April 2004 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 5

Video Card: ATI Radeon 9700 Pro OEM

Current Cost: $169
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$10

Last month we pinched our pennies throughout the guide, and than slammed down hard with a big payoff. The Radeon 9700 Pro 128-MB OEM is a real powerhouse video card, and given the slight concessions on the Intel and AMD sides, it is more than worth it. This is a true 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.

It's also a serious upgrade from the Radeon 9600XT and GeForce FX 5700 Ultra, which are the conventional entry-level gaming choices. The Radeon 9700 Pro 128-MB 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 to the component, and really wouldn't be worth it for only a nominal performance jump.

Monitor 19": Samsung 955DF

Current Cost: $185
Months on list: 9
Price Change: +$10

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 even after extensive searching, we continue to have a tough time locating other 19" flat screen 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.