Machine Building Philosophy

[Force Flow]

Originally posted by Cricket 7 years is a good life span for a computer monitor, some will last longer depending how much you use it. How old is yours and are you having any problems yet?

It's a little over a year old, and so far, so good. I've gotten a lot of use out of it.

It's a 17" NEC AccuSync 70, btw.

[glc]

Bang for the buck, but ONLY Intel - if it has to be cheap, in goes a Celeron. Intel branded motherboards only, with a very occasional Asus.

[Statica]

I always go for the cheapest solution for the newest technology. Quite usually its based on the CPU. For example, if its a P4 that supports hyperthreading or 800Mhz FSB then I always choose the lowest end CPU (based on price) in that bracket. Then select a featured mobo for that CPU. That way, I can ensure quality of computing, as well as expandability. Sure Intel is just sitting on a 1600 Mhz FSB P4 that will also make coffee - just waiting for me to buy my CPU before its released, but at least my particular line of CPUs will last longer and come out cheaper.

If its upgrading, I always skip a generation. Use a Pentium through the P2 era etc.

[mc2phat]

I'm with Statica on this one. I use the example of a redesigned American auto model when it comes to PC components, especially motherboards. I'll wait two years for the new car model to go through al its recalls etc. With PC components, I'll watch something for a few months to be sure the bugs are worked out, second revision comes out etc. Then I know I've got something proven that isn't overpriced.

[Aaaron]

mobo: ASUS, maybe gigabyte (i go for the best their)

cpu: intel (average cpu usually can always upgrade later)

ram: kingston,corsair, mushkin (fastest)

graphics: ati

sound card: creative unless very good onboard

mouse/keyboard: always get very good qualityy (microsoft, logitech) after all they are the componets you handle the most

speakers,mic: creative,logitech

gamepad, driving wheel, joystick: microsoft logitech

screen: samsung, nec ,lg, viewsonic

[mikado]

I'm actually building my 1st computer... I have what I want in mind, but don't plan on being able to buy any parts for it until at least January, so I'm forced to wait that 3 months. Although I know it's a good thing (prices going down...etc), I still can't wait to get my new toy. With the enforced time frame, I do have much time to research and find out what's best for what cost. In the end, I look for best bang, but if I've got to dig alittle deeper in that wallet for that much better.. so be it.