Evesham Axis 64 FX-51

Last month saw our first reviews of three PCs using the new Athlon 64 3200+. This Evesham effort,however, beats them all with the more powerful FX-51 version of AMD's 64bit processor.

Unfortunately, like the 3200+, the FX-51 processor is restrictedby the 32bit nature of Windows XP. We'll therefore never know its potential until Microsoft releases a 64bit version of XP. When this will hit the shelves is frustratingly unclear, but it's in the beta stage and a release date of early 2004 looks likely.

One of the main differences between the FX-51 and the 3200+ version is the memory controller. The FX-51 has a 128bit memory controller, as does AMD's Opteron server processors, while the 3200+ only has a 64bit memory controller to play with. All this equates to increased memory bandwidth and, ultimately, better performance with the FX-51.

To back up the FX-51 processor, Evesham has installed 1GB of PC3200 DDR memory in the form of two 512MB modules. The Asus SK8N Nforce 3 Pro motherboard on which they sit is capable of a maximum 8GB of Ram. This may seem like overkill, but it all helps to future-proof this PC when 64bit computing starts to take off and the FX-51 realises its potential.

What really complements the FX-51 processor is the ATI Radeon 9800 XT graphics card. Just released, it's currently the fastest graphics card available. Mustering up all its strength, it helped the Axis 64 FX-51 achieve the highest 3Dmark we've ever seen, clocking in at a score of 20,183.

It's not just what's inside this PC that makes it stand out. The 19in VP191b TFT monitor is capable of displaying some dazzling images. With great horizontal and more than adequate vertical viewing angles, it's guaranteed to impress - but it also adds weight to an already plump price tag.

Evesham decided to supply the same Sony DVD writer it shipped with its 3200+ system we reviewed last month, capable of handling both plus and minus DVD media at four-speed. An identical looking Sony 52-speed CD-RW drive is also present.

The similarities continue with the audio setup, but who could blame Evesham for deciding to keep the Audigy 2 ZS sound card and the excellent Inspire T7700 7.1 speaker system, both manufactured by Creative? Together with the graphics of the Axis 64 FX-51 system and the 19in TFT, you?ve got a pretty mean gaming environment.

You won?t find any memory card slots built into the Axis 64 FX-51's towering case, but it does house the usual selection of front and rear USB2 and Firewire sockets. There's also plenty of room for expansion inside with three spare PCI slots and selection of empty 5.25in and 3.5in drive bays.

Should you have problems with this PC, Evesham offers a three-year warranty as standard - the first two years on site, and the third year return to base.

So, do we recommend you buy this PC? Well, there's no doubt it's at the cutting edge of technology. If you're the type of person who has to have the best and doesn't mind paying a small fortune, this setup will not disappoint. Not only does it house the latest processor, but it's backed up by some quality components such as the ATI Radeon 9800 XT and spectacular 19in Viewsonic TFT screen. However, you're essentially buying a PC that won't reach its potential for some time yet.

Until the 64bit revolution, you're still going to be living in a 32bit world. What's more, by the time 64bit really takes off, you'll probably be able to get a similar setup for far less money.

Contact: Evesham 0870 160 5900
www.evesham.com

Specifications:

• Windows XP Pro
• Athlon 64 FX-51 2.2GHz
• 1GB DDR PC3200
• Asus SK8N Nforce 3 m?board
• 250GB hard disk
• Sony 4x multiformat DVD writer, Sony 52x CD-RW
• ATI Radeon 9800 XT
• Viewsonic 19in VP191b
• Creative 7.1 speakers
• MS Works, Pinnacle Studio 8
• 2yrs on site, 1yr RTB warranty

See also:

Dell Precision M60

A feature-rich beast.  02 Dec 2003

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!