December Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon 9600XT (OEM)

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

The video card portion of any system is one of the prime areas where gaming performance can be increased through a judicious upgrade. Last month we went with the popular Radeon 9600 Pro, but for only a few dollars more, we chose the Radeon 9600 XT this time out. This card is a higher-clocked revision of the Radeon 9600 Pro, and brings with it higher gaming performance, and a built-in OrverDrive overclocking feature. When all of these factors are taken into account, the new Radeon 9600 XT is a sound upgrade, and is definitely money well spent.

Once again we're going with a Sapphire Radeon 9600XT, as the Sapphire Radeon-based cards have continued to impress in our review and benchmark comparisons, and are highly available at various online retailers. Our budget is such that the OEM card is the best option, and although there are no game bundled extras, the card performance and features are equivalent.

Monitor 19": Samsung 955DF

Current Cost: $190
Months on list: 5
Price Change: $0

Our $1,000 budget presents a scenario of choosing between a name brand 17" flat-screen monitor and a 19" standard CRT or lower-end flat-screen. It's a tough compromise, but we're trying to slide in between the two extremes, and include 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 continue to evaluate newer models, but few have the combination of price, features and quality we're looking for.

In another virtual non-event, the Samsung 955DF is once again our value monitor choice. Samsung has positioned this 19+ flat-screen perfectly for our needs, and there are few monitors that can match its overall package. The 955DF's 18"-viewable DynaFlat tube features a .20mm dot pitch and supports up to 1600x1200 at 68 Hz. Though the monitor is best viewed at 1280x1024, where the Samsung 955DF offers higher refresh rates. 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. There are also some nice 19" Samsung Magic Bright models, but their higher price negates them from being a guide selection.

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.