Johann Thorsson wrote:
> ....
> That means I will probably upgrade my work computer and migrate what that box
> contains into the other box, which serves as our file server. The problem is
> that I have no clue what I should be looking for when buying new
> motherboards, CPUs, memory and video cards. Is any listmember who has
> recently upgraded or purchased a new desktop system willing to share his
> knowledge?
>
> I would like a reasonably fast machine, but it does not have to be the latest
> or gratest, I guess I am looking for the best bang for the buck, it would be
> used for usual word processing stuff, spreadsheets, statistical
> analyses, databases etc, plus image processing and occasional 3D design
> (CAD).
>
One man's opinion: If planning to do image processing, don't stint on
CPU and memory.
My strategy, the results of which have pleased me three times so far, is
to look at the Systemax boxes on tigerdirect.com. I shoose one step
short of the bleeding edge of processor speed/price and select the
drives, etc. that fit my needs. For Windoze, any memory over 3 GB will
be mostly wasted unless you have very few peripherals and little video
card memory.
I look at HD and memory size/price in their configuration page and
choose the combo of base configuration and separate purchases that give
me the best bang for the buck.
On the last one, their price for 2x512 MB of memory was excellent, but
more was too expensive, so I bought the box with the 2x512 and
separately ordered 2x1 GB. I checked the motherboard on the
manufacturer's site to be sure this configuration was optimal for
performance, before buying. I put the additional memory in before
turning the box on the first time.
I've built systems before, and they have worked, sometimes after some
hassle. The difference in price between a built box and the pieces is
tiny. I like getting a set of components and installed OS that work when
plugged in - and if they don't, I have only one vendor to deal with.
I've only had to use their support once or twice, and found it
reasonably quick and quite competent.
I did have an additional HD that I ordered that was bad out of the box.
The maker replaced it, but I ended up out $5 for sending it in. That
made me think WD is a bit cheap.I could see it if I'd had any use out of
the drive.
Moose
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