Labs

We've come to expect a lot from Mesh and we certainly weren't let down by the astonishing Matrix 64 3800+ Ultimate.

This machine is one of the highest-performing PCs we've ever seen. The 2D application benchmark score of 2.96 is second only to the Alienware's barrier-breaking 3.07 and there's little difference in real terms between the two machines. In 3D too, results were pretty close. The Mesh scored higher in our standard Unreal Tournament 2004 test by 5fps, but 5fps less in the 1,280 x 1,024 Halo test. Anyway, the difference is verging on academic as both were more than 80fps. In 2D, the Matrix lagged behind the Alienware only due to its slightly less powerful Athlon 64 3800+, whose Level 2 cache is in deficit by 512KB compared to the Alienware's FX-53. Even so, this PC is capable of handling any task you care to throw at it. Plus, its Radeon X800 XT Platinum Edition graphics card outperformed the X800 Pro in the Aria and the GeForce 6800 Ultra in the Holly - both more expensive machines.

For an ultimate PC, we were a little disappointed by the Matrix's standard-looking case, especially compared to the minimalism of the Aria and the outrageousness of the Alienware. On its own it still looks respectable, and it's a joy to work on and maintain, but there are only two front-mounted USB ports, while the Alienware and Holly offer at least four.

The black case nicely matches the huge NEC MultiSync 2080UX+ TFT monitor. The 1,600 x 1,200 resolution offers plenty of Desktop real estate. We can't fault the screen for image quality either - it fares exceptionally well for such a large TFT. Generic LCD problems - such as poor low-end colour definition, range and banding - were significantly less noticeable in our DisplayMate tests than with the Iiyama E511S supplied with the Holly and Aria systems. Games and DVDs make for enjoyable viewing, though we saw some lag. The CRT from Alienware is still the best for gaming, but its monstrous size will discourage most.

The Logitech wireless desktop set looks and feels a touch basic.

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The mouse may lack the docking recharger of the Holly and Aria, but does a perfectly good job without leaving wires trailing around your desk.

For gaming, Mesh is thoughtful enough to provide a range of devices, including a joystick and gamepad. They're good enough to get you started even if they feel slightly lightweight and flimsy. More interesting is the Nostromo n52 gaming keypad, which is great for first-person shooters. XIII, Lock On and Championship Manager are included in the box.

While a great gaming system, the Matrix also features all you need for a home music studio. The front-mounted breakout panel from the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum features a plethora of audio inputs and outputs. We were also pleased with the Creative Inspire T7700 7.1 speaker set. Although not quite as good as Alienware's GigaWorks, they outshine the VideoLogics from Aria and comprehensively trounce the Dell's meagre 2.1 setup.

The Holly is the obvious choice for a quiet system - though the Dell's cooling system is quiet too - yet the Mesh doesn't produce a lot of noise. It's quieter by far than the Alienware thanks to its thick casing. The single 120mm fan at the rear produces almost no noise, but the Akasa AK-855 CPU fan isn't the quietest cooler we've encountered. The throw-off air from the fan does help to keep the 1GB of memory cool though.

The Matrix doesn't have much space left for upgrades, not that you'll be wanting to make any. With the sound card and a PCI modem already fitted, the Asus A8V Deluxe motherboard - as featured in the Alienware - has just one PCI slot free, and that's almost inaccessible without first removing the giant Sound Blaster. Cabling is tidy though, offering free access to the CPU and the two empty memory sockets. There's no room for another 5.25in front panel device but the combination of a dual-layer DVD writer and DVD-ROM drive should meet almost every need for a long while to come. There's one bay for another hard disk but, once again, the 400GB striped RAID0 array provides more than enough storage for most people. There's a free Serial ATA port and power connector should you need more storage.

When we'd factored in the £1,701 price, we were truly impressed with this latest Matrix system. Its performance is incredible - second only to the Alienware in 3D by a tiny margin. The core specification could hardly be better and peripheral components are largely excellent. While some may be less than impressed with the Matrix's looks, there's no denying that this is a great-value Ultimate PC. You could spend a lot more on the Holly or Alienware, but the benefits are minimal.