Summer is the time for enjoying the weather, hitting the beach and taking part in all manner of outdoor activities, but a cool summer night can be a great time to take in some PC gaming goodness. It has also been a long while since our last guide update, and with some promising new arrivals in the processor and video card markets, this also marks an opportune time to check out what kind of systems we can snag for under $2500.
The High-end Gaming PC Buyer's Guide represents the median between our Value Buyer's Guide with only a $1000 limit, and our Extreme Buyer's Guide with its massive $4000 budget. Our basic goal is to select optimal AMD and Intel gaming PC configurations, while still adhering to our budget. We certainly do choose high-end, brand name equipment, while also keeping an eye on the bottom line, and not spending madly in one area, while leaving another component with a non-existent budget. This guide also offers recommendations for both Intel and AMD systems, as well as providing a secondary ATI/NVIDIA graphics option. After all, we're here to deliver kick-ass gaming systems, not promote one platform or company over the other.
The first half of 2008 has yielded some positive results in many areas of PC hardware, and some new releases have definitely made configuring our high-end guide a lot easier. This can translate into selecting one of the new products, or taking advantage of corresponding price drops, as the latest and greatest hardware pushes the last-generation down. We've used both strategies to really work the budget numbers to produce a very nice pair of gaming systems. As usual, the main goal is one of improving the overall performance and features of our AMD and Intel gaming systems, and these mid-2008 editions are two of our best yet.
Current Cost: $295
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
The foundation of any gaming system begins with a high quality case and power supply, and this is doubly important with a $2500 budget. We list this hardware selection first, across all three of our buyer's guides, to help stress the relative importance of system enclosures and that these provide the base for the other components. Aesthetics certainly count for something, but usability, features, craftsmanship, and real estate also figure into the overall ranking. It is very likely that the system case will outlast just about any other component in your PC, so it makes sense to give it special attention.
The ThermalTake Armor VA8000BWS Full Tower checks in again as our primary case selection again this month, and it remains one of the premium high-end PC cases on the market today. This is one massive PC enclosure, which will probably negate its use as a LAN unit, but it offers a near-perfect match for enthusiast-level gaming systems. This case offers an astounding selection of features, performance, cooling, and internal real estate, and looks like a million bucks. The ThermalTake Armor tower also comes in two different flavors, the VA8000BWS (black) and VA8000SWA (silver), and both offer a superb case design that is tailor-made for true high-end system configurations.
The ThermalTake Armor tower case includes eleven 5.25" and eight 3.5" bays, and supports motherboard sizes from Micro ATX up to Extended ATX. This last part might come in handy if you ever want to move to a multi-CPU/dual socket platform, like some of the Intel XEON and Skulltrail setups. The VA8000BWS also has a very flexible design, and includes innovative features such as relocate-able HDD & FDD drive bays and top-mounted USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 Firewire, audio and speaker ports. ThermalTake has even included the retaining holes and real estate necessary if you want to incorporate a water-cooling system.
It's not all wine and roses, and since this is a full tower, the ThermalTake Armor VA8000BWS is a real beast. It measures 530 x 220 x 560 mm (20.87" x 8.66" x 22.05") and weighs in at a hefty 16.2 kg/35.7 lbs. Its size can also be a positive, and translates into incredible cooling performance, especially with dual 120mm silent fans in front and rear, and 90mm fans in rear and top. ThermalTake has even validated it for fanless operation, including fanless CPU/VGA cooler, fanless PSU and fanless chassis. The unit's size and weight virtually eliminates the ThermalTake Armor VA8000BWS as a LAN option, but for stay-at-home systems, it's a killer solution.
The ThermalTake Armor VA8000BWS hits all the marks except one - portability. For those who desire a more mobile PC, especially for LAN gamers, we recommend a smaller aluminum or aluminum/steel unit. There are many possible options at a similar price range, like the ThermalTake Tsunami (left) and Antec Nine Hundred (middle) mid-tower cases, which check in anywhere from 13 to 18 lbs, and offer a lot of features and performance. The NZXT Tempest (right) also ranks very high on the mid-tower list, although this case is a bit heavier.
