December 2002 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: MSI G4Ti4200-TD GeForce4 Ti 4200 (128-MB)

Current Cost: $140
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

There's not a lot of room for 3D video upgrades at the current time, but we were able to move from our previous 64-MB GeForce4 Ti 4200 to a 128-MB model. The GeForce4 Ti 4200 has the optimum price-performance for our value gaming system, as it offers a high-end feature set, super performance for the class, and a price that is almost too low to be true. For this guide, we've upgraded with the MSI G4Ti4200-TD GeForce4 Ti 4200 128-MB, which is a bit more future-proof than the less-expensive 64-MB models.

The MSI G4Ti4200-TD GeForce4 Ti 4200 128-MB is the same basic card as our previous 64-MB selection. It's a high performance card from a recognizable brand name that really adds in some serious value with an incredible game and application bundle. For a value gaming system, MSI is our top choice, but feel free to choose the GeForce4 Ti 4200 brand and price you feel most comfortable with.

Monitor 17": Samsung 700NF

Current Cost: $180
Months on list: 7
Price Change: +$10

Our $1,000 budget creates a situation where we're caught between a 17" flat-screen rock and a 19" standard CRT hard place. Making it even more difficult is the fact that basic 19" CRTs are being discontinued at a record pace, with production being moved to the more popular flat-screen models. The prospect of adding a quality 19" flatscreen to our value guide is getting better each day, and we've lined up some prospects for 2003. At the current time though, we're looking for that perfect combination of image quality and low price, and feel that a name brand 17" flat-screen monitor as the best overall option.

The Samsung 700NF is a low-cost, high quality flat screen 17" monitor, and is quite similar to the popular 19" 900NF model. Finding the right mix of price and features is a tough job, and we discovered many 17" flat screen models either limited resolutions or (1280x1024 max) or refresh rates (60 Hz at max resolution) and did not exhibit the high-end features we were looking for. On the flip side are higher-end 17" monitors that have all the features, resolutions and refresh rates, but carry a price tag much closer to the 19" competition.

Thankfully, the Samsung 700NF combines high-end features with an incredibly low price. The 700NF features a flat screen, aperture grill design, along with a 0.25mm Stripe Pitch, which provide deep, rich colors for both gaming and basic application use. The unit's refresh rates are truly exceptional for a 17" monitor, and can achieve a 75Hz refresh rate at 1600x1200. Add in MPR-II and TCO-99 certifications and an estimated $205 price tag, and you're looking at one incredible deal. If Samsung isn't your bag, there are competitive models from NEC, LG and Viewsonic that have basically the same features at a comparable price.

Please keep in mind that when buying any type or brand of monitor, there is always the chance of receiving a defective unit or a flat-screen with convergence issues, so be certain to purchase only from a vendor that offers liberal return and replacement options.