Entered CNET Catalog: 09/26/2002
SKU: 1437
Manufacturer: ABS Computer
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/20/2002
An awe-inspiring number of fans.
A small pop-out panel hides the front-mounted twin USB 1.1 ports and a FireWire port. There are four additional USB 2.0 ports and another FireWire port on the back panel, as well.
Eight USB and two FireWire ports in all.
Although you'll need to undo two screws to get inside, you won't need to put them back; the side panel has its own latch that keeps it securely in place. ABS has done a great job of keeping the cabling out of the way, but there is a lot of it. Filling the one vacant RIMM socket on the ASUS P4T533 motherboard shouldn't be a problem, but be prepared for some gymnastics if you try to fill either of the two vacant accessible 5.25-inch bays. Although the hard drives are bolted to the bays, the entire bay assembly is latched and slides out, as do the DVD-R and DVD-ROM drives.
Easy entry.
Quick-release levers provide an easy exit.
Technically, two of the system's five PCI slots aren't filled. However, we don't suggest trying to populate the slot adjacent to the Leadtek GeForce4 Ti 4600 graphics card. The huge heat sink that wraps around the card extends into the space above the next slot. If you can think of anything else the Awesome 3600 might need, there's still one slot available for it.
Stack the cards.
Also, it might seem odd to have a Pioneer DVD-116 DVD ROM drive since the DVR-104 plays DVDs as well. The DVR-104, however, also writes to CD-Rs and CD-RWs. That lets you use the DVD-116 as a source drive to copy your DVDs, which speeds up the burning process. If you had only the DVR-104, you'd need to first copy your source disc to your hard drive, then copy that data back to a blank disc in the DVR-104. Having the DVD-116 eliminates the middle step and lets you make a direct disc-to-disc copy, which you'll truly appreciate when you need to get that holiday video out to the whole family.
DVD-ROM and DVD-R drives.
Whether you're dealing with DVDs or audio CDs, you'll fall in love with the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 speaker system. The four two-way satellites, one two-way center channel, and a dual-driver 8-inch subwoofer mate perfectly with the Awesome 3600's Audigy 5.1 sound card and deliver 500 watts of incredible, audiophile-quality sound. Like the computer, the speaker system is state-of-the-art. DVD playback gets a visual boost from the 19-inch Samsung SyncMaster 900NF monitor, which is sizable enough to provide a great movie experience.
As if that weren't enough, ABS tosses in a cordless Logitech Freedom iTouch keyboard and mouse, a USB PC Card reader, two 80GB hard disks combined into one 160GB RAID volume, and Microsoft Works Suite 2002, in case you can find the time to do some work. Application performance
Top-of-the-line components typically translate into top-of-the-line performance. With a 2.8GHz P4 processor, 512MB RDRAM running at 533MHz (which most vendors quote at the double-data-rate speed of 1,066MHz), an Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600-based graphics card, and dual ATA-133 hard drives with a RAID 0 controller revving under its hood, the ABS Awesome 3600 delivers breathtaking application performance. Interestingly, the faster memory and hard disk subsystems don't really give a significant boost to the system's application performance; the Awesome is as fast as it gets but isn't any speedier than other typical 2.8GHz P4-based systems. The bottom line: Able to handle any app with the greatest of ease, the Awesome 3600 easily earns its moniker.
Application performance (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure application performance, CNET Labs uses BAPCo's SysMark2002, an industry-standard benchmark. Using off-the-shelf applications, SysMark measures a desktop's performance using office-productivity applications, such as Microsoft Office and McAfee VirusScan, and Internet-content-creation applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Dreamweaver.
3D graphics and gaming performance
An Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600-based graphics card and a fast CPU all but guarantee high frame rates on even the most demanding games. The Awesome 3600's 3D graphics performance under DX8 (as measured by 3DMark 2001) is even a notch faster than this same graphics engine in the similarly configured Dell Dimension 8200 and Gateway 700XL. Chalk this up, at least in part, to a more recent version of the easily downloadable display driver. The Awesome 3600's Quake III performance, however, is a hair below that of the other two systems, which just goes to show that a display driver that fixes one problem can sometimes cause a dilemma someplace else. Nonetheless, even difficult-to-please, hard-core gamers will be happy with this level of performance.
