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Component Selection Considerations - Part 3

Continued from previous page:> Component Selection Considerations (Part 2)

• MONITOR - You are unlikely to notice much difference between similarly-spec'ed monitors of any brand. I choose NEC/Mitsibishi cuz this is a joining of two monitor powerhouses known for producing monitors with excellent image quality.

LCD monitors continue to evolve, while CRTs have pretty much reached maturity. If you do nothing but 3D gaming, you can make the case for purchasing a CRT rather than an LCD, like the model I selected .. because CRT can produce better image quality for gamers. But the difference continues to dwindle.

After using an LCD monitor for a year or two now, I don't think I could go back to CRT, but then again, I don't spend very much time playing 3D games (not that I wouldn't like to).

If you are going to edit video, or use your rig as a workstation, you will get a graphics card that supports dual-monitors (such as the Matrox Parhelia APVe mentioned), and *two* of these monitors. Dual monitors is an excellent way to increase productivity. There is no substiture for desktop real-estate.

• SOUND CARD - Creative manufactures the most popular sound cards. Most of you will go that route. If you have special needs, such as a musician, then you most likely already know which sound card you want, and don't need me to tell you.

I also included the M-Audio Audiophile 24/96. It is a quality sound card designed to do more than your average gaming card. M-Audio was bought by Avid last year. Both are good companies.

I have the CardDeluxe (by Digital Audio Labs) myself, but it is more card than most of you want or need. Sound card quality reviewed and compared here.

• FLOPPY DISK DRIVE - Get *two*. Always good to have one in standby, in case something happens to the drive you're using, such as it becoming dust-loaded or what-not. They are so cheap.

Conclusion

The best thing about building your own rig - other than learning how a computer goes together, and the pride that comes from using one you built yourself - is that they're so easy to upgrade. No need to buy a whole new computer every few years. The big name-brand houses like Dell & Gateway don't make it very easy for you to upgrade your rig. They'd rather you buy a new one.

You won't find this system at Dell. Of course, you can have the boys at GamePC build it for you, but it will cost several hundred dollars more. See for yourself at GamePC or AlienWare. It wouldn't be difficult to spend a lot more.

I don't mind *designing* systems like this one, but I don't like to build them .. because people will call you every time they have a problem or question .. which will invariably be right after you go to sleep. It's best if they take the time to learn how to build it themselves .. which isn't very difficult. I have built system for friends .. long as they promise not to tell their wives how much they spent. =) I've gotten too many calls from irate wives after the credit card bill arrives.

With your car, wise folks advise you not to skimp on tires or brakes, for obvious reasons. When it comes to your PC, you shouldn't skimp on power supplies or memory. Troubles with them are difficult to diagnose, and the difference in cost between bargain-basement stuff and quality components is not very much.

I would also add the monitor to this strategy, since most of your computing experience comes through it. Still, the #1 way to improve your computing experience is to upgrade from a dial-up to broadband connection. It's a no-brainer.

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