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Page 1
<B>Intro</B>:
It's time for more system guides to be released this month. I'm covering the Gaming System Category, and this will show you some nice systems that can be built in your price range. Prices are coming down on computer parts, and this month theres a bunch of great deals out, so check out the gaming guide, and look for Aron's Home System guide in a few days.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>While I was browsing around Newegg I found <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=11-154-021&DEPA=0">this case</a>. It's a Foxconn Super Case w/ a 400 watt power supply and front usb, all for a price of $33.99. It looks pretty good and is cheap so its perfect for our budget system.</td></tr></table>
<B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Since our system is based around the motherboard, we can't totally skimp in this area. I choose the <a href="http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_detail.php?UID=313&MODEL=MS-6566E">MSI 6566E</a>, The board provides onboard sound and USB 2.0, all for a nice price of $72 from Newegg. This should provide a good base for your gaming system.</td></tr></table>
<B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>I decided to go with a Intel P4 for this budget system just for a change.I chose the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,3922">Intel 2.4Ghz P4 w/ 533MHZ FSB</a> CPU. It comes with a stock heatsink and fan for $163. This might seem expensive for a budget system, but theres a great deal on hard drives and cd burners right now, you'll see in a minute.</td></tr></table>
<B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>There are many types of memory and many different speeds. Memory is important for your gaming system, not enough and you'll notice a big drop in performance. <a href="http://www.hotdlz.com/deal/6f156eaca301a8a9c96756fd6ea1352e/">A 512MB stick of PC2100 Crucial memory</a> for only $52 after entering a few coupon codes is a awesome deal. </td></tr></table>
<B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Ah yes, the video card is perhaps THE most important part of a gaming system, so we can't lack in this area. I choose the ATI Radeon 9500 128MB DDR card. This thing should be able to satisfy all current games that are out right now and should be plenty powerful. The price for this one: $155.00 from Newegg.</tr></table>
<B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>For gaming, you really don't need a DVD player, so a CDRW should be good enough for your needs. There happens to be an insane deal out right now for best buy that will allow you to get a 120GB HD as well as a 48x CDRW for an amazing price of 40 dollars after rebates.<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Check out fatwallet for information on this deal.</a> You absolutely can't beat this deal.</td></tr></table>
<B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>While a huge 21" screen would be great for this system, you just can't afford it with the tight budget. However you can settle for a <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=289682&pfp=BROWSE">17"Envision Monitor</a> from compusa for a price of 159.88</td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>
</td><td> 
</td><td>Altec Lansing AVS500w are nice 4.1 speakers on the cheap. Good quality, and the price is right at $35.18 (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. And finally you need a network card to play your games online so just pickup a Dlink DFE-530TX+ from newegg.com for $9.00<td></tr></table>
<B>OS</B>:
Windows XP is the popular OS out right now and it gets the job done.Pick up<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> for another $93 at Newegg.
Since I went over budget most of the time for the February's system guides, I'm gonna do it again. The total comes to $862.87, which is an awesome price. I wanna see Dell build a system with a 2.4Ghz P4, 512 MB DDR memory, Radeon 9500 128MB,120GB HD,48x CDRW, and cordless keyboard and mouse for that price.
