This is our eleventh 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 Guide Feature (Monthly)!: Hardware Review

We also have a new forum member to thank for significant contributions to the new layout put into place today.  Thanks to "swaaye" for advice on hardware purchases for our new column in the guide, "MMOG VALUE COMPONENTS".  You now have another choice in choosing your components.  The value column is for conservative gamers that focus more on MMOGs and price as much as possible.  While both solutions will run most games today, you will find a bit more flexibility and future proofing in the performance column selection.

New/Updated hardware deals

* WD Caviar GP 750GB hard drive - $110 w/FS (weekly deal)
* ATI Asus 4850 video card - $158 w/FS AR (weekly deal)
* Nvidia PALiT NE 9600GT video card - $95 w/FS (weekly deal)

* COOLER MASTER Mid-tower case - $50
* CORSAIR 450watt PSU - $60 AR
* AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ CPU - $66 w/FS
* DFI BloodIron P35 Motherboard - $120
* Acer 22" LCD Monitor - $210 w/FS

New Stuff/Changes

* Split up hardware choices to offer "performance" vs "value" selections
* Introduced a new feature: Hardware Review (monthly)
* Added additional alternative shopping venues
* Added further selection of video cards and AMD/Intel choices
* Updated 'Tip of the week' archiving and main news post
* Adjusted several prices of products.

Tip of the week

"Taking a little bit of extra time to really understand what you need for computer hardware is important, but it can be just important on your wallet when considering how much power that hardware is going to use over the long-run. If you want to save power above all else, "Green" components are often easily identifiable at the stores we reference.

You can also purchase a "Kill A Watt" device from sites like NewEgg, Tigerdirect, or your local hardware store. The device sits between your electrical component you want to test and your power outlet. It will tell you exactly how much each device uses (even if the device is powered off, some will still "bleed" electricity!). "

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 !