High-end cases usually do not ship with a default power supply, and instead allow the buyer some flexibility in choosing a specific model. This is a perfect solution for a high-end system, as there are very few one-size-fits-all power supplies. A few guides back, we upgraded to the Cooler Master 650W Real Power Pro RS-650, and this month we've sticking with the same basic design, but moving a bit higher on the power scale.
We had hoped to move to an 850W unit, but the budget simply wouldn't allow it, so 750W is a nice concession. The Cooler Master 750W Real Power Pro RS-750 does ramp up the price to $150, but with our component list becoming more robust with every update, this is the optimal wattage. It features 80-plus certification and supplies 750W of continuous power, with maximum output capacity of up to 900W. It is ATX12V/EPS12V compliant and supports any AMD or Intel desktop platform, while featuring native support for PCI Express (PCI-E 8 Pin x 2, PCI-E 6 Pin x 2), Serial ATA, a 24-pin motherboard power connector, as well both 4-pin and 8-pin CPU power connectors. It even ships with a 5-year warranty.
For those who feel the need for 750W of power, but may want to save a few bucks, the Corsair TX series is a very nice option. These are excellent power supplies, and the 750W unit features 80-plus certification and a 5-year warranty. All the connectors are there, including 8-pin CPU and PCI Express power cables, and at $130, it stacks up very well against the Cooler Master.
Current Cost: $235
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
In our previous guide, we had a tough choice between the 2.3 GHz Phenom 9600 quad and 3.2 GHz Athlon 64 X2 6400+ dual core processors, but we settled on the Phenom due to its superior multi-threading and unlocked multiplier. Now that AMD has released the updated B3 core and 50-series of Phenom models, the Athlon 64 X2 is not even a consideration, and we've also moved up the charts to the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition.
The Phenom X4 offers a true quad core architecture, complete with 512K of L2 cache per core (2MB per CPU) and 2MB of shared L3 cache. It is a 65nm processor, with an onboard dual 64-bit (128-bit dual channel) memory controller that supports up to DDR2-1066. Now that the much-publicized TLB bug is a thing of the past, we recommend AMD buyers make the Phenom transition, especially as the Black Edition is fully unlocked and the newer Phenom X4 9850 BE offers higher overclocks than the older Phenom 9600 BE. AMD also includes a retail heatsink-fan with this 125W processor, for those that want to save some money.
The upcoming 2.6 GHz Phenom X4 9950 BE is another option (although at a whopping 140W TDP), as it should be appearing on retail shelves soon, and will be priced equivalent to our 9850 BE selection.
Current Cost: $266
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
The last time out, we upgraded to one of the new 45nm Core 2 Duo models, specifically the 3.0 GHz E8400. At the time, supplies were still low, prices were a bit higher and availability of the 3.16 GHz Core 2 Duo E8500 was nonexistent. A lot has changed since then, allowing us to make a slight upgrade to the faster 3.16 GHz processor, and at only a slightly higher price than the E8400 was in our previous guide. The 45nm Wolfdale features 6MB of shared L2 cache, which ramps up performance compared to an older 4MB Conroe, and it's tough to ignore a 3.16 GHz 45nm processor priced at just above $250.
The Core 2 Duo E8400 and E8500 are both excellent values right now, and will supply high-end gaming performance to any system configuration. Quad core would be nice, but as gaming performance is still mostly clock-speed limited (especially when you're comparing similar core designs) the 3.16 GHz Core 2 Duo E8500 on FSB1333 only takes a back seat to the 3.2 GHz Core 2 Extreme QX9770. The 3.0 GHz Core 2 Duo E8400 is almost as fast, but since we had the extra budget, we moved up one level. Overclockers may want to save the cash and select a lower-speed Wolfdale, but for general use, the Core 2 Duo E8500 fits out budget perfectly.
