ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

The Tyan Trinity 510 Motherboard allows the computer hobbyist to construct a computer with the most advanced features to date. The 510 is like a painter's canvas that has no boundaries. It supports the Intel Pentium 4 Processor, one of the most powerful and trusted processors of contemporary computing. Next to the processor socket sits support for 2 GB of DDR memory. The 510 includes 5 PCI slots, 1 AGP slot, 2 USB ports, and the ATX form-factor to ensure just the right fit.
 
WHY TYAN?

First off, the features on the Trinity swept me off my feet, but there are probably dozens of other motherboards out there with the same features, maybe even more features. But I chose to stick with Tyan because it is a trusted name in computer development. Also, the price was very reasonable. In comparison, the next runner-up was Intel, but I couldn't seem to find a similar package with performance, features, and price bundled into one.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

The Intel Pentium 4 Processor is designed to handle all the tasks that today's computer is expected to perform. Such tasks include 3D gaming, digital music, and digital imaging and video. Plus, 2 whole gigahertz is just plain mind-boggling.
 
WHY INTEL?

While I didn't look to Intel to supply me with a motherboard, Intel was my first choice when it came to selecting a processor. The main competitor with Intel is AMD, but I chose Intel because it provided a processor with more speed for less price. In addition, over the years that I have been working with computers, I have found Intel to be more reliable and easier to work with than AMD.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

I chose DDR memory for its speed. DDR stands for Double Data Rate. DDR memory is based on SDRAM technology, and offers a good cost-performance ratio.
 
WHY BCD?

With such a variety of RAM types and manufacturers out there, deciding which kind of memory I wanted to buy was not an easy task. I chose BCD for two reasons: (1) Its low cost over similar setups from Radio Shack and Crucial Technology, and (2) BCD's lifetime warranty.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

The Barracuda ATA IV can hold 80 GB of data and spin it at a speed of 7200 RPMs. It features a SoftSonic motor, making it the quietest 7200 RPM drive on the market, according to Seagate.
 
WHY SEAGATE?

When it came to personal preference, the decision was a tossup between Western Digital and Seagate because of the exceptional quality of both. In the end, I chose Seagate because it was around $100 cheaper than a similar Western Digital model.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This multi-purpose compact disc drive can read CDs at 40x, write CD-Rs at 24x, and write CD-RWs at 10x. You can use this drive as a fully functioning CD-ROM, and you can create data discs and audio CDs.
 
WHY SONY?

There are many small CD-ROM manufacturers, such as Afreey, Optics Storage, and CyberDrive, but Sony is known for its exceptional quality and reasonable price. I chose Sony over Creative, another high-quality brand, because of the greater speed in Sony's similar drive.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This drive can read DVD-ROM/Video, DVD-R and DVD-RW formats at 16x, and can read CDs at 48x. It also includes DVD software.
 
WHY ACER?

This drive was about $10 more expensive than 16x\40x drives from I/OMagic and Pine Technology, but I chose Acer for its popularity and slightly faster CD reading speed.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This device fits in any 3.5" bay, and reads 3.5" floppy disks.
 
WHY MITSUMI?

The Mitsumi model is about $10 cheaper than a similar ALPS drive.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This cable does it all. It hooks two floppy drives (3.5" or 5.25") to any AT-style or PS/2 floppy controller.
 
WHY AESP?

During my research, I found that two major floppy cable brands, Belkin and Aesp (from Radio Shack's website) did not vary too much in quality. However, I chose Radio Shack's brand, Aesp, because I have conducted more business with Radio Shack than I have with Insight.com, the store where I found the Belkin cable.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This cable connects 2 ATA 66 IDE drives to a controller, and is backward compatible with ATA 33 drives.
 
WHY AESP?

