May High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Accelerator: MSI GeForce4 Ti 4600

Current Cost: $315
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Opting for a GeForce4 Ti 4600 video card is a no-brainer for our High End System, and it really comes down to brand and price considerations. The GeForce4 Ti 4600 features a 300 MHz core speed along with a 650 MHz memory clock, which makes it the top dog in 3D gaming. The MSI GeForce4 Ti 4600 is an excellent card overall, and is renowned for its ultra-high overclocks. Better still, the retail card sells for an incredibly low price (relative to other cards) and includes VIVO capabilities and a pack load of full retail games. MSI has a real winner with this card, and we can't think of a better price-performance deal when shopping for a GeForce4 Ti 4600.

Monitor: Samsung 900NF

Cost: $340
Months on list: 7
Price Change: -$10

We're still dreaming the impossible dream and hoping that a high-quality 21" monitor will sneak into our budget, but until that fateful day, we're making due quite well with the Samsung 900NF. This is a premium 19" flat screen monitor at a value price, and features a flat, aperture-grille tube, 0.25mm dot pitch and a 76 Hz refresh rate at 1600x1200. Color and image quality are both excellent, and the 900NF is equally suited for home gaming or boardroom use. Samsung is also one of the top names in computer monitors and their support is very good compared to the competition. We should also note that since listing the 900NF on our buyer's guide, we have continued to receive positive comments sent in by Sharky readers, who seem to be very pleased with their purchase. We're also not sticking with the Samsung 900NF out of habit, and once a certain NEC/Mitsubishi model reaches North American shores, we may have some real competition.

Please keep in mind that when buying any type or brand of monitor, there is always the chance of receiving a defective unit, so be certain to purchase only from a vendor that offers liberal return and replacement options.

Sound Card: SoundBlaster Audigy Platinum

Cost: $150
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$7

The SoundBlaster Audigy line of soundcards is a great bet for any gamer, but for our High End system, we've moved a bit higher to the Audigy Platinum. This particular card has all the features of the standard Audigy, but adds in some extras that help justify the higher price. In addition to the Audigy soundcard itself, the Platinum edition includes an internal Front-Panel Audio Connectivity Drive, a wireless remote control and a SB1394 bracket connection (compliant to the IEEE 1394a specification).

The Audigy Platinum is still an Audigy at its gaming core, and supports both EAX and EAX AdvancedHD, which means advanced 3D positional audio for upcoming games, along with backwards compatibility for those supporting the older EAX standard. The Audigy Platinum also ships with a ton of bundled audiophile software, but tosses a nod to the gamer by including (depending on your location) either a full version of Giants or Deus Ex. The SoundBlaster Audigy Platinum is a real Swiss army knife of gaming soundcards and makes a perfect match for any high-end system.

Speakers:

One area that can really make a difference in your potential enjoyment of any new gaming PC is with system speakers. In general terms, the recommendation of any speaker system is based on individual tastes and requirements, so hit your local PC store, take along a CD and give a few sets a close listen. Then again, we're almost certain that the following speaker selection will be more than adequate for high-end gaming sound.

Altec Lansing 641 or Logitech Z560

Cost: $130
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

As we stated earlier, the speaker setup has been given an overhaul in favor of better value for our $2500 budget. We felt it was best to allocate our resources in the areas of processor and 3D video speed, especially as there are some very nice speaker options at a slightly lower price. This is actually where it got quite tough, and at the end of the day, we were still caught between the Altec Lansing 641 and Logitech Z560 speakers. Both are 4.1-compliant systems and each has their definite advantages.

The bass of the Logitech Z560 has to be heard to be believed, but the Altec Lansing 641 also provides excellent bass and potentially better sound separation for gaming and watching DVDs. It's also much less likely to shake the floorboards loose and can have a bit cleaner sound overall. But if you like listening to music, games or DVDs at ultra-high levels and love the sound of neighbors screaming, then look no further than the Logitech Z560's. Still confused? Then flip a coin, as we're pretty sure neither set will disappoint.