This is exactly right...frequent upgrades.  That's the ONLY reason I sell
PC's, to dump out-of-date components and continuously upgrade (yes, buys DO
know they are getting used stuff).  Pick your computer budget and maximize
your return from that money.  Budget over time, not a lump sum.  Also, for
the dream machine, I recommend the Viper 770 Ultra/32.  The standard has a
heat sink that really cooks.  The Ultra has heat sink with cooling fan and
options for "overclocking".  128MB RAM not 64.  Use your existing stereo
system and save on buying separate speakers (shielded output cable
suggested).  Sink money in a monitor, it will hold value well.  Get a sturdy
250W+ case and you can use it forever (no favorite brand, but usually you
get what you pay for with a case).
Martin Kurr
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> From:         Gonzo[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Subject:      Re: [PCBUILD] Dream Machine Just Perfect !
> What exactly do you consider to be everything? Does this include things
> like
> 3D rendering and running state of the art games? An absolute dream machine
> now is going to be barely mediocre for such tasks as these in two or three
> years. (The fastest computers on the market still can't take full
> advantage
> of games like Descent 3)
> Many people I've talked to have the opinion that they should sink some
> real
> money into a computer that will last them a number of years. I used to
> think
> this too. I always had to have the fastest you could get so it would last
> me
> a while. But as the industry continues to move faster and faster, it
> doesn't
> pay.
> My own *personal* opinion is to buy what will be adequate for the next
> year
> or two and stay well behind the technology curve and upgrade more often.
> You
> will save money in the end. One of the best examples of this lies in
> processor prices. One popular site lists P!!! 600's for $750, 500's for
> $450
> and 400's for $200. (don't post telling me you can get them cheaper
> someone
> else, I don't care, it's still going to be the same type of price curve
> I'm
> trying to illustrate) If a P400 will suit your needs for as little as one
> year, buy it now and buy a 600 next year. Till then, the 600 will be the
> same price as the 400 now. You end up saving a great deal of money.
> The only way I could justify buying cutting edge is if it's for a business
> where you need the absolute greatest power available to keep equipment or
> personell from having downtime and causing the business to loose money.
> > Asus MoBo P2B-F or P3B-F
> > Intel P III 450 mhz
> > Samsung SDRAM PC 100 ECC 64 MB or 128 MB
> > Diamond V7700  TNT2 32 MB
> > HD Maxtor  UDMA 6.4
> > Mitsumi CDRom 32X
> > Sound Blaster Live Value
> > USR modem fax/voice 56K v90
> > Monitor Princeton EO900
> > Benwin Flat Speakers

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