WHAT'S HOT: If you're looking for sheer horsepower, the Sys Performance 1800+ delivers it in spades. Equipped with AMD's 1.53-GHz Athlon XP 1800+ and 256MB of 266-MHz DDR memory, our test Sys model matched the record set by the Micro Express MicroFlex 18A for the highest PC WorldBench 4 score we've seen by a Windows 2000 PC. Its score of 127 stands 8 points (about 6 percent) above the average for 1.4-GHz Athlon systems and a significant 12 points (about 10 percent) above the average for systems with a 2-GHz Pentium 4.

We rarely see business PCs bundled with flat-panel monitors, and we've never seen one before with a 17-inch LCD. But Sys bundled our test system with its self-branded 170L-C 17-inch LCD; we found that it displayed 12-point Arial text crisply at its native 1280 by 1024 resolution. When positioned properly, it's definitely eye candy. However, like all LCD monitors, it suffers from a narrow viewing angle, which means you must position yourself directly in front of the monitor to get the best view.

This system doesn't lack for storage options. Our unit included a 61GB hard drive as well as a 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive--the fastest speed rating currently available. A 24X drive can typically fill a 650MB CD-Recordable disc in a little over 4 minutes.

WHAT'S NOT: Sys does not include a system manual with its PCs, although the documentation for individual components that it does provide will often be enough for experienced users. Nevertheless, most of the other systems we review come with helpful integrated manuals that cover more than just the components.

At $2236, the price of the Performance 1800+ is about $1000 more than that of the similarly performing Micro Express MicroFlex 18A, although our test Sys model includes a lot more goodies. You can bring the cost down by swapping the 17-inch LCD monitor for an 17-inch Optiquest Q71, saving $426.

WHAT ELSE: The Performance 1800+ uses Sys's standard midsize tower, which has a loop-style case lock and an easy-to-open chassis (after you loosen the two thumbscrews, the sturdy metal side panel slides off and on smoothly, thanks to guide rails at the top and bottom). While you must use a screwdriver to install or remove drives and cards, the well-kept interior offers easy access. Four open PCI slots and four open drive bays (two external, two internal) give you lots of opportunity to upgrade the system.

The software bundle includes Word Perfect Office 2002 as well as Norton Personal Firewall and Norton Antivirus 2001.

UPSHOT: With plenty of power and an attractive flat-panel monitor, the Sys Performance 1800+ will appeal to a small-office user looking for a combination of speed and design.

SUMMARY

Sys Performance 1800+ PC WorldBench 4 score of 127, 1.53-GHz Athlon XP 1800+ CPU, 256MB of SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows 2000, 61GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, Gigabyte GV-GF2010 graphics card with 64MB of DDR SDRAM, 17-inch Sys 170L-C flat-panel monitor, integrated Creative Labs CT5880 sound, Altec Lansing AVS500 speakers, network adapter, midsize tower case; WordPerfect Office 2002. Six-year parts warranty on CPU and main RAM, three-year warranty on other parts, five-year labor warranty; free unlimited 24-hour tech support. $2236 800/613-9963 www.sys.com