This is our fifth week in updating the System Performance Guide, a tool that allows you to make the most in purchasing new computer equipment, tweaking existing hardware, and adjusting system settings for optimal gameplay.

New/Updated hardware deals

* Western Digital 640GB Hard Drive - $99 w/free shipping
* Foxconn GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 video card - $140 w/free shipping
* Intel Penryn E8400 C2D Processor - $190 w/free shipping

New Stuff/Changes

* Updated 'Tip of the week' archiving and main news post
* Adjusted several prices of products.  MANY products have dropped in price!

Tip of the week

"Not everyone needs a quad-core CPU right now, especially gamers! Looking for the most powerful system build to ensure WOW, or the new Age of Conan game runs smoothly? Don't consider the CPU at too high of a priority. As with most gaming rigs, the GPU is the most important factor. Dual-core CPUs, either AMD's Phenom's or Intel's Penryn C2Ds will do just fine. Quad-core's "may" be useful for MMO and other games in 2009 or beyond... "

As always we are eager to hear from the community suggestions on further enhancing the guide.  Ways you can help out are through finding weekly deals, adding WIKI content in our new hardware articles, and general suggestions for the overall layout of the guide.  Submit suggestions in the forums, e-mail us, or dig right into the accessible WIKI pages in the guide!

This is our fourth week in updating the System Performance Guide, a tool that allows you to make the most in purchasing new computer equipment, tweaking existing hardware, and adjusting system settings for optimal gameplay.

New/Updated hardware deals

* Logitech Cordless MX3200 Laser Mouse - $35 AR w/free shipping (Weekly Deal)
* DIAMOND Viper Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 video card - $99 (Weekly Deal)
* Intel Penryn E8400 C2D Processor - $190 w/free shipping (Weekly Deal)

New Stuff/Changes

* Updated 'Tip of the week' archiving and main news post
* Adjusted several prices of products.  MANY products have dropped in price!

Tip of the week

"When selecting a computer case there are three primary things to consider:

1) How large and heavy do you want it to be? Select a full-tower for space, but select aluminum material if you don't want it to be too heavy!
2) Don't need a power supply? Some cases automatically come with them!
3) Enjoy peace and quiet? Purchase a case with as many 120mm fans as possible."

As always we are eager to hear from the community suggestions on further enhancing the guide.  Ways you can help out are through finding weekly deals, adding WIKI content in our new hardware articles, and general suggestions for the overall layout of the guide.  Submit suggestions in the forums, e-mail us, or dig right into the accessible WIKI pages in the guide!

This is our third week in updating the System Performance Guide, a tool that allows you to make the most in purchasing new computer equipment, tweaking existing hardware, and adjusting system settings for optimal gameplay.

New/Updated features this week

* Released access to WIKI links for community input on individual hardware components
* Updated 'Tip of the week' archiving and main news post
* Adjust several prices for products.  MANY products have dropped in price, check them out!

New/Updated hardware deals

* Logitech Cordless Desktop MX3200 Laser input device - $25 AR w/free shipping (Weekly Deal)
* XFX GeForce 9600GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 video card - $140 (Weekly Deal)
* WD Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB - $110 w/free shipping (Weekly Deal)

Tip of the week

"If you are looking for a more mobile storage solution for a large amount of data, ensure that the external enclosure you purchase supports the form factor of the hard drive you purchase (3.5" vs. 2.5"), as well as the storage capacity limit of the drive itself. Aluminum enclosures are best for heat dissipation and weight. Although firewire is a faster connectivity option, stick with USB 2.0 to ensure you can bring your enclosure over to any friend's house.

Remember that all 3.5" form factor enclosures require external power, but most 2.5" do not. 3.5" hard drives also must be paired with 3.5" enclosures, but it is possible that 2.5" hard drives will fit in specially modified 3.5" enclosures."

As always we are eager to hear from the community suggestions on further enhancing the guide.  Ways you can help out are through finding weekly deals, adding WIKI content in our new hardware articles, and general suggestions for the overall layout of the guide.  Submit suggestions in the forums, e-mail us, or dig right into the accessible WIKI pages in the guide!

This is our second week in updating the System Performance Guide, a tool that allows you to make the most in purchasing new computer equipment, tweaking existing hardware, and adjusting system settings for optimal gameplay.

New/Updated features this week

* Added WIKI links for community input on individual hardware components
* Added WIKI link for 'Tip of the week' archiving
* Added additional purchase locations, including UK sources
* Increased hardware choices for brand preferences

New/Updated hardware deals

* WD 640GB hard drive - $99 w/free shipping (Weekly Deal)
* Acer AL2216Wbd 22" LCD Monitor w/HDCP - $219.99 w/free shipping (Weekly Deal)

Tip of the week

"When purchasing several components for a new computer system ensure that each component is certified to work with the others.  For example, certain motherboards are sensitive to the speed and configuration of inserted memory modules.  Start with matching up the motherboard, memory, and CPU.  The motherboard should also have a slot to accommodate your selected video card.  After selecting your other components, choose an adequate sized case and a PSU powerful enough to power everything.  Our recommendations here are in relative harmony for this."

As always we are eager to hear from the community suggestions on further enhancing the guide.  Ways you can help out are through finding weekly deals, adding WIKI content in our new hardware articles, and general suggestions for the overall layout of the guide.  Submit suggestions in the forums, e-mail us, or dig right into the accessible WIKI pages in the guide!