PC Gamer magazine has a tech section. This month's magazine shows a
description of how to build a fast, but reasonably priced computer.
Most months, however, give the ingredients for a dream system, a
midrange, and a budget system. If you look at their recommended parts,
it can give you an idea of where to start.
Meanwhile, you have to think of why you need a new computer. What will
a new one do that your current computer will not do. That will help you
decide how deep to go. Generally, gamers and others who need high
computing power need a top dollar computer. Those who just use their
computer for email can get by with a very old or very inexpensive
computer. Decide where you fit - how do you want to use your new
computer.
Naturally, you can use your old monitor, keyboard, mouse, even hard
drives. If your case is generic, then you can use it, too. I bought a
very nice case and power supply ten years ago and am still using the
case.
Whether or not you can use anything else depends on whether it is
generic or proprietary.
What is cheapest depends not on the path but on how expensive the
components are that you purchase.
If you go the pre-assembled system, make sure that it is generic.
The cheapest way might be to buy a new system from Dell, Gateway, HP,
etc. Remember, these are made in the cheapest way using proprietary
parts and will in all likelihood not be upgradeable.
You can find reviews of parts at Tom's Hardware Guide, ExtremeTech, and
Anandtec.
Some parts such as monitor, case and power supply, keyboard, printer,
mouse, etc. can last through many upgrades of motherboard, cpu, and
memory.
HTH
Dean Kukral
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Waddell" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 7:18 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] To build or buy a new computer
Think we need a couple of new desktop computers. Need advice on building
or buying new computers. Don't know if we can talk about the merits of
particular brands of computers or components here so if someone could
advise me on that it would help.
Here is what I am thinking. 1st option (cheapest?)is to get a new case,
MB, CPU & memory and re-use the monitor and various cards and drives I
already have. Although not an expert I have built several computers
before.
2nd option is to get a pre-assembled case with all necessary components
and use existing monitor.
3rd is to buy a whole new computer. As far as new computers go, I really
need help in figuring out what to buy. Depending on brand, similar
computer systems I am interested in range from $500 to $2000.
I realize good advice will depend on the specs of our current computers
and how we plan to use our new ones. Can supply that info if there is a
reply to this posting.
Thanks,
Tom
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