March Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4

System Memory: 512-MB DDR

The differential between AMD and Intel CPU prices has moved us away from the "one size fits all" memory recommendation, and instead the two systems are evaluated separately and the budget has been allocated along those lines. The Intel Pentium 4-2.8 GHz gives us more than enough CPU power, but the pricing issue remains the same; there is still a nice chunk of change left over on the AMD side. We believe that maximizing the $1K budget is what real-world buyers would do, as well as deciding exactly where the extra AMD cushion will pay off.

AMD: 512-MB (2x256-MB) PC3200 Corsair Value Select

Current Cost: $92
Months on list: 2
Price Change: +$5

Intel: 512-MB (2x256-MB) Generic PC3200

Current Cost: $72
Months on list: 2
Price Change: $0

The Intel system continues to use generic PC3200, as this provides a nice balance between price and performance. Our 533 MHz Pentium 4-2.8 GHz doesn't really need dual-channel 400 MHz DDR, but the price difference between 2x256-MB of PC2700 and PC3200 is virtually non-existent, so it's really a better deal to go with PC3200 rather than save a few bucks. This not only provides a better upgrade path to a faster 800 MHz Pentium 4, but also allows tighter timings at 333 MHz and some overclocking headroom as well. We've budgeted our the DDR budget for generic "house brand" PC3200 DDR, but there's enough money to ensure you can receive a mid-range name brand like standard Samsung, Apacer or Geil DDR.

The lower AMD processor and motherboard costs give us some leeway in the DDR area, and going with higher-quality DIMMs in one upgrade we explored. Although it did jump $5 this month, buying higher-quality Corsair Value Select PC3200 is still a good buy, especially as it's still at only a slight premium over the generic models. We really can't go any higher on the chart, as moving to 512-MB of high-end "low latency" DDR is simply too much for our budget to handle. We also recommend Corsair to ensure full compatibility and provide rock solid 400 MHz operation on our AMD platform.

The AMD and Intel systems are both dual-channel DDR capable, so two sticks of 256-MB matched pair DDR gives us the best price-performance, and covers the bandwidth requirements of each platform. There is a slight premium in going with dual 256-MB memory modules, but the performance benefits far outweigh the slightly higher cost. The 512-MB memory capacity also ensures that our value PCs will be able to handle current 3D games with ease, and have some headroom for upcoming ones as well.

Hard Drive:

AMD: 80 GB Western Digital SE (8MB)

Current Cost: $70
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

Intel: 80 GB Western Digital (2MB)

Current Cost: $56
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

This month we've reevaluated the hard drive end of things, and actually downgraded both the AMD and Intel systems. Last month we went a bit on the high-end side for the AMD configuration, while we needed to save a few dollars on the Intel PC. The AMD value system still gets the Western Digital Special Edition treatment, only this time it's the 80-GB model. The Western Digital Special Edition parallel ATA drive is one serious piece of hardware, and is not something you'd expect to find in a value gaming system. The Western Digital SE drives are extremely fast, and performance is accentuated by a 7200 RPM and a whopping 8-MB data cache, which places it in the same range as more expensive models.

The Intel value system receives a more standard Western Digital drive, and while also featuring a 7200 RPM, the data cache is a more moderate 2-MB. This is the cost of doing business on the Intel side, while still making sure it has speedy CPU and 3D video card components. The 80-GB storage space remains consistent, and this is really a small concession when it comes to overall gaming speed, especially as the savings have been more than well spent.

CD/DVD-ROM:

AOpen 48x24x48x16 Combo Drive

Current Cost: $47
Months on list: 5
Price Change: $0

This month we're continuing to give both the AMD and Intel systems a much-needed CDRW/DVD-ROM option. A CDRW drive is a great feature for any system, but DVD read capabilities are almost required these days. Combo drives are the hot ticket, as these units can handle multiple duties, such as CDR/RW writing, CD reading and DVD playback. The AOpen Combo Drive is an incredible deal, and features 48X CDR, 24X CDRW write speeds, and 48X CD and 16X DVD read speeds, along with data underrun technology for smooth and stable data writes. This drive also features a 2-MB data cache and at only a $47 street price, gives us a very cost-effective way of adding CDR/RW and DVD-read options to our value gaming systems.