Labs specification change: Mesh Matrix Photo Pro

 

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Posted on 22 Sep 2006 at 18:09

Due to a shortage of AMD Athlon X2 5000+ processors, Mesh is changing the specification of the PC Pro Recommended Photo-editing PC (reviewed issue 145, p102).

Instead of an Athlon X2 5000+, the machine will now be shipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600. Naturally, this requires a motherboard change, so in place of the Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe there will be an Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe. This is as close to the specification of the original motherboard as possible, retaining the possibility of dual Nvidia graphics cards, but changes the chipset from the Nforce 590 to the Nforce4 SLI.

The Overall 2D score of the new specification is 1.43 compared to 1.33, with the Photoshop score increasing from 1.28 to 1.32. And as the GeForce 7900GT is now end-of-life, Mesh will be shipping systems with a GeForce 7950GT. This scores 66fps in Far Cry at 1,280 x 1,024 with our usual Very High detail settings.

The final change to the specification is the monitors. Instead of two ViewSonic VX922 19in TFTs are two Sony SDM-HS95PR 19in TFTs. These have glossy coatings rather than the non-reflective coatings of the ViewSonics. This makes colours more vibrant and is a benefit, not a hindrance, for editing photos - however, the reflections could be annoying in a bright room. The Sonys have a good tonal range, good contrast and brightness. As there are brightness, backlight and contrast settings, it's tricky to initially obtain the best balance, but once done, they offer a superior image to the ViewSonics. And, they're more stylish to boot.

Bear in mind that the name of the system is changing also, from the Matrix Photo Pro to the Elite Photo Pro. The price will remain the same at £1,599 inc VAT. Considering all the changes, you're getting a faster, better specified PC for the same money, so we have no hesitation in allowing the Mesh to keep its Recommended award.

Author: Jim Martin, Labs Editor