Sys Technology Performance 3400+/64
Fast system has great entertainment features.
Mick Lockey
The Sys Technology Performance 3400+/64 is one of the fastest PCs we've tested recently. Driven by AMD's recently released 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 3400+ processor and a gigabyte of DDR400 memory, the Sys achieved an impressive 141 score on PC WorldBench 4 tests, a negligible 1 point behind our current speed champs, the ABS Awesome 6300 and the Polywell Poly 900NF3-FX1. Sys also equipped its performance PC with an NVidia GeForce FX 5700 Ultra-based graphics card with 128MB of memory. In our graphics tests, it didn't top the frame rates of the latest cards, which have faster clock speeds and double the memory, but its frame rates were sufficient for most game play.
The Performance 3400+/64 also pumps out superlative audio for games, movies, and music. The system's 24-bit Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS sound board supports up to seven speakers and a subwoofer, plus a breakout box (installed in one of the 5.25-inch bays) that has a slew of ports for connecting everything from a MIDI music keyboard to an S/PDIF MiniDisc player/recorder. An infrared remote control lets you adjust audio settings and record music without having to use your PC's keyboard. Paired with the Creative Inspire T7700, a 7.1 surround-sound speaker set, the system emitted full-throttle bass and nuanced, crisp trebles in our tests with CD vocal tracks and a DVD movie.
Sys packed its Performance 3400+/64 with many more attractive features, including dual 120GB hard drives in a RAID-0 configuration and a seven-in-one memory card reader (located under the floppy drive).
Sys also sent a ViewSonic VE175b--a 17-inch LCD monitor from ViewSonic's value line. Initially, we thought a DVD movie looked a bit too dark and overly orange at the monitor's default settings, but fiddling with the RGB controls fixed the problem. Tests with a photo and a game displayed vivid colors and sharp details.
A spiral-bound manual, divided into sections labeled with handy tabs, provides mostly basic information; but it includes helpful instructions for upgrading components and troubleshooting problems. The software bundle includes Microsoft Office Small Business Edition, Plextor DVD Writer (for use with the dual-format 4X DVD rewritable drive), and a few games. Given all the amenities this system includes, we can't fault its high price ($3340 at the time of our review), but it will place the Performance 3400+/64 out of the range of many budgets.
Upshot:
Combining fine audio-visual performance with terrific speed, this system is great for power seekers with deep pockets.
Mick Lockey
