By Christopher Oldfield
Date Added: Saturday 23 September, 2006

We were attracted to Vadim by a PC Pro article (September 2006 edition). The machine was optimised for Photoshop and this required fast processors, memory and video, adequate storage and a dedicated disk as a “scratch drive”. Agreeing the specification with Vadim was quick and pleasurable as their staff have an encyclopaedic knowledge of hardware and do not over-specify or waste money. The build of the machine was delayed for one week by the late delivery of a Supermicro board. Probably due to our own errors, the machine crashed shortly after delivery and XP had to be installed from scratch. Since then the machine has been entirely stable, quiet and acidly fast. In every aspect, it performs very well. The build quality is excellent. Vadim are approachable and sympathetic to customer concerns and requests. Performance, quality and service at this level does not come cheaply. The machine cost nearly £5,000 (including VAT). However, it should last for three years and will be driven hard every day. Working with Vadim was a pleasure and we heartily recommend them.