3D graphics performance (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure 3D graphics performance, CNET Labs uses MadOnion.com's 3DMark 2001 Pro. We use 3DMark to measure a desktop's performance with the DirectX 8 (DX8) interface at both 16-bit and 32-bit color settings at a resolution of 1,024x768. A system that does not have DX8 hardware support will typically generate a lower score than one that has DX8 hardware support.
3D gaming performance (in fps) (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure 3D gaming performance, CNET Labs uses Quake III Arena. Although Quake III is an older game, it is still widely used as an industry-standard tool. Quake III does not require DX8 hardware support--as 3DMark2001 does--and is therefore an excellent means of comparing the performance of low-end to high-end graphics subsystems. Quake III performance is reported in frames per second (fps).
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
ABS Awesome 3600 (2.8GHz P4)
Windows XP Home; 2.8GHz Intel P4; 512MB RDRAM 533MHz; Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600 128MB; two Maxtor D740X 80GB 7,200rpm; HPT372A UDMA/ATA133 RAID controller
Dell Dimension 8200 (2.8GHz P4)
Windows XP Home; 2.8GHz Intel P4; 1,024MB RDRAM 400MHz; Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600 128MB; Western Digital WD120JB-75CRA0 120GB 7,200rpm
Gateway 700XL (2.53GHz P4)
Windows XP Home; 2.53GHz Intel P4; 512MB RDRAM 400MHz; Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600 128MB; Western Digital WD120BB-53CAA0 120GB 7,200rpm
Gateway 700XL (2.8GHz P4)
Windows XP Home; 2.8GHz Intel P4; 1,024MB RDRAM 400MHz; Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600 128MB; Western Digital WD120BB-53CAA1 120GB 7,200rpm
As top-notch as this system is, the Awesome 3600 doesn't quite have as lofty a support-and-service plan as you might expect. There are an abundance of component manuals covering the computer's individual parts, and the oversized Quick Setup sheet will help you get up and running, but there's only a generic user manual. Toll-free support is at hand, however, either through ABS during normal West Coast business hours on weekdays or 24/7 from third-party support provider 2Net during the first year of ownership. ABS still provides toll-free support after your initial year but only Monday through Friday during regular West Coast business hours.
2Net also provides the first year of onsite service that's included with the Awesome 3600's three-year parts, lifetime-labor warranty. As is the plan with companies such as Gateway, you must go through ABS to see if onsite service is necessary--solely at ABS's discretion. Over the next two years, ABS will pay the shipping one-way if you elect to send the system back or want parts shipped to you for replacement. If neither of those options sounds appealing, Bantec, another third-party service provider, offers a $129 onsite contract on the Awesome 3600 during the last two years of its parts warranty.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 User Rating: 
6/10
Bad service on a DOA machine
Pros: Great choices for customizing, excellent pricing.
Cons: Customer service unreachable. Received DOA- and tech support wanted me to act as technician, taking it apart, removing cables.
Review:
User Rating: 
7/10
GREAT PRODUCT AND VALUE
Pros: ORDERED A 3500 WITH THE ASUS MOTHERBOARD P4P800 2.6 GIG. PRCESSOR, BIG TOWER, 4 CASE FANS, T.V. TUNER CARD, GOOD DOCUMENTTATIONS, QUALITY COMPONENTS, ALL AT A GREAT PRICE.
Cons: WISH I COULD OF ORDERED A BETTER MOTHERBOARD
Review:
User Rating: 
2/10
Not the best value
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Cons:
Review: 2.8 GHz is the fastest processor offered and a 1-yr warranty is the longest you can get. Customer support isn't very good and the system looks a little dull.
User Rating: 7/10
Love my ABS Awesome 3550!
