I think you bring up some good points, but I think you need to chill a little too. The rapid advances in technology is a good thing, and the phenomenon of your HW going obsolete the day you buy it is not new. Those of us who got into audiophile quality stereo equipment in the 70's - when "high fidelity" went through the same rapid advances of the "cutting edge". I personally like Tom's Hardware - their reviews are worth reading. While their prices may be off, note that pricing is as fluid in the computer world, as it is with gas prices. I think it is fair to say the prices they published were probably correct for the day the article was written - not the day you read it.
I would much rather have too many choices, then too little. And sites like Tom's are very beneficial in choosing what I want. If you just want a PC without having to make many decisions, call Dell.
I approach it a different way. I go to my favorite retail site - NewEgg, ZipZoomFly, MWave, or whatever, and find their offerings in my budget range. Enter the make and model of one that interest me, and the word "review" in Google - and see what others say about that item.
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But I don't think it's that bad.
I've been buying all of the desktop/server equipment at my work now for the last three years, and basically, it's just finding equipment that works well for your users, and sticking with it until it's replaced by newer versions. At this point, we like hp's AMD desktops, but I am being courted by Dell a bit.
But I understand what you mean by the whole 'video card conundrum', but luckily I work in what is pretty much an office environment and most of our users are good with the on-board vga, and only the graphic artists and engineer/CAD operators need a discreet solution, but even they don't need anything too powerful, as most of the CAD operators work in 2d (autocad lt), and the artists are only working with things like Adobe CS.
Oh, and as far as Tom's goes, I really don't like that site; they seem too Intel biased for me to take them seriously on reviews. Check out Anandtech.com every now & again for reviews/price guides too.
I've been buying all of the desktop/server equipment at my work now for the last three years, and basically, it's just finding equipment that works well for your users, and sticking with it until it's replaced by newer versions. At this point, we like hp's AMD desktops, but I am being courted by Dell a bit.
But I understand what you mean by the whole 'video card conundrum', but luckily I work in what is pretty much an office environment and most of our users are good with the on-board vga, and only the graphic artists and engineer/CAD operators need a discreet solution, but even they don't need anything too powerful, as most of the CAD operators work in 2d (autocad lt), and the artists are only working with things like Adobe CS.
Oh, and as far as Tom's goes, I really don't like that site; they seem too Intel biased for me to take them seriously on reviews. Check out Anandtech.com every now & again for reviews/price guides too.
Everyone comparison shops... be it computer components, automobiles, or groceries. If you didn't, then I want to be included in your will. I agree with the suggestions both repliers posted (mainly... chill out). Tom's Hardware (site) has been going down hill for some time. The reviews are biased, and offer very little insightful information that isn't already being reported by others in the hardware community. Anandtech.com has several "buyer's guides" with LIVE (let me repeat that... LIVE (also know as "real time")) pricing. Granted, assembling components to build a computer is not exactly the same as going to your local dealership and buying a car, but building a computer from components is similar to a car enthusiast picking out high-performance or modifications for his/her car... there IS lots of reasearch involved. If you're NOT willing to spend that time, then a pre-assembled system from Dell, Gateway or an off the shelf system may suit your needs... or should I say, relieve your grief. Complaining about how difficult it is these days to "assemble" a computer from components, may prevent new comers from attempting to build one themselves, but will not get any empathy or sympathy from those of us who already assemble our own.
P.S. Picking out a power Supply isn't a matter of picking a brand, pretty color, or total maximum wattage anymore, you do need to know the max AMPS each voltage rail can handle, as well as if the power Supply has all the correct connectors needed for your particular setup.
P.S. Picking out a power Supply isn't a matter of picking a brand, pretty color, or total maximum wattage anymore, you do need to know the max AMPS each voltage rail can handle, as well as if the power Supply has all the correct connectors needed for your particular setup.
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