The most expensive machine in this roundup earns its bragging rights. The Voodoo EGAD Obsidian Black 1280 is as much a conversation piece and work of technical art as a power user's machine, with high-end components like the latest 2.8-GHz P4, a 120GB hard drive, and an overclocked ATI Radeon 9700 Pro graphics card (Voodoo overclocks all the graphics cards in its systems). The black automotive-style paint job matches everything, including the 18-inch LCD, the Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse, and even the 5.1-channel Klipsch ProMedia speaker system. And the EGAD is not just a pretty face; its performance matched its top-end features. If you try to justify the cost of this system, either you don't get it or you can't afford it—but if you can afford it and do get it, you'll probably love it.

MULTIMEDIA SCENARIO
Music: () PlayCenter and Pioneer's RecordNow DX make short work of CD burning.

Photos: () A front-mounted module with CompactFlash, Secure Digital, and SmartMedia slots plus a USB port is very convenient, but there's no software option besides MS Paint.

Video: () Importing, editing, and burning are easy with ArcSoft ShowBiz and Sonic MyDVD.

UPGRADABILITY
() There are four available drive bays (two are front-accessible) but only one unblocked and unused PCI slot. The most common upgrade path is via a prenegotiated factory refresh and update program.

PERFORMANCE
(On a 60-point scale)
Business: 32.9
Multimedia: 51.7

SUPPORT
Voodoo offers a three-year parts-and-labor warranty with your choice of on-site or factory service and free two-way shipping. Toll-free tech support is available. Internet support includes the ability to page factory support staff and technicians at any time.