Specification for a LAN party computer
What is a LAN party?
LAN stands for Local Area Network. A LAN party is when a group of gamers get together to play games over a network. They might meet up at a friends house or in an internet café. Popular games to play over a LAN are DOOM and Counterstrike. A LAN party gamers computer will be of similar super-high spec to that of a keen gamer, but tuned towards portability and high network performance.
LAN party computer case.
A LAN party computer would need to be easily transportable so built in a SFF (Small Form Factor) or mini-ATX case, possibly with a handle for easy transport. Many gamers like to build a custom computer using a barebones kit (see Shuttle for examples) – further customizations to the case can include neon lights and see-through panels –these look cool in a darkened room, and can be useful for creating ambient light. Laptops are still mainly ignored by gamers as only the very expensive have competitive graphics and they aren’t easily upgradeable with standard size components like mini-ATX based computers.
For SFF cases we recommend the Shuttle SK83G (B0002X6L8A) for the AMD side and Shuttle SB61G2V3 (B0002XDPDE) for the Intel side. Both of these cases are constructed of aluminum, meaning they will dissipate heat more efficiently than cases made of metal, and in cases this small, you need all the thermal help you can get. Both of these cases are bundled with capable motherboards as well meaning you won’t give up any game performance. The SK83G can support AMD 64bit processors and the SB61G2V3 can support Intel Prescott processors up to 3.2GHz, both of which are on the high end. These motherboards also have 8x AGP slots for video cards that can handle today’s games and more. They also have 6 channel audio for you to enjoy those frag sessions.
LAN Party Processor (CPU)
For the processor, since this is a gaming rig, you’ll definitely want to pick up the new chips from Intel and AMD. For Intel, you’ll want to get a Prescott chip at 3.2 GHz (B000184BLU). Benefits of this new processor includes a 1MB L2 cache and support for SSE3. For AMD, you’ll want to pick up a chip from their Athlon 64 line. The best value in this series is the 3500+ (B0006UEV7W) which offers cutting edge 64-bit performance and is comparable to a similar Intel 3.6GHz Pentium 4.
Processor Cooler
The small space you have to work with in our SFF case will limit the choices we have for processor coolers. The stock processor coolers that come with retail boxed processors will do the job just fine for keeping your CPU nice and cool. It’s when you want to over-clock your processor or quiet your computer you’ll have to start looking at third party CPU coolers.
One in particular that does a fine job of both is the Zalman CNPS7700-Cu cooler (B0006VHVK0). Its unique design allows both maximum heat dissipation and minimum noise. The fan speed is adjustable which allows for maximum cooling during intense firefights and minimum noise while watching a DVD.
LAN party Memory (RAM)
You’ll want to have at least 1 GB of RAM for the machine. You don’t want to be loading the map while your other friends are playing because you don’t have enough memory to load the game into memory.
Since both the Intel and AMD motherboards we picked have support for dual channel DDR pick up 2 matching sticks of 512MB for it. Why 2 sticks? Dual channel needs each stick of RAM to be in separate channels to maximize the throughput. Corsair has some of the highest quality memory you can get for your money. They offer solid performance both on stock and overclocked settings. For DDR memory Corsair Value Select PC3200 DDR memory (B000234UPQ) provides the best bang for you buck and also comes in two sticks of 512MB.
LAN party computer monitor/screen.
LAN gamers dual requirements for fast graphics response and easy portability (and also the cool look) means a fast response rate LCD flat panel computer monitor (display). Traditionally gamers have shunned LCD screens as they have had slow response times as compared to CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors which results in ghosting of images in fast moving games, but not anymore. You can even buy a LCD with carry handle and bag especially good for the portable user! No more carrying 50 pound CRTs up and down stairs to your friend’s place.
We recommend the ViewSonic VP171B-2 17” (B0006ZM4W6) for the LCD monitor. It supports a native resolution of 1280x1026 and 8ms response time. Unlike other LCDs which have around a 20-25 ms response time, the 8ms response time eliminates any ghosting.
