Palicomp Phoenix i5 Nemesis review

Externally, the list of expansion options goes on. Palicomp has added an extra two USB 3.0 ports, bringing the total to four, and there are already six USB 2.0 ports on the rear and two on the front panel. Those with older external drives or camcorders will also appreciate the FireWire port and the two eSATA ports, and music fans have a choice between six configurable 3.5mm audio outputs, an optical and a coaxial S/PDIF port. A surprise bonus is the inclusion of a Bluetooth dongle, which is unusual for a PC and means you can wirelessly transfer data from your mobile phone or laptop.

There are also two PS/2 ports – handy if you already have a favourite keyboard and mouse set. The bundled Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse share a single USB receiver. The keyboard has an ergonomic shape and plenty of shortcut keys, but we found it very spongy and uncomfortable to type on. The mouse is comfortable to hold and its batteries lend it a bit of weight, but the wheel has an awful action – it’s smooth, but stiff, and lacks the ratcheted “clicks” that provide essential feedback.

Palicomp has bundled the same LG E2240 LED-backlit monitor as comes with CyberPower’s Infinity i5, which is a decent-enough budget model. This version of the E2240 also has a DVI port, however, and Palicomp includes a heavy-duty DVI cable in the box. VGA connections are usually handled well by a monitor’s automatic adjustments to phase and clock settings, but not always, whereas a DVI connection is perfect first time. Although the E2240’s image quality is decent enough, you could opt to buy the i5 Nemesis without it and save £100, which could then be invested in a monitor more worthy of this PC such as the excellent Iiyama ProLite E2409HDS.

Apart from the keyboard and mouse set, there’s little negative to say about the i5 Nemesis, and at £800 – or £700 without the monitor – it’s great value, especially if you plan on doing intensive tasks such as video-editing or 3D modelling. It’s a Best Buy.