As far as hardware technologies, best route?

[mikeken763]

Ok. so I have decided my computer is getting a little too outdated. I'm still running a 32-bit processor and ATA IDE hard drives. The reason I am asking for advice is because I have been out of the loop with hardware for so long because I have been so happy with my current computer.

So anyways, I need some advice on what is the best, well I guess technology routes to go on building a new PC.

By the best I am saying, lower prices, should be "up to date" for quiet a while longer, and most importantly Linux should support these hardware choices as flawlessly as possible.

Now,

1. What would be the best HD connection to use? Is the new SATA still in the game or is that last years news?

2. Video? I thought AGP was still the standard LMAO now I am hearing about PCIe, PCIe 2, PCIe 3 and crossfire. Which of these is the best route?

3. AMD or Intel? I love and have used AMD for years, mainly because they have much better prices, however, is there anything that should convince me to go with Intel now? And of course I am going with a 64 bit processor.

4. physical memory? Is DDR3 the best route?

Thanks, please take the time to tell me what you think/would do.

[TwoRails]

Hi mikeken763,

Welcome to PC Mechanic !

1) SATA is the new standard and will be around for a while.

2) PCI-E is the new video standard. A single card is the most recommend here as two medium cards still don't beat one high end card.

3) Intel is "faster" right now, but AMD offers a cheaper upgrade path. With Intel you normally have to buy a new motherboard to upgrade, with AMD, they are design to run on exiting boards.

4) it depends on the motherboard, but DDR2 is still king.

HTH

TwoRails