February Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon 9600 Pro (Retail)

Current Cost: $143
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

The Radeon 9600 Pro remains the best overall value for our purposes, as there is really nothing in its price class that can match its gaming performance. The Radeon 9700 and Radeon 9700 Pro cards are still too expensive, and the Radeon 9800SE is an interesting option, but is more expensive without offering additional performance. The Radeon 9600 Pro is simply the right card for the job, and offers full DirectX 9 support, mid-range performance, and a very attractive retail price.

This month we're keeping the Radeon 9600 Pro recommendation, but switching the brand. PowerColor offers a bit more value than other manufacturers, and their market presence is extremely good, thereby assuring buyers of locating the product. The above price is also for the full retail package, which translates into a few multimedia software programs, along with additional A/V cables. Other than that, expect a standard Radeon 9600 Pro clocked at 400 MHz core and 600 MHz memory, with excellent performance for its class, and some overclocking potential if you are so inclined.

* Please note that there are PowerColor Radeon 9600 Pro "EZ" versions at lower prices, but these are SE revisions with lower memory speeds. The 256-MB version of the PowerColor card also includes only 400 MHz memory speeds, and is not up to the performance of the card we recommend. These different Radeon 9600 Pro revisions are not limited to PowerColor, and when choosing any brand, be sure to confirm you are buying a true 400 MHz core/600 memory MHz card.

Monitor 19": Samsung 955DF

Current Cost: $179
Months on list: 7
Price Change: -$14

Our $1,000 budget presents a scenario of choosing between a higher-end 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 finding 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 gets the call again this week, and we've had a tough time finding anything that can compete at this price. Samsung has positioned this 19" flat-screen perfectly for our value systems, and it fits nicely into the budget, size and feature requirements. 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 want a Trinitron/aperture grill model at this price, you'll have to set your sights a bit lower to the 17" models, or pay a bit more for a 19" monitor. Sony has some attractive aperture grill options, 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 an alternative if you're really strapped for cash. There are also a few 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.