August High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 2

Intel CPU: Pentium 4-3.0 GHz (800 MHz) Retail

Current Cost: $391
Months on list: 4
Price Change: -$7

The Pentium 4-3.2 GHz (800 MHz FSB) chip was launched a couple of months ago, but due to the current stable nature of the CPU market prices we really can't afford the extra juice. The 3.2 GHz model carries a $300 price premium over the 3.0 GHz model, and as a result, the price-performance levels of the Pentium 4-3.0 GHz make it a much better deal. Not only that, but the performance improvement of the 3.2 GHz model over the 3.0 GHz one is minimal, and not worth the extra cash right now. We'll be better off waiting until Prescott is released, and take a look at the market then, as prices will certainly be on the move again.

AMD CPU: Athlon XP 3200+ (2.20 GHz Barton) OEM

Current Cost: $445
Months on list: 4
Price Change: +$3

With the predicted release of the Athlon 64 less than a month away, the Athlon XP 3200+ will likely be the end of the line as far as the K7 architecture is concerned. AMD has been hard at work preparing for the launch of their next-generation processor, and if the Opteron is any indication, the Athlon 64 should be a formidable chip. Until then, the Athlon XP 3200+ (2.20GHz 400MHz FSB) is enough to keep up with Intel's latest CPUs, and more than fill our performance requirements.

Pentium 4 Heatsink-Fan: Retail

Current Cost: $0
Months on list: 2
Price Change: N/A

Intel now includes some very impressive heatsinks with their retail chips. As a result, we can't justify buying a separate heatsink, as the one included is more than enough even if overclocking your processor. Their new model is a very nice copper-based unit, and can easily keep pace with many third-party units.

AMD Heatsink-Fan: Thermalright SLK-900A, Panaflo fan

Current Cost: $43 + $5 = $48
Months on list: 2
Price Change: +$1

The new, and much improved Thermalright SLK-900A copper heatsink is currently the best heatsink money can buy for a socket A-based chip. The heatsink supports up to a 92mm fan and includes socket clips so that the motherboard no longer needs to be removed for installation. The cooler is an improved version of the SLK-800, and boasts an all-copper design and a new fan mounting bracket that supports larger models.

This cooler offers a very large copper surface area and stepping fins capable of holding 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, or 92mm fans. We prefer to use an 80mm fan to cut back on noise, but still achieve a respectable CFM rate. For an extra $5 we really like the Panaflo fan's quiet, efficient cooling.