SEPTEMBER 2004 MA XIMUMPC
MODE RN
Custom built and carefully crafted,
Dream Machine 2004 is more
than just fast—it’s future-proof
How advanced is Dream Machine 2004? Let’s put it this way: Next-gener-
ation parts were our starting point as we planned our ninth annual foray
into PC extravagance.
As we began to contemplate this year’s project, code-named “After-
life,” we found ourselves preternaturally fixated on hand-crafting a sys-
tem, nay, an experience that in addition to being fast, would be as for-
ward-thinking and future-proof as possible. Like it or not, the PC is in
the middle of a massive upgrade cycle that transcends the usual upward
mobility of videocards and hard drives. And woe to the PC builder who
fails to embrace the onset of significant new technologies like PCI Ex-
press and DDR2.
Hence the postmodern theme, represented by a decidedly postmod-
ern paint job and a futuristic, fully functional, front-mounted LCD screen.
But we have to confess: After we identified the components and technol-
ogy we wanted to use, we began to sweat nervous bullets. The Maximum
PC Lab has witnessed a parade of record-shattering prebuilt PCs. Would
our hand-crafted future rig meet the performance challenge?
When we finally got it running, we breathed a sigh of relief. Of course
it did. Of course it did. Our custom-built PC smashes the competition with
a scintillating combination of speed, versatility, and looks that—it must
be said—is like a dream come true.
Without any further adieu, we proudly present Dream Machine 2004.