The Performance 1000 is up to Gateways usual high standard of build quality, with all cables well tied back and extra power connectors placed near free bays. Setting up the machine is also a breeze care of a simple installation guide, a detailed manual and a system restoration CD in case of emergency.

In specifications terms, the Performance 1000 is one of only three PCs in this Labs to feature an Intel Pentium III processor. One look at the 2D Benchmark results shows that there is a definite pattern, with the three Pentium III systems being outperformed by all but one of the AMD Athlon-based systems (except for the problematic Peripherals Plus PC). Given that the Athlon is also a less expensive processor than the Pentium III at 1GHz, and that Gateway carries its own range of Athlon systems, the Select Series, we are left wondering why Gateway opted for a Pentium III for this roundup.

The other unusual component choice is the ATI Radeon 32MB. The Radeon is reasonable graphics card, and supports a wide range of advanced 3D features, although it is not as powerful as the GeForce2 GTS, and its more expensive than the similarly performing GeForce2 MX, both of which feature in other systems in this Labs, and both of which are offered as choices from Gateway.

The other features of the Performance 1000 are top choices and include a 46.1GB IBM Deskstar hard disk, a 16-speed DVD-ROM drive, SoundBlaster Live! Value card coupled to Boston Acoustic BA735s speakers and a 56K modem. You also get a decent starting software package with Microsoft Works Suite 2000 for productivity and Norton Anti-Virus to keep your new system clean. The Gateway EV700 17in monitor is also a good choice, and it delivers a clear picture, especially at 1,024 x 768 at 85Hz.

Once again Gateway has put together a solid and well rounded bundle for a good price, although there are a few specifications choices that leave it struggling in performance terms compared to the competition.