July Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon 9600 Atlantis Pro

Current Cost: $149
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

There has been a changing of the guard concerning 3D video, especially at the value sector. The ATI Radeon 9500 Pro is perhaps the most impressive mid-range video card ever, but this model is being rapidly phased out and prices has spiked quite noticeably. In fact, our last guide listed a Radeon 9500 Pro as the video card selection, and not long after, supplies dwindled and prices rose well above our stated amount. This month we'll go with the flow, and although the Radeon 9500 Pro will be missed, it does have a more than adequate replacement, the Radeon 9600 Pro.

The Sapphire Radeon 9600 Atlantis Pro 128-MB may not have the high-end power of the 9500 Pro, but it does provide excellent framerates and comes with a lower price tag. It also has some serious overclocking potential, especially in terms of core speed. In fact, our review card was able to approach 500 MHz, making it more than a match for Radeon 9500 performance. The Radeon 9600 Atlantis Pro is a very solid product at an economical price, and these factors cement its place in our value guide. As with other Sapphire cards, availability is also high, and it can be found at virtually all the large online dealers, and usually at an attractive price.

Monitor 19": Samsung 955DF

Current Cost: $190
Months on list: 3
Price Change: $0

Our $1,000 budget presents a scenario of choosing a name brand 17" flat-screen monitor and a 19" standard CRT or lower-end flat-screen. As with last month, we're trying to slide in between the two extremes, and move to a 19" flat screen model that not only fits our budget, but has the features, performance and image quality we need. This is no small task, especially when looking for that perfect combination of image quality and low price that usually exists at the 17" range. We had a few new models on our radar, but the price was out of reach, and we'll have to wait at least another month to see where we stand.

The popular Samsung 955DF remains our value monitor of choice, and this model provides a nice mix of price and performance. Its 18"-viewable DynaFlat tube features a .20mm dot pitch and supports up to 1600x1200 at 68 Hz. This may be a bit low for some, but a 19" monitor is usually best viewed at 1280x1024 (or similar) and the Samsung 955DF offers higher refresh rates at that resolution. The Samsung 955DF is also an extremely popular model from one of the largest monitor companies, and has a solid track record. It also includes MPR-II, TCO and Energy Star designations, and offers a full 3-year warranty on parts, labor and tube, making this a sound investment for your value gaming PC.

For those who still desire a Trinitron/aperture grill model, then you'll have to set your sights a bit lower to the 17" models, or pay a bit more for a 19" monitor. Sony offers an attractive option in CPD-E240, while Hitachi, Viewsonic, and NEC offer some nice 17" and 19" models as well. The Samsung 765MB is a 17" flat-screen model using their Magic Bright technology (shadow mask), but its low sticker price makes it a nice alternative if you're really strapped for cash.

Please keep in mind that when buying any type or brand of monitor, there is always the slight 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.