LAN party computer sounds
Many gamers will tell you that they use headphones for a more immersive experience and LAN partygoers are no exception – especially as there may be hundreds of people in the same room! You couldn’t have them all with a seven speaker sound setup! Good quality headphones are a must.
That is why we recommend the Sennheiser HD-212 headphones (B000065BPA). Sennheisers are known for their audio superiority, with these stereo headphones you will be able to hear every gun shot and every foot step. Also, since these are closed headphones you won’t bother anyone else in the party room. The accuracy of these “cans” will have you pinpointing your enemies location.
Video Card
The video card is the major limiting factor in whether you’ll be able to play your games at the max or min detail settings. Although you don’t need the latest card to play today’s games, you’ll want to buy something that will play tomorrow’s games.
You would want to get the ATI X800 XT video card (B00064BSFQ). This card will take advantage of the fast 8x AGP slot on your motherboard and will play all of the today’s games on the highest detail settings and will perform equally as well for future games. With this card it will be that much easier to get a head shot or see the beautiful scenery in your games - you will definitely appreciate the level of realism.
LAN party computer networking
The most important hardware at the LAN party is the LAN! Specifically players want their computers to have the fastest connection available so they can respond fast in games. Any lag on the network and you will get fragged pretty quick! You will want at least a 100Mbps network card – preferably a Gigabit 1000Mbps network card if your LAN supports it.
You can definitely use the onboard LAN on your motherboard. Actually, since we have chosen a SFF case, you don’t have much room to include add-on cards and by using the onboard LAN we’ll get good performance while saving a slot for other cards.
Hard Drive
One of the major innovations in hard drives lately is having a big buffer. This translates to faster load times in games and programs. Pick a hard drive that has at least an 8 MB buffer and 160 GB capacity. Having more space allows you to install games completely which allows them to run entirely off your computer. This is a good thing in that the game will run faster and you don’t have to listen to the whine of your CD drive. Also having all the games installed on your computer will let you have all of them at your fingertips when your friends want to switch games.
Optical Drive
You should definitely get an optical drive that has DVD and CD burning capabilities. The Pioneer DVR-A09XL (B0007M60ZK) is a great choice here. It burns double layer DVD+R at 6x speed, single layer DVD+R and DVD-R at 16x speed and CD-R at 40x speed. With those blazing speeds, you can enjoy your creations that much faster. This drive has proven its quality and reliability, and is also known not to be picky about media.
Floppy Drive
Though less and less people are using floppies, in the rare occasion you do need one it’s better safe than sorry to have one. The Mitsumi internal floppy drive (B0000DK6IB) will do just fine.
Keyboard/Mouse
For keyboard and mouse, any set will provide the same functions. However, we recommend the LX 700 Cordless Desktop (B0002MRO2S) set because it is more comfortable to use and also it comes with a charger for your mouse so you don’t have to worry about having spare batteries laying around for your mouse, just put it in its charger every night. Because it is wireless, it is much easier to carry to your LAN parties.
Operating System (OS)
We recommend Windows XP Professional for the operating system. It’s the most stable OS Microsoft has put out, and it has a huge software base. The majority of today’s hardware, drivers, and games are developed with Windows XP in mind; therefore it is our OS of choice.
Accessories
Some accessories you might want to consider for your gaming rig include a pen drive and game controller. A pen drive is incredibly useful not only for gaming computers but for general use. You can transfer documents, pictures, save files, screenshots, presentations, and more in your pocket. This is quicker and more compatible with today’s computers. You’ll want to get a drive that has at least 256 MB, like this SanDisk USB 2.0 Cruzer (B0000AZ67Z), in it so that you can transfer video files if you have to. The SanDisk is also compatible with USB 2.0, making your file transfer super quick.
A game controller is also useful when you’re trying to play sports game or RPGs where your perspective is fixed. A quality controller will have an analog stick in addition to a digital pad and trigger buttons. This allows you to play console ports just as if you were on the console. The Logitech Dual Action Game Pad (B0000ALFCI) is a well reviewed game controller modeled after the PlayStation 2 controller.