July 2002 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 7

Communications Device

For our Value Gaming PC, you're going to have to make the tough choice between adding a modem or NIC, since the budget simply doesn't allow for both .

Modem: Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K

Current Cost: $20
Months on list: 9
Price Change: $0

For the choice of modem, the basic goal is to select a name brand part with hardware support for V.90/56K access. The Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K more than fits the bill and due to Creative Labs' long tenure producing modems, the only better choice for driver and tech support is to pay the piper and go with 3COM/USR. Buying a PCI card is also required, since few (if any) new motherboards include a legacy ISA slot.

Or...

NIC: D-Link DFE-530TX

Current Cost: $10
Months on list: 2
Price Change: $0

With the move to Windows XP, we're looking for a combination of compatibility and performance in our NIC pick. For value buyers, D-Link is an excellent option, as the company produces high-quality components at a low price. The D-Link DFE-530TX provides the basic features and is an incredibly popular NIC and is instantly recognized and loaded by Windows XP upon boot.

We should also mention that the ASUS P4S533 motherboard features integrated LAN functionality, and as with our soundcard selection, the option exists to pocket the money and just use the integrated hardware.