Home Systems April 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=11-154-021&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 $33.99 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=13-131-449">Asus is good</a>. 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 newest 3.06Ghz with 800Mhz FSB will be the speed king until you get it . <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=19-116-156&depa=0">Don't gawk at the price</a>. Intel CPUs usually have good quality heatsinks. $545 at Newegg.</td></tr></table>

<B>Memory</B>:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Two times the memory for the Canterwood. $68 (2x) gets a stick of <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=20-145-059&depa=1">512MB of Crucial memory PC2700</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=0">Get an ATI one, $356</a>.</tr></table>

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

<table><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Home systems require a DVD player and a CDRW for burning stuff. Remember, we look for the best deals around.<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=174229">Fatwallet has it</a>. A 120GB drive and a 48x CDRW for $40, how can you go wrong. Get two (or three) of this deal if you want a great system! Newegg has the <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?description=27-131-112">Lite-On DVD drive for you</a>. It costs $38. You absolutely can't beat this deal.</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><br/><br/>

Intel 3Ghz (800Mhz FSB) $545<br/>
Asus Canterwood $200<br/>
ATI AIW 9700 Pro $356<br/>
Case + 400Watt PSU $33.99<br/>
Crucial 512MB $68 (2x)<br/>
OfficeMax Deal CDrw + 120GB $40 (+tax) (x2)<br/>
Liteon DVD $38<br/>
Logitech Elite Duo $49.99<br/>
z560s $200 (+tax)<br/>
19inch Viewsonic Monitor $229.97 (+tax)<br/>
WinXP Home $93<br/><br/>
Great system, it'll last for a few years.<br/><br/>
Total: ~$1980 After rebates. Great deal.<br/><br/>
We hope you liked our picks for April, stay tuned for the June guides! Please leave us some feedback!