Pre-AM2 Mid-Range Buyers' Guide, May 2006
by Jarred Walton on May 9, 2006 6:30 AM EST- Posted in
- Guides
Speakers and Accessories
All we're missing now are some speakers, a keyboard, and a mouse. This is one area where you can pretty much get whatever you want, but we will list a couple of recommendations just to complete the price. If you already have speakers, there's probably no reason to buy new speakers unless you really want to. Keyboard and mice are subjective, and while I still prefer Logitech and Microsoft models, just about anything will work. If you like wireless input devices, you can go that route as well, though we would caution against buying any of the cheaper models. Cheap plus wireless often means you will get flaky response from your peripherals, and for most situations I still prefer a wired keyboard and mouse. |
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Speaker Recommendation: Logitech X-530 5.1 70W Speakers
Price: $62 shipped (Retail)
"If it's not broke, don't fix it." I've been recommending Logitech's cheap 5.1 speakers for budget and midrange computers pretty much since I started writing Buyers' Guides. The simple fact of the matter is that they work well, sound decent, and have an impressively low price. No one is going to mistake the X-530 speakers for some Klipsch 5.1 cans, but unless you're an audiophile, you probably don't care. For playing games as well is watching movies and listening to some music, these Logitech speakers will get the job done.
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Keyboard and Mouse: Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047
Price: $32 shipped (Retail)
I like the old Microsoft Natural keyboards, but not everyone likes ergonomic split-key layouts. The Microsoft Comfort Curve strikes something of a middle ground, so if you don't like split-key arrangements, you might like this. There are additional "multimedia" and application buttons along the top of the keyboard that can be somewhat useful, and about the only complaint some people will have is that the keyboard is relatively large. Along with the keyboard you get the standard three button Microsoft optical mouse, and although you don't get any extra buttons it's still a good mouse. Logitech keyboards and mice can often be found for a few dollars less, but since you use the keyboard and mouse to actually interface with the computer, get something that you find comfortable. (Or you could always try speech recognition, right?)
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APKasten - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
Or you could just get this low latency G-Skill RAM that's on sale over at Newegg.com for $45 less. ;)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82...">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82...
JarredWalton - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
Well, I mentioned the $55 MIR on the RAM. If you don't want to deal with MIRs, I suggested several alternatives. :) The G.Skill should work, yes.SexyK - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
Shouldn't that be Core 2 Duo?peternelson - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
"choice of components is also going to be limited - mostly in the motherboard area"So, you expect a limited number of AM2 motherboards? Well there is a choice of several ATI and NVIDIA chips.
As for motherboard manufacturers with AM2 products, I know of (at least): ABIT, Asrock, Asus, Biostar, DFI, ECS, Epox, Foxconn, Gigabyte, MSI.
Many of these have several different boards, not just one, but I will not post all the model numbers for brevity.
I'm just saying I don't think choice of boards will be a big problem there are SLI/non-SLI etc. Single or dual lan etc.
JarredWalton - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
I'm talking about availability at launch. In a few months, the selection should be quite good. At launch, it will be FAR fewer in terms of options than socket 939. That's pretty much a given. Cost is the big question, of couse, and I don't know what AM2 chip or mobo cost is going to be just yet.peternelson - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
Ah yes, that is somewhat down to distribution.
I figured if you can get your hands on AM2 cpus, you can probably find at least one board to put it in from the same shop/channel.
I guess first motherboard makers to market could own the market so they may be falling over themselves to get them out on time. Early launch times like this are premium prices thus one of the most profitable times to be selling boards.
Obviously there are loads of 939 boards but older ones are less desirable now.
For AM2 all will have up to date features.
ChillBoy - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
Yes, I'd be interested in the HTPC guides. As the home is moving more integrated This would be an asset. May I suggest silence, HDCP support, optical media and media server be options explored for the hardware options. Thank you.policy11 - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
I would definitely be interested in an HTPC buyers' guide.CKDragon - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
I'd love to read an Anandtech HTPC guide as well. Hey, I'd settle for just a HTPC case roundup. I know there are other sites that have similar information, but none of them seem to be updated frequently enough for my liking. A solid, professional AT review would be great.CK
kleinwl - Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - link
YES!!!