Current Cost: $50
Consecutive Guides: 2
Price Change: $0
Although the Phenom 9850 BE is a "Black Edition", it still ships with a retail cooler, but we'll include a few 3rd-party heatsink-fan recommendations. There are several high-end options at the $50 price level, including the Scythe Infinity (left) and Zalman CNPS9700 NT (right), both of which have proven very popular with Phenom system builders and enthusiasts alike. Feel free to select a cooling solution that fits your own requirements, but these two models are affordable, mid-range cooling options that won't break the bank, and are widely available at most online stores. For those on a strict budget, even the $25 Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro (up to 130W) will do in a pinch.
Current Cost: $50
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
Since we have a bit more money in the budget this month, we can finally afford a 3rd-party heatsink-fan for our Core 2 Duo. These 45nm models are much easier to cool, and even the bundled retail cooler will easily do the job, so it really comes down to personal preference. The Zalman CNPS9500 AT (left) is a popular choice, and fits right in with the $50 budget, but like our AMD selection the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro (right) will do the job for around $25. Feel free to go with a 3rd-party heatsink-fan of your choice, as this can be something you may need to tailor to individual tastes and requirements.
Current Cost: $220
Consecutive Guides: 2
Price Change: -$5
With the move to the Phenom as our AMD processor selection, we upgraded our motherboard to a Socket AM2+, as although Phenom may be backward compatible with AM2, we wanted the newest and most powerful hardware. Going the AM2+ route, and specifically the AMD 790FX chipset, supplies us with enhanced power saving, PCI Express 2.0, HyperTransport 3.0, and a longer upgrade path - more than enough reasons to spend a few extra dollars. The Phenom X4 9850 BE supports the same platform, so there is really no need to change motherboards this month.
Our selection of the ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe motherboard is an easy one, as we use this platform for all Phenom X3/X4 testing and benchmarking, and have experienced no problems at all. Although the price was a bit steep, the low cost of the Phenom X4 made up for it, and easily fit into the budget. This motherboard features the AMD 790FX chipset, and includes four PCI Express graphics slots (PCIe 2.0/1.0) and four memory sockets with support for up to 8GB of DDR2-1066. Other features include support for SATA 3.0 Gb/s, Gigabit LAN, 8-channel audio, IEEE 1394, and SATA RAID, along with CrossFireX multi-GPU technology.
The ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe includes an advanced thermal and power design, including an 8+2 Phase Power Design, which provides independent power to vital components and protects them from potential damage. It features the now-standard ASUS fanless, heat pipe thermal cooling, with chipset heatsinks attached to several heat pipes and heat fins/sinks for maximum thermal protection, without the noise of a cooling fan. ASUS also bundles a Cool Mempipe device, which attaches to the main heatpipe, and then to the memory modules. This is component can be installed by the end user, and ASUS states that memory temperatures can run up to 10 degrees C lower.
Current Cost: $225
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
Although there is no express need to switch motherboards, as the ASUS P5E X38 could easily handle our Core 2 Duo E8500, the emergence of the Intel X48 chipset is reason enough. The only real question is whether to go with DDR2 or DDR3, as the X48 supports both. In the interest of fiscal responsibility, we chose the DDR2 route, as not only is the DDR3 memory itself more expensive, but this premium also translates to the X48 motherboards supporting it. Our selection is the Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4, a motherboard based on the Intel X48 chipset, and one we've really grown to like.
Gigabyte has really been challenging ASUS at the high-end of the motherboard market, and their GA-X48-DS4 is an excellent combination of features and price. The board is powered by the Intel X48 chipset, which provides full support for all 45/65nm Core 2 Duo, Quad and Extreme processors at certified FSB speeds from 800 to 1600 MHz. Gigabyte has upgraded memory support to DDR2-1200, along with standard DDR2-667/800/1066 speeds using both ECC and standard modules.
