Gaming Systems June 2003

$2000 is the upper limit here, and we want the best of the best.

<B>Case</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>The same case. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-154-017&depa=0">This case</a> is cheap and easy. Why go with something more elaborate if you don't have too? You'll spend a scant $43 on this one.</td></tr></table>

<B>Motherboard</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>The newly released Canterwood will do just nicely for our best of the best. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=13-127-152&depa=1">Abit's IC7-G</a> has the new BIOS that makes it compare with their IS7. Audio and Lan included, this is what a new system needs. $199.99 from Newegg.</td></tr></table>

<B>CPU</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>The 3 GHZ CPU is not the fastest, but a good mix of price and performance. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,4720">Much cheaper this time around</a>. Intel CPUs usually have good quality heatsinks. $400 at Newegg.</td></tr></table>

<B>Memory</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Two times the memory for the Canterwood. $180 gets two sticks <a href="http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT6464Z40B&cat=RAM">of 512MB of Crucial memory PC3200</a> is just what you need. Great stuff at a good price. </td></tr></table>

<B>Video Card</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>A Radeon AIW 9700 Pro. Get nothing else, you won't be sorry. Get it from Newegg. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=14-102-250&depa=1">Get an ATI one, $360</a>.</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>We need crap in the pants speakers. The Logitech's z560 (THX) is good. Really really expensive $200 (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 3Ghz (800Mhz FSB) $400
Abit Canterwood $195
ATI AIW 9700 Pro $360
Case $43
Crucial 1024MB $180
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99
z560s $200 (+tax)
160GB $100 (+tax)
48x CDRW $20 (+tax)
16x DVD $35 (+tax)
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $223 (+tax)
WinXP Home $93
Great system, it'll last for a few years.
Total: ~$1870 After rebates. Great deal.
Damn gaming systems. I'm much better at home systems. Which will be coming on Wed! Please leave us some feedback!