Mesh Matrix 64 4000+

Mesh is one of the first computer manufacturers to use the latest AMD processor, the Athlon64 4000+. This is one of the fastest processors on the market and provides the foundations for an outstanding system.

In addition to the fast processor there is 1Gb of memory, which is plenty for almost all home users. The 300Gb hard disk will also be ample for everyone, even dedicated digital media fans.

The graphics card is a LeadTek nVidia 6800GT, which is really aimed at gamers, and will easily take on the latest and most demanding 3D games and display them in style. The Viewsonic 19in flat-panel monitor complements the system as its matt-black finish matches the colour of the PC's case.

As you would expect with specifications like this, the PC performed extremely well in our tests, scoring some of the highest results we have seen of a system of this specification.

The build quality is very good and the case, if not sleek, is sturdy and well put-together. The front panel contains the front plate for the highly rated Creative Audigy 2ZS Platinum sound card. This offers a variety of inputs and outputs, which should be more than enough for even ardent audiophiles. It is complemented by a good set of Creative Inspire 7900 speakers that will deliver 7.1 surround sound, should you want it.

The front panel also houses a pair of optical drives. The Sony recordable DVD drive will handle plus, minus and dual-layer discs at up to 16x speed. Oddly, there is a Sony CD-RW drive too. It's not clear why Mesh didn't up this to another DVD drive, instead of one that just reads and writes CDs, but it's hardly something to complain about.

The case opens at the side with the satisfying clunk of a catch and inside it's very neatly put together, with all the wires and cables tidied away. This is worth mentioning, because in a system with this many powerful components, heat can become a big problem, and a neat, spacious case is a bonus.

The Logitech cordless desktop comprises a wireless keyboard and a wireless optical mouse. Both are pleasant to use. In addition to the modem, it has built-in Wi-Fi that is far faster than any available broadband service, so it won't be out of date next year.

It's pre-loaded with Windows XP Home, which, has been updated to Service Pack 2. It is also pre-loaded with Microsoft Works 8, Pinnacle Studio 9SE, Instant CD/DVD and InterVideo WinDVD, as well as a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office.

The guarantee covers parts and labour for two years on-site (for mainland UK only), with a further year as return-to-base.

In truth, it is hard to find something bad to say about this system. The price is admittedly high, but you will have to search long and hard to find a computer that offers more value for the money than this one.

Contact: Mesh 0870 046 4747
www.meshcomputers.com

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