The GA-X48-DS4 motherboard supplies dual PCIe x16 slots (both x16 in CrossFireX mode) 3 x PCI Express x1, and 2 x PCI expansion slots. Other features include 1 x PATA and 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s (with RAID), along with Gigabit LAN, Realtek ALC889A 8-channel audio, 12 x USB 2.0, and 3 x IEEE 1394a Firewire. It supports Dynamic Energy Saver functionality and includes the Gigabyte Ultra Durable 2 design, with a Quad-Triple Phase power design, ferrite core chokes, lower RDS (on) MOSFETs and lower ESR solid capacitors.
Current Cost: $136
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
For a high-end 32-bit gaming system, 2x1-GB of DDR2-800 is the minimum target, but with both of our platforms supporting at least DDR2-1066, and memory being so inexpensive, we're moving to 2x2GB of DDR2-1066. It's actually quite easy to do right now, and with prices depressed, we're moving another step up to Corsair Dominator memory. The 2x2GB Corsair Dominator TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF kit is an excellent value at only $136, and this will ensure our gaming systems have enough memory for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
The Dominator memory is similar to the standard XMS2-8500C5 TwinX kit we selected in our previous guide, and uses standard 5-5-5-15 timings at 1066 MHz, along with support for lower 667 and 800 MHz speeds. Like other DDR2-1066 modules, these do require a bit more voltage to run at 1066 MHz, and the default is 2.1V. But as with many high-end Corsair modules, the Dominator PC2-8500 modules are set to initialize at JEDEC standard 5-5-5-18 values at 800MHz - then the end user can adjust voltages and clock speeds higher.
The Corsair Dominator TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF dual channel kit features two 2GB sticks of high-speed, low latency PC2-8500/DDR2-1066 memory, which sport an estimated $136 online price. Corsair tests and confirms these Dominator modules for dual-channel compatibility, then immediately packs them up for sale. The Dominator DDR2 modules feature a DHX (Dual-path Heat Xchange) system for increased cooling, and Corsair includes an optional Air Flow fan, which can be used if additional cooling is required. Corsair also offers a full lifetime warranty on their Dominator DDR2 modules.
Current Cost: $210
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
Hard drive prices continue to drop, and in concert with a loosening of the system budget, we are finally able to include one of the newer 1TB models. We selected the Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000340AS 1TB OEM drive, which has now dropped very close to the $200 level. We thought about dual 500GB models in RAID, which would equate to about the same price, but the allure of 1TB was too much, along with the fact that adding a new hard drive is one of the easiest system upgrades you can make.
The Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1TB drive includes a 32MB data cache and 7200-RPM spindle speed, while supporting both SATA 3.0 Gb/sec. and NCQ, and features 8.5 ms average read, and 9.5ms average write, seek times. The Seagate Barracuda features Perpendicular Recording Technology, which increases the storage density of each platter. The Barracuda line is renowned for low noise, performance and quality, and Seagate is confident enough to back their OEM hard drives with an excellent 5-year warranty.
The initial wave of HD-DVD and Blu-ray format drives continue their slow advance, but prices remain extremely high for the R/RW models, so we're sticking with a DVD+/-R/RW drive. Retail prices on these units are also at historical lows, and it's tough to imagine these going any lower. The Samsung SH-S203B is an SATA-based drive, and is a very popular model for new systems. When all the storage drives are SATA, it just simplifies everything from the basic install to system cooling.
This is a low-cost DVD writer that combines the Samsung brand name with ultra-high write speeds for CD and DVD media. The Samsung SH-S203B offers writing speeds of 20X DVD+/-R, 12X DVD+/-R Dual-Layer media, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, and 32X CD-RW. The Samsung drive also has support for DVD-RAM technology, and can read and write it at 12X speeds.
Current Cost: $318
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
Selecting a video card was a tough job this month, as both AMD/ATI and NVIDIA have released new products in our price-performance range. The two main contenders are the Radeon HD 4870 512MB and GeForce GTX 260 896MB, both of which are positioned at the high-end and currently priced at just over $300. Overall, the Radeon HD 4870 512MB offers a bit better price-performance ratio, and when coupled with the prevalence of CrossFireX support on many AMD and Intel platforms, this was more than enough to swing the balance in favor of the ATI card. There are many potential high-end cards out there right now, and for those who might want to save a few bucks, both the Radeon HD 4850 and GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB cards are available for under $200.
