March Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: ATI Radeon 9700 Pro OEM

Current Cost: $179
Months on list: New
Price Change: N/A

We've been counting our pennies through the majority of this guide, and now it's time to make the payoff. We really wanted to get the most gaming bang for the buck, and if possible, move to a higher-end video card this time around. It involved a few small concessions on the Intel side, but it's pretty amazing how little really had to change in order to move up to the Radeon 9700 Pro OEM. This is a high-end card, that performs a stone's throw away from the Radeon 9800 Pro, and really gives our value systems some serious frame-pushing power. This is really the limit of where we can go with a $1K budget, and moving up to a Radeon 9800 Pro would require some serious slicing and dicing, and really wouldn't be worth it.

Where we settle on next month's video card selection will depend on a multitude of factors, but at least for this edition we wanted to answer the question of exactly how high we could go on the chart without sacrificing other components. This is a pretty serious upgrade over the Radeon 9600 Pro, and really elevates our value system configurations into almost high-end territory. But working the budget is the name of the game, and we feel that for pure gaming performance, adding the Radeon 9700 Pro to the mix is a great call.

Monitor 19": Samsung 955DF

Current Cost: $175
Months on list: 8
Price Change: -$4

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 month, and we continue to have a tough time locating other models that can compete at this price. This Samsung 19" flat-screen monitor is perfectly positioned for our value system requirements, and it fits nicely relating to price, size and feature set. 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.