February Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 2

CPU

Intel CPU: Retail Intel Pentium 4-2.2 GHz

Current Cost: $509
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

With an Extreme Gaming System, it's only natural that we're going to hit the high-end of CPU spectrum. In the case of our Intel box, this means nabbing a Pentium 4-2.2 GHz, with all the nifty Northwood core enhancements. This translates into a larger 512K L2 cache, a 0.13-micron die, along with the much lower core heat and the potential overclocking headroom that the new Pentium 4 affords. At this speed, the form factor is not an issue, as the only 2.2 GHz model available is the 478-pin one. We're also leaning towards the retail processor, since the odds are still higher that you'll get a pristine, untested CPU, and the lower Northwood heat requirements mean that a 3rd-party HSF (heatsink fan) isn't really needed.

AMD CPU: OEM AMD Athlon XP 2000+ (1.67 GHz - 266)

Current Cost: $265
Months on list: New>
Price Change: N/A

Choosing to go high-end with the AMD system is a bit easier choice, given the much lower price of the Athlon XP 2000+. This is potentially the fastest processor available, and with the addition of SSE and Data Prefetch, the Athlon XP is now more able to compete directly against Intel's best. In this case, we recommend the OEM model, since the Athlon XP runs hotter than the Pentium 4 Northwood and there is a far wider selection of 3rd-party HSF units to choose from. In addition, the Athlon XP is a lot tougher to unlock than the Athlon T-Bird, but it is far from impossible and any overclocking will definitely need a more substantial cooling solution.

Intel Cooling: Included Retail HSF

Current Cost: N/A

At over $500 for the cool-running Pentium 4-2.2 GHz, there is really no need to buy additional cooling for this processor. Premium 478-pin Pentium 4 HSF units are still in their infancy, and using the included retail cooler can also save a few bucks, not to mention installation headaches. If the retail HSF gives you install troubles, then you're doing it wrong. We have personally tested the Pentium 4-2.2 GHz out using the included retail HSF and had no issues at all. Keep in mind, that this is not the same kind of mini-HSF found with older Pentium III or Celeron processors, but a true behemoth affording excellent cooling and a virtually silent-running fan.

AMD Cooling: CoolerMaster HHC-001 Heat Pipe Cooler + Copper Shim

Current Cost of HHC-001: $40 +
Current Cost of Copper Shim: $10
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The Athlon XP 2000+ is a bit different story, and we're recommending going the 3rd-party HSF route. One potential snafu in buying a specific Athlon XP HSF is actually finding the unit in stock, though this time out we think we've solved that problem. CoolerMaster units have a wide distribution path, and though their standard product line is functional, the coolers themselves are not of a high-end nature. Thankfully, CoolerMaster has expanded their product line into the high-end and offer a wide range of new HSF units with much higher performance. One that really impresses is the HHC-001 Heat Pipe Cooler, with pure copper fins, a 6800 RPM fan and dual heat pipes. Best of all, this model should be easily found online or through a retail vendor. While nabbing the HHC-001, be sure to pick up a copper shim to protect your Athlon XP investment and make installation and possible removal a much safer affair.