November 2001 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4

System Memory

Intel: Two 256MB PC800 RIMMs

Current Cost: $82 x 2 = $168
1 Months on list: 3
Price Change: +$4

Once again, we had to contend with a price increase to RDRAM, though it was a bit smaller than in previous months. For high-end gaming, a full 512-MB of system memory is very nice, so buying dual 256-MB RDRAM modules are a requirement. You could always go the 4x128-MB route and potentially save a few bucks, but this virtually negates any cost-effective memory upgrade so we do not recommend it.

AMD: One 512MB DDR PC2100 DIMM

Current Cost: $64 (registered $110)
Months on list: 1
Price Change: -$8

The relatively low price of 512-MB sticks of DDR must be forcing a buying spree. The price differential between 512-MB and 2x256-MB is growing as the weeks pass by, but we still feel a single stick is still the best option. Spend a few dollars more when you buy the system, while leaving a free DIMM socket for future upgrades. This is very important for AMD DDR motherboards, and even though the KG7-RAID does feature an impressive 4 DIMM sockets, it is still limited to 2 DIMMs with standard DDR memory. If taking the memory to extremes is in the cards, we recommend buying registered DDR, which does come at a hefty premium but will allow 4 modules to be used at the same time.

Hard Drive: IBM 60GXP 60GB

Current Cost: $130
Months on list: 4
Price Change: -$16

With a hard drive, it is important to get the best combination of price, performance, and long-term reliability. When speaking this lingo, the IBM 60GXP is definitely the drive line-up to check out. With the IBM 60GXP 60 GB, you not only get an expansive 60 GB of storage space, but it also features an 8.5ms seek time and a 2MB cache. This is a very easy choice for a high-end gaming setup and the drive has everything the computer enthusiast needs. We should also note that while the 60GXP line of IBM drives has an exceptional track record, some of the larger 75GXP models have come under increased scrutiny for perceived issues. We're sticking with the time-tested 60GXP and so should you.

DVD/CD-ROM: Toshiba SD-M1612 16X DVD-ROM

Cost: $63
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

After testing out a few high-end DVD-ROM units over the past month, we're switching our recommendation from the standard Pioneer slot-loading unit to the Toshiba SD-M1612 16X DVD-ROM. The reasons for this aren't solely related to features and performance, as much as functionality. The Toshiba unit is a standard tray-loader and with all the non-standard sized CD media we've been seeing lately, it is sometimes better to play it safe rather than impress your friends with CD-munching capabilities of a slot-loader. In terms of performance specs, the Toshiba SD-M1612 ranks pretty high as well and easily matches or even exceeds the Pioneer. Not only does it provide 16X DVD and 48X CD playback, but it can also handle DVD-RAM disks as well. Add in a 512K buffer, an 85ms access time and very good product support and you'll see why Toshiba is referred to as the leader in DVD technology.

CDRW: Plextor PlexWriter 24/10/40A

Cost: $175
Months on list: 3
Price Change: -$27

For a high-end CDRW recommendation, you really can't go wrong with a Plextor unit. The Plextor PlexWriter 24/10/40A can literally burn CDs in record time and is tailor made for those who find that even 10 minute burns take an excruciatingly long time. Is burning a 650 MB CD in just over 4 minutes fast enough for you? In addition to it blazing 24X CDR write speeds, the PlexWriter 24/10/40A also features 10X CDRW write speeds and a CD read speed of 40X (though we recommend using the Toshiba DVD-ROM for basic read functions). There may be a few brands that come in at a slightly lower price, but with a $2500 budget, why bother? Plus, the Plextor PlexWriter 24/10/40A has also been rapidly decreasing in price and can now be found at levels that are becoming a bit too low to ignore.

Floppy: Panasonic, TEAC, etc.

Cost: about $10

Although the floppy drive is rapidly approaching obsolescence, you still need something to boot with and flash your system BIOS safely. Just buy a basic name brand (Panasonic, Sony, TEAC, etc.) for a 10-spot and be done with it.