Product Reviews

In the field of digital-content creation, two companies have graced the pages of PC Pro more than any other with their purpose-built graphics workstations - Armari and Evolution. Their systems usually involve enormous cases, RAID arrays, Open GL-optimised graphics cards and a huge price tag to match, but now Evolution is taking a small step down to look at the performance desktop market instead.

Like the Dell Dimension 8200, the evo4-2500 Performer uses 512Mb of RDRAM, but this time it's the PC1066 variety. By combining this with the new Asus P4T533/R motherboard (see p125), Evolution hopes to drain the last few drops of performance from the currently fastest 2.53GHz Pentium 4.

It all gets off to a good start when you look at 3D performance. Desktop graphics cards don't come much faster than the Asus V8460 GeForce4 Ti 4600, and the Evolution was easily the fastest 3D performer we've seen. Running 3DMark2001 saw the Evolution's phenomenal score of 11,574 steal the crown from the Dell Dimension 8200's 10,816 at 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit colour. At 1,280 x 1,024, Dell's score of 8,762 was again aced by the Evolution's 9,237.

Both the Dell and Evolution feature similar graphics solutions, and it's unlikely the latter's 2.53GHz Pentium 4 could make that much of a performance difference over the Dell's 2.4GHz CPU. The answer undoubtedly lies in Evolution's choice of memory technology.

Although at the time of writing Intel hasn't validated PC1066 Rambus for use with its processors, Kingston and Samsung are already producing in volume. And the supporting Asus P4T533/R motherboard gave Evolution no reason for delay, with 512Mb provided on one 32-bit RIMM. This differs from previous 16-bit RDRAM memory in that the full 4.2Gbytes/sec bandwidth can now be achieved with one RIMM. So it doesn't need to be dual channel, and you can upgrade without buying memory in pairs.

Unfortunately, the increased memory bandwidth over PC800's 3.2Gbytes/sec had less impact on 2D performance than we expected. Again, Dell's Dimension 8200 was our previous king of the hill with an overall score

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of 1.47, and the Evolution fell slightly short with 1.45. It's most likely that the Dell's Western Digital WD1200JB hard disk was a larger contributing factor, performing well above the Evolution's IBM Deskstar 120GXP in our hard disk group test (see Labs, issue 94, p89).

If Evolution had opted for two or more hard disks, it could have taken advantage of the motherboard's integrated Promise RAID controller, possibly then trouncing the Dell in the 2D stakes. However, this option is left for the end user as a possible future upgrade.

When it comes to hands-on maintenance, Evolution's experience at building workstations shines through. The tower's lockable front panel opens up to expose four 5.25in and two 3.5in drive bays. Both the Sony DVD-ROM and BenQ CD-RW are mounted on quick-release clips, with the latter your only provision for high-capacity removable storage, offering 40-speed writing and 12-speed re-writing.

Again lockable, the side panel is removed by loosening two thumbscrews, although a screwdriver was initially required. Once inside, you're presented with plenty of space - two removable cages can accommodate up to four more hard disks between them. Only two of the six PCI slots are occupied, one by a Sound Blaster Audigy Player and another by an Intel Ethernet adaptor. Only three are free, however, as a combined USB 2 and game port backplate obscures the final slot. Airflows are assisted with the large processor heatsink/fan arrangement and a rear case fan, although the noise levels were surprisingly low.

While the Dell's case readily offers front-connecting USB ports as standard, the Evolution relies on the A-Listed 19in Iiyama Vision Master Pro 454 CRT (see Reviews, issue 90, p131), with a four-port USB hub on the right of the base. It's also a fantastic 19in monitor, providing sharp focus, excellent geometry, high contrast and bright, vibrant colours.

The monitor also comes with integrated stereo speakers, although these aren't likely to see a lot of action when you've got a set of Creative Inspire 5300 5.1 speakers in tow. While not up there with VideoLogic's ZXR-500s, they're good enough for gaming and DVD movies.

All in all, Evolution's choice of components provides near-faultless quality and impressive performance in all areas. The expansion potential will also ensure you can sustain that cutting-edge feel for a long time. The only problem is the price - £2,095 may be fair for what's on offer, with the assurance of a one-year, on-site warranty. However, with faster 2D performance, a DVD+RW, quicker hard disk and only slightly slower 3D performance, the Dell Dimension 8200 is a better buy for almost £300 less.