December Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 2

Processors

AMD CPU: Athlon XP 2500+ (1.83 GHz) Barton OEM

Current Cost: $87
Months on list: 4
Price Change: +$1

The Athlon XP 2500+ is THE value CPU buy right now, and it features the upgraded Barton core, and its 512K of L2 cache. When coupled with its lower-than-usual clock speed, it makes this processor a much better deal than the Athlon XP 2600+ or 2700+. The base performance of this CPU is impressive, and the Athlon XP 2500+ more than lives up to its rating, but overclocking is where it really starts to shine. The base 1.83 GHz core speed makes it a super overclocker, and many have taken it to impressive speeds, equating to greater than Athlon XP 2700+ performance levels.

This lower clock speed and Barton core opens the barn door wide for potential overclocking, and some online results have been quite impressive. Many have achieved Athlon XP 2800+ speeds or higher, and with a relatively low 1.83 GHz default speed, this represents a lot of overclocking headroom for AMD's newest value CPU. The Athlon XP 2500+ has it all, including high performance, 512K of L2 cache, and serious overclocking potential. There are both OEM and retail versions available, but we recommend the OEM model, not only to save a few dollars but also to choose a more powerful, 3rd-party cooling solution.

The AMD processor scene is quite a bit different than the Intel list, and we initially got caught between ramping up the core speed and taking a hit on the overall system, versus sticking with the Athlon XP 2500+ Barton. One of the key elements is that in order to really "upgrade", we'd need to jump straight to the next-fastest Barton model, or the Athlon XP 2800+, not to mention cutting our system hardware to the bone in order to make it fit. It's still a tough call, so those with a few extra bucks might want to upgrade to the Athlon XP 2800+, as this is the place in the AMD system, where a slightly larger budget can pay off in some performance dividends.

Intel CPU: Pentium 4-2.66 GHz (Socket 478, Retail)

Current Cost: $160
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Intel and AMD may be price competitive at the mid-range and high-end areas, but the entry-level is a whole different story. In order to achieve price-parity with AMD, you really need to visit Celeron land, and we're not going to do that. The 533 MHz front-side bus is really the starting point, and that means a 2.4 GHz Pentium 4 is the base minimum, but due to the Intel pricing structure, we can nab a Pentium 4-2.66 GHz for around the same price. The Pentium 4-2.4C (800 MHz) is actually more expensive - and with DDR400 it performs on par with a 2.53 GHz Pentium 4 (533 MHz) - so we're actually getting a bit more performance for less. The 533 MHz FSB also fits our system design plans better, so there's really no downside to this move for a value system.

At this point in time, this is really the best-case scenario for our Intel system, but as we mentioned previously, the higher Intel prices do entail some concessions in terms of overall hardware. Of course, this would be present whether we nabbed the 2.4B, 2.4C, 2.53 or 2.66 GHz Pentium 4 models, and since many online stores have the Pentium 4-2.66 GHz as the least expensive of the bunch (!), it's really a no-brainer to go for the highest speed option.

In terms of the Retail vs. OEM argument, we're going with the Retail package, as not only do you receive a nearly-free heatsink-fan and full 3-year Intel warranty, but also a sealed, totally untested CPU. These entry-level Pentium 4 models are priced a bit higher than corresponding AMD CPUs, so any HSF cost savings are definitely a good thing.

AMD Heatsink-Fan: Vantec AeroFlow VA4-C7040

Current Cost: $23
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The Athlon XP 2500+ offers some cooling benefits, especially as it doesn't run as hot as even the Athlon XP 2400+ or 2600+ models. At the base 1.83 GHz clock speed, the default AMD retail cooling would more than suffice, but we're upping the ante this time around. By going with a value-priced processor, we can afford a higher-end 3rd-party heatsink-fan unit, and even move a bit higher on the chart than last month's ThermalTake Volcano 9.

The Vantec AeroFlow VA4-C7040 is a top pick for entry-level systems, and it's not hard to see why. It features a copper-core, AeroFlow heatsink design, which provides enhanced airflow around the heatsink and a more uniform pattern of dissipation. The cooling fan is also unique, and its TMD (Tip-Magnetic Driving) Fan allows for high-end speeds (5600 RPM) without jacking the noise too much (38 dBA). The Vantec AeroFlow is also a breeze to use, as it features a thumb-lever for seamless installation, and a 3-prong design for stability.

Intel Heatsink-Fan: Included Retail HSF

Current Cost: $0
Months on list: 10
Price Change: N/A

A retail Pentium 4 processor is the best option for value systems, as the price difference between the OEM and Retail models is virtually non-existent, and significantly less than laying out the cash for even an entry-level, 3rd-party heatsink-fan. The bundled heatsink-fan found in the Pentium 4 retail package provides more than enough cooling for our Pentium 2.66 GHz, and given the tight pricing at the Intel entry-level, it really helps get us within budget. Even at 2.66 GHz, the Northwood core doesn't put a huge strain on the CPU cooling system, and the exact same retail heatsink-fan unit is actually hefty enough to handle even their higher-end 3.06 GHz models. This translates into stable operation at standard clock speeds, and safe overclocking to higher core speed levels.

Overall value is a great reason to spend a bit more for an Intel retail processor, as it nets you a stock cooler and the package price is currently much lower than buying an OEM Pentium 4 and then purchasing a retail heatsink-fan. A nice side-benefit to the Intel retail cooler is its incredibly quiet operation, and inside a sealed case, the ambient noise levels of the Intel cooling fan can be close to unnoticeable.