May 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: 2
Price Change: $0

AMD: 2 X 256-MB PC2700 Current Cost: $67
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$3

DDR memory is an incredible deal, and with prices continuing to fall, we're once again nabbing 512MB of PC2700 (DDR333) and making full use of our performance motherboards. At these cut-rate prices, there is no reason to go for any less than 512-MB, and although we did explore the PC3200 (DDR400) option, it is still a bit too expensive for our value budget. The 512-MB of DDR333 is a constant, but AMD and Intel platforms do require different configurations to really get the most performance and value out of the purchase.

The Intel 845PE chipset has a standard single-channel DDR memory controller, so save some cash and opt for a single 512-MB stick of PC2700. This move also keeps our upgrade options very open (2 x double-sided DDR max), and adding another stick of DDR later on is not an issue. Overclocking is also a bit easier with a single DDR module, and 512-MB is more than enough for current and future gaming requirements.

For our AMD/nForce2 system, we need two DDR modules to take full advantage of the dual-DDR architecture and squeeze every once of performance from the board. In order to get 2 x 256-MB PC2700 modules, we need to spend a bit more than going the single-unit route, but it's worth it to enable the dual-channel configuration. The nForce2 is still lightning fast with single-channel DDR enabled, so choosing to go with a less-expensive 512-MB stick now, then adding another down the road, is a viable option to explore.

Due to the rapidly shifting prices and availability of DDR memory at the value end, we don't specify a brand of DDR333 in this guide. The vendor selection may vary from week to week, but prices were confirmed for various models, such as Corsair Value, Samsung and Micron, all of which are quality brands that exceed the specs of lower-cost "Generic DDR'.

Hard Drive: 60 GB Seagate Barracuda V (ST360015A)

Current Cost: $79
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$5

For a value gaming system, we're looking to keep costs well below the $100 level, and have pretty well settled a 60 GB, 7200 drive as the price-point for our value gaming system. Seagate makes some of the quietest, high-performance IDE drives on the market, and we've had some excellent results with the Seagate Barracuda V line. These are also great buys at the present time, and prices have never been better. 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 quotes "the industry's best acoustics"). In addition to 7200 RPM speeds, the Seagate Barracuda V also includes 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 this the industry standard right now.

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

Current Cost: $31
Months on list: 5
Price Change: -$1

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. LITE-ON packs a lot of performance and quality into their products, while offering them at some incredibly low prices. At current price levels, there is really no reason to go with a CD-ROM over a DVD-ROM, so our choice continues to be the LITE-ON 16X DVD ROM. This is a very popular OEM unit, and for good reason; its quiet operation, solid playback and high flexibility make it a great choice for our value gaming system.

On a related note, LG, Samsung, Toshiba and other vendors 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 this represents a bit too high en investment for our $1K budget, many will no doubt spend the extra cash a get a more fully-featured, CD-writable system.