Root's Words of Wisdom: Computer Shopping

Published 13 September 07 12:22 AM | root 

These are the lessons I have learned:

1. The number 1 part you can't skimp on is the PSU
   
2. Case should be bought for cooling/usability and looks should be second in mind
   
3. Next best thing to invest in is Memory
4. (In order from highest to lowest) Video Cards, Processors, and Motherboards have a higher rate of change than all the other parts.
5. Technology, prices, and power change frequently, so don't waste you money in bleeding/cutting edge. 
6. Find the mobo first, then build around it.
7. Always buy two drives, 1 for your OS and the other for applications/games
8. Don't invest in RAID0. For the desktop, build for RAID1 if you want RAID.
9. Read the reviewer's Cons first and ignore the Pros. Know how to identify the "whiners" and the legitimate problems  
10. Always check for OS compatibility (drivers).
11. Keep the purpose of the build in mind at all times (A particular application/game/Word/etc)
12. If you are getting an after market Heat Sink & Fan (HSF), you will need thermal paste
13. Keep in mind SATA cables for all your devices (many mobo come with 2)
14. Part's Warranty, take it into consideration
15. Don't buy without research.
    

 Feel free to add your own!

 
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Filed under: Newegg, Words of Wisdom, Advice, Shopping

Comments

# KiraDouji said on September 17, 2007 8:52 PM:

Save up and buy it all at once so you can test the parts before their return policies expire. Nothing worse than being stuck with a defective part.

# TheLarrikin said on September 18, 2007 4:53 AM:

You know, newegg has the option to sort by worst reviews first, when you click on 'read all xxx reviews' on the product page.  Just thought this would help, as I usually go through all the bad reviews first (the people with more problems) to see the true quality of an item.

# reddog093 said on September 18, 2007 8:19 AM:

I try to keep in mind future upgrading options as well.   If you know you're going to want SLI/Crossfire in the future, then keep in mind the PSU & mobo options (Make sure you can get dual 16x and not 8x/8x).

Always check your RAM for compatibility.  If you're not building the whole computer at once, make sure to test the RAM.  Personally, I've had the most problems with dead on arrival memory sticks.

And SAVE your receipts!  I learned that the hard way, with my failing $500 (last year) 7900 GTX that I can't send in, even though it has a lifetime warranty.

# RevenantOne said on September 18, 2007 9:10 AM:

Read the bad reviews and look for consistency in the reviews.  If 10 out of hundred said it was bad that means 90% still say it was good an it might still be a good buy.  Unless all 10 of those bad reviews say the same thing...then you might want to keep that in mind.

And I don't completely abandon the pros.  I read those too and look for the same kind of consistency and for small positive tidbits like motherboard layouts and such.

# PROACEX1 said on September 18, 2007 5:28 PM:

Don't skimp on motherboard, PSU, or case...These components are key to being able to upgrade in the future...Future updatability and compatibility...

Read the article on Raid and HDD's by TheBMan: http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/post/34946.aspx

I'd recommend getting 4 drives, in a Raid 0+1 congifuration...One of the overall fastest and safest for a cheap price, except for Raid 6 or 10...But read the article!

Make sure you do your research, and always, ALWAYS, ask question if you need help...

That's what we at EggXpert are here for...

Respectfully,

PROACEX1

# PROACEX1 said on September 19, 2007 10:03 AM:

Hmm, good points...Raid 10 normally requires an extra Raid Controller, since most commercially availiable motherboards, except for Intel's, don't have Raid 10 ability...And Raid Controllers cost a lot...

And yea, Raid 6 isn't fast, but it is safe...

Raid 10 is the fastest one I recommended...

And yea, it isn't always cheap...Normally it isn't unless you get small HDD's...

I guess I need to read the article on Raid and HDD's by Bman again...Lol...

Respectfully,

PROACEX1

# root said on September 19, 2007 11:19 AM:

Or my sticky in Storage thread

# freezy said on October 8, 2007 5:53 AM:

Raid0 PITA, minimal gain. raid1 ok for backup

# HOGHAULER said on November 9, 2007 1:47 PM:

Personnaly I'd put the research first before buying anything but then that's me other wise great job.

root as for just out of college nothing wrong with that all you got to remember is you don't know it all, nobody does cause their's always something new to learn around the corner and yes you can teach an old dog new tricks as long as he's willing to learn them!

# root said on November 9, 2007 1:57 PM:

Heh. I think you miss read my friend. That list isn't by priority, just tips. Last line says DON'T BUY WITHOUT RESEARCH.

And I never claimed to know everything *grin*

# HOGHAULER said on November 12, 2007 8:16 AM:

Yea your right but some times you gotta remind people that research is of the highest priority if you want to get a great build for the bucks. No you did not but got have a little fun. P.S. Kids now adays think they know more than their parents till they start to get of an age they realize that their parents already made the same mistakes they are making now. bin there done that! HA HA Thats a joke son a joke.

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