March Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4

System Memory: 512-MB PC2700 DDR

Intel: 1 X 512-MB PC2700
Current Cost: $52
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

AMD: 2 X 256-MB PC2700
Current Cost: $70
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The price of PC2700 (DDR333) has fallen of late, and now allows us to nab a full 512-MB module for the same price as 256-MB was going for in late-2002. At this price, there is no reason to go for any less than 512-MB, though PC3200 is still a bit to expensive for a value PC. Even though we've decided on the amount of system memory, the two different platforms require separate configurations to really get the most performance and value.

The Intel 845PE chipset has a standard DDR memory controller, so therefore we're saving money and going for a single 512-MB stick of PC2700. This also keeps our upgrade options very open, and adding another stick of DDR is not a problem. For the nForce2 motherboard, we really should utilize the dual-DDR architecture and squeeze every once of performance from the board. This means spending a bit more for dual 256-MB PC2700 modules, thereby enabling the dual-channel speeds. This does cut down our upgrade path a bit, and since the nForce2 is still lightning fast with single-channel DDR enabled, nabbing a single 512-MB stick now, then adding another down the road is another potential option.

Hard Drive: 60 GB Seagate Barracuda V (ST360015A)

Current Cost: $84
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The hard drive selection hasn't changed a whole lot, and we've settled on 60 GB of storage space as a perfect level for our value gaming system, along with a 7200 RPM speed to maximize performance. Where we have made a change is in the brand of the drive, and since the Seagate Barracuda V models have been extremely impressive in our testing, this is a natural progression. The 60 GB Seagate Barracuda V 7200 RPM drive is fast, stable and due to the full FDB (fluid dynamic bearing), it runs virtually silent (Seagate purports the "industry's best acoustics"). In addition to 7200 RPM speeds, the Seagate Barracuda V also features 2 MB of cache and has an excellent reliability record. Seagate has also followed the other drive manufacturers and offers a 1-year warranty on their desktop models, but that's the industry standard right now.

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

Current Cost: $32
Months on list: 4
Price Change: $0

When it comes to value-oriented DVD, CD or CDRW units, the LITE-ON brand name is one of the first that comes to mind, as the company packs a lot of performance and quality into their products, while offering them at some incredibly low prices. With DVD-ROM units selling for very low prices, our choice this month is once again the popular LITE-ON 16X DVD ROM, and its quiet operation, solid playback and high flexibility make it a great choice for our value gaming system.

On a side note, LG, Samsung, Toshiba and many other vendors and also produce DVD/CDRW combo units that make 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 too expensive for our particular configuration, many will no doubt spend the extra cash a get a more fully-featured system.