Simply SytemMax Value D600 RV review

Simply won last month's Lab Test, and makes a good stab at a repeat performance with a well-stocked PC.

A new logo emblazoned on the front announces that this is an AMD Duron.

Features

The 14.2Gb hard disk is average, but a good start, and you can add another drive if needed.

The Simply is one of the only PCs in this Lab Test to include a DVD-ROM drive. At present, films are the only things of any real note on DVD, but when that changes, this PC will be ready. The drive spins DVDs at 10-speed, and can also read CD-ROMs at 40-speed.

The motherboard uses Via's KT-133 chipset, the only chipset that supports the new socket-style AMD Durons. It supports features such as AGP 4x, PC133 memory and UDMA/66 EIDE connectors. Sound is integrated and basic, so if you're interested in surround sound gaming or music you'll need to upgrade. The Creative SBS52 speakers offer reasonable stereo output.

Ergonomics

The Simply's monitor is a mixed bag. It's a 17-incher with 15.9 inches of viewable tube, but the image is slightly dull and grainy. Overall, it's no worse than the 15in units supplied with most of the other systems, so the extra size is still a bonus. Mind you, the lack of an OSD is a bit backward, and there are no controls for adjusting the shape of the picture.

The keyboard is a slightly spongy Cerratech Accuratus. That said, the Logitech wheel mouse is a great PC pointing device.

The DVD-ROM drive is slot-loading, rather than tray-based, so it's quicker to insert discs.

Expansion

The Simply's large case makes for easy upgrading. Surprisingly, the motherboard has an ISA slot, an older technology for adding cards that refuses to die. There are also five PCI card slots, of which four are free. One is used for the modem - a shame, as there's an unused AMR slot, designed especially for modem or sound cards. Should you need to increase your disk storage, there's an internal 3.5in drive bay, while two memory slots are ready for additional RAM.

Performance

The Simply's 600MHz Duron processor is backed up by an ATi Xpert 2000 graphics card. This is based on the now-aging Rage 128 ship. In 2D, its score of 2293 is fine, but that's mainly due to the Duron. In 3D, however, the graphics card's shortcomings become clear, giving it a poor 3DMark score of 1297. For older or less demanding games this system will do: otherwise it's upgrade time.

Overall

Simply has shown that an entry-level PC really can be a proper, 'grown-up' system. With a 600MHz Duron, a 17in monitor and a DVD drive the Simply is good value for money. It may be slower than the Compute-IT, but if you're looking for an entry-level games system the Simply is a better option - AMD's Duron processor provides more performance and upgrade headroom.