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Sharky Extreme : Monthly Value Gaming System Buyer's Guide |
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Monthly Value Gaming System Buyer's Guide |
January Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4By Vince Freeman January 20, 2005
The AMD and Intel system prices continue to move closer together and this month these are at virtually equivalent levels. Even so, we're still looking at these two systems as distinct configurations, rather than using a "one size fits all" memory recommendation. Instead the two systems are evaluated separately, and the budget is allocated in the most logical way. Each platform has its own set of requirements, and we can use this to achieve the best overall DDR memory value. We believe that maximizing the $1K budget is what real-world buyers would do, which is even more important with fluctuating DDR prices.
Current Cost: $66
Current Cost: $75 Once again, overall DDR prices have been stable over the last few months, and we're not able to move up in terms of brand name or capacity. In fact, we're actually moving back a step on the AMD side, and choosing the same generic PC3200 as we used with our Intel system. We're now keeping the DDR selection within reason on both sides, and rather than forcing the issue with a 1-GB capacity or high-end PC4200 speeds, 512-MB of Generic PC3200 is the best choice for both the Intel and AMD systems. The Intel 915P platform supports dual-channel DDR, so 2x256-MB of PC3200 is the best use of our budget, especially since the Pentium 4 540 is still, in effect, an 800 MHz processor. This is slightly more expensive than a single 512-MB module, but the dual-channel DDR performance benefits far outweigh any slight premium, especially for high-end Intel gaming. We've budgeted our the DDR selection for generic "house brand" PC3200 DDR, but there's enough money to ensure you can receive a mid-range brand like basic Samsung, PDP, Kingmax, Rosewill, or Komusa DDR.
The Socket 754 AMD motherboard architecture allows a single 512-MB stick of PC3200 to be used, without any loss in performance. The integrated DDR controller of the Athlon 64 3400+ is certainly powerful, but it features a single-channel memory format. This not only lets us save a few dollars by going with 512-MB of Generic PC3200 as opposed to 2x256-MB, but leaves two DDR sockets free for potential upgrades. Due to the faster CPU and video card components, we simply can't move any higher on the DDR list, as name brand or "low latency" DDR is simply too much for our budget to handle. As with the Intel selection, our stated price will allow a mid-range brand like Samsung, PDP, Kingmax, Rosewill, or Komusa DDR.
The Intel system features dual-channel DDR capable, so 2x256-MB matched pair DDR gives us the best price-performance, and covers the bandwidth requirements of the platform. On the AMD side, a single 512-MB module presents a slightly lower cost and a better match for this particular platform. From an overall standpoint, the 512-MB total memory capacity ensures that both of our value PCs will be able to handle current 3D games with ease, and have some headroom for upcoming ones as well.
Current Cost: $60
Current Cost: $69
This month we're changing gears a bit and breaking our hard drive selection in two. This is due to the new i915P Intel platform and the very real need for an SATA hard drive. Both drives are equivalent in terms of capacity, design and performance, but since the Intel platform has only a single PATA connector, going the Serial ATA route is definitely the right call. The Seagate Barracuda (ST380013) SATA drive features 80 GB of capacity, a 7200 RPM speed, and even a full 8-MB of data cache. In fact, if you have a few extra bucks, this also would be a more future-proof solution or the AMD side as well.
Since our AMD platform is unchanged, there is no reason to switch from the Western Digital Special Edition Parallel ATA hard drive. This model is one serious piece of hardware, and is not something you'd expect to find in a value gaming system. The WD SE models are extremely fast, and performance is accentuated by a 7200 RPM speed and a hefty 8-MB data cache. 80-GB is more than enough data capacity for an entry-level system, and these days, there is virtually no premium for the extra data cache.
Current Cost: $35
Even a value system deserves CDR/RW write and DVD read capabilities, and there is no easier or more cost-effective method than using a combo drive. Combo drives are popular for both value and convenience, as these units can handle the gamut of CDR/RW writing, CD reading and DVD playback duties. At only $35, the AOpen Combo Drive is an incredible deal, performs at 52X CDR, 32X CDRW write speeds, and 52X CD and 16X DVD read speeds, and includes data underrun technology for smooth and stable data writes. This drive also features a 2-MB data cache, and AOpen has given us a very inexpensive way of adding CDR/RW and DVD-read options to our value gaming systems.
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