Micro Express Micro Flex 1800B

WHAT'S HOT: Equipped with a 1.53-GHz Athlon XP 1800+ processor and 256MB of DDR SDRAM, the Micro Express MicroFlex 1800B we looked at earned an impressive score of 122 on our PC WorldBench 4 tests.

WHAT'S NOT: That high PC WorldBench score was earned with an overclocked processor. MicroFlex tweaked the CPU a bit to juice it up to 1.56 GHz (it's nominally a 1.53-GHz system); the company also boosted the memory frequency from 133 MHz to 136 MHz and the memory clock speed to "Turbo." Micro Express says it did not send PC World a specially tuned PC, and that customers would also receive overclocked machines. Further, Micro Express says it is confident of the reliability of this system. PC World does not usually test overclocked PCs and does not test for long-term reliability, so we cannot verify Micro Express's claims.

WHAT ELSE: The 17-inch Samsung SyncMaster 700NF that shipped with our MicroFlex holds the number four spot on our current Top 10 17-Inch CRT Monitors chart, thanks to its sharp text and beautiful color graphics.

Opening the gray-and-white MicroFlex midsize tower is a three-step process: Remove a single thumbscrew, pop off the top panel, and then pull off the side panel. That's more steps than many systems require, but the case is sturdy and the process is easy. You'll need tools to access the four open PCI slots and three open drive bays (one for a hard drive only), but the well-kept interior makes it easy to reach the slots and bays and insert new components.

The documentation consists of a spiral-bound, generic system manual that lies flat, which is convenient when you're up to your elbows in cables and connectors. The manual contains a detailed glossary as well as setup and troubleshooting chapters.

The system also ships with a serviceable 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive and Microsoft's Natural Keyboard.

UPSHOT: If the slight overclocking doesn't concern you, you'd be hard-pressed to find a faster system for anywhere near this MicroFlex's price.

SUMMARY

Micro Express MicroFlex 1800B PC WorldBench 4 score of 122, 1.53-GHz Athlon XP 1800+ CPU, 256MB of SDRAM, Windows XP Professional, 62GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive, Leadtek WinFast GeForce2 Ultra graphics card with 64MB of DDR SDRAM, 17-inch Samsung SyncMaster 700NF monitor, integrated sound, Juster 3D-109 speakers, network adapter, V.92 modem, midsize tower case. Four-year parts and labor warranty; free, unlimited 24-hour daily tech support. $999 800/989-9900 www.microexpress.net