November Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 7

Communications Device

For our Value Gaming PC, you're going to have to make the tough choice between adding a modem or NIC, since the budget simply doesn't allow for both.

Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K: $28

The Creative Labs Modem Blaster 56K is a name brand, 56K PCI modem that you can find at a very low price. This combination of traits also makes it a perfect fit for our value gaming needs. Just be sure to go the PCI route, as many new motherboards might not even feature a legacy ISA slot and it will definitely put a strain on future upgrades. If an external serial port modem is more your style, then expect to pay almost double the cost of a similar, internal 56K modem. We recommend staying away from Winmodem models, not simply because of the extra CPU load, but also due to driver dependency that may limit future migrations to new operating systems or alternative products such as Linux. Stay on the hardware-Hayes compatible list and play safe.

Or...

NIC-3Com EtherLink 10/100 3C905C-TX-M- $28

If DSL or Cable Internet access is more your speed, then an NIC will be a required gaming component. 3COM is a market leader in PC networking, and produces some of the very best and most compatible network cards you can find. The 3C905C-TX-M may have a price similar to other OEM NICs, but it offers excellent performance and compatibility as well. As with our modem choice, PCI is the only way to, since it is best to not get saddled with an old ISA network card and then find out your new motherboard or PC no longer supports it.