Small and Speedy! (MSI Hetis 865GV)

Member Name: richard_richard

Product:	MSI Hetis 865GV
Date:	26/01/05 (702 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Compact Size, Good specs, Reliability

Disadvantages: None really

Pre-ramble
This review is of the Hetis 865GV computer, which has been specifically designed to be an extremely compact business PC.

This unit is available in a bare bone configuration, or as a fully built version, and it is the latter which I am reviewing here.

Creating a computer with dimensions this compact has obvious space saving advantages over its more bulky competitors. The dimensions of the PC itself are 84mm H x 310mm W x 345mm D.

We recently have upgraded our computer systems at the office I work with and have been supplied with about 60 of this type of computer.

These machines would probably set you back around £600 on the open market, although we secured a better deal than this by paying for a number in bulk. It should also be noted that this price will only secure you the PC itself, a mouse and a keyboard. You will need to supply your own monitor, printer, etc.



Specifications
The Hetis 865GV has a decent set of specs, especially considering the compact size of the computer.

The hardware specs for the PC are as follows:

CPU
Intel Pentium 4 processor, 3.2GHz w/ Hyper Threading
FSB @ 800/533/400 MHz

Chipset
Intel 865GV chipset
Intel ICH5 chipset

Main Memory
Two 184-pin DDR DIMMs (Dual Channels).
512 MB RAM.

Slots
One 32-bit PCI bus slot
Can connect 2 PCI card through riser card

On-Board IDE
Support P/O, Bus Master, Ultra DMA 66/100 operation
Can connect to 2 IDE devices

VGA
Integrated in 865GV NB.

Audio
AC'97 link controller integrated in ICH5
6 channels S/W audio codec Realtek ALC650
Compliance w/AC'97 v2.2 spec.
Meet PC2001 audio performance requirement

LAN
Broadcom4401(10/100 LAN)/BCM5705 GbE
These specifications make for quite a speedy little PC. It is also worth mentioning that this computer comes with a total of six USB slots, so you shouldn’t run out of them in a hurry!

The Hetis 865GV comes supplied with a CD writer (which can write at a maximum of x32). This writer also doubles as a DVD rom player.

The computer follows standard configuration practice in that all connection sockets and ports are located on the rear of the box, these are as follows:

Mic-in,
Line-in,
Line-out
AV-out,
DVI port,
VGA port,
2 x USB ports,
PS/2 keyboard socket,
6-pin IEEE 1394 port,
Power jack,
S-Video out,
COM port,
Parallel port,
PCI slot,
LAN jack,
PS/2 mouse socket,
Voltage selector.

The floppy disk, cd writer and on/off switch are located on the front of the computer. Also on the front of the computer is a push to open flap, which when opened, reveals headphone and mic sockets for the soundcard and 4 USB sockets.



In Use
Setting up the computer is very straightforward, due to its compact size and colour coded sockets, located on the back of the PC.

Due to its compact size this PC can easily be placed on a desk without fear of taking up too much room.

As this is a business PC, the computer came with Windows 2000 installed. This meant that the machine had to be booted up and then configured so that it would run on the company network.

I guess what most people who read this review are concerned with is how the computer performs, so I will take a look at this next.

The good news is that this Hetis computer performs very well. This is due to the combination of the P4, 3.2GHz processor, Intel 865 chipset and 512MB on board RAM which combine to make this little computer function very quickly.

For the use of Microsoft Office XP packages such as Word or Excel, opening time is almost instantaneous and functions with the package are performed very speedily. I have also tried using more complex programs on this computer such as AutoCAD LT and Adobe Photoshop. The performance is still impressive, especially considering the complex calculations and demands that this type of CAD and graphics software put onto a PC.

Those who are interested in gaming, would perhaps be tempted to retro-fit a better performing 3D graphics card. As these machines are designed for mainly business use, the graphics set built into the Intel motherboard, which is listed as Intel Extreme Graphics 2, is adequate but not really up to running the latest and most complex 3D games.

I would expect though that most people who purchase this type of computer will be more interested in the business applications and size of the footprint, rather than the games playing suitability of the machine!

Another point to consider if you are purchasing a PC such as this for business use is that it should be easy to service if things go wrong, or if upgrades are required. It should be noted then that the inside of the computer is set out very logically and it is very easy to get to components to remove and replace them. MSI have obviously thought hard about how to make the servicing of their computers as easily as possible. It is much easier to replace parts in this type of computer than in your average home pc!

Reliability wise, these computers have so far performed well in our office environment. We have had one motherboard die, but out of a bulk of 60 machines that isn’t really too bad as the odd failure in a batch is to be expected.

Overall, in every day use the Hetis 865gv performs very well and for business use, there is very little to criticise.



Conclusion
I would recommend this pc to anyone who is looking for a computer for business use. It is quick, reliable and easy to service. It is also well worth considering if space is at a premium as the dimensions of the computer are so compact. This computer would probably not suit the home user that well, but then again I imagine it is not being aimed at that sector of the market.

Thanks for reading!

Summary: