Our Picks For The Latest In PC Components

In this issue, the CRN Test Center highlights some of the more noteworthy PC components to come through the lab so far this year. While this space is a quickly changing segment of the industry, manufacturers' ability to build components that support both quad- and dual-core hardware platforms has continued to impress us throughout the year. Here is a sample.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
AMD's 780G chipset provides more display choices (including VGA, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort) than any other to come through our test center. It is also AMD's first integrated chipset with a DirectX 10 compliant graphics core. The chipset was reviewed as part of the Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard, and provided a nice mix of performance and options.

SPECIFICATIONS
DirectX 10 support; ATI Hybrid graphics technology (uniquely supported by Microsoft Vista); integrated hi-def video; a nice, low-power design.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
With support for full 1080p, the 780G isn't just for gamers; it is also the perfect s olution for a quiet, energy-efficient media center. Price with board: $85

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Launched in April, the Phenom X3 is built on the same silicon as the X4, except it is a triple-core processor (vs. quad-core). AMD is positioning the new processors as part of the Cartwheel platform, which is its vision of how you can build a more robust computer, with strong integrated graphics, at lower cost. Below quad-core performance, more than dual-core.

SPECIFICATIONS
Tri-Core Phenom (B3 Revision); AM2+ socket; 2.4GHz; 128 KB L1 cache (per core); 512KB L2 cache (per core); 2 MB L3 cache (shared among cores); 95 watts TDP.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
Since it is socket compatible with most AM/AM2 boards, the X3 is a relatively inexpensive upgrade option for customers looking to enter the multicore arena. Price: $195

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Designed as a scaled-down (and less expensive) version of the popular Nine Hundred case, the Antec Three Hundred is roomier than it looks. A midtower chassis, it has space for a standard ATX motherboard and a cable-management compartment to keep things neat with unobstructed airflow. Additionally, there are enough brackets and mounts to design the most powerful system desired.

SPECIFICATIONS
Steel midtower; 8.1 x 18 x 18.3 inches; one 140 mm fan and one 120 mm fan; three external 5.25-inch drive bays; six internal 3.5-inch drive bays; seven expansion slots.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
A standard looking case. Perfect for those who want to build a powerful PC without extras such as side-panel windows and glowing LEDs. Price: $59.99

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Antec's TruePower Quattro 850 (TPQ-850) is an 80PLUS-certified PSU that consumes about 33 percent less energy than many equivalent power supplies with the same output. Four 12V rails increase stability by allowing the distribution of loads and sleeved, modular cables of various configurations allow for a clean installation with better airflow.

SPECIFICATIONS
850 watts; Nvidia SLI-ready certified; four 12V output circuits; 80 mm low noise fan; PCI-E connectors; heavy-duty protection circuitry.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
Silent and stable, the TPQ-850 offers 850 watts of power with the energy efficiency of 80PLUS certification. Price: $249.99

PRODUCT INFORMATION
With a fanless design, Asus' latest energy-efficient motherboard, the P5Q3-Deluxe WiFi-AP @n is covered in copper with heatsinks over all the critical chips and a heat pipe that directs the heat to the back IO ports. The heart of the P5Q3 is the EPU (Energy Processing Unit), which detects current loads and manages power use.

SPECIFICATIONS
LGA775 socket; P45 chipset; 4 x DIMM (DDR3); 5 PCI-E slots; 2 PCI slots; Dual Gigabit LAN controllers; integrated Hi-Def audio; 802.11n wireless.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
With specs appealing to all types of users, the P5Q3-Deluxe has many unique features at a fairly reasonable price. Price: $230

PRODUCT INFORMATION
This high-definition GPU from AMD's ATI division is built on 55nm technology that allows it to run cooler and quieter. Designed for as much as twice the processing performance per watt than earlier chips from AMD, it uses ATI's PowerPlay Technology to dynamically reduce power consumption at idle or low usage.

