Buyer's Guide - Mid-Range, January 2005
by Jarred Walton on January 21, 2005 11:09 AM EST- Posted in
- Guides
Miscellaneous Considerations
That takes care of everything needed for a new computer system other than the mouse, keyboard, and operating system. You also need networking, but unless you're planning to use a WiFi network, the integrated LAN ports available on all motherboards will get the job done. For the keyboard and mouse, we're going to stick with our standard suggestion: get what you like. For a mid-range setup, wireless keyboards and mice are a possibility. You can always pick up a cheap keyboard and mouse, but spending a bit more on something that is comfortable isn't a bad idea. Here are our thoughts, but get what you're most comfortable using.
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Keyboard and Mouse Recommendation:
Microsoft or Logitech Keyboard and Optical Mouse Combo PackPrice: $25 to $29 Shipped
For many people, all you really need is a decent keyboard and mouse. If you don't want to invest a lot of money in these items, go with a Logitech or Microsoft combo pack that will get you both for a reduced price. Either one will work quite well. If you want other options, consider the following upgrades (which we list strictly as alternatives, especially in the case of the mouse, as few people would be willing to spend that much money).
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Keyboard Alternative:
Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard PS/2Price: $29 Shipped (OEM)
If you type a lot - as many of us do - getting an ergonomic keyboard is a really good idea. You may not have any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome right now, but getting old sucks and is unavoidable, and you may find yourself looking back wondering what would have happened if you had switched to an ergonomic keyboard earlier in your life. (Yes, I speak from personal experience. It happened to me and it could happen to you once you turn 30 as well. Better safe than sorry, and now that I've switched to a natural keyboard, using the normal style keyboards definitely increases the discomfort level.) The one issue that is unavoidable with any ergonomic keyboard that we've looked at is a certain amount of time spent retraining your brain. It usually takes a month or so to adapt to the new layout, and difference in the location of such keys as the backslash, home/end/insert/delete, or some other key(s) can be irritating for a while.
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Mouse Alternative:
Logitech MX1000 Laser CordlessPrice: $63 Shipped (Retail)
If you're looking for the latest in mouse technology, this is it. The laser tracking offers improved accuracy relative to optical mice - so says Logitech, as well as many others who have tried this mouse. It's on the large side, so if you have small hands, there are probably better options out there. Having batteries inside the mouse also makes it heavier than corded mice, which some people will dislike. For many people, however, the new laser mouse is a treat to use. The included rechargeable batteries and charging base are typical of Logitech's high-end cordless mice, and a single charge lasts more than a day even under near-constant use. After the initial charge, the "rapid charge" feature can restore full power in about 15 minutes; so even at a LAN party, all you would need is a short break to ensure continued power. In our experience, nearly all cordless mice can have periodic communication issues, so if you're really picky about response times, waiting for a wired version may be something to think about.
SFF Thoughts
We've mentioned the possibility of ditching the large cases and motherboards and going with a small form factor (SFF) case before, and that is definitely an option. We saw a few PCI Express AMD SFFs at CES, but it will be a bit longer before they're available for purchase. We're still working on the SFF roundup that we've been talking about, and we will hopefully see the first article before the end of the month. There are a huge number of options, so for now, we suggest that you look around and try to find one that fits your personal aesthetics.
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JarredWalton - Sunday, January 23, 2005 - link
35 - Damn. Foiled. :) I forget these things over time. Wasn't the original Raptor TCQ and the newer version has something like "TCQ-II" which was supposed to improve on standard TCQ somehow? Anyway, our NCQ article didn't really show a major benefit for desktop use, but I've fixed the error now. Thanks!REMF - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
"On the other hand, if improved performance is what you're after, the best two choices are either one of the 16MB cache Maxtor drives or the 74GB Western Digital Raptor [RTPE: WD740GD] with its 10,000 RPM design - both of these also offer NCQ, in case you were wondering."the Raptor offers Tagged Command Queuing, not Native Command Queuing.
