Xbox 360
So you've got your main components for the system, now you need some bling for it, in Part Two of our system builders guide we look at input and output devices.
DVD/HD Drive
Unless you're 'borrowing' your mates' games then to install any on your new system you'll need something to read the discs. With the price of a DVD Writer (to backup any saves, patches or good old fashioned amorous materials like the Sims' nude patch, you sly dogs) being equal or even less, to a standard reader you might as well fit one in. If you're confused about whether DVD+R or DVD-R is better, DVD+R is a newer technology and most drives write faster to these discs but for general data storage whichever is cheaper is best.
£700 system
The LG GH22LP20 is one of a number of drives claiming to be able to write at 22x. The intention is that the burner will write faster than the manufacturer of the discs' stated speed but the possibility of a shattered disc is a deterrent. It only takes five minutes to burn a DVD so just stay safe at 16x. Otherwise the drive is fast, quiet and comes with a copy of Nero, saving you a few quid.
£1400 system
Whilst the High-Def format war is all but over, you can still pick up cheap HD-DVDs which look all but the same as their equivalent Blu-Ray counterparts. Therefore the LG GGC-H20L is a smart choice as it can burn DVDs at 16x but also allows you to watch either HD format. With the price of Blu-Ray media still remaining unfavourable in comparison with standard DVDs, and harddrives offering more options for data storage at an equivalent price, this drive is the best move.
Sound Card
Onboard sound cards have come on in leaps and bounds, so there's no point spending anymore on the mid-range system (you're probably half deaf already with politicians and bankers shouting about the recession). There's only really two companies worth considering for a sound card these days, ASUS and CREATIVE, CREATIVE has been in the market far longer but some bad press over dodgy drivers when Windows Vista was released has turned off many a buyer. Still for gaming they offer the best support as they pioneered most of the software used to create music and fx in leading games.
£1400 system
The Soundblaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, aside from having one of the most buzzword heavy names in the hardware industry, represents the best value for money and quality of sound that you can get. Avoid more expensive iterations carrying pro-gamer Johnathon 'Fatal1ty' Wendel's moniker as the price premium isn't backed up by enough audible difference. Additionally, resist the urge to pick up the cheaper Xtreme Audio cards too as they drain your speed in games.
Monitor
Manufacturers like to use words like crisp, vibrant and true to life in descriptions of Monitors and TVs. The only things you need to watch out for are a low response time/ pixel latency (usually expressed in ms), anything below 8 is fine but it's rare to see any above this anyway. If you are reusing an older monitor and the response time is too high then images will stay on the screen for a few seconds after they are displayed. It's known as 'ghosting' (not to be confused with using spectator mode to cheat with your friends in games, or movies featuring weird ectoplasmic emissions from a certain Mr. Swayze) and it can ruin your enjoyment of games and movies. All other numbers (Contrast Ratio, Viewing Angle, Brightness, etc) want to be high. Finally, don't be scared by manufacturer's 'Dead Pixel Warning' as most retailers will take back screens with odd coloured sections.
£700 system
ACER's V193ABM has a fast 5ms response time which is great for gaming, it's also got speakers which is good if friends come round.
£1400 system
For the average room 22" is plenty big enough, any bigger and you might as well get a TV and use it as a monitor. LG's W2252S is quick, supports High-Def videos and is nicely formed.
Speaker/Headset
The higher the Wattage the better here, be warned though as lots of bass will have the neighbours complaining. Good manufacturers for PCs include CREATIVE, LOGITECH and SONY, however be aware of how big your room is before you get a 7.1 set as they may be impractical to have set up most of the time. Additionally as far as games are concerned, 2.1 sets offer little and it's worth spending a little more on a surround set or headset.
£700 system
The integrated speakers on the monitor are sufficient for when you want to watch a movie but for gaming, the CREATIVE 'Fatal1ty' Headset is very comfy, has a clear microphone and has a long cord. You look like a bit of a prat with some guy's signature on your headset but just claim you asked him to sign it. People with very large ears may find the earpieces a little small and as ever if you wear glasses then headsets will crush your ears so take a break every couple of hours.
£1400 system
CREATIVE's Inspire T6100 Speakers are a 5.1 set and are specifically designed for the X-Fi Sound Cards so gunshots and F-bombs will sound as clear as they should.
Keyboard
£700 system
We all know what to expect in a keyboard, SAITEK's K120 is compact and surprisingly, for a product this cheap, features an adjustable volume wheel which offers more control than buttons, there's also some media keys to open up your browser or games and it's a good value kit.
£1400 system
LOGITECH's G15 is the reigning champ of keyboards, expect to see it as a v2 as the v1 was discontinued, the cherry on this sundae is the inbuilt screen which can be programmed to show how fast a game is running, in FPS, keep track of who you're talking to or a myriad of other options. It's pricey but the best always is.