October 2003 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Sound Card: Integrated 6-Channel

Current Cost: $0
Months on list: 3
Price Change: N/A

There are some concessions to having mainstream CPU, video, and motherboard power in an entry-level system configuration and one of them is the need to make use of integrated audio. Both the MSI and ABIT motherboards feature very capable 6-channel audio solutions, and although there is a bit of CPU overhead, current processors make this almost a non-issue. Soundcards are also one of the most easily-upgradeable system components, so by going the onboard route, you can then saving up for a SoundBlaster Audigy2 (or similar) high-end soundcard and upgrade later. And best of all we haven't spent any money on a cheap, dedicated soundcard that may need to be tossed afterwards. For anyone on a tight budget, sticking with on-board sound not only makes sense now, but it is an economical strategy for future upgrades.

Speakers: Logitech Z-640 6-Piece Speaker System

Current Cost: $60
Months on list: 5
Price Change: +$2

Like a system case, buying a set of value speakers shouldn't be an afterthought, and although we're not going to be nabbing a pair of high-end Klipsch Promedia or MidiLand speakers, but you can still get amazing game sound without breaking the bank.

The optimum method of determining your choice of speakers is to actually listen to a few sets, using CD and game music to make the final determination. We recommend buying a 3 or 5-speaker setup at minimum, with multiple satellites and one subwoofer. A greater number of speakers and Dolby 5.1 support will help differentiate 3D sounds, and the subwoofer will really make you feel the base tones and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Both the Intel and AMD systems support 6-channel audio, so the value-priced Logitech Z-640 speaker set is a great match. It offers an unbeatable combination of low price, a lot of power, and 5.1 support to boot. The Logitech Z-640 speaker set is the baby brother to the impressive Z-680's, and while the overall 70W power specs may not match up to the higher-end model, it's tough to find a better speaker set in this price range. The Logitech Z-640 is not only a nice 5.1 speaker upgrade on the Logitech Z-540 set, it also ramps up the output from 40W to 70W.

Communications Device

For our Value Gaming PC, we've taken the advice of our readers and toned down the communications options, in order to make better use of our budget and squeeze out as much performance as possible.

NIC: Integrated

Current Cost: $0
Months on list: 4
Price Change: N/A

The MSI and ABIT motherboards feature integrated 10/100 LAN functionality, and by using this free onboard feature, it saves us some budget for the higher-performance components. This is just smart business when it comes to a value gaming PC, and there is no real difference between a low-end NIC and the integrated 10/100 LAN found on these motherboards. Both are fully supported under Windows XP and will more than foot the bill for Internet use or LAN gaming.

As a side note, we are no longer making a modem recommendation. Many readers pointed out (quite rightly) that most gamers already own some of the basic external devices like a modem, printer or scanner, or use DSL or cable Internet access (requiring only LAN), and that the money could be put to better use elsewhere. If you do require a modem, the Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K is a great bet, and count on laying down $15-$20 for a new model.