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Sharky Extreme : Monthly High-end Gaming System Buyer's Guide |
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Monthly High-end Gaming System Buyer's Guide |
August 2002 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 2By Vince Freeman August 9, 2002Intel CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.4B GHz (533 MHz)
Current Cost: $365
Selecting the right Pentium 4 processor can look like a daunting task, but once the system requirements and cost are taken into consideration, the choice is clear. A 533 MHz processor is a definite part of the equation, as is the need for a Northwood core model. Factor in the retail price of the CPU and some the lower prices of our Intel components and we're left with the Pentium 4-2.4B GHz as our top buy. System performance is increased just by virtue of the faster bus speed, and assuming you choose a motherboard supporting the 533 MHz FSB, then overclocking these new Pentium 4 models is no different than the previous 400 MHz versions. The chances of taking a similarly priced Pentium 4-2.2 or 2.4 GHz all the way to a 533 MHz FSB isn't that good, so we're starting off at 2.4 GHz/533 MHz and taking any potential overclock speeds from there.
Current Cost: $205
The natural choice for the AMD processor component is the Athlon XP 2200+. The price is right, and it is currently the fastest AMD desktop CPU you can buy. In addition, this model features the Thoroughbred core and with the right cooling setup, can yield nice overclocking results. Although AMD doesn't offer the same selection of high-end processors as Intel, the Athlon XP 2200+ fits like a glove into our high end budget and is a performance demon for the price. We're going with the OEM version this time, as not do we save a few bucks, but it allows the use of a more powerful 3rd-party heatsink-fan. The Athlon XP 2200+ may have a smaller core than previous models, but the decrease in core real estate makes the cooling requirements virtually the same.
Current Cost: $35
It's a tough choice between going with the retail Pentium 4 HSF, or spending the extra money for a 3rd-party unit. The retail HSF unit is still a great option for most, but as we continue to find additional core speed headroom with the newer Northwoods, many are turning towards more robust cooling. Some of the high-end Swiftech models are quite nice, and ultra-expensive, but we think we've found a happy medium with the Alpha PAL8942. This particular heatsink has a copper base for additional cooling power, as well as allowing a custom choice for the fan component. Our price includes the heatsink and a name brand cooling fan, but hardcore users can certainly spend more and upgrade to a higher-level fan. Either way, the Alpha is a powerful Pentium 4 cooling option and a good insurance policy if you intend to overclock to the outer limits.
Current Cost: $46 + $11 + $8 = $65
There is an almost-overwhelming selection of Athlon XP HSF units, which makes it a very important choice. The AX-7 has been a popular cooling choice for a while now, and the newer Thermalright SLK-800 is even better. This is a real beast of a copper cooler, from a well-known manufacturer and checks in at a price that won't have you screaming in terror. This is a tough combination these days, and the SLK-800 also offers a three-prong socket attachment, and the usual high-end option of a custom cooling fan. For this guide, we're recommending one of the Panaflow low-noise fans as the cooling base, along with an Athlon XP shim for added safety.
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