Mesh is known for taking an unusual approach to system design. Using the 3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 chip gives the Mesh Elite HD24 a slight disadvantage against systems based on the faster E8500, as its WorldBench figures show. But this vendor recognises there’s more to a satisfying computing experience than raw speed.
The Mesh Elite HD24 comes with a huge 24in monitor, the Iiyama ProLite E24D 3WS. Those extra inches make a big difference: not only is the display larger, but you also get considerably more pixels to play with, thanks to its 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution. That’s enough to play full 1,080p high-definition (HD) films. The system also includes a Blu-ray reader – this doubles as a DVD writer, although burn speeds are quite low – and CyberLink’s Blu-ray software.
The Mesh Elite HD24's audio setup is also impressive, with Creative’s Inspire A500 surround speakers providing 5.1 home-cinema audio.
Unfortunately, Mesh has had to make compromises to include these multimedia capabilities – and the Mesh Elite HD24's processor is just the start. The GeForce 9600 GT graphics card, for instance, can deliver a satisfying gaming experience, but it’s at the low end of what serious gamers would consider. A 24in monitor demands serious graphics power if you’re going to take advantage of those extra pixels while gaming.
The Mesh Elite HD24's motherboard is SLI-capable, however, so you could simply add a second 9600 GT.
Verdict
If you’re after top performance, the Mesh Elite HD24 isn’t for you, but it’s the only system here capable of playing Blu-ray films in full 1,080p HD. And that display is extremely tempting.
Power desktop PCs chart ranking (July 08 issue)
- CyberPower Infinity Crossfire HD
- Arbico CD9800 PRO
- Mesh Elite HD24
- Chillblast Fusion Viper
- PC Specialist Fusion 9850 X2
See also: Power desktop PCs buying advice
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