This not your typical ho-hum value system. Its metallic silver and aqua case sports a clear side panel, flashing blue neon lights, and a glowing purple cooling fan. Even better than the stylish accoutrements is its high-end graphics card, the nVidia GeForce FX 5600 Ultra, which helps it dramatically outperform every value system in this roundup on our 3-D tests.

This ABS unit is highly upgradable, with room for four additional hard drives and three open PCI slots. The only thing missing here is a DVD-recordable drive—two systems in this value roundup have one. Though excellent for games, it also has top audio capabilities, as well as solid photo and decent video features. No matter what your hobby is, the ABS Awesome 3350 has the power to please.

MULTIMEDIA

Music:
The ABS unit has the best sound system in the value roundup, thanks to the Logitech Z-640 5.1 speakers. And the Nero CD-burning program and MusicMatch Jukebox let you easily burn, rip, and organize audio CDs or convert your favorite audio tracks to MP3s.

Photos:
The two USB ports in front are convenient for plugging in a camera, and the tools that come with Ulead PhotoExplorer 8 are powerful and easy to use, with step-by-step on-screen instructions. But its small CRT and lack of memory card slots are drawbacks.

Video:
The ABS Awesome 3350 lacks a DVD recorder and a midrange video-editing program, so aspiring video editors may want to look to the eMachines or Systemax PCs.

Gaming:
This is the best gaming system you can get for the money: The high-end nVidia GeForce FX 5600 Ultra graphics card combined with 5.1 surround-sound audio and the 17-inch NEC monitor make playing Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell a blast.

PERFORMANCE

SUPPORT

The warranty is one year for parts and labor, including one year of on-site service. Toll-free support is available 11:30–8:30 eastern time M–F.