January 2002 Value Gaming PC Buyer's Guide - Page 6

Sound Card: SoundBlaster Live! Value-About $25

Although we'd love to include a SB Audigy to the value system, its price makes this a virtually impossible. The SB Live! Value is a suitable second choice, and it offers more than enough features and performance for even the hardcore gamer. Another benefit of this move is that we can take the cost savings and apply that to a faster CPU, larger HD or a better 3D card.

Plus, with the SB Live! you will never having to worry if your new game will work on your system, or have to check the game box for API support from a long-deceased company. The Creative Labs SoundBlaster name is like gold for the PC gamer, and since it is a standard in the computer business, EAX support is prevalent in both current and upcoming games. There are a variety of SoundBlaster Live! XGamer, MP3, Platinum, and DE editions, but most contain features, software or controls that will be nigh useless to the caveman gamer. Get the SB Live! Value and be done with it.

Speakers: Altec Lansing ACS 54 - $52

Like a system case, buying a set of value speakers shouldn't be an afterthought. Granted, we're not going to be nabbing a pair of high-end Klipsch Promedia or MidiLand speakers, but you can still get amazing game sound without maxing out your credit card. The most important area to watch out for is the common "bundled speakers" you get with many entry-level computers, most of which could probably give your clock radio a good run for its money in the area of sound fidelity.

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-speaker setup at minimum, with two satellites and one subwoofer, and the more speakers the merrier. This will help differentiate 3D sounds, and the subwoofer will really make you feel the base tones and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Since there really isn't a lot of quality competition in their price range, we're sticking with the Altec Lansing ACS 54. We have racked out brains for months to come up with a better set, but nothing seems to match the low price and high quality of this unit. This 5-speaker system looks great, sounds better, and performs well above where its $52 price tag would have you think. The ACS 54 speakers are definitely one of the best gaming deals outside of 5-finger discount, and this set has naturally been the recipient of a wide range of industry awards and accolades. Take a quick listen and find out why.

CD-ROM: LG 52x CD-ROM - $23

The switch from the ASUS 50X to the LG 52X isn't so much one of quality as it is of relative value. The LG 52X is certainly a fast performer, but can come at a noticeably lower price. Couple this with the incredible penetration of the LG brand name and you won't have a hard time finding one of these at your local PC stores. There are plenty of name-brand 50X or higher CD-ROM units to choose from, but the LG 52X is a prime pick for those looking to save a few bucks without sacrificing performance.