First Look: @Xi 4240 MTOWER SP

Single-processor CAD workstation.

THE XI 4240 MTOWER SP is one of the latest systems from @Xi Computer. This particular series is based on the Intel Pentium 4 processor. The system I tested featured a single 3.4GHz processor and 800MHz front side bus. The 4240 MTower SP is equipped with 2GB of PC3200 400MHz DDR memory and a 74GB Western Digital Raptor SATA hard disk with 8MB of cache.

The @Xi 4240 MTower SP is a single-processor system based on the Intel Pentium 4 processor.

Other components include a Pioneer DVR-107 DVD+RW/+R-R drive (writes to CD-R/W), a Logitech Deluxe black Windows keyboard, and an OEM Logitech WheelMouse 2+ optical mouse. Connectivity options include a parallel port, two serial 16550 connectors, two USB 2.x connectors on the front of the case, and four USB 1.x connectors at the rear. The motherboard is based on the Intel 865 chipset.

The system was housed in a black case with a clear Plexiglas-paneled, tool-free removable side panel. Other case colors and options are available. In all, the Xi 4240 MTower SP provides ten available drive bays that, with the 400W power supply and three case fans, ensure lots of expandability options for future growth. The system runs Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 installed.

As with other workstation systems from @Xi, the 4240 MTower SP is available with a range of accessories, peripherals, and system options. You can configure systems online to evaluate different options and prices.

@Xi 4240 MTower SP

I used the Xi 4240 MTower SP to test and evaluate the new NVIDIA FX 4000 graphics card reviewed on p. 34 and ran comparison tests with the NVIDIA FX 3000 as well. This is the rare review in which I have results from two distinctly different graphics cards running on the same system. See the table on p. 34 for benchmark scores.

Configured with the NVIDIA FX 3000 graphics card, the @Xi 4240 MTower SP is priced at $3,745.70 as tested, with no monitor or speakers. This price includes a nominal shipping fee. The exact same system equipped with the NVIDIA FX 4000 graphics card costs $3,937.26—again, with a shipping fee but no monitor or speakers.

With the speedy FX4000 graphics card, the @Xi 4240 MTower SP turned in the highest scores of any AGP-based system ever tested in Cadalyst Labs.