Dell Dimension 8400

Considering the high quality, high cost and highly powerful components included in this configuration, the standard Dell case is a letdown. The front USB ports are hidden under a plastic overhanging, which in turn is hidden under a flap. They're nigh-on impossible to use. The hinged case-opening mechanism makes it no easier to access drives and components than a well laid-out standard case, and it requires much more space to open into. It's quiet, though, with the single fan drawing air over the giant heatsink with the help of the a cowling. Looping Far Cry over a weekend left the Dimension 8400 begging for more.

Unfortunately, Dell's one-year, collect-and-return warranty leaves us begging for more too: bear in mind that, after this, you'll need to pay the shipping costs to Ireland. The Mesh Matrix Fireblade SLI, on the other hand, comes with a three-year, on-site warranty. The Fireblade is more upgradeable too, with its 550W PSU and spare PCI slots, and has a superior hard disk and screen. So, while the Dimension 8400 is a good deal, and by far the best Pentium 4 system we've seen at this price, the Mesh Fireblade retains its place on the A List.

Author: Clive Webster