Micro Express Microflex 34A

The $2799 Micro Express MicroFlex 34A we evaluated was configured for high-performance multimedia: a 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 3400+ processor, 1GB of DDR400 SDRAM, a 256MB ATI Radeon 9800 XT graphics, a high-end Creative Labs SoundBlaster Audigy 2ZS Platinum sound card, Klipsch Ultra 5.1 speakers, and a beautiful 19-inch ViewSonic VP191B LCD. With one exception, the MicroFlex 34A lived up to that configuration's promised power.

Performance didn't disappoint: The system cranked out a high-flying 146 score on our PC WorldBench 4 tests, and above-average frame rates on our gaming tests. The ViewSonic displayed sharp text, vibrant colors, and accurate details on graphics. It can also be rotated to accommodate portrait and landscape modes, depending on your needs.

On the downside, audio was extremely disappointing, given the system's sound components. The sound card that shipped with the system didn't make a peep. And although the replacement card supplied by the vendor did produce sound, the audio lacked the satisfying bass and volume we expected from this combination of speakers and sound card.

Although the 34A's black tower case was humdrum to look at, it did offer expansion options aplenty. Adding drives (there are a total of six open bays, three internal and three externally accessible) is a snap: Instead of fiddling with screws and drive rails, the bays feature a sliding tab mechanism to lock drives in place (or release them). Unfortunately, you'll still need a screwdriver to add or remove expansion cards in the system (three PCI slots are available). If you prefer to attach external peripherals, this model has six USB 2.0 ports, but a squared-off hump on the top of the chassis (which houses two of the USB ports beneath a flip-up door) effectively prevents you from putting an external drive or other component on top of the system.

Upshot: The audio notwithstanding, we were impressed with this system's balance of features, performance, and price.

Victor R. Garza