We perform extensive Lab tests
on a variety of components with
one goal in mind: helping
you accelerate your
PC to all-new
performance
levels!
T
he tension in the air was
palpable as the Maximum
PC Lab staff gathered
to present their fi ndings. For
months, we had tested, analyzed,
compared, poked, and prodded
a sundry assortment of compo-
nents and technologies. Now it
was the moment of truth, the
meeting where each editor would
discuss his experiments and why
they were worthy of inclusion in
our annual Speed issue.
As you might imagine, this is
one tough meeting. On several
occasions, editors have strut-
ted in cocky and sure, only to
exit wailing, their pride in tatters
because their Lab tests were
deemed “sucky.” Hey, comingup with a series of experiments
creative and practical enough to
wow this crowd is no easy task.
Let’s be clear: The overarching
mission of our annual Speed is-
sue is to isolate and then analyze
all manner of components and
technology with a singular goal
in mind: determining optimum
PC confi gurations for speed. In
these tests, we emphasize real-
world scenarios over clinical lab
results, because the upshot of
this special report is to help you,
gentle reader, make the best
possible decisions for upgrading
your PC.
This upshot makes all the
blood, sweat, and tears worth-
while.JUNE 2004 MAXIMUMPC 29
SPEED
— THE MAXIMUM PC STAFF