Sys Performance 2533 review: Sys Performance 2533

The Sys Performance 2533 is packed to the rafters and beyond with high-end components. When CNET tested it in July 2002, it turned in top-notch scores for application performance and made a strong showing in 3D gaming trials as well. Unforunately, some design problems and inadequate documentation keep this otherwise exemplary system from earning higher marks. The Sys Performance 2533 is packed to the rafters and beyond with high-end components. When CNET tested it in July 2002, it turned in top-notch scores for application performance and made a strong showing in 3D gaming trials as well. Unforunately, some design problems and inadequate documentation keep this otherwise exemplary system from earning higher marks.

Piling on the extras
The Sys Performance 2533 offers a a long, lovely list of features. At its heart, you'll find a 2.53GHz Pentium 4 with 512MB of 800MHz RDRAM, a 128MB GeForce4 Ti 4600 graphics card, and a 120GB hard disk. A Lite-On 40X CD-RW drive and a Pioneer DVD-116 16X DVD-ROM drive offer state-of-the-art optical storage. The Pioneer delivered crystal-clear DVD playback, with great flesh tones and rich, deep color. Future PCs will include a same-speed DVD-500M model.

But the extras help kick this desktop's price into the stratosphere. The Sys-branded, 18-inch LCD monitor delivers a gorgeous, bright picture that's well worth the extra cost it adds to the bottom line. However, we dislike the display's onscreen menu, which behaves inconsistently. The five-piece Logitech Z-560 4.1 THX-certified speakers look good, weigh a ton, and feature a great remote volume/balance control unit. We've heard better sound out of more expensive Klipsch speaker systems, which are available as an upgrade on the easy-to-use Sys Web site if you have the dough.

Sys throws in some bells and whistles, as well. Dual slots on the front of the case accept SmartMedia and CompactFlash cards, so it's a cinch to exchange MP3s and digital photos with portable devices. A slick, cordless mouse and keyboard from Logitech provides all sorts of extra Internet buttons, audio controls, and scroll wheels, although the keyboard's lack of Caps Lock and NumLock LEDs is disconcerting; instead, the indicators appear in the Windows System Tray.

Big numbers
The Sys Performance 2533 tore through our tests in July 2002, and at the time, it ranked among the top 10 we've tested using CNET Labs' benchmarks. It posted the highest office-productivity score we've seen; its 198 came within the margin of error of breaking 200. The next-fastest system, the ABS Digital 8, lagged by more than 10 percent. However, Sys's gaming performance was not quite as strong. Because of the difference in memory bandwidth, we weren't surprised to see the 1.06GHz RDRAM-equipped Xi 4253 MTower Platinum outdistance the Performance 2533 on the 3DMark2001 Pro test. But on the same trial, the Performance 2533 posted below-average frame rates, even compared to similar systems. It's still plenty capable for gameplay, though not quite as fast as we expected.

Hulking system has a few quirks
The Sys Performance 2533's case--a beige monolith meant to live under your desk--is functional though boring. A tool-free side panel slips off to reveal a roomy, well-ordered interior with a feature-rich Intel 850EMV2 motherboard, four free drive bays, and two free memory slots. But even with all that space, there are some accessibility problems. Adding cards is dicey; the sole available PCI slot is blocked by the Leadtek WinFast A250 Ultra TD's heat sink. Company officials claim that newer models will use a different version of the motherboard that includes built-in Ethernet support, thereby freeing up one more slot. Also, the two USB and single FireWire ports are all in back, where they'll be much harder to reach, especially if the system is beneath your desk.

Good support, inadequate docs
Sys backs this behemoth with a hefty warranty that covers parts for three years, labor for five, and the CPU and system memory for six. Add to that a year of onsite service and lifetime, toll-free technical support (though 24/7 during only the first year), and you have a better-than-average policy. Both the printed and the electronic documentation could be improved, though, and the Web site offers little further assistance--just links to component vendor sites.

The Sys Performance 2533 may look pricey, but it's generally a good value for what you get. Similarly configured systems from ABS, Xi, and Dell all cost at least as much, if not more. And if your budget's tighter, you could still put together a comparably performing (if less glitzy) system for a more manageable $2,500 by judiciously scaling back on peripherals. Despite its wealth of features and strong numbers, the Sys Performance 2533 doesn't achieve higher honors due to some design flaws and limited documentation.