Both the Intel and AMD motherboards feature onboard Gigabit Ethernet NICs, so we don't feel that a separate card needs to be purchased, especially as the cost savings can be used elsewhere. However, if required, the Intel Pro/100S adaptor is a super option, and this is a fully-featured NIC from a very reputable name in networking.
Cost: $46 (not included in price of full machine)
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A
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 USB 2.0 USR5633 Faxmodem. This USB 2.0 modem is very similar to the external V.92 modem we have been recommending for a long while, but uses a USB 2.0 connection as opposed to Serial.
Windows XP Professional is the de facto high-end option when it comes to operating systems, and its networking features and multiprocessor support is worth the extra cost over the Home version. Windows XP is built on the 32-bit code of Windows 2000, and currently the best operating system for gaming, as new hardware and drivers are developed with Windows XP in mind. A 64-bit version of Windows XP will be released in the near future, so Athlon 64 users will want to watch for its release.
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.
We haven't used floppies in years, but some people still feel a need for them. Any old name brand floppy drive will do for those emergency BIOS updates and data recovery, anything more would be just a waste of money.
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, splurge and nab a UPS for added security.
