February 2002 High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: Visiontek Xtasy 6964 GeForce3 Titanium Ti500

Current Cost: $318
Months on list: 3
Price Change: -$4

For our high-end gaming dollar, the GeForce3 Ti 500 continues to be the card to beat. ATI has a definite contender with the Radeon 8500, but since we have the available budget, we're going for the highest overall framerates we can find. The GeForce3 Ti 500 features a 240 MHz clock / 500 MHz memory speeds and definitely has the power to handle even the most demanding 3D games. There are several excellent GeForce3 Ti 500 brands, but the VisionTek Xtasy 6964 is a very safe bet. Not only is it priced competitively with other models, but as our primary reference card here at Sharky Extreme, it has proved to be a very durable product as well.

Monitor: Samsung 900NF

Cost: $350
Months on list: 6
Price Change: -$29

We're still dreaming the impossible dream and hoping that a high-quality 21" monitor will sneak into our budget, but until then the Samsung 900NF will certainly do. This is truly a premium 19" flatscreen monitor at a value price and features a flat, aperture-grille tube, 0.25mm dot pitch and a 76 Hz refresh rate at 1600x1200. It also produces exceptional color and images whether used to gaming or office work. Samsung is also one of the top names in computer monitors and their support is very good compared to the competition. We should also note that since listing the 900NF on our buyer's guide, there has been a wave of positive comments forwarded by Sharky readers, who seem to be very pleased with their purchase. Please keep in mind that when buying any type or brand of monitor, there is always the chance of receiving a defective unit, so be certain to purchase only from a vendor that offers liberal return and replacement options.

Sound Card: SoundBlaster Audigy Platinum

Cost: $157
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$1

The SoundBlaster Audigy line of soundcards is a great bet for any gamer, but for our High End system, we're aiming just a bit higher with the Audigy Platinum. This card has all the features of the standard Audigy, but with some extras thrown in for good measure. Along with the Audigy soundcard, the Platinum edition also includes an internal Front-Panel Audio Connectivity Drive, a wireless remote control and a SB1394 bracket connection (compliant to the IEEE 1394a specification). One of the better facets of the Audigy Platinum is support for both EAX and EAX AdvancedHD, which means advanced 3D positional audio for upcoming games, along with backwards compatibility for those supporting the older EAX standard. The Audigy Platinum also comes with a ton of bundled audiophile software, but doesn't forget the gamer by adding (depending on your location) either a full version of Giants or Deus Ex to the overall mix. The SoundBlaster Audigy Platinum is a real Swiss army knife of gaming soundcards and makes a perfect match for any high-end system.

Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 4.1

Cost: $295
Months on list: 3
Price Change: $0

One area that can really make a difference in your potential enjoyment of any new gaming PC is with system speakers. In general terms, the recommendation of any speaker system is based on individual tastes and requirements, so hit your local PC store, take along a CD and give a few sets a close listen. Then again, we're almost certain that the following speaker selection will be more than adequate for high-end gaming sound.

When it comes to high-end PC speakers, the Klipsch name is one that truly resonates with gamers. We would have like do go wild and grab a full Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 THX set, but alas, these are a bit pricy for our needs. Then again, the ProMedia 4.1 doesn't give up much to its more expensive sibling. It's still a powerful, 400W, five-piece system that is THX-Certified to boot. In terms of overall sound, it hits on all cylinders, and looks great doing so. Impress your friends and family, while being the bane of your neighbors, by adding the Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 to your gaming system.