PC World Advent 3509

The first thing to note about the Advent 3509 is its processor. The 2.4GHz Pentium 4 is as fast as these things get right now so, if you demand the best, it's to be found right here.

The fast processor is complemented by 512Mb of memory and GeForce4-powered graphics hardware which helped the 3509 turn in a pretty impressive SysMark of 228.

During our new NoiseMark test the 3509 did well. Doing nothing other than being on and in an idle state it ticked over emitting sound that barely increased the ambient noise level in our test environment.

The noise rose only marginally when the PC was made to exercise its hard disk and other features, so the machine is unlikely to deafen the user.

Indeed, we could find little about the 3509 to criticise. Faster graphics facilities wouldn't have gone amiss but the A-class processor offsets this somewhat.

Also, the monitor made us wonder. The speaker-bearing Flatron 776FM from LG is a fine display but an odd choice for a machine that is supplied with a surround-sound audio system in the shape of Creative's PlayWorks DTT3500 Digital set.

Better buys can probably be found online or from mail-order operators, but whether potential savings outweigh the cash-and-carry convenience of buying from a shop is a decision for you alone.

Price: £1,628 (inc VAT)

Specifications:

• 2.4GHz Intel Pentium 4
• 512Mb DDR Ram
• 80Gb hard disk
• 16x DVD drive
• 24x12x40x CD-RW drive
• 64Mb GeForce4 MX 420 graphics chip
• 17in LG Flatron 776FM monitor
• Creative PlayWorks DTT3500 Digital speaker set
• Windows XP

Contact: PC World 0800 056 5732
www.pcworld.co.uk

See also:

NEC PowerMate i-Select XL4 A2000+

A monster PC equipped to work as a vertical tower or horizontal desktop.  05 Jul 2002

Evesham Evolution 2.5

A monster PC with a price to match.  04 Jul 2002

Advent 3987BTO

This is a fully specified PC, but the peripherals are a little disappointing.  27 Jun 2002

Mesh Matrix XP 1800+SB

Good specs, combined with a low price and a three-year on-site warranty, make this a great value piece of kit.  06 Jun 2002

PC World Advent 3976BTO

Nothing too outstanding, but not much wrong either.  15 May 2002

PC World Advent 3508

A stylish new look and small form factor should please anyone who wants to bring their PC out of the back room.  15 May 2002

Dell Dimension 4400 2.2GHz

A good system for gamers and/or film and music fans.  14 May 2002

Evesham Axis PVR

Neat, tidy and robust.  22 Apr 2002

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