<B>Intro</B>:
It's time for more system guides to be released this month. I'm covering the Gaming System Category, and this will show you some nice systems that can be built in your price range. Prices are coming down on computer parts, and this month theres a bunch of great deals out, so check out the gaming guide, and look for Aron's Home System guide in a few days.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>While I was browsing around Newegg I found <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=11-154-021&DEPA=0">this case</a>. It's a Foxconn Super Case w/ a 400 watt power supply and front usb, all for a price of $33.99. It looks pretty good and is cheap so its perfect for our budget system.</td></tr></table><B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Since our system is based around the motherboard, we can't totally skimp in this area. I choose the <a href="http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_detail.php?UID=313&MODEL=MS-6566E">MSI 6566E</a>, The board provides onboard sound and USB 2.0, all for a nice price of $72 from Newegg. This should provide a good base for your gaming system.</td></tr></table><B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>I decided to go with a Intel P4 for this budget system just for a change.I chose the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,3922">Intel 2.4Ghz P4 w/ 533MHZ FSB</a> CPU. It comes with a stock heatsink and fan for $163. This might seem expensive for a budget system, but theres a great deal on hard drives and cd burners right now, you'll see in a minute.</td></tr></table><B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>There are many types of memory and many different speeds. Memory is important for your gaming system, not enough and you'll notice a big drop in performance. <a href="http://www.hotdlz.com/deal/6f156eaca301a8a9c96756fd6ea1352e/">A 512MB stick of PC2100 Crucial memory</a> for only $52 after entering a few coupon codes is a awesome deal. </td></tr></table><B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Ah yes, the video card is perhaps THE most important part of a gaming system, so we can't lack in this area. I choose the ATI Radeon 9500 128MB DDR card. This thing should be able to satisfy all current games that are out right now and should be plenty powerful. The price for this one: $155.00 from Newegg.</tr></table><B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>For gaming, you really don't need a DVD player, so a CDRW should be good enough for your needs. There happens to be an insane deal out right now for best buy that will allow you to get a 120GB HD as well as a 48x CDRW for an amazing price of 40 dollars after rebates.<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Check out fatwallet for information on this deal.</a> You absolutely can't beat this deal.</td></tr></table><B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>While a huge 21" screen would be great for this system, you just can't afford it with the tight budget. However you can settle for a <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=289682&pfp=BROWSE">17"Envision Monitor</a> from compusa for a price of 159.88</td></tr></table><B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td> </td><td>Altec Lansing AVS500w are nice 4.1 speakers on the cheap. Good quality, and the price is right at $35.18 (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. And finally you need a network card to play your games online so just pickup a Dlink DFE-530TX+ from newegg.com for $9.00<td></tr></table><B>OS</B>:
Windows XP is the popular OS out right now and it gets the job done.Pick up<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> for another $93 at Newegg.
Since I went over budget most of the time for the February's system guides, I'm gonna do it again. The total comes to $862.87, which is an awesome price. I wanna see Dell build a system with a 2.4Ghz P4, 512 MB DDR memory, Radeon 9500 128MB,120GB HD,48x CDRW, and cordless keyboard and mouse for that price.
Page 2
<B>Midrange</B>:
For the midrange system, we've got basically a $1200 or lower budget, so let's pick and choose parts from the budget system to upgrade. The things that come to mind are Processor and Video Card, and the input devices. We'll see what we can do with another $400.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>Lets upgrade the case to a nice <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=11-129-126">Antec Lanboy case</a>. Antec makes quality products and it comes with a 350W powersupply and a window for a price of $89.99.</td></tr></table>
<B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>I choose the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=13-121-177">Intel D845PESVL </a>, The board provides LAN and sound, all for a nice price of $102. This board is good for our midrange system and isn't too expensive.</td></tr></table>
<B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>Since we want a bit more speed, a <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=19-116-147">P4 2.8Ghz 533Mhz FSB</a> is a great choice. It comes with a heatsink and fan for $319. </td></tr></table>
<B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>I'm gonna take advantage of that great deal from Crucial that we used for the budget system.<a href="http://www.hotdlz.com/deal/6f156eaca301a8a9c96756fd6ea1352e/">512MB PC2100 DDR memory</a>. The cost is only $52 straight from crucial.</td></tr></table>
<B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>So I was gonna try and go with the Radeon 9700 Pro, but I just couldn't work it in at this price level, but we'll change our Radeon 9500 to a <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=manufactory&catalog=48&manufactory=1126&description=&page=2">9500 Pro 128MB version.</a> This costs $205 from Newegg.</td></tr></table>
<B>Optical & MagneticStorage</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>I'm gonna take advantage of the same deal I used for the budget system from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Office Max</a>. When your on a budget you just can't pass up 120GB HD, and 48x CDRW for $40. That's plenty of storage for your games, and the cd burner wil let you make copies of your games.(Legal copies of course).</td></tr></table>
<B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>Since we have a bigger budget, we'll upgrade the screen to a <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=298235&pfp=BROWSE">Envision 19" EN-985e CRT
</a> You can get it from CompUSA for $219.99.</td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td>We'll keep the same Logitech Wireless Elite Duo for $50 and go up to a 5.1 speaker system with the<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=36-121-104&DEPA=1">Logitech Z640</a> for $67.<td></tr></table>
<B>OS</B>:
Windows XP is the popular OS out right now and it gets the job done.Pick up<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> for another $93 at Newegg.
