Systemax A1500JP

Nvidia is on a crusade to destroy the myth that integrated components are second rate, and Systemax is certainly on its side with the nForce-based A1500JP. It uses an Asus A7N266 motherboard, which can produce 5.1 surround sound in both analog and digital formats, utilises GeForce2-based graphics and aims to speed up performance with AMD's HyperTransport technology. Not only that, but it only costs £699 and comes with a full feature set by saving on the cost of additional cards.

You can rest assured that, despite the low price, this is a very fast PC. The overall score of 4.62 in our 2D benchmarks beats all of the £699 machines in the Labs last month (see Labs, issue 86, p74). However, we've seen faster 1.4GHz Thunderbird Athlon systems: for example, the Evesham Axis 1400 (see Reviews, issue 82, p144) clocked up 4.75 with similar specifications. This doesn't do AMD's new performance rating any favours as, despite being clocked at 1.33GHz, the Athlon XP 1500+ is supposed to be as fast as a 1.5GHz Thunderbird, and our results suggest otherwise.

Does this matter? Not really. Ignore the hype and concentrate on the fact that Systemax is supplying a scorcher of a machine for just £699. What's more, the 3D performance is easily on a par with many GeForce2 MX-based systems. Running 3DMark2001 at 1,024 x 768 in 32-bit colour produced a respectable score of 2,248, while 3DMark2000 was stable with a score of 3,351. It's not cutting edge, but it's more than adequate for today's games and streaks ahead of the integrated competition from Intel and SiS.

Handling the display is a 17in CTX EX710F monitor (see Reviews, issue 79, p182). It's a flat-screen, shadow-mask unit using Samsung's DynaFlat tube, which has strong colour performance and geometry, but on this occasion is let down by poor power regulation. Still, it's an admirable inclusion for the money.

Nvidia's APU1 audio is also integrated into the chipset. This offers stereo output as standard, but can output a further four channels by using an ACR (Audio Codec Riser) in the motherboard slot. Systemax is providing the riser as standard with the A1500JP and takes full advantage via the Cambridge SoundWorks DTT2200 5.1 speakers. These add surround-sound atmosphere to games and DVD movies.

You don't just get a DVD-ROM either. Systemax includes a 16-speed Samsung CD-RW, providing a fast and universal removable storage and backup solution, and, thanks to Windows XP, it's easy to use. Meanwhile, permanent storage is fast and plentiful with a 40Gb IBM Deskstar 60GXP spinning at 7,200rpm, which formats down to 38.3Gb under the supplied Windows XP Home OS.

Aside from the ACR slot, the Asus ATX motherboard also has a lot of upgrade potential, unlike the micro-ATX designs we saw from MSI and Nvidia the first time around. There are four PCI slots left free, as well as the currently barren AGP Pro slot. The 256Mb of PC2100 DDR SDRAM is made up of two 128Mb DIMMs, leaving you one socket free for more memory headroom. You can even add more drives to the expansive case, with two front-opening 5.25in drive bays free, plus one internal and one external 3.5in bay.

Full comms functionality is provided, with an integrated Realtek 10/100BaseTX Ethernet adaptor and a generic V.90 PCI modem in place. The software bundle of Windows XP rounds off the system perfectly, along with the Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad. There's even a three-year return-to-base warranty.

Nvidia has broken new ground with the nForce, showing that both integrated graphics and audio not only keep costs down but can also compete with their PCI and AGP counterparts. Systemax has made excellent use of the nForce with the A1500JP - after all, for £699 you're buying respectable 3D performance, 5.1 surround-sound speakers, a Windows XP system with all the trimmings and a flexible upgrade path. If funds are tight, this is the machine to buy.

Author: Ben Hardwidge