The Radeon HD 4870 512MB features a 55nm GPU with 800 Stream processors (compared to 320 for the Radeon HD 3870), 40 texture units and 16 ROPs. Clock speeds are set at 750 MHz for the R700 core, driving the fillrate to higher than even a dual-GPU Radeon HD 3870 X2. The Radeon HD 4870 features 512MB of ultra-fast GDDR5 memory, which quadruples the 900 MHz base clock, and translates that into an insane 3600 MHZ effective clock and 115.2 GB/s of bandwidth. Needless to say, this is a very fast card, and very little can touch it when used in a CrossFireX configuration.
That isn't to say NVIDIA doesn't have an able challenger, as the GeForce GTX 260 896MB is also a very powerful single-card solution. It sports a 65nm core clocked at 576 MHz with 192 Stream processors set at 1242 MHz. The 848MB of GDDR3 memory is clocked at 1998 MHz and features a 448-bit bus, for a whopping 111.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth - not far back from the Radeon HD 4870. Overall, the GeForce GTX 260 896MB is an excellent NVIDIA alternative at this price range, and you really can't go wrong with either card.
Cost: $399
Consecutive Guides: New
Price Change: N/A
The gaming LCD market has been in flux lately, with proponents of the various technologies arguing over terms like "input lag", "response times" and "viewing angle", while fans of both TN and S-PVA/MVA formats offering very compelling arguments. Our selection of the Westinghouse L2410NM 24" LCD was quite a coup, as it featured a MVA panel that was more than adequate for gaming. Unfortunately, availability has dropped off the chart for this display, so we're forced to dip into the LCD waters for a new model.
At this price range, we're looking at a TN panel, and this can actually be a plus due to the incredibly low response times and almost non-existent input lag, two features that hammer PVA/MVA panels hard, and are becoming increasingly important to gamers. You do pay for it with lower viewing angles, which aren't really an issue with a single-user home PC, especially when gaming. The BenQ G2400WD is one of the better sub-$400 gaming 24" panels, as it features a 2ms GTG (gray to gray) response time, a 4000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a plethora of inputs, including HDMI/ DVI/ D-sub and a headphone jack. The standard resolution is 1920x1200 with a 0.27 mm pixel pitch, although the 160°/160° viewing angle is a bit lower than the 178°/178° commonly found on S-PVA panels.
If you can still find it, the Westinghouse L2410NM is a great deal and offers an 8-bit MVA panel with a fast 8ms response times and a 176° horizontal and vertical viewing angle. It offers a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 500 cd/m2 of brightness, along with a wealth of connectivity options. These include HDMI-HDCP, DVI, component, composite, S-Video, and VGA, along with built-in 3-watt speakers, allowing the Westinghouse L2410NM flexibility for HD-DVD/Blu-ray playback and use with various gaming systems.
Please keep in mind that when buying any type or brand of monitor, there is always the chance of receiving a defective unit, so be certain to purchase only from a vendor that offers liberal return and replacement options, especially in their "dead/stuck pixel replacement policy" for new LCDs.
Creative's X-Fi line of soundcards is a real update to previous technologies, and is definitely not an "upgrade" in name only. Creative packages the X-Fi sound chip in several different versions, but the entry-level X-Fi XtremeGamer edition is well suited to our guide. The X-Fi XtremeGamer offers several improvements such as a 109dB signal-to-noise ratio, 7.1-channel surround sound, DTS ES and Dolby Digital decoding, 24-bit, 192 kHz audio support, EAX HD support, as well as the new 24-bit Crystalizer engine, which up samples and enhances all sound to 24-bit.
