February 2002 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 2

CPU

Intel CPU: Retail Intel Pentium 4 2.0A GHz (microPGA 478)

Current Cost: $343
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

With the introduction of the Pentium 4 Northwood and its 0.13-micron core and 512K cache, there is little reason to buy an older model for our high-end system. Our choice is the Pentium 4-2.0A GHz processor, which offers better performance than a standard 2.0 GHz model and is only slightly more expensive. When buying this particular CPU (or any Pentium 4 Northwood below 2.2 GHz) make absolutely certain that you are getting one of the newer models. Since Intel has duplicated processor speeds through their three Pentium 4 lines, it pays to check before buying. The easiest way to do this is to ensure that the processor has 512K of L2 cache, and most online vendors and pricing engines will state this openly. Since we're spending a bit more for the Northwood, we recommend buying the Retail CPU, as it includes a HSF (heatsink-fan) and will save you money in the long run. These Northwood processors run extremely cool and the monolithic retail P4 HSF should be able to handle even extreme overclocking.

AMD CPU: OEM AMD Athlon XP 2000+ (1.67 GHz - 266)

Current Cost: $262
Months on list: New>
Price Change: N/A

AMD Athlon XP processors are still relatively inexpensive when compared to the Pentium 4, so we're going whole-hog and nabbing an Athlon XP 2000+. Prices have also been coming down steadily as AMD looks to put the pinch on Intel, so this is a great time to get as much CPU speed as possible. The Athlon XP 2000+ is one very powerful CPU, and potentially the fastest available for overall system performance. The only real problem with the Athlon XP is the "pit scoring" routine AMD has instituted, so if unlocking the multiplier is in the cards, be sure to understand the potential risks and the necessary equipment to make this a go. We're also selecting the OEM version to get the most bang for our buck and to ensure we have adequate cooling. The Athlon XP may run cooler than the original Athlon, but it's certainly no Northwood.

Intel Heatsink-Fan: Included Retail HSF

Current Cost: N/A
Months on list: 4
Price Change: N/A

Trust me on this one, the Pentium 4 Northwood is one cool customer and actually runs at a lower core temperature than a mid-range Pentium III. As such, the HSF choice isn't really a concern and we're recommending you stick with the one included in the retail package. This will not only supply more than adequate cooling, but ends up saving quite a few dollars as well. And when dealing with high Pentium 4 prices, every little bit counts. This also makes the choice of HSF a far easier choice, as many outlets are still selling the older Pentium 4 423-pin HSF models, as well as continuing to promote models sporting drill-in screw attachments. The newer 478-pin design is far more standard and only uses the brackets found on the newer motherboards.

AMD Heatsink-Fan: ThermalTake Volcano 7

Current Cost: $30
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The HSF unit for the Athlon XP 2000+ is one of the tougher choices we had to make. There are certainly CPU coolers with a greater performance than the ThermalTake Volcano 7, but few with the same features. Many people complain about their new PC sounding like a 747 taking off, so adding a 7000 RPM fan seems to be fading in popularity. It's here that the ThermalTake Volcano 7 really makes some waves. Instead of locking your system down with a noisy fan set at a high RPM, the ThermalTake Volcano 7 features a fan speed control that allows the fan speed to match the heat output. This means a full 5000 RPM and 53 CFM of airflow when the system is rocking, but this can go to as low as 2900 RPM when the system goes idle. The heatsink unit is also copper-based and can easily handle the Athlon XP 2000+ without waking up the neighbors.