Dell OptiPlex GX300

WHAT'S HOT: Running Windows 2000 Professional, this OptiPlex posted a PC WorldBench 2000 score of 165, trailing the Windows NT machines on the chart but outpacing all the Windows 98 PCs. A tidy interior offers chassis intrusion detection, a case lock, a swing-out power supply, five open PCI slots, and three open (and toolless) drive bays. Dell's 19-inch UltraScan P991 monitor delivers vibrant colors and crisp text at resolutions up to 1600 by 1200.

WHAT'S NOT: Dell posts most of its documentation online; the hard copy of the main system manual contains the bare minimum, and you won't find any paper documentation for individual components (though you can order it for free).

WHAT ELSE: Despite the easy-service chassis, the memory slots are buried, and the interior feels cramped until you swing the power supply out of the way. But with this OptiPlex's 8X/4X/32X CD-Rewritable drive, making backups is fast and easy.

BEST USE: For businesses that want fast, managed Windows 2000 systems, this OptiPlex offers substantial bang, albeit for a lot of bucks.

SUMMARY

Dell OptiPlex GX300 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 165, Pentium III-733 CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, 20GB hard drive, Windows 2000 Professional, Celestica NVidia GeForce 256 graphics board with 32MB of SGRAM, 19-inch monitor, 8X/4X/32X CD-RW drive, network card, case lock, Wake on LAN, Microsoft Natural Keyboard, Microsoft IntelliMouse, Creative Labs CT4750 audio, Harman/Kardon HK195 speakers; 3-year parts warranty, 3-year labor warranty, free unlimited support, 24/7 toll-free support. $2799 800/388-8542 www.dell.com