Sys Technology Performance 2800+

What's Hot: Powered with a 2.08-GHz Athlon XP 2800+ CPU and 512MB of DDR400 memory, our review model achieved a 131 score on PC WorldBench 4 tests. That score makes it one of the fastest models among those we've tested for our value chart, edging out other top performers, such as the Micro Express MicroPlex 32A, which uses AMD's newer 2.2-GHz Athlon XP 3200+ CPU.

In addition to providing good speed, this midtower PC has a tidy, roomy interior. Our unit's cables were flattened against the drive bay cages, and other component wiring was neatly bound. Our 2800+ had four available PCI slots and three open drive bays (two internal and one externally accessible); the two memory sockets are largely unobstructed.

What's Not: As configured, we thought the system's price was a bit high. The design of the 2800+ is lackluster as well; its beige case is nondescript compared with flashier chassis.

What Else: To keep the price down to $1329, Sys opted for some low-cost components that will support basic multimedia, but little else. The Gigabyte GV-R92128DH (based on the ATI Radeon 9200 graphics chipset) graphics card has 128MB of memory and both TV-out and DVI ports; it's geared more toward undemanding bargain hunters than well-heeled gamers looking for top performance. In our tests, frame rates when running the resolution and color depth typically used with 17-inch monitors--1024-by-768--were fine for less-challenging game playing but significantly lower compared with systems with faster cards.

The 17-inch Optiquest Q71 dot-pitch CRT monitor fared better on graphics than it did for text. Colors on a photo looked lively and bright, but the lettering in our newsletter test screens wasn't as sharp as text we've seen on better performing models.

The Altec Lansing AVS300 speaker set (two satellites and a subwoofer) that accompanied our test unit is run of the mill. In tests listening to a DVD movie soundtrack and vocal tracks, we heard hollow-sounding bass and trebles. You can crank up the sound, but doing so makes them unpleasantly shrill. The right satellite toppled over during our tests due to the thick, ungainly cords that protrude from its base, and the subwoofer felt particularly lightweight, considering its height. Sys supplies a spiral-bound user's manual with handy tabs that help streamline looking up information. The manual includes detailed chapters on upgrading and troubleshooting, but it has few illustrations.

The Logitech wireless keyboard we received with the system has plenty of hot keys, including one for launching a Web cam, if you have one. The audio controls are positioned in the top middle of the keyboard and are easy to locate, thanks to their silver accents.

The software bundle includes Corel's WordPerfect Productivity Pack, which has a word processor, a database program, and an application for keeping track of contacts.

Upshot: As generic as it looks, the 2800+ is a solid performer and can handle basic computing tasks with elan. Even so, better deals can be found if you're willing to trade its speed for more up-to-date features.

Mick Lockey