During my research, I found that two major IDE cable brands, Belkin and Aesp (from Radio Shack's website) did not vary too much in quality. However, I chose Radio Shack's brand, Aesp, because I have conducted more business with Radio Shack than I have with Insight.com, the store where I found the Belkin cable.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

ATI didn't leave out much when they created the All-In-Wonder Radeon. This graphics card features the tidal-waving Radeon 8500 GPU, 64 MB of DDR Memory, and a stereo TV-tuner. It includes a remote control, Dolby® AC-3 digital audio output, easy digital and analog video editing, and industry leading DVD playback. The Radeon also features jaw-dropping 3D gaming capabilities with ATI’s SMARTSHADER, SMOOTHVISION, and TRUFORM technologies. The card fits into an AGP slot, a slot made especially for graphics cards.
 
WHY ATI?

I chose this product because it is one of the few graphics cards on the market that has a TV-tuner and a GPU as powerful as the Radeon 8500 all in one bundle. The ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon 8500DV is slightly weaker than other graphics cards such as the GeForce 4, but this card supports TV functionality while boasting an explosive charge of graphics power.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

What can I say? Total audio performance. It features 24-bit multi-channel audio output, and is great for gaming and digital entertainment. This package includes the Auidgy Drive, a front panel of audio connectors for several different audio devices. The Audigy also offers digital video camcorder support.
 
WHY SOUND BLASTER?

When I think of a sound card, I immediately refer to the Creative Sound Blaster. The Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum was one of the most expensive products from the pool of sound cards on the market, including Philips and Turtle Beach, but I chose Sound Blaster because of its exceptional quality and interesting add-ons, such as the Audigy Drive.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

The Modem Blaster V.92 offers speeds up to twice the speed of V.90 modems, and has many interesting features, including V.44 Compression, Quick Connect, and Modem-on-hold. It offers voice support and is Internet upgradable.
 
WHY CREATIVE?

The Modem Blaster costs a few more dollars than similar modems from Jaton and ECS AMR, but I was willing to put forth the extra cash for a brand name that I know well.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

The Tyan Trinity 510 Motherboard I purchased comes with only 2 USB ports, and that's just not enough. This card adds two more USB ports to PC-CTOS.
 
WHY BELKIN?

Belkin is a trusted name in computer accessories. This card was also about $10 cheaper than a similar Dolphin model from Radio Shack.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This case is designed with the Intel Pentium 4 Processor in mind. It provides excellent cooling and ventilation. The case offers three 5.25" external drive bays, two 3.5" external drive bays, and one 3.5" internal drive bay. It fits the ATX form-factor, and comes with a 300W power supply.
 
WHY APEX?

This case costs much less than similar CasEdge and InWin models.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This monitor can display a resolution of up to 1600x1200 pixels over a 19" screen. It features 0.25mm dot pitch and an e-DVD function.
 
WHY MAG?

This monitor was drastically less expensive than similar NEC models.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

These speakers possess the ability to add Dolby 5.1 home-theater quality audio to your computer. When used with the Sound Blaster Auidgy, these speakers can produce 6 clear channels of audio. This speaker setup is a powerful accessory for the powerful Sound Blaster Audigy, which PC-CTOS also uses.
 
WHY CREATIVE?

This speaker setup costs more than speakers from Altec or Labtec, but the Sound Blaster Audigy compatibility options make Inspire a must-have.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Microsoft Natural Keyboards feature an ergonomic design that enhances comfort when one uses a computer for prolonged period of time. This particular model is both USB and PS/2 compatible.
 
WHY MICROSOFT?

The ergonomic design of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite makes it more expensive than standard keyboards made by Belkin and IBM, but a safe computer setup is more important than an inexpensive computer setup.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

This mouse features PS/2 compatibility, 2 buttons, and a scroll wheel.
 
WHY MICROSOFT?

This mouse is probably the second most basic mouse Microsoft makes, next to the Basic Mouse. Because of the Wheel Mouse 1.0's simple design, it is cheaper than more elaborate models made by Microsoft and Logitech.
 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Microsoft Windows XP is the newest version of Windows on the market. Its easy-to-use interface lets you use tools that put the digital world right at your fingertips.
 
WHY WINDOWS?

Microsoft Windows is more popular than Apple MacOS, so there is more software and there are more options for computers equipped with Windows.