October 2003 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 7

NIC: Onboard

Cost: $0
Months on list: 4
Price Change: N/A

Both of our motherboards have built-in NICs that are as good as or better than add-in cards. As a result we don't see a reason to include another NIC as the money would be better spent on other components. However, if needed we really like the Intel Pro/100S adaptor, and this is an excellent NIC from a very reputable name in networking.

Or...

Modem: US Robotics External v.92 Faxmodem

Cost: $45 (not included in price of full machine)
Months on list: 14
Price Change: $0

As in our Value Guide, Many readers pointed out (quite rightly) that most gamers already own some of the basic external devices like a modem, printer or scanner (or are on cable/DSL and require only the LAN connection), and the money could be put to better use elsewhere. We'll be making a recommendation, but the modem is now an optional component.

Although the NIC will work great for those lucky souls with DSL or cable Internet access, many gamers are still using dial-up Internet accounts. For this we recommend the US Robotics External v.92 / 56k fax/modem. US Robotics has long been the standard for consumer level modem products, and the new v.92 standard works superbly with this modem.

Operating System: Windows XP Professional

Cost: $134
Months on list: 14
Price Change: $0

We have been using Windows XP for over a year, and have grown to love the more robust, Professional version. The operating system is built on the all 32-bit code of Windows 2000, and the extra networking features and multiprocessor support is worth the extra cost over the Home version. Windows XP is currently the best operating system for gaming, as new hardware and drivers are developed with Windows XP in mind. Users looking to upgrade to the Athlon 64 series of processors might want to keep an eye open for the 64-bit of Windows XP, which should be surfacing very soon.

We have included the price for the OEM version of Windows XP Pro, as opposed to the retail box, and assume that you will purchase it alongside hardware, thereby qualifying for the lowered OEM price. If you already own a copy of a Windows operating system (limited to Win 98 or newer and Win NT 4 or newer) then you can also purchase the Windows XP Pro upgrade CD and potentially save more money.

Name Brand Floppy

Current Cost: $8

Floppies have been obsolete for years, but many people still feel that they need them. For emergency BIOS updates or data recovery they can be quite helpful, but just buy a brand you can recognize (Sony, Panasonic etc.) and be done with it.

Power Bar or UPS

While not part of our budget for a standard high-end gaming system, we still recommend you buy adequate surge protection for your new PC, or better yet, spurge and nab a UPS for added security.