November 2004 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Sound Card: Integrated 6-Channel

Current Cost: $0
Months on list: 12
Price Change: N/A

There are some concessions to having mainstream CPU, video, and motherboard hardware in an entry-level system configuration, and one of them is to make use of the motherboard's integrated audio. Both of our MSI motherboards feature very capable 6-channel audio solutions, and although there is a bit of CPU overhead, current processors make this a non-issue. Soundcards are also one of the most easily-upgradeable system components, so by going the onboard route, you can then saving up for a SoundBlaster Audigy2 (or similar) high-end soundcard and upgrade later.

We also haven't allocated any of our budget on a low-cost, dedicated soundcard that may need to be tossed afterwards. For our value systems, sticking with on-board sound not only makes sense now, but it is an economical strategy for future upgrades.

Speakers: Logitech Z-640 6-Piece Speaker System

Current Cost: $45
Months on list: 14
Price Change: -$4

Buying a set of value speakers should never be an afterthought, and though we're not going to be buying a set of high-end Klipsch Promedia speakers, you can still get amazing game audio without breaking the bank.

The optimum method of determining your choice of speakers is to actually listen to a few sets, using CD and game music to make the final determination. We recommend buying a 3 or 5-speaker setup at minimum, with multiple satellites and one subwoofer. A greater number of speakers and 5.1/6.1/7.1 support will help differentiate 3D sounds, and the subwoofer will really make you feel the base tones and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Both the Intel and AMD platforms support up to 6-channel audio, so the Logitech Z-640 speaker set is a great match for the two systems, especially at its sub-$50 price tag. The set's power output specs are extremely good for this class, including 71W total RMS, with a 25W sub-woofer kick. The Z-640's also offer an incredible combination of low price, mid-range power, and 5.1 audio support, and it's tough to find a better gaming speaker set in this price range.

Logitech also offers a new and upgraded X-620 system, which also sports 70W of power, but in a 6.1 configuration. The speakers are also a bit current in their aesthetics, and work fine through our value guide's 5.1 audio hardware. If you can find a few extra dollars in your budget, this might be a worthwhile upgrade, and once we get the needed cushion, this set is likely going into the guide.

Communications Device

For our Value Gaming PC, we've taken the advice of our readers and toned down the communications options, in order to make better use of our budget and squeeze out as much performance as possible.

NIC: Integrated

Current Cost: $0
Months on list: 13
Price Change: N/A

Like our choice of integrated audio, the MSI K8T800 and i865PE motherboards also feature integrated 10/100 LAN functionality, and making use of this free onboard option saves us some budget for the higher-performance components. This is just smart business when it comes to a value gaming PC, and there is no real difference between a basic NIC and the integrated 10/100 or Gigabit LAN found on these motherboards. Both are fully supported under Windows XP and will more than foot the bill for Internet use or LAN gaming.

We are no longer offering a modem recommendation, since readers pointed out (and rightly so) that most gamers already own some of the basic external devices like a modem, printer or scanner, or use DSL or cable Internet access (requiring only LAN), and that the money could be put to better use elsewhere. If you do require a modem, the Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K is a great bet, and count on laying down $15-$20 for a new model.