March Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4

System Memory: 512-MB PC3200 DDR

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.

AMD: 512-MB (1x512-MB) PC3200

Current Cost: $68
Months on list: 2
Price Change: +$2

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

Current Cost: $74
Months on list: 9
Price Change: -$1

Standard DDR prices continue to be stable over the last few months, and this is not the time to be upgrading to greater capacities or higher-end brand names. Last month we moved both the AMD and Intel value systems to standard PC3200, to make sure the budget totals were kept in check. Of course, this doesn't mean we're pinching pennies, as 512-MB of PC3200 is the most natural choice for both the Intel and AMD systems. Moving to a 1-GB or higher capacity would be overkill, just as going with high-end PC4200 would be a waste of our budget.

The Intel 915P platform supports dual-channel DDR, so choosing 2x256-MB of PC3200 is the smartest call, as we still get the 512-MB total capacity, while making use of the dual-channel DDR400 link to the 800 MHz CPU bus. This option is slightly more expensive than buying a single 512-MB module, but the higher memory performance far outweigh any slight premium, especially for a gaming system. We've budgeted for generic "house brand" PC3200 DDR, but there's enough money to ensure you can receive a mid-range brand like Geil Value, Samsung, PDP, Kingmax, Rosewill, or Komusa DDR.

The AMD processor and motherboard architecture means that a single 512-MB stick of PC3200 is just as good as 2x256-MB, and does not incur a performance penalty. The integrated DDR controller of the Athlon 64 3400+ is very powerful, but it still features a single-channel memory design. This lets us save a few bucks by going with 512-MB of Generic PC3200 (as opposed to 2x256-MB), and even leaves two DDR sockets free for future 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 AMD selection, our stated price will allow a mid-range brand like Geil Value, 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, while on the AMD side, a single 512-MB module presents a slightly lower cost and a better match for this particular platform. Overall, the 512-MB of 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.

Hard Drive:

AMD: 80 GB Western Digital SE (8MB) - PATA

Current Cost: $57
Months on list: 3
Price Change: -$3

Intel: 80 GB Seagate Barracuda (8MB) - SATA

Current Cost: $66
Months on list: 2
Price Change: -$3

With the split in platforms also comes a break in the hard drive selections as well. Last month we utilized Parallel ATA for the AMD computer, while going with Serial ATA for our Intel PC. The reasons are obvious, as this is the IDE storage technology that fits each platform for the best, and we always try and match up components in terms of performance, value and longevity. The new i915P Intel platform virtually requires using an SATA hard drive, while the K8T800 is geared towards PATA drives.

In terms of our selections, 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 will ensure we have room for CD/DVD based drives, as well as potential hard drive upgrades in the future. The Seagate Barracuda (ST380013) SATA hard drive features 80 GB of capacity, a 7200 RPM speed, and even 8-MB of data cache.

There is no reason to switch from the Western Digital Special Edition Parallel ATA hard drive on the AMD platform. 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 match the Seagate drive with 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 there is virtually no premium for the extra data cache.

CD/DVD-ROM:

AOpen 52x32x52x16 Combo Drive

Current Cost: $33
Months on list: 6
Price Change: -$2

Even a lower-cost gaming system should have the ability to write to CDR/RW and read DVD media, and there is no easier or more cost-effective method than using a combo drive. These 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 $33, the AOpen 5232 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. The AOpen drive also features a 2-MB data cache, and gives us a very inexpensive way of adding CDR/RW and DVD-read options to our value gaming systems.