That brings the total for our Mid-Range system to $1235.99. We upgraded the processor, graphics card, got some more monitor real estate, and got better sound for your games, now on to the High-End System.
<B>Midrange</B>:
For the midrange system, we've got basically a $1200 or lower budget, so let's pick and choose parts from the budget system to upgrade. The things that come to mind are Processor and Video Card, and the input devices. We'll see what we can do with another $400.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Lets upgrade the case to a nice <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=11-129-126">Antec Lanboy case</a>. Antec makes quality products and it comes with a 350W powersupply and a window for a price of $89.99.</td></tr></table><B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>I choose the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=13-121-177">Intel D845PESVL </a>, The board provides LAN and sound, all for a nice price of $102. This board is good for our midrange system and isn't too expensive.</td></tr></table><B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Since we want a bit more speed, a <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=19-116-147">P4 2.8Ghz 533Mhz FSB</a> is a great choice. It comes with a heatsink and fan for $319. </td></tr></table><B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>I'm gonna take advantage of that great deal from Crucial that we used for the budget system.<a href="http://www.hotdlz.com/deal/6f156eaca301a8a9c96756fd6ea1352e/">512MB PC2100 DDR memory</a>. The cost is only $52 straight from crucial.</td></tr></table><B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>So I was gonna try and go with the Radeon 9700 Pro, but I just couldn't work it in at this price level, but we'll change our Radeon 9500 to a <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=manufactory&catalog=48&manufactory=1126&description=&page=2">9500 Pro 128MB version.</a> This costs $205 from Newegg.</td></tr></table><B>Optical & MagneticStorage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>I'm gonna take advantage of the same deal I used for the budget system from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Office Max</a>. When your on a budget you just can't pass up 120GB HD, and 48x CDRW for $40. That's plenty of storage for your games, and the cd burner wil let you make copies of your games.(Legal copies of course).</td></tr></table><B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Since we have a bigger budget, we'll upgrade the screen to a <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=298235&pfp=BROWSE">Envision 19" EN-985e CRT</a> You can get it from CompUSA for $219.99.</td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td> </td><td>We'll keep the same Logitech Wireless Elite Duo for $50 and go up to a 5.1 speaker system with the<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=36-121-104&DEPA=1">Logitech Z640</a> for $67.<td></tr></table><B>OS</B>:
Windows XP is the popular OS out right now and it gets the job done.Pick up<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=37-102-014&DEPA=6">Windows XP Home</a> for another $93 at Newegg.
That brings the total for our Mid-Range system to $1235.99. We upgraded the processor, graphics card, got some more monitor real estate, and got better sound for your games, now on to the High-End System.
Page 3
<B>High End</B>:
We are going all out on this one, we've got another $800 to blow, That pretty much means better everything.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>For the high end, we have a very nice and moderately expensive case. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-129-115&depa=1">This case</a>. It is a ANTEC Performance PLUS Model PLUS1080AMG- with Antec Original TRUE 430W P4 Power Supply ATX12V Retail . Once again, it is $130.99 shipped with a PSU.</td></tr></table>
<B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>For a very high end board, I'm picking the Asus P4C800<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=13-131-449">Asus P4C800</a>. This thing has everything you ever wanted in a motherboard, with a price to match. $229.99</td></tr></table>
<B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>Huge Budget=Best Stuff on the Market. Which means we gotta get the newest P4 3Ghz w/800Mhz FSB<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,4720"> P4 3Ghz w/800Mhz FSB</a>. Sure it's insanely priced at $530, but you have an unlimited budget, so why not treat yourself.</td></tr></table>
<B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>We want dual memory for this system. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=20-146-530">We'll use 2x 256MB sticks of PC3200 Crucial memory</a>. The cost is only $62.00 x2, and will go nicely in the dual ddr motherboard.</td></tr></table>
<B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>Since we are doing a High End system you need the best video card out on the market. The <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=1"> ATI Radeon 9800 Pro.</a> This is the best card out on the market right now and for a price of $425.00 it better be.</td></tr></table>
<B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>
</td><td>I'm gonna take advantage of the same deal I used for the other systems from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Office Max</a>. This deal is awesome, you can't pass up the 120GB HD, and 48x CDRW for $40. That's plenty of storage for your games, and the cd burner wil let you make copies of your games.(Legal copies of course).</td></tr></table>
<B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td>I'm gonna go with a NEC 19" Flat screen monitor, its a nice monitor and will get the job done.<a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product%5Fcode=50123522&csearch=&cmid=&pfp=srch1">This NEC Accusync 95F 19inch</a> is perfect for a home system. NEC has great quality monitors. You can pick this up at CompUSA for $231.51. </td></tr></table>
<B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td>Let's up the speakers to the next level, we'll go with the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=36-119-103">Klipsch 5.1 Speakers</a>, the best of the best for $358. We'll go with a cordless <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=26-104-128">Logitech MX Duo</a> mouse and keyboard combo for a price of $85</td></tr></table>
<B>OS</B>:
Again, Windows XP Home is the OS of choice, it's compatible with all the current games, and you shouldn't have any problems running your apps on it. Get <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=37-102-014&depa=0">Windows XP Home</a> for another $92 at Newegg.
