Mesh Elite 3.6GHz 560 PCIX

The Elite 3.6GHz 560 PCIX is one of the first systems we've seen that incorporates the new PCI Express (PCX) standard for graphics. Destined to replace AGP, this allows for much higher data transfer rates, which in turn should translate into the kind of graphics performance demanded by next-generation multimedia and games.

Given this, and the target audience, it comes as no surprise to find that Mesh has also packed in plenty of supporting goodies.

The system is based around a Pentium 4 with HT technology, running at 3.6GHz. This is supported by a hefty 1GB of DDR2 memory, ideal for the kind of applications that will take advantage of a machine like this.

There's also 500GB of hard disk storage, provided by a pair of 250GB Sata (Serial ATA) hard drives, which should comfortably cover all needs from photo and video editing to hardcore gaming.

Together, all of this helped the Elite score a PCmark 2004 score of 5,138 and a Sysmark 2004 rating of 199. Both are good results, although neither rating is as high as you might expect from such a well-specified high-end system.

Where the Elite really does fly along, however, is, in the graphics department. The card in the Mesh is based around a top-of-the-range ATI Radeon X800XT with 256MB of dedicated video Ram. The 3Dmark 2003 score of 12,391 is enormous; this is the kind of system for which hardware-intensive games such as Doom 3 and the upcoming Half-Life 2 are designed.

That Mesh is thinking along the same lines is confirmed by the sound system, a set of Creative T7700 7.1 surround-sound speakers. The sound, however, is supplied by an onboard Intel chip rather than a card such as the Creative Audigy 2 as you might expect. This said, the onboard sound delivers thundering audio from both games and DVDs.

The PC comes in an unspectacular but solidly built case and the final shipping machine will include a large air vent on the side to allow for better cooling of the processor.

It's roomy inside and the Sata hard drive connections mean that there are no messy IDE cables cluttering up the place. Apart from components such as the processor and Ram, the only things that jut out from the motherboard are the graphics card and modem riser, increasing the amount of space in the case, which will improve air flow and keep the PC cool.

Another useful feature is onboard wireless 802.11g. An external aerial on a cable plugs into a small gold jack on the back of the case. The motherboard also provides Gigabit Ethernet and there are two Ram slots free, as well as spare Sata sockets (and one spare hard drive bay), should you feel the need to expand this monster of a system.

The Mesh also comes with a 16-speed dual-layer Sony DVD burner and a Sony CD-RW drive, as well as a nifty Logitech wireless keyboard and optical mouse set, all in black to match the case. The Viewsonic 19in TFT monitor is another well-chosen fit, matching both the styling and the power of the graphics card.

The Elite comes with Windows XP Home preloaded and on a recovery CD, along with Microsoft Works 7, Pinnacle Studio 9SE, Instant CD/DVD and WinDVD.

Mesh's warranty will cover parts and labour for two years on-site (in the mainland UK) and a further year return-to-base.

This is a solid system clearly designed to suit both hardcore gamers and other power-graphics users. Although some users might want a little more control over exactly which components they receive, most would be very happy with the Mesh Elite 3.6GHz.

Contact: Mesh 0870 046 4747
www.meshcomputers.com

Specifications:

• Windows XP Home
• Intel Pentium 4 560HT 3.6GHz
• 1GB of Ram
• Asus P5AD2 925X motherboard
• 2 x 250GB hard drives
• Sony dual-layer DVD burner
• Sony CD-RW drive
• ATI Radeon X800XT 256MB graphics (PCI Express)
• 19in Viewsonic DVI TFT monitor
• Creative Inspire T7700 7.1 speakers
• Modem, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11g Wifi
• Works 7, Pinnacle Studio 9SE, Instant CD/DVD, Intervideo WinDVD
• 2 years on-site, 1 year RTB (UK only)