The PC Specialist X3 uses AMD's triple-core processor.

Halfway, obviously, between the dual-core computers that are now fairly common and the more expensive quad-core PCs, the triple-core, in theory, offers a good trade-off between price and performance.

The word core in this case refers to the number of processing units available. Standard processors until recently had only one of these, allowing it, essentially, to do one thing at one. A dual-core processor can do two, and so on.

In practice, this doesn't translate to a two- or three-fold increase in speed with a dual- or triple-core processor, but it does improve performance. That's because Windows Vista (this computer comes with Vista Home Premium) is designed to take advantage of the multiple cores and distribute computing tasks appropriately.

It is possible to see some substantial speed increases for certain tasks, though: programs such as photo-editing software are being rewritten specifically to use multiple cores, because then complex tasks can be easily hived off to one processor, keeping the others free. We recently tried out the music-conversion software Dbpoweramp which, if you ask it to convert a folder full of MP3 files, will cleverly allocate one processor to each file, meaning everything gets done quicker. In general use (for office tasks and internet browsing) the speed increase won't be so noticeable but it will be there.

In addition to the AMD Phenom X3 8450 processor, which runs at 2.1GHz, the computer includes 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard disk, more than enough for most people. Graphics are processed by a chip on the main motherboard rather than using an add-on graphics card, which diminishes performance in games, although this computer is still fairly respectable, even though you'll have to dial down the quality levels on recent titles.

The DVD writer (which reads and writes multiple formats) is also a Lightscribe model, meaning that if you use suitable discs you can physically burn a professional-looking label into the tops. In addition to being able to connect to wired networks it can also connect to wireless ones – perhaps handy if your computer won't be in the same room as the broadband router.

There's a memory card reader in the otherwise nondescript front panel, along with two USB ports and headphone and microphone sockets. On the back are four more USB sockets, an HDMI connector for attaching a high-definition television, a VGA connector for a standard monitor, and surround-sound outputs. Those are all the connections most people will require, although it lacks a Firewire socket for connecting a digital camcorder and a DVI port for more modern monitors.

In addition to the base unit the computer comes with a 22in widescreen monitor, a couple of small Logitech speakers and a wireless keyboard and mouse from the same company. The case may be quite dull – there's a little room for expansion – but behind that exterior lurks a very powerful PC that, for non-gamers, will provide plenty of power and storage space.

Vista compatible: Yes