This is a top of the line gaming machine, pure and simple. We gather the best pieces within a $5000 framework and build the best. We’re well below the limit this month, but lots happening next time.
I love AMD and their processors, so I went with their fastest. The AMD64 X2 4800+ is top end AMD CPU, and riding the socket 939.
A switch of motherboard manufacturers again this month as we go with the latest from MSI and the Nvidia Nforce4 SLI chipset. Full support for the 1000 MHz bus of the new 0.13 micron AMD64’s, plus 8 USB 2.0 connectors, Firewire, onboard Serial ATA II RAID and dual integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet adapter.
DDR RAM pricing are somewhat stable for DDR PC3200. 2048 MB should hold Windows XP Media Center 2005 for now, even with excessive multitasking.
Storage is big and beautiful, with two 250 GB 7200 RPM hard drive for storage. Use the onboard RAID if you want to combine or mirror. Two DVD-R+R multi writers give this system all the toys. The writer is the fastest available, and approaching the vanishing point. New this month is the Mitsumi memory card reader and 3.5” floppy combo drive. Everything you need in the same drive space..
Video is all digital with a sweet combination of Nvidia and Dell. Two Geforce 7800GTX video cards in SLI is the speed king. The Dell 24” widescreen gives a crystal clear resolution, and is simply stunning. This LCD is made for game playing. As well an ATI TV tuner is included.
The Creative X-FI Xtreme Music is the lowe end of the X-FI line but delivers what we want: perfect sound. Connected to Logitech’s premium Z-5500 THX 5.1 speakers, this sound system takes no prisoners.
The housing of choice is the new Antec P180 tower case. Very slick design with lockable front and side panels. Loads of room for hard drives and cooling, but without breaking the bank on a “boutique” case. Front mounted USB ports to boot. Best of all it’s designed for quiet operation. Added to it is the Antec NeoHE power supply; quiet and with custom cabling.
Input is handled by Logitech via the Cordless Desktop MX3100; a very nice combination of feature rich keyboard and gaming cordless mouse.
Last but not least is a basic UPS ( uninterruptible power supply ). Nothing like losing power and seeing open files disappear. Don’t run any mission critical PC without a UPS in place.
Windows Media Center Edition 2005 is the star of the show, with full multimedia capabilities via the GUI. Remote and received included. As well take a look at eBabble’s free software bundle.
Pricing from November 2005
| Component | Price $ Cdn |
| AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ | 1036.20 |
| MSI K8N Neo4 SLI Socket 939 Nforce4 Motherboard | 159.50 |
| Micron 1024 MB PC3200 DDR RAM x2 | 268.40 |
| Samsung SP2504C 250 GB SATAII Hard Drive x2 | 290.40 |
| LG GSA4167B 16x16x DVD All Format DVD Writer x2 | 114.40 |
| Mitsumi FA402A Memory Card Reader & 3.5" Floppy Drive | 24.20 |
| MSI NX7800GTX-VT2D256E 7800GTX 256 MB PCI-E x2 | 1293.60 |
| MSI Theater 550Pro PCI TV Tuner Card | 100.10 |
| Dell 2405FPW 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor | 990.00 |
| Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Music PCI Sound Card | 144.10 |
| Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Speakers | 372.90 |
| US Robotics 56K v.92 PCI Modem | 15.40 |
| Antec Performance One P180 Mid Tower Case | 167.20 |
| Antec Neo HE 550 Watt Power Supply | 133.10 |
| Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3100 | 149.60 |
| Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 | 160.60 |
| Microsoft Media Center Remote and Receiver | 45.10 |
| Total Before Tax | 5464.80 |
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