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Review: I rely on Cnet for all my technology purchases; in the last six months I have purchased two MP3s, two handhelds, and my ABS desktop. Since I relied on Cnet's reviews prior to all my purchases, I feel an obligation to let other readers know that I find Cnet's reviews right on target; my ABS was no exception; I was a little hesitant because I have never configured the components of my computer before and contrary to other ABS purchasers, I am not a "tech-geek" or a gamer. However, ABS's website was very easy to use and their customer service and sales reps knowledgable and helpful. Additionally, delivery was prompt and the system came with a helpful, user-friendly manual. For significantly less than I would have paid elsewhere 6 months ago (I paid a little over $1000), I was able to purchase a system with the following salient features: Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz processor, 100GB hard drive, two internal fans, 512 MB PC2700 DDR RAM, Plextor 48x24x48 CD-RW, see-through cool silver case with a neon-blue cathode light inside, and wireless keyboard and mouse. I wanted the latest features, but didn't want to spend much money on the desktop, but rather on a 19" flat-panel display (a Dell I purchased on Ebay); ABS fit the bill and I haven't had any problems in the last several months. The operating system is XP and I use the full suite of Microsoft products and audio file sharing software daily. Also, as for the ABS technical service staff- they are certainly technically proficient; since English may not be their first language,you must have patience- they are still responsive and helpful which I can attest too when I was having problems powering down; If on-the-spot service is your primary criterion, you probably shouldn't have bought from ABS in the first place; Overall, I definitely think you walk away with much more than you pay for and if you are tech-savvy, ABS is the place to buy! Even if you are not (I'm a female in my late 20s), I would still give ABS a hard look- I did and couldn't be more pleased!
User Rating: 
8/10
Fastest computer I have ever used
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Cons:
Review: This is the fastest computer I have ever used. I am a computer programmer and have used many systems. This P4 2.8ghz system is incredibly fast. The RAID drive setup really speeds up I/O as does the use of SDRAM. The only complaints: The Antec case is metallic gray and the drives dont match. And the system fans were pretty loud. I replaced all three fans with the silent Pabst fans and now its perfect. I tried two other computers from different manufacturers and had to send them back. I was worried that ABS would be the same, but their system has been flawless....fast and flawless.
User Rating: 
10/10
So Far - Absolutely Satisfied
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Cons:
Review: Just like "Satisfied Customer" and "Pickiest Consumer" - I am completely pleased with my ABS Awesome system so far. From customer service to putting it together, it has been a breeze. I ordered my system two and a half weeks ago, it arrived about a week later. The several times that I had to call customer service, the lady I was directed to wasn't in, but she did actually call me back and was very helpful. The system is the powerhorse that I wanted it to be - of course I upgraded to the Kingwin tower and 1 gigabytes of RAM, the video card (Sapphire ATI Radeon 9700 Pro) and the sound card (Creative Labs Audigy 2). The ViewSonic monitor that comes with the system is just fine and the Klipsch speakers - wow! My work involves both data and image analysis, I have to run memory intensive programs simultaneously. I also use my computer on a daily basis for hours and hours. This system so far is exactly what I wanted and I am very pleased. Definitely converted (my previous systems have been HP and Dell). My only wish is that they would start making laptops (my Dell has been a disaster). Anyway I highly recommend ABS.
User Rating: 10/10
ABS Rocks!!!
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Review: I ordered my ABS system around December and i have to say. This is the sweetest computer i have ever seen. The bang for the buck is incredible. I don't even know where to start. Let's just say this....When i was in the market for a new system, i checked with Dell, Gateway, Alienware, etc,. And what i found was amazing. For the same system that ABS was offering for $2500...you could get at these companies for about...$4000-5000. Wanna know the kicker....this system actually was faster than many of those equally equiped systems. I've had this system for about 2 months now....not one crash. no problems at all. Totally amazing. I play all my games (that allow it) at 1600x1200 with everything turned on. Morrowind, Neverwinter, Unreal....everything that i have thrown at it is nothing for this system. I can't begin to tell you how impressed i am. The system is blazing fast...totally loaded. p4 2.8, 160gb harddrive, 19 crt monitor, wireless mouse/keyboard, ati 9700 pro 128 graphics card, dvd+r/w, cd+r/w, 400watt thx sound system that will put a hole in the wall. Basically this system is build for power, great on looks, sweet for the ears......it's the best computer i have ever had...and that's saying alot.
