Product Reviews

Until now nVidia's SLI graphics interface has been limited to systems with AMD processors. NVidia has tailored a version of its nForce4 SLI chipset for Intel PCs. The Aries PowerXS 6520 SLI is the first PC we've seen to combine the power of Intel's Pentium 4 chip with two graphics cards in SLI mode.

Watford has used the 3.6GHz version of Intel's Pentium 4 processor and 1GB of PC4200 memory, which means the PowerXS has an impressive overall performance and is especially formidable in media applications such as video editing. However, you'll need to archive your footage reasonably often as the 160GB hard disk is stingy.

There are two GeForce 6800GTs working in tandem, so it's no surprise that the PowerXS has blistering games performance. At the monitor's native resolution of 1,280x1,024, the graphics system flew through our 3D tests. The SLI system runs games at very high

ADVERTISEMENT

resolutions without a notable drop in frame rate. As the monitor won't go above 1,280x1,024, though, you could shave a big amount off the price without losing performance by forgoing SLI in favour of a single graphics card.

Sharp's LL-191 19" display is a strange match for the PowerXS. Aside from the resolution issues mentioned above, the LL-191 accepts only an analogue input, and while its auto-adjust function produces a sharp, interference-free image, we would expect any LCD shipped with such an expensive system to have a digital input. Its pixel refresh rate of 16ms is relatively slow, too, given the PowerXS's ability to pump out incredible frame rates

For such a powerful PC, the CoolerMaster case's interior is surprisingly uncluttered. This is largely because Watford employs a liquid-cooling system. On full blast the radiator fan at the back of the case produces a low-volume whine, but you can turn it down when you're not taxing the PC.

Sound output is vital to a high-end system. The PowerXS comes with Creative's SBS 560 5.1 surround-sound system. While this produces punchy sound at low volume, crank it up and the light satellite speakers begin to struggle. A more robust 2.1 system would be preferable.

The PowerXS is an accomplished performer and will not disappoint in either gaming or creative applications. However, the specification is unbalanced: it should either come with a higher resolution monitor or forgo SLI and cost £300 less.