re: What is my Budget Range? Part 2

gsnoorky — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:00:56 GMT

AGP is fine for Linux. (OK: I needled you a little on video editing.) I do wish finally to jump to AM2/AM2+ for the Windows system. Should I go with high end AM2+ AMD 64 X2 (Kuma) or low-end Phenom? I'm not going to go 125W yet....

I'm glad ddr2 mem really is cheap on newegg. I know I'm going to have to get a good PS: I have a bunch of underpowered PSes lying around! Now, I prefer 80 plus or other high-efficiency PSes to save money on power, to save emissions, and to reduce heat....

I don't think single-core AM2/Intel Skt. 775 in the PCI-E world will gain me much over what I have now, even though prices are really good. And, I don't want to overclock--my old video cards developed artifacts later on from overclocking (OC'ing did help heat the house a few years ago!). I've been an AMD guy forever, and, I don't know much about Intel's stuff.

One advantage of self-build is that an initiate will gain PC expertise and won't ever have to lug it around to be fixed by an expensive techie: Often techies simply reformat for software problems--isn't that a shortcut to thinking?

A big reason why major box builder's PCs are cheaper is that they get super-sweet deals from Microsoft and other software companies. The rest of us have to pay through the nose for Windows, and, certainly Office....

Furthermore, will their PCs ever use a case such as the CM Centurion? That likely never will happen, will it?! (The Centurion is extremely durable: It's not inexpensive enough for them, though.) In the past, major box builders' PC parts often were proprietary--that situation is better, but it's not completely gone, is it? Thanks!