In addition, the X-Fi provides for gaming, audio creation, and entertainment modes that can be switched on the fly. The price is the real key, as the X-Fi XtremeGamer accommodates all of our audio requirements while remaining within budget, something the other Creative Labs X-Fi cards cannot do.
The X-Fi Fatal1ty series is an attractive option, but it's still a bit pricey, but for those with some extra cash, it might be a worthwhile upgrade. The Fatal1ty Champion/Pro offers all the base features of the XtremeGamer, but also includes 64MB of built-in memory and a front connector port. This onboard X-RAM serves as a sound/FX buffer, and if it is implemented at the software level, may well increase game performance. Some limited support exists in some games, but nothing even approaches an industry standard like EAX. At approximately $150-$175, it is still a very expensive card, and with our budget, remains a luxury.
With a high-end gaming soundcard, a good set of surround sound speakers is a great way to fully immerse yourself in games, movies and music. Choosing the right set of speakers is an important long-term investment, as these will likely stay with you a very long time.
Although the Logitech THX Z-5300e 5.1 speaker set is an extremely good value, low availability has forced us to make a change. This month we're moving to the Logitech G51 5.1 speaker set, which features a total 155 watts RMS power output (4 x 20W satellites, 1 x 19W center, 1 x 56W sub), and a precision control pod (master volume, sub, center and surround level controls, audio/microphone mute, and a headset jack). Two 2-inch laser-tuned drivers power the satellites, while the subwoofer features a down-firing 5.25-inch high-excursion driver. These even feature speaker skins and a mod system for personal customization.
Of course, if you can locate a set for a similar price, the Logitech THX Z-5300e 5.1 speakers offer an exceptional price-performance ratio, and with a total of 280 watts RMS power, these redefine the meaning of "bang for your buck".
Although it has a limited effect on the actual budget, the mouse and keyboard hardware have the potential to make or break an otherwise killer gaming system. This represents the primary user interface (mouse, keyboard, and other controllers), and should always be as transparent as possible and not be a hindrance to performing desktop or gaming tasks. Logitech has us covered again this month, and we're sticking with the Logitech MX Revolution Laser Cordless Mouse.
The Logitech MX Revolution Laser Cordless Mouse is a wireless controller that makes some noted improvements on the G7 Laser design. Logitech bills this as the "World's Most Advanced Mouse", and there is some definite truth in that statement. The aesthetics are almost a complete departure for a Logitech mouse, and the MX Revolution features a heavily-contoured design that molds right around the hand. It features an innovative SmartShift scroll wheel and document quick-flip thumb knob, both of which can be very useful in both gaming and office work. The battery design has also changed with from the G7 Laser, and the MX Revolution goes back to a sealed internal li-ion battery with a 4-stage power meter and recharge base.
The wireless vs. wired debate is a storied one, but we feel it's a more important distinction for the keyboard than the mouse. But for those who prefer a standard wired model, the Logitech G9 Laser Mouse offers a combination of high-end features with precise control. It provides a 3200 dpi laser engine, interchangeable grips, a weight tuning system, adjustable sensitivity, and a MicroGear scroll wheel. This is a serious gaming mouse, and possibly the best wired controller Logitech has ever produced.
Also, make sure you have a proper mousing surface with an optical/laser mouse. Although the sensor improves tracking and the laser engines makes it more seamless, you will still have the best luck on darker non-solid color surfaces, especially checkered or rough patterns, and specialized mouse pads from fUnc, Ratpadz, or Everglide are still a good bet.
The Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard is a departure from conventional designs, but manages to retain the look and feel of a standard unit, while adding a ton of new features to the mix. The GamePanel LCD display is the most visible change, and it allows for adjustable tilt and is backlit for easy viewing. Depending on the software loaded, this can display the time, multimedia settings, and even information about your processor or system. There is also GamePanel support for displaying stats or settings in certain games, like Prey, UT 2004, WoW and others.
