Missy wrote:
> I'm preparing to buy a new computer, one that I hope will last me for at
> least as long as my current system
>has. >>
Hi Missy. You certainly appear to have done your homework well.
Although I've never built a computer of my own (you are braver than I am),
I do know this from my hifi experience and from talking to computer builders:
You can put together a system which, on paper, should work fantastically
well, with all known high-quality components. Yet, when you listen to or
work with the final result, it's crap. Often because of some insignificant
incompatibility such as a mis-matched impedance.
I'm sure others on this forum will advise you on your choices.
You might like to have a look at
http://www.tweaktown.com/system_builders_guide/3/The%20Slayer/index.html
for what the authors reckon is the ultimate gaming machine. Overkill for
you, of course, and well beyond your budget at about $8300, though this
includes the latest Dell 30-inch LCD monitor. yummy! You might spot some of
your components or get some more ideas through the site's excellent
comments and links to each item.
Another thought:
Since you live in a large city, have you considered taking your list to a
few well-chosen smaller computer shops which specialise in sales of their
own made-up computers (NOT brand names). This is what I've always done
myself, and have found that often they can build and supply cheaper than I
could put it together myself. But the biggest advantage is that these
people generally know from experience what works and what doesn't---after
all, they don't want their computers coming back under warranty. My
supplier here in Australia offers 3 years warranty and same-day service
(usually while you wait) on any parts which fail. All at a fraction of the
cost, and far more up-to-date, than any brand-name computer. I have
recommended them to many friends, none of whom have been disappointed by
taking this route.
Most reputable shops would, I'm sure, be very happy to either quote you on
your chosen selections, or advise you on potential problems. You can learn
a lot from talking to these people (or get totally confused).
That removes the worry of your chosen parts not combining well.
Of course, it's not always easy to find these shops--you may have to do
some asking around. Perhaps there are local computer clubs which might
help. You'll usually get a gut feeling when you speak to these experts,
and you obviously have done enough research to know if you are being
conned. Beware the "expert" who is nothing more than a salesman trying to
sell you his stock product.
Anyway, it's just a thought. Good luck in whatever you do----I'm sure
you're getting a lot of fun out of it.
Don Penlington
From the Beach at Surfers Paradise in sunny Queensland.
Computer tutorials, local scenery, and other things at my website:
http://users.tpg.com.au/deepend/index1.html
The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
support at our newest website:
http://freepctech.com
|