This methodology was developed by the About PC Hardware / Reviews Guide as a way to standardize testing of all desktop computers that are reviewed for the site. This standardized testing methodology ensures that all products of evaluated in the same manner to ensure a fair and equitable review process.

Specifications

This is an analysis of the specifications of the components used to make up the computer system. It will detail all of the relevant component specifications including CPU, memory amount and type, Hard drive size and speed, Optical drive types and speeds, number and types of expansion ports, and the type of video graphics processor. This will also comment about the specifications in relation to the price of the system compared to similarly price systems.

Quality of Construction / Aesthetics

This evaluates the overall workmanship of the system. It will look at things such as the materials used in and the design of the case, keyboard and mouse as well as external connectors and the layout. Also noted will be the operating noise generated by the computer as it has become a larger issue with today's high-speed systems that require a large amount of cooling. It will examine the functionality and style of the layout and design of the exterior components as well.

CPU, Memory and Drive Performance

To determine the performance of the given configuration for the system, a standard set of free benchmark tools will be used for comparison. Future Mark's PCMark2002 and Sisoft Sandra Standard version will be used to provide numerical representations of the systems performance. These benchmarking tools are subject to change if newer versions are available by the publishers. Only benchmarks that are free and easily obtained without cost by readers will be used for all benchmarks so that readers have the ability to run similar tests. All test scores will be compiled into a master spreadsheet of test results which will be posted on the About PC Hardware / Reviews site.

Graphics Performance

Video performance will be determined through testing using Future Mark's 3DMark2001 SE and 3DMark 2003 benchmarking software. All tests will be run with the default settings done after installation unless otherwise noted due to hardware limitations. The specifications for the video processor will also be evaluated. Video performance scores will be included into a master spreadsheet of test results which will be posted on the About PC Hardware / Reviews site.

Software Bundle

This looks at the software that comes included with the purchase of the computer system. Evaluation is done based upon the titles provided, what licenses grated with those software titles are and the value added to the system by the functionality of the software.

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