January Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon 9600 Atlantis Pro (OEM)

Current Cost: $148
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Last month, we "upgraded" to a Radeon 9600XT video card, but after comparing the price-performance again, we've moved back to the Radeon 9600 Pro. The gaming performance difference is negligible, the cost savings helped us nab a few extras, and a standard Radeon 9600 Pro really fits in more with our overall system goals.

The economical Radeon 9600 Pro is still the best overall choice for a value gaming system. It has the performance and features necessary for current and upcoming games, includes full DirectX 9 support, and sports a very attractive retail price. The Sapphire Radeon 9600 Atlantis Pro is an excellent choice, and it will not only provide excellent framerates, but comes in with an affordable price tag. Sapphire has also built in some serious overclocking potential, especially in terms of core speed. In fact, our review card was able to approach 500 MHz, making it a match for stock Radeon 9600XT and Radeon 9500 Pro-level 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.

Monitor 19": Samsung 955DF

Current Cost: $193
Months on list: 6
Price Change: +$3

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.

The Samsung 955DF is once again the de facto winner in the value monitor arena. Samsung has positioned this 19" flat-screen perfectly for our requirements, and there are few monitors that can match the 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.