In terms of layout and features, the Logitech G15 offers a few extras as well. It includes multimedia keys underneath the LCD panel, and a set of 18 programmable G keys that allow users to assign keystrokes or even macros. This keyboard can be a real geek-fest if you so choose, but one of its coolest feature is rather pedestrian by comparison. The G15 features backlit keys, and it has been so long since we've seen that feature on a high-end keyboard, that it was real awakening. Gaming with the lights turned low and the volume cranked allowed the keyboard to really stand out, and definitely increased the immersion level.
We realize that not everyone will need the features of the Logitech G15, and a great alternative is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. This is a very stylish unit, with its black keys and hand rests accented by grey outer shell. It is also very functional, and offers an excellent combination of performance and durability. Microsoft has also gone back to the black enamel keys with this model, which is a welcome change from the see-through jobbies on other MS keyboards. Overall, this is a great keyboard from Microsoft, and at $35-$45, is less expensive than the G15.
Our AMD and Intel motherboards both feature onboard Gigabit LAN, so there is no reason to purchase a separate PCI LAN controller. The money we save by going the integrated route, can be much better spent on other components. However, it is understandable that some may prefer to use a non-integrated card; in that case, the Intel PRO/1000MT Gigabit adaptor is a fully featured NIC from one of the best names in networking.
Although the NIC will work perfectly for those with standard DSL or cable Internet access, many gamers are still using dial-up Internet accounts. For this, we recommend the US Robotics USB 2.0 USR5633 Faxmodem, a USB 2.0 modem running at 56K v.92 speeds.
The initial transition to Windows Vista is now history, and although there are some niggling issues, Vista is the present and future of PC gaming. We chose to go with Windows Vista Home Premium, as it offers everything that an enthusiast will need, and in some ways, is actually preferable to the more expensive Business version. The next logical step would be the Ultimate Edition, but it remains well out of our budget right now.
The $100 price quoted on Windows Vista Home Premium is for an OEM DVD, as opposed to the full retail version. We assume that this will be purchased this alongside hardware, thereby qualifying for the lower OEM price. We are currently recommending the 32-bit version, but the more robust 64-bit edition is priced the same and is a compelling alternative, especially since we've now moved to 4GB of system memory.
We have not used floppies in years, but some people still feel a need for them. Any name brand floppy drive will do for those emergency BIOS updates and data recovery, and anything more would be just a waste of money.
While not part of our budget for a standard high-end gaming system, we still recommend you buy adequate surge protection for your new PC, or better yet, spend a bit extra (or wait for a sale) and nab a UPS for the added security and peace of mind.
Our newest high-end PC buyer's guide provides an updated look at the available AMD and Intel configurations for July 2008. The big news was the release of the ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB and GeForce GTX 260 896MB cards, both of which can handily smoke the GeForce 8800 GTX we selected the last time out. Our final choice of the Radeon HD 4870 512MB is a sound one, as it's top-of-the-line for a single-GPU card, and both of our platforms support CrossFireX.
The processors also received an update, including a much-needed one on the AMD side, where the B3 core made an appearance with the unlocked Phenom 9850 Black Edition. The shift to the Core 2 Duo E8500 represented only a slight performance increase, but we'll take what we can get. The upgrade to a Gigabyte X48 motherboard is also significant, although we didn't make the full transition to DDR3 memory.
On the memory front, adding 4GB of DDR2-1066 doesn't hurt us on the 32-bit side, but really opens the door to a 64-bit operating system. The full 1TB of hard drive space is a welcome improvement, and we've been waiting to make this upgrade over the last few guides. Other changes, like the BenQ 24" LCD and Logitech G51 speakers, are more cosmetic updates, rather than performance oriented upgrades. Overall, both of these systems look very good, but we'd have to give a slight nod to the Intel configuration for pure gaming speed.
Please note that the prices in our guide do not include shipping costs or taxes. The final system price also reflects a "best case" scenario of finding an online vendor that stocks the majority of internal components, or having access to a number of local computer retailers for system quotes and comparison shopping. Also, throughout the compilation of this guide, we have made every attempt to ensure availability and realistic street pricing of the included components.
