Xi 650K MTower SP

Aggressive price and extreme performance make Xi's AMD Athlon-based system an excellent choice. The fancy new tool-free case is compact, easy to open, and features an attractive front with plenty of trendy translucent blue plastic. Despite being one of the smallest cases, Xi's system offers a generous six external drive bays.

Xi paired the 650 MHz Athlon processor with a Diamond Viper V770 AGP-4 Ultra graphics card. Another 650 MHz Athlon-based system sported the same card, but its test scores were nearly 8% lower. Obviously, Xi Computer knows how to wring every ounce of performance from a system.

The Xi 650K MTower SP with its 650 MHz Athlon and 200 MHz front side bus produced top scores for our review in every category. Its C99 2D Total Index score of 12.31 was 8% faster than the next closest competitor. Even more astounding, its nongraphic score was nearly 50% higher than the top 600 MHz Pentium III score.

Warranty coverage from Xi is customizable with options for one to three years of on-site service beyond the standard three-year parts and labor coverage.

Xi doesn't try to sell its systems to everyone--the CAD market is its primary focus. If you're looking for a screamer of a system and you don't mind a bargain, the 650 MHz Athlon from Xi Computer might be for you. High Recommended.

- J.V.B.