Mesh Matrix Inspire – CS review

For the Matrix Inspire – CS, Mesh has decided to squeeze a bit more performance out of the AMD A10-7850K processor, by overclocking the quad-core CPU to 4GHz. This meant that it did well in our benchmarks, scoring 70 overall. With a result of 68 in the multitasking test, it shows that this PC can cope with multiple or demanding applications well.

This CPU has an integrated AMD Radeon R7 GPU, which is an accomplished budget graphics card. In our gaming benchmark, using Dirt Showdown, the on-board graphics managed a frame-rate of 49.9fps at 1,280×720 with 4x AA and graphics set to High quality. Set at 1,920×1,080, 4x AA and Ultra quality the frame rate dipped to a slightly-judderyw 19.9fps. Reducing the graphics quality to High we managed a smooth 32.9fps. Crysis 3 wouldn’t run smoothly, though, so this is  a PC for lighter games only.

The Matrix Inspire has an MSI A78M-E35 motherboard, which slightly limits your upgrade potential due to its compact size. It features only two memory slots, both of which come occupied with 4GB modules of 1,600MHz DDR3 RAM. The 8GB of RAM in total should be enough, although you can upgrade to 32GB by discarding the fitted memory.

There’s enough expansion slots with a PCI-E x16 slot, a PCI slot and a PCI-E x1 slot, but if you opt to install a dedicated graphics card this will render the latter unusable due to its close proximity. You have about 300mm of depth in the case to install a graphics card and if you do decide to install one.

There is a generous six SATA3 ports, two of which are used for the 2TB HDD and DVD-RW drive. It’s nice to see so much storage, although for better performance you may want to add an SSD at a later date.

On the rear are the usual array of ports, including two USB3 and four USB2 ports. Display outputs include VGA, DVI-D and HDMI, and you even have the option to use all three simultaneously should you want to run multiple displays. There are also two PS/2 connections for older mice and keyboards, Gigabit Ethernet and three 3.5mm audio ports that can be configured for up to 7.1 HD audio. You also have a pair of USB3 ports on the front of the case connected to headers on the motherboard.

Everything is housed in a CiT 1014/1015 SB Piano Black case, which is understated in its design and small enough to sit comfortably on top of your desk. The machine, while not noisy, has an audible whir from the fans. The perforated side panel doesn’t help to reduce the noise and there are no guards to keep dust out.

There’s one fan on the rear, which fortunately runs quietly. There are two external 5¼in bays, one of which is already occupied by the DVD drive, in addition to two available external 3½in bays. The installed 2TB HDD comes vertically mounted in another 3½in bay and power is supplied by a generic 500W PSU.

The Mesh Inspire is supplied with an Iiyama ProLite E2483HS, which we are always glad to see with budget PCs. It has a 24in screen, 1,920×1,080 resolution and a matt finish so you aren’t constantly faced with your own reflection. It also has inputs for VGA, DVI-D and HDMI, which makes it versatile, especially if you might want to connect a games console or other device.

Our calibration and measurement tool showed the monitor to have a 935:1 contrast ratio with black levels of 0.29cd/m², which is good for the price. It displayed 88.9 per cent of the sRGB colour gamut so it might not be the best choice if you have colour-sensitive work. It’s certainly suitable for everyday desktop use of movies, internet browsing and gaming, however, and it has a slim bezel. The system also comes with a Logitech MK120 keyboard and mouse set. These are inexpensive, but good enough for day-to-day use.

The Mesh Matrix Inspire – CS is well put together and its Kaveri processor performed brilliantly in our 2D application benchmarking, and it comes with a great 24in monitor and lots of storage space. We slightly prefer the better all-round performance of the Palicomp AMD Kaveri Evolution, though.