SPECIFICATIONS
PCI Express 2.0; DVI Dual-Link connector; S-video port; CrossFireX support, among other features.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
A good entry-level card. Its hi-def video and audio support, along with a fanless design, makes this a perfect choice for HTPC systems. Price: $55

PRODUCT INFORMATION
At its release, the P7K500 was billed as the world's most energy-efficient desktop hard drive. Employing a set of power-saving technologies, the P7K500 utilizes just over half of the idle power typically allotted to hard drives in Energy Star-rated PCs. Additionally, the line is offered with both PATA and SATA interfaces.

SPECIFICATIONS
Available in 250 GB, 320 GB, 400 GB and 500 GB capacities; 3 GB/s SATA interface; 8.2 watts draw active (6.8 watts in 250 GB model); 16 MB buffer.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
Hitachi is making a strong play to compete for share in the commercial component segment with the latest entry in the Deskstar line. Price: $55 to $70

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Although a quad-core processor is likely the first choice most customers would go for, a similarly priced, faster dual-core can actually give comparable performance and be more power-efficient. The E8500 is one of Intel's latest 45nm Penryn dual-core processors; the 45nm build process allows the processor to run at faster speeds, cooler, while drawing less power.

SPECIFICATIONS
Core 2 Duo Dual Core CPU; LGA775 socket; 3.16GHz; 6 MB of L2 cache; 1,333MHz Front Side bus; 65 watts TDP.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
Outstanding performance and reduced power consumption, and a strong alternative to wattage-hungry 65nm CPUs. Price: $190

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Enthusiasts now have a board that will let them build a complete yet small and unobtrusive HTPC (Home Theater PC) for a low price. The DG45FC is a mini-ITX motherboard with a Gigabit Ethernet controller, integrated 7.1 high-definition audio and hi-def video. It allows many stylish ways to add a Media Center PC to a home theater.

SPECIFICATIONS
LGA775 socket; G45 chipset; 2 x DIMM (DDR2); 1 PCI-E x1 slot; 6 USB 2.0 ports (plus 4 headers); 5 SATA ports (including 1 eSATA) with RAID support.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
Mini-ITX is probably as close to small as the current generation of motherboards is going to get; this board uses almost every square inch. Price: $140

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Kingston Technology's 4 GB SO-DIMMs (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules) are one of the first available, taking advantage of the recent flurry of notebook computers that can support more than 4 GB memory total. Initially very expensive, prices have been dropping and they are now poised to become commonplace as supporting devices enter the market.

SPECIFICATIONS
4 GB; DDR2-667 200-pin SO-DIMM; unbuffered; 2.2 volts operation; differential clock inputs, operating temperature to 55C.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
With this latest configuration, users will be able to get up to 8 GB in the typical laptop, capable of turning the notebooks into mini workstations. Price: $400

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Billed as "The Airflow King," the Tempest squeezes six fans into its sharp-looking black, steel frame, yet still manages to remain surprisingly quiet. It has pre-drilled cable routing beneath the motherboard tray and mounts the PSU on the bottom of the case. Drives mount into screwless brackets; but to install anything into the 5.25 external bays requires removing the front panel.

SPECIFICATIONS
Steel midtower; 8.3 x 20.5 x 22.1 inches; four 120 mm and two 140 mm fans; three external 5.25-inch drive bays; eight internal 3.5-inch drive bays.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
Planned with gamers in mind, the Tempest is a nice alternative for servers too. NZXT is aggressively trying to make a name for itself in the channel. Price: $99

PRODUCT INFORMATION
As hard drive capacities increase, the power required to run those drives increases as well. And with the current trend of going green, drive manufacturers are acting. Using various techniques and technologies, WD's Caviar Green drives save 4 to 5 watts on average over competitors' drives without taking a hit on performance.

SPECIFICATIONS
Available in 1 TB, 750 GB and 500 GB capacities; 3 GB/s SATA interface; 5.4 watts draw active; 2.8 watts draw idle; 16 MB buffer.

BOTTOM LINE/RATINGS
When multiplied by the number of drives found in a data center or office, less energy draw means less heat and noise. Price: $120-$240