July 2002 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Sound Card: SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 OEM

Current Cost: $25
Months on list: 2
Price Change: $0

The SoundBlaster Audigy is still a bit too expensive for our value system, but going with the basic SB Live! Value OEM is still within budgetary limits. The OEM version has all the features of the Live! Value, and incorporates 5.1 audio into the overall mix. With the SB Live!-based sound card, you will never having to worry if your new game will work on your system, or have to check the game box for API support. The Creative Labs SoundBlaster name is like gold for the PC gamer, and since it is a standard in the computer business, EAX support is prevalent in both current and upcoming games.

Then again, both of our motherboards include integrated sound, so those looking to save a few bucks may want to forego a dedicated soundcard entirely. We still like buying a separate PCI soundcard, but it is still nice to have the integrated option available if money is especially tight.

Speakers: Logitech Z540 5-Piece Speaker System

Current Cost: $55
Months on list: 2
Price Change: $0

Like a system case, buying a set of value speakers shouldn't be an afterthought. Granted, we're not going to be nabbing a pair of high-end Klipsch Promedia or MidiLand speakers, but you can still get amazing game sound without breaking the bank.

The optimum method of determining your choice of speakers is to actually listen to a few sets, using CD and game music to make the final determination. We recommend buying a 3 or 5-speaker setup at minimum, with multiple satellites and one subwoofer. A greater number of speakers and Dolby 4.1 or 5.1 support will help differentiate 3D sounds, and the subwoofer will really make you feel the base tones and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Logitech has certainly impressed the power users with their Z560 speaker set, but for the more budget-conscious, the Logitech Z540 5-Piece Speaker System is sure to please. The Z540 speaker set is the baby brother to the powerful Z560's, and while the overall power specs may not match up to the higher-end model, but it is virtually impossible to find a better speaker set in this price range.

CD/DVD-ROM Player: LITE-ON 16X DVD ROM

Current Cost: $35
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

When it comes to value DVD, CD or CDRW units, the two names that come to mind are LITE-ON and LG. Both companies put a lot of performance and quality into their products, while offering them at some incredibly low prices. Our choice this month is the LITE-ON 16X DVD ROM, and although it is a few dollars more than the comparable LG model, its quiet operation, solid playback and high flexibility make it a perfect fit for our value gaming system.

On a side note, LG and Toshiba and also produce DVD/CDRW combo units that makes a great fit for value-priced computers. For around $70-$80, each provides CDR and CDRW support, as well as basic DVD and CD playback. Although these are still a bit pricy for our particular configuration, many will no doubt spend the extra cash a get a more fully-featured value system.