And the total is...........$2246.49 for a totally kick ass gaming system, sure it will be outdated in a week or so, but for that one week you can say you have the best of the best.
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide, please leave us some feedback!
<B>High End</B>:
We are going all out on this one, we've got another $800 to blow, That pretty much means better everything.
<B>Case</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>For the high end, we have a very nice and moderately expensive case. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=11-129-115&depa=1">This case</a>. It is a ANTEC Performance PLUS Model PLUS1080AMG- with Antec Original TRUE 430W P4 Power Supply ATX12V Retail . Once again, it is $130.99 shipped with a PSU.</td></tr></table><B>Motherboard</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>For a very high end board, I'm picking the Asus P4C800<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=13-131-449">Asus P4C800</a>. This thing has everything you ever wanted in a motherboard, with a price to match. $229.99</td></tr></table><B>CPU</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Huge Budget=Best Stuff on the Market. Which means we gotta get the newest P4 3Ghz w/800Mhz FSB<a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=4186,4720"> P4 3Ghz w/800Mhz FSB</a>. Sure it's insanely priced at $530, but you have an unlimited budget, so why not treat yourself.</td></tr></table><B>Memory</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>We want dual memory for this system. <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=20-146-530">We'll use 2x 256MB sticks of PC3200 Crucial memory</a>. The cost is only $62.00 x2, and will go nicely in the dual ddr motherboard.</td></tr></table><B>Video Card</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>Since we are doing a High End system you need the best video card out on the market. The <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=1"> ATI Radeon 9800 Pro.</a> This is the best card out on the market right now and for a price of $425.00 it better be.</td></tr></table><B>Optical & Magnetic Storage</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td>I'm gonna take advantage of the same deal I used for the other systems from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Office Max</a>. This deal is awesome, you can't pass up the 120GB HD, and 48x CDRW for $40. That's plenty of storage for your games, and the cd burner wil let you make copies of your games.(Legal copies of course).</td></tr></table><B>Monitor</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>I'm gonna go with a NEC 19" Flat screen monitor, its a nice monitor and will get the job done.<a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product%5Fcode=50123522&csearch=&cmid=&pfp=srch1">This NEC Accusync 95F 19inch</a> is perfect for a home system. NEC has great quality monitors. You can pick this up at CompUSA for $231.51. </td></tr></table><B>Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers</B>:
<table><tr><td>
</td><td></td><td> </td><td>Let's up the speakers to the next level, we'll go with the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=36-119-103">Klipsch 5.1 Speakers</a>, the best of the best for $358. We'll go with a cordless <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=26-104-128">Logitech MX Duo</a> mouse and keyboard combo for a price of $85</td></tr></table><B>OS</B>:
Again, Windows XP Home is the OS of choice, it's compatible with all the current games, and you shouldn't have any problems running your apps on it. Get <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=37-102-014&depa=0">Windows XP Home</a> for another $92 at Newegg.
And the total is...........$2246.49 for a totally kick ass gaming system, sure it will be outdated in a week or so, but for that one week you can say you have the best of the best.
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide, please leave us some feedback!