ABS Ultimate M5-64

Every hot rod also needs a throaty engine: Our package included an outstanding combo of a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 SB0240 sound card and Logitech Z-680 5.1-channel speakers. We loved the clear, crisp sounds and the deep bass from the huge subwoofer. A 200GB hard drive (in addition to the two RAID drives) should provide enough room for almost anyone's digital music library.

Like any tricked-out street machine, the M5-64 looks sharp both outside and under the hood. The all-metal case is covered with ventilation holes, evoking an arty/industrial feel, and the wheels let you roll this heavy system into position for upgrades. The front panel includes one FireWire and two USB 2.0 ports, as well as a temperature gauge to monitor the CPU's Aquagate Liquid CPU Cooling System.

If you're looking for quiet, however, you won't find it here--despite the liquid cooling system, it still has relatively noisy fans. The cooling system also takes up two of the 5.25-inch bays. That, combined with the two installed optical drives, leaves no externally accessible bays open. Moreover, the two unused PCI slots are obstructed by other components.

Upshot: This system's attractions are more than skin deep. Its high-end components and top-end performance easily justify its nearly $4000 sticker price.

Scott Plamondon