JarredWalton - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
Regarding post #30 and the NEC 3520A, a reader sent me an email informing me that the 3520A uses a new chipset and thus the 3500A is *not* upgradeable to the 3520A via a BIOS flash. Barring any contradicting views, I'll stick with that.JarredWalton - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
31 - our RTPE doesn't currently differentiate between the ST3160023AS and the ST3160827AS, unfortunately. For example, the Newegg listing currently priced at $111.50 + $4.69 shipping is the appropriate NCQ model. In reality, the NCQ doesn't seem to be a big deal for non-server systems (just like RAID), but if it's only a few dollars more why not get it? That was my feeling. There are even a couple listings in the RTPE for the ST3160021AS. Basically, the RTPE bots match items according to size and features, but NCQ doesn't seem to be something they're aware of yet.kamaboko - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
you know the saying, "can't please all of the people all of the time". i think that applies here. in any case, i found this guide useful since i'm looking at a near total ground up rebuild--minus dvd burner, audigy 2zs, and monitor.beakerman - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
"With the added benefit of Native Command Queuing (NCQ), the Seagate drives continue to impress. The Seagate 160 GB SATA [RTPE: ST3160023AS]"According to Seagate, the ST3160023AS does not feature NCQ. I believe the drive you want is the ST3160827AS, which is actually a few $$ cheaper. Both drives are 160 GB SATA.
JarredWalton - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
26 - Sorry, I got the wrong "updated burn speeds" in there. The 3500A is indeed capable of 16X DVD+/-R recording. The difference is that the 3520A can do DVD+RW at 8X and DVD-RW at 6X, while the 3500A is stuck at 4X for both. There's a reasonable chance, of course, that a BIOS flash of the 3500A can turn it into the 3520A. I updated the text with this information.28 - The "alternative" was meant as a closer to high-end option. 50% more for the CPU for 10% more performance is a rather expensive upgrade. The jump to the 3800+ is even worse, coming in at 100% more than the 3500+ for a 9% performance increase. I've updated the text slightly to make this more clear. For overclockers, I definitely wouldn't bother with the added cost of the 3500+.
27 - I did mention the home theater aspect for the speakers (last part of the 5300e paragraph), but we're certainly not going to spec out an entire home audio setup, so there's not much to do other than mention it. Your comment ties into the next point:
29 - 2.1 speakers aren't much cheaper than the 5.1s, and you can always just leave the rear speakers disconnected. Still, you have a point that some people really don't want more speakers. In that case, I'm not sure why they would bother with anything more than 2.0 speakers, though. There *are* great 2.0 and 2.1 speakers out there, but then you're almost better off looking at the home audio equipment instead of PC speakers. I dunno... I suppose the Swans are always an option. Anywat, I modified the text to include 2.0/2.1 speakers and headphones as something to consider, along with home theater audio. I moved this into a separate paragraph to draw more attention to it.
Dranzerk - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
One suggestion for next buyers guide, I think all kinds system setups like 2.1 speaker systems, you should offer a 5.1 and 2.1 for each type instead of just 5.1.I know some personally don't like 5.1 sounding speakers, and prefer 2.1 speakers.
The logitech Z3 2.1 fit that bill perfectly, you can find them for under $50 also, and they get great reviews.
Pjotr - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
I think you are fooling buyers into a wrongful purchase when it comes to performance. In the AMD "Upgraded" PCIe Athlon 64 System you have gone from 3200+ for $215 to 3500+ for $334. The performance increase from 2.0 to 2.2 GHz is smaller than 10 %, in many applications like games it might even be close to 0.Instead of adding $119 for this 0-10 % performance gain, I think sticking with the 3200+ CPU and changing the graphics card from 6600GT to 6800GT (Leadtek A400) is a MUCH better choise, It will cost you £377 minus $190 = $187. If you want to come down close to the $119 difference don't get an SLI motherboard.
This graphics upgrade will make wonders in anything graphics related compared to a 10 % CPU clock speed upgrade that is seldom noticed in anything.
Caligynemania - Saturday, January 22, 2005 - link
Great article, just one comment. With your reccomendation of speakers and sound card as alternatives, you really should mention that a receiver/speaker combination would probably be most people's best bets. A good receiver will run slightly more than the sound cards you mentioned, but the selection for real speakers is infinitely better than computer speakers.