, and plenty of features, but we note one potential problem: MicronPC's new tall, thin case could easily tip over, so purchasers who place it underneath a desk should be careful not to bump it. Another new system with the P4-2000, the Xi Computer 4200 MTower SP, enters the power chart at number seven: It offers only average performance at a high price.

One new system we tested, the NEC PowerMate 2000, failed to make the value chart this month. Although it's well priced at $1299 and comes with an integrated 15-inch LCD monitor, it mustered a rather lackluster PC WorldBench 4 score of 82. It's a good option, however, if you aren't concerned about processing power and you want a system that you can put in a small space or a public location: The case is about the size of a pizza box and comes with a strong case lock and a lockable floppy drive. And you can easily remove its hard drive if you want to lock away your important data overnight.

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