If you have a bigger budget, consider the
respected Samsung 840 PRO range; ideally, in a size larger than the 128GB
($137.71) base model to allow for the installation and faster operation of more
software. The higher price nets you an SSD that beats the M500 across the
crucial read/ write speed comparisons.
Dubbed the new Samsung SSD 840 Family
Still not fast enough? Forego the SATA
bottlenecks of 2.5-inch SSDs and opt for a PCI express (PCIE) drive. OCZ offers
comparatively moderate pricing for the speedy category in its Revodrive 3 range
of SSDs. Bear in mind that SSDs offer little-to-negligible real-time
performance once the game has fully loaded, which means you’re investing quite
a chunk of coin in a relatively small edge that’s relevant to only certain
games which don’t have start-of-round timers.
Sound Advice
Nowadays, it’s a little easier to cheat
and circumvent the ‘need’ for a peripheral sound device, thanks to often
impressive on-board sound that’s part and parcel with mid-to-high-end
motherboards. You may already have access to sound potential you’re not
currently using. Furthermore, USB audio devices such as surround-sound
headphones and less-common (and pricy) external digital-to-analogue (DAC) can
be purchased to avoid the installation of internal sound cards which may cause
analogue interference.
The trick to remember is your sound
quality is ultimately controlled by your output device. Series such as
Battlefield which boast award-winning sound design can only be experienced in
their full glory—along with the subsequent access to a competitive edge—if you
have the appropriate equipment. ASUS offers a range of internal sound card
options, including the affordable Xonar DG ($28.60) to the more expensive Xonar
Essence ST ($75.02), for players who want to keep the superior sound potential
of a sound card tucked away. For those that want an external option for easy
access, the price jumps again for the hybrid DAC/USB sound card ASUS Xonar
Essence One ($166.74), or pricier again with the versatile and full-bodied
audio of Arcam’s irDAC ($649). Bear in mind you’d mainly buy these to take
advantage of digital (optical) sound output to a set of surround-sound speakers
or studio-quality headphones.
The Essence is shielded to minimize
interference from other PC components
Surround Speakers
If money isn’t a restriction and you have
the space for a proper setup, consider investing in a proper 5.1 or, better
yet, 7.1 speaker home theatre system, and connect it to your internal or
external sound card. The objective with any surround-sound speaker
configuration is to put yourself at the centre of the sound to ensure you can
take advantage of the soundscape that comes from in front of you, behind you
and to your side. Space is a big concern for ensuring you’re in the centre of
the sound.
Surround Headphones
There’s no real need to go down this
expensive path, though; especially considering the impressive performance of
cable-connected and wireless headsets. The key is to opt for a 7.1 Dolby-certified
headset, with USB-cable models cheaper than their wireless counterparts. It’s
worth noting the USB cable can prove to be a pain if not positioned correctly,
and can easily get in the way of your hands. Wireless solutions such as the
Turtle Beach Z300 ($218) are a comparatively affordable starting point, whose
biggest selling point is 7.1 channel Dolby surround sound via 50mm internal
speakers. If you’re willing to invest more in your sound, the multiplatform
Astro A50 ($299.99) wireless gaming headset boast incredible 5.1 and 7.1 sound
quality.
The impressive performance of
cable-connected and wireless headsets
The purpose of investing in 7.1 headphones
is simple: accurate sound identification. This is particularly essential in
shooters (mainstream options such as Ghosts, or hardcore titles such as Arma 3)
which, coupled with thorough map knowledge, can offer an identifiable
competitive edge by allowing you to accurately track the movements of enemy
combatants or incoming threats before you’ve even seen them.