User Rating: 10/10
the pickiest computer enthusiast you have ever met
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Cons:
Review: First of all shipping was prompt. I actually got thye awesome 3550 because I wanted 8x agp which is currently unavailable in rdram computers from any manufacturer. 2.6 p4, dvd, fastest cd-rw you can buy, audigy 2, 8x agp, 400 watt power supply, 6.1 inspire speakers, 100 gig hard drive, msi 648 max-L motherboard, 512 mb of one piece 333 mhz ddr memory, modem, the coolest looking case i have ever seen (black chieftec w/ window), wireless keyboard and mouse, plenty of software, plenty of fans (not loud though) and some other stuff I'm probably forgetting all for under 1,300. Not bad at all. I just bought a 19" black NEC LCD (1920nx- great monitor by the way) and I must admit that I have one of the coolest computers I have ever seen and I've had them all. It has worked perfectly. Tech support has been outstanding. I needed the pin definition for the firewire port on the audigy 2 card and they faxed it to me in 5 minutes. Try getting that from dell (which is what I usually buy- not anymore). The best part about ABS is that their computers are totally non-proprietory. It doesn't even say ABS on boot-up (says MSI- my motherboard). As soon as DDR II comes out I am swapping motherboards. You can't do this with a dell or most other manufacturers becuase they use non standard components. You'll probably have to replace the power supply and the motherboard if you have a dell. And get ready to start splicing wires if you want the lights to work on the case. This is why I will never buy from them again. If you know anything about computers and you want the best get an ABS. You won't regret it.
User Rating: 8/10
"Perfect Computer"
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Review: A month ago I bought an Awesome 3140 from ABS. I had it configured to have an Athlon 2400+ MSI motherboard ATI radeon 9700pro 19" NEC monitor and a 100gb special edition hard drive for $1600 shipped. I've had no conflicts or problems and have installed alot of programs. Best computer i've had or seen and at the best price.
User Rating: 8/10
I got one of these for my brother for college, and the quality and value were amazing.
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Review: 1. Brand name components 2. Increadible Value 3. Built and Packed right 4. Sweet tower and motherboard choices 5. Kicks dell's in everything
User Rating: 
9/10
ABS machines are solid, support is great
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Review: I have purchased 3 machines from ABS. I made 2 calls to tech support. The phone was answered within 5 minutes of holding and the tech guy walked me through opening the case and finding the guilty disconnected cable. Quality parts are in most machines, I avoid integrated components. Prices for an ABS machine are great and then you realize it actually includes a 19" monitor. But it all comes back to customer service, and in 2 years I have had great experiences with them. I have not had to pay $20 just to get them to answer the phone. Try getting that with the big names (HP, IBM, etc)
User Rating: 8/10
Great custom-build Company!
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Review: I'm a Purchasing Agent at a large Sign Shop operation in Washington, Dc. I also designed and created our Network, with over 40 PCs. I chose systems from ABS for many of those, and they've been working almost flawlessly for two years, now. I can configure what I want online, and add in or drop components as I choose in most configurations. Pricing is very good for the quality.
User Rating: 
5/10
Sounds great but you can't get it
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Review: The ABS site lists this computer with a list price of $2,549 . . . a long way from the $969.00 listed on CNET's "Recommended" list (CNETS full review does correctly state the price, so I suspect the error is CNET's, not ABS's). But wait, as of 10-20-02 it's also OUT OF STOCK! You can get similar performance (but not RAID drives or firewire) from a Dell 8250.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Customer Service makes it this system worthwhile.
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Review: Got my awesome ABS a couple of months ago, configured on abspc.com. My relationship with Customer Service began with the tracking of my order...which was very cool. You can track your system from the building stage, to the testing stage, to the shipping stage. Be warned, however, the site interface is not the most intuitive. Nothing beats the functionality, though. Well, my system came, and, through no fault of ABS, my problems began. Windows XP (loaded in my ABS) was a real pain in the arse, because my legacy peripherals weren't recognized...but a kindly ABS Tekkie walked me through the process of getting the right drivers and such. Although Microsoft support, and Windows XP, kept me up into the wee hours, my system now runs like a dream. ABS customer service is the best that I've ever dealt with, and that is very important, believe me.
