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Sharky Extreme : Monthly Value Gaming System Buyer's Guide |
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Monthly Value Gaming System Buyer's Guide |
May 2006 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 4By Vince Freeman May 20, 2006When it comes to choosing the memory for our AMD and Intel systems, we still look at these as distinct configurations, rather than using a "one size fits all" memory recommendation. Instead, the two configurations are evaluated separately, and our 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 memory value. We believe that maximizing the $1K budget is what real-world buyers would do, which is even more important with fluctuating memory prices.
Current Cost: $80
Current Cost: $68 This month marked a split between AMD and Intel, with the latter breaking off and joining the DDR2 camp. This was unavoidable, due to our Pentium D 920 selection, but as DDR2 prices have continued to drop, it is not as bad as you might expect. Both systems support dual channel memory, and with prices as low as they are, going with 2x512-MB (1-GB total) offers the best bang for our buck. On the AMD side, we're sticking with a Corsair Value Select PC3200 1-GB kit, while our Intel budget is a bit strained and we're forced to go the "Generic DDR2-533" route to save a few dollars. At this range, names like PQI and PNY, among others, came up but please feel free to choose a brand name you're comfortable with.
Our Intel 945PL and NVIDIA nForce4 platforms support dual-channel DDR or DDR2, and by utilizing 1-GB of memory, we make sure that an immediate upgrade is not required. This works well for the MSI 945PL motherboard, but the MSI nForce4 does support two additional DDR modules (though at potentially lower clock speeds), if a memory upgrade is required in the future. The 2x512-MB format also ensures we utilize the dual-channel memory architectures to its fullest, keeping up with the requirements of the mainstream Pentium D and Athlon 64 processors. The 1-GB of total memory capacity ensures that both of our value PCs will be able to handle current 3D games with ease, and have a lot of headroom for upcoming ones as well.
Current Cost: $67 The Intel 945PL and NVIDIA nForce4 chipsets are designed with Serial ATA in mind, so it's only natural we choose this hard drive format. This month we've upgraded to the 120GB Western Digital Caviar SE, which offers excellent value and provides a SATA 3.0 Gb/s interface as well. The drive offers 8-MB of cache, an 8.9 ms access time, and a 7200 RPM rotational speed, but does not specifically support NCQ. Another nice feature of the WD drives is the presence of both SATA and Molex power connectors, which ensures full compatibility and easy upgrades. The Intel 945PL can make use of the newer SATA format, while the nForce4 is limited to 1.5 Gb/s, but there is really no use in paying more for an older model, especially as SATA 3.0 Gb/s models are backward compatible.
Current Cost: $24 Even an entry-level 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 with 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. The Gigabyte GOB-5232AW combo drive used in the last guide has been increasingly difficult to find, and we needed to make the switch to a more readily available model.
The Samsung SH-M522C drive combines a known brand name with a nice feature set, and wraps it all up with a very low price. Basic specifications include 52X CDR and 24X CDRW write speeds, along with 52X CD and 16X DVD read speeds. It also includes data underrun technology for smooth and stable data writes, and various noise reduction and read/write integrity features like Tilt Actuator Compensation, Silent PWM, and Annular Mask Lens Pick-Up. The Samsung drive has a 2-MB data cache for OEM (8-MB for retail), and gives us a very inexpensive way of adding CDR/RW and DVD-read options to our value gaming systems.
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