Mesh Matrix XP 2700+ RD95

In a computer market saturated by speedy processors, high-grade graphics cards and huge memory complements, what is a manufacturer to do to make a PC stand out?

A firm might take all these fancy components and combine them in such a way that the resulting machine produces a distinctly average overall performance. That's precisely what Mesh has achieved with its newest offering - in one department at least.

If we lacked perspective we might be minded to label the Matrix XP 2700+ RD95's showing in our tough labs test as something of a disappointment, but let's be rational here: computers powered by fast processors like the AMD Athlon XP 2700+ really don't disappoint.

AMD Athlon-based computers may not perform as well in our tests as those built around the latest Intel Pentium 4 processors, but the majority of users won't notice a performance difference.

They will, on the other hand, notice the extra £100 or so pounds left in the bank if they opt for an Athlon-based system.

The Matrix XP 2700+ RD95 is a very solid performer, shining especially bright where games are concerned.

Computeractive's reputation isn't built on bamboozling readers with meaningless figures, so suffice to say that Mesh's decision to include the latest 128MB Radeon 9500 graphics card from ATi has come up trumps for the firm.

If you want a PC to play games on, you're unlikely to find a better performer for the money at the moment.

In fact, we could say similar about several of the Matrix XP 2700+ RD95's other aspects. The hard disk, for starters, is about as big as they get right now: 120GB to be precise. Whopping, massive or enormous, whichever adjective is applied, an upgrade is unlikely to be needed any time soon.

Ditto the memory, which at 512MB is surely sufficient for most people's requirements; and it can be augmented by an additional 1GB if desired.

Should you feel the urge for updates, the Matrix XP 2700+ RD95's tower-style case can accommodate a few. Below the DVD-Rom, CD-RW and floppy drives is one spare 3.5in drive bay and deeper inside, a couple of the machine's five PCI expansion slots are free to take expansion cards.

Indeed, thanks to a nifty snap-lock system, it's easy to access the spare slots alongside those occupied by the modem and Creative Sound Blaster Audigy sound card.

Back outside, Mesh has kitted the machine out with Creative's Inspire 5.1 5300 speaker set, meaning surround-sound audio output from compatible games and DVD movies. We've tested these speakers several times in the past and always been pleased with the sound quality, so no complaints here.

The monitor, however, does have an affliction: by a quirk of its technological make-up, the supplied Mitsubishi Diamond Plus 93 can't always conceal the pair of thin wires that sit behind the screen on all monitors of this type.

Most of the time these are imperceptible but on large, bright areas of the screen their appearance is all too obvious. That said, the flat screen, sharp image and good colour still make it a pleasure to use.

There can't be many computer users who would care about, let alone detect, the Matrix XP 2700's technically lacking office performance. With that in mind, Mesh's latest is a good machine: well put together and well priced.

DETAILS
Price: £1,174
Contact: Mesh Computers 0870 046 4747
www.meshcomputers.com