June High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4

Memory: 2x1GB Corsair XMS2-6400 w/ DHX (TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX)

Current Cost: $180
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A

Now that we have finally consolidated the AMD and Intel platforms under the DDR2 banner, the job of selecting system memory is much easier. For a high-end gaming system, 2x1-GB of DDR2-800 is still the optimum target, and thankfully, there continues to be downward movement since our last guide update, with the price of most DDR2 modules and dual channel kits falling. This new pricing trend cut across virtually all DDR2 sizes and speeds, so relative value has only gone up, and has allowed us a bit more leeway in other components and a small upgrade in the type of DDR2-800 chosen.

Last time out we went with Corsair XMS2-6400C4, and this month we're upgrading that slightly to the Corsair XMS2-6400 w/ DHX matched pair. Timings remain the same, at 4-4-4-12 when running at 800 MHz, and the main upgrade is the addition of DHX, or Dual-path Heat eXchange, cooling technology. This uses a two-piece, dual-contact method of attaching the heatsinks to the memory chips and PCB, while offering a fin-based design to further aid heat dissipation. Temperatures, especially with high-speed DDR2, are noticeably lower with this design, and since we're not losing anything on the timings side, it's a win-win situation.

The Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX dual channel kit features two 1-GB sticks of high-speed, low latency PC2-6400/DDR2-800 memory, and can be purchased for approximately $180 through online vendors (lower with potential rebate). A matched pair/dual channel kit is the de facto format for both our AMD and Intel platforms, and a kit like this is a guaranteed match in dual channel mode, and provides a noticeable performance boost compared to a single DDR2 module. The best value still resides in the 2x1-GB range, especially as no 32-bit operating system will make full use of a 4GB configuration.

Hard Drive: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB SATA 3.0 Gb/sec.

2 x HD ($120 each)
Current Cost: $240
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A

Hard drive prices have really been dropping, and combined with the debut of some new, higher capacity models, it makes for a very interesting time in this market. The new drives we speak are of course the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 750GB and 1TB models, the last of which is the real prize. Seagate already hit 750GB, but a full 1TB in a single drive is extremely attractive. Unfortunately, current prices are very high, with a Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 1TB selling at $400 or more. We feel that much better value, not to mention enhanced flexibility, is offered by dual 500GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 drives, which check in for only $240 for the pair.

Not only do we receive the same total storage as the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 1TB at a substantial discount, but how you use them is open game. These two hard drives can be configured as a RAID array for increased performance, or as two standard 500 GB drives for a whopping 1TB of total storage space. Even discounting the RAID performance flexibility, this method is still a very economical method of hitting 1TB, and the Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB alone ranks as one of the top drive values on the market. Matched together in dual-drive configuration and nothing can touch it for price-performance.

The Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500GB drive includes a 16MB data cache, 7200-RPM motor, supports both SATA 3.0 Gb/sec. and NCQ, and has an 8.5 ms average seek time. This model also supports Perpendicular Recording Technology, which increases the storage density of each platter. The Barracuda line is renowned for speed and quality, and Seagate is the top choice for the quietest and longest lasting hard drives money can buy. Seagate is also confident enough to back their products with an excellent 5-year warranty, and our own luck with their products has been exceptional.

DVD-/+RW: Samsung 18x DVD+RW/-RW SH-S182D

Cost: $34
Consecutive Guides: 3
Price Change: +$5

The initial wave of HD-DVD and Blu-ray format drives are beginning make an appearance, but prices are still extremely high, so it's only natural that a DVD+/-R/RW drive is where the majority of consumers will go. Retail prices on these units are also at historical lows, so it's a great time to take advantage of these super values. This month we're sticking with the Samsung SH-S182D, as this is a low-cost DVD writer that combines the Samsung brand name with ultra-high write speeds for CD and DVD media. The Samsung SH-S182D offers writing speeds of 18X DVD+/-R, 8X DVD+/-R Dual-Layer media, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, and 32X CD-RW. The Samsung drive also has support for DVD-RAM technology, and can read and write it at 12X speeds.

Drive specifications include an EIDE interface, 2MB data cache, and 130ms DVD / 110ms CD access times. The price jumped a bit compared to our last guide, but even at $34, the Samsung SH-S182D remains a steal of a deal that also allows us some extra cash for other components. The Samsung SH-S182D drive is also available in either black or beige faceplate models, which allows flexibility to match with your system case.