Evesham Axis 64 3000

Conclusion and Thoughts

The performance analysis was interesting. I mentioned early in the article that the memory shipped with the Axis 64 3000+ was its weak point. With an ill conceived module choice and setup (two relatively low capacity, low performance DIMMs on a platform that doesn't like three sticks isn't conducive to upgrading), some nicer modules would quite easily have made the Model 3000+ Axis perform better than it's bigger brother.

While you can apply the same logic to the Axis 64 3200+, better modules making it more attractive in terms of performance, it's interesting due to the choice of modules and their capacity. The performance being so close to the Axis 64 3200+ was interesting too, due to the CPU architecture. Identical CPU frequencies make the Model 3000+ quite the performer in some situations, especially for its price.

With the Radeon 9800SE, 160GB Maxtor Diamondmax 9 SATA (a drive that LostCircuits praised recently, despite being a bridged drive) and MSI motherboard backing things up, performance was always going to be strong. The nagging feeling it could have been a bit better persevered though.

After performance, features are what's going to sell a system like the Axis 64 3000+. Radeon 9800SE All-In-Wonder deserves a round of applause for its inclusion here. It's a multimedia master, capturing and displaying TV, giving you PVR features, the RemoteWonder and excellent DVD playback performance (common to all ATI cards too). With the 256-bit memory bus giving 9600XT-like performance and the chance of softmod, it's definitely an inspired choice and something to draw you to the Axis.

The ability to burn DVDs and 5.1 positional audio using a good set of speakers that sound excellent for the money are highlights too. We take those things for granted at all price points, but with Time shipping a 2x DVD-R device that won't write DVD+RW at all, in a PC costing twice as much as this Axis 64, it's something to be thankful for.

The human interface devices excelled. When interacting with a system, you need to feel comfortable doing so. The keyboard, mouse and monitor are all top notch in this reviewer's opinion. In all three cases, should I be looking to purchase any of the three classes of device in the future, all three would be on my shortlist. Often overlooked, the Axis 64's HIDs were excellent, a real high point (although a little subjective).

Plenty of fast disk storage, the All-In-Wonder, DVD-R and the presence of the Pinnacle applications means that using the Axis 64 3000+ as a foray into video editing won't be painful. It's a mini video editing box in its own right, The FireWire400 port on the motherboard means using a DV camera is a cinche, take advantage if you can, the Pinnacle software is easy to use.

The software bundle also surprised, I was expecting the same bare cupboard as Time showed me recently, especially given the price. The Pinnacle applications and the inclusion of Microsoft Works, no matter how limited it is, were a welcome sight therefore. Thumbs up for that.

Multi-use setups like the Axis will always appeal. It's for that reason, it's multi-talented abilities as a games machine, simple video capture and editing box and multimedia TV hub, that I'm happy to award it a high score. It has some downsides, I'd be looking to put a 512MB stick of something like Corsair XMS3200 in there for starters, relieving myself of the Hyundai mess, but overall it's a very well executed PC. With the Radeon 9800SE All-In-Wonder playing a large part, the excellent warranty and attractive £999.99 (sans VAT) price, combined with great HIDs and good speakers, I really recommend the Axis 64 3000+ if the budget fits.

Athlon 64 possibilities top it off. Well done Evesham.

Score

Pros

Excellent performance
Great keyboard, mouse and monitor
All-In-Wonder features and remote
Above average warranty terms
Sub £1000 price
Highly capable disk subsystem
Multi-purpose usage
Good speakers
Good software bundle including a basic office application suite