February Extreme Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 7

Communications Device

NIC: 3Com EtherLink 10/100 3CR990-TX-97

Cost: $97
Months on list: 3
Price Change: -$1

If you're going to partake in LAN gaming or DSL/Cable Internet access, then a high quality NIC (Network Interface Card) is a requirement for your gaming rig. The 3COM EtherLink 10/100 3CR990-TX-97 is a great NIC from a very well known company, with a few extra features thrown in. This card features a 3XP processor right on the card and this chip can offload some of the CPU work onto the DSP itself and speed up basic Windows networking tasks. When buying the 3COM EtherLink 10/100 3CR990-TX-97 card, be certain you get the exact same model number as listed. 3COM also produces lower-end NICs of very similar model numbers, but without the 3XP processor.

And...

Modem: US Robotics External v.92 Faxmodem

Cost: $78
Months on list: 3
Price Change: -$6

Although the NIC will suffice for high-speed DSL or cable Internet access, many gamers are still using dial-up Internet accounts. Plus, you might also need a standard modem for more business-related functions like faxing in a late term paper. For these important tasks, we recommend the US Robotics External v.92 Faxmodem. This features standard v.90 support and a shot at trying out the new v.92 pseudo-standard, along with the natural flexibility and performance associated with 3COM external modems.

Operating system: Windows XP Professional & Windows 98 SE

Cost: $125 + $60 = 185
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

One of the main challenges in selecting an operating system is that no Windows OS can handle the gamut of performance, compatibility and stability requirements we place on it. Windows 2000 and XP Professional are stable operating systems that make better use of available hardware, but game and application compatibility remains an issue. Win 98SE is ultra-compatible, but has some stability issues as well as problems getting the most out of your high-end hardware.

The answer of course is to use two operating systems and get the best of both worlds. For this task, we're recommending Win 98SE and Win XP Pro in a dual-boot configuration. With Win 98SE being so inexpensive, this is a sure-fire method of playing your entire game library, while making use of Win XP Pro with newer products. Just use the best OS for the job and you will spend less time whining about Win 98SE crashing, or trying desperately to get an older game running under Windows XP Pro. Time is money in this business, so save some by dual-booting your way to gaming nirvana.

UPS: APC BackUPS Pro USB 500VA

Cost: $129
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

With a $4000 gaming system, buying a UPS to protect it would seem a great investment. As a general rule, units from APC are great for home use and come in a variety of eye-catching and ergonomic designs. The APC BackUPS Pro USB 500VA is a great gaming unit, and as well as basic UPS functions, it includes a USB interface for monitoring and shutdown control. For a system of this girth, a 500VA model should be the base minimum, with the potential of hitting a 600VA or 650VA model if the cash is flowing freely.