There are times when you don't want to buy an entire computer. If you're upgrading, but are content with your existing peripherals and software, the computer itself - the so-called base unit - is all you require.

That's just what you get here. Time's Jupiter is shorn of superfluous software and any extras apart from a mouse and keyboard, and this has allowed the manufacturer to focus on internal components.

A powerful Athlon XP 2000+ processor sits at the helm, supported by 256Mb of DDR memory and an 80Gb hard disk drive.

The machine duly turned in some impressive test scores. It achieved 173 in SYSmark, which is good for a package at this price. The system also managed a creditable 3DMark score of 5,480.

This is largely down to Time's inclusion of a quality 64Mb GeForce4 MX440 card, which also comes with a TV-out port. The Jupiter didn't fare so well in our NoiseMark test, with sound levels, even when idle, nudging close to those you would expect from a fridge.

The case itself is large, has a simple design and fits with the performance-per-pound ethos that is Time's priority.

It has plenty of upgrade options, with two PCI slots, a Dimm socket for adding more memory, and empty 3.5in and 5.25in drive bays. This means you should be able to recycle parts from an old PC and use them to bolster what the Jupiter can offer.

That's not the end of the story. There are separate DVD-Rom and CD-RW drives, four rear-mounted USB ports and a Creative PCI sound card. The latter isn't the most up-to-date card, but it does a reasonable job.

Price: £699 (inc VAT)

Specifications:

Contact: Time Computers 0870 8303 101
www.timecomputers.com