MPC (Micron PC) Millenia MAX XP2 1.33ghz

WHAT'S HOT: The Millennia Max XP2 breaks performance records. Our test unit came outfitted with 256MB of RAM, a speedy 266-MHz front side bus (the bus that passes information from the CPU to the main memory), and AMD's latest 1.33-GHz Athlon processor. It outpaced comparably configured 1.33-GHz and 1.2-GHz Athlon units by 12 points, with a heady PC WorldBench 2000 score of 189 (about 7 percent above average). The graphics performance is pretty remarkable too: The Millennia Max XP2 turned in the highest frame rates we've seen to date on two 3D game tests--Rage Expendable and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Home-office users should also appreciate the impressive software package, which includes Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition, Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2001, and Adaptec Easy CD Creator 4.03.

WHAT'S NOT: The 19-inch MicronPC 900Mx monitor yielded dark colors on our tests, though text and icons had adequate clarity at 1024 by 768 resolution. The rather noisy midsize tower contains two fans: one atop the processor and another general system-cooling fan. MicronPC's parts and labor warranty runs for a scant year.

WHAT ELSE: The Altec Lansing ACS 33W speakers produced reasonably pleasing vocal tones and smooth bass and treble. The Millennia XP is large and spacious, with two front-mounted USB ports (and two more on the back). After we removed a single case screw and released two latches, the case came off to reveal a clean, neatly cabled interior with four open drive bays and two open PCI slots.

BEST USE: For home or office, this PC offers a powerful mix of functionality and fun.

SUMMARY

MicronPC Millennia Max XP2 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 189, Athlon-1333 CPU, 256MB of DDR SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows Millennium Edition, 60GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 12X/10X/32X CD-RW drive, VisionTek NVidia GeForce2 Ultra graphics card with 64MB of DDR SDRAM, 19-inch MicronPC 900Mx monitor, Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live sound card, Altec Lansing ACS 33W speakers, V.90 modem, ethernet adapter, midtower case, Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition, Norton AntiVirus 2001, Adaptec Easy CD Creator 4.03. One-year parts and labor warranty; unlimited 24-hour toll-free tech support. $2267 800/642-7667 www.micronpc.com