Gaming Systems June 2003

With another $400, we can upgrade the video card and monitor, even the CPU and be fine.

<B>Case</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>We'll use <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">this case</a>, the same as the other. It looks nicer and comes with a 350 watt PSU. You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table>

<B>Motherboard</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>We got with a new Springdale board, the Abit IS7-E. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-156&depa=1">I also bought one of these</a>. The springdales compete well with the higher priced Canterwoods. $99 from Newegg.</td></tr></table>

<B>CPU</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>We are using a Pentium 4 board this time. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=19-116-157&depa=1">The P4 2.4C Ghz is great</a>. It is a retail box, meaning it comes with a Heatsink and Fan. $176 at Newegg. I just bought this</td></tr></table>

<B>Memory</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>$96 for a two sticks of PC3200 256MB <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z335&cat=RAM">of Crucial Memory</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. You can get free memory right now at Officemax, but Crucial is better. I have two of these as well, a review is coming at the end of this week.</td></tr></table>

<B>Video Card</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>We got an Leadtek 128MB FX5600 <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-122-167&depa=1">at Newegg</a>. I should be getting a 5600 256MB card from a company soon, Hopefully. $155 at Newegg. </tr></table>

<B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td>CompUSA has a 160GB 8MB cache Harddrive for $100. 48x CDRW at OfficeMax for $20 AR. Pick up a Lite On DVD at <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=27-131-112&depa=1">Newegg for $36</a>. </td></tr></table>

<B>Monitor</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>19 inches here. Still <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296017&pfp=BROWSE">a Viewsonic one</a> from CompUSA for a price of $229.97 (AR)</td></tr></table>

<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td>Logitech's z540 is good. Good quality, and the price is right at $62.68 (CompUSA +tax).. You also need a mouse and keyboard so go for the Logitech cordless elite duo from Office Max for a price of $49.99. Network card is onboard. Sound is onboard.<td></tr></table>

<B>OS</B>:

Linux is free, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> will run you $93 at Newegg.


<b>Summary</b>

Intel P4 2.4C Ghz $176
Abit IS7-E $99
Leadtek FX5600 $155
Case $43
Crucial 256MB (2x) $96
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
16x DVD $35 (+tax)
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
Speakers $63 (+tax)
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $230 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Total: ~$1125. Very nice for this type of system. It is extremely overclockable as well.