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also @ TechSpot: Qualcomm shows off Mirasol, 1.5-inch panel shipping in products soon
From now on we will add and update new hardware to the mix as it's released. The guides will be entirely up-to-date on major product launches, and we'll make a biweekly pass over the components and their prices to catch anything in-between. We wholly welcome your support and input to keep this guide as fresh as possible.
With that out of the way, let's take a look at our four system price points:
 | Granted, if you just need to create a few documents and check your email, you can get by on much less than a $500 desktop. If you follow our Budget build to the T, you'll have a system acceptable for any role apart from running graphically intense applications -- which could also be attainable by investing in a dedicated video card. Our Entry-Level Rig should prove to be an excellent companion for running general applications and a sufficient solution for even the newest games on the market, albeit with a bit of the eye-candy tuned down. Our Enthusiast's PC incorporates the perfect blend of both the Entry-Level Rig and Luxury System, making this the most harmonious of builds. Our intent is to keep this system within the grasp of the average computer enthusiast, essentially offering a fully-loaded PC minus some of the unnecessary bells and whistles that could set you back an additional grand or two. The Luxury System is a screaming-edge machine lacking any virtual price cap. Every component in the Luxury System guide is thoughtfully scrutinized, offering the most horsepower for your greenback. If a component's premium price isn't justified, it simply doesn't make the cut. |
User Comments: 107
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StaffSteve said:
I love guys like you I really do. You now jump on the back peddle and say this is all about benefiting two websites to create the perfect buying guide. Yet you initially jump in here like you are the be all and end all of computer hardware buying knowledge, claiming stupid things like the author is irresponsible because of the options he is suggesting to the reader.
Everyone has an opinion I can accept that and I can understand that some prefer to go straight to the Athlon II X4 while others prefer to take the limited risk of unlocking the Phenom II X2. If I read an article suggesting either option I would just take it as good advice and move on. I would not jump into the comments section and run my mouth like I know everything there is to know and in the process call the author who has put a lot of time and effort into the article irresponsible.
Also you do realize that articles like these are not updated every 5 seconds? It's called Tech Spot not Best Buy Article Spot. Here we cover all kinds of hardware and while Matt does try to update the article as much as he can it's not a full time job.
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. And me and the rest of the crew are very keen on making it as close to "perfection" as possible. That is why I started this debate. I see things I disagree with and am very curious to the thinking behind those choices.
eureka!, you have invented the lateral elevator!
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First I would like to apologize if that is how I came across.
But first of all: I am aware of the fact that you can't always immediately update such a guide. All I tried to do was make my point of view (extremely) clear. Wish I think I accomplished for the benefit of both of us. A decent ssd got added and the price point of system 2 will be re-examined. And I learned more about the benefits of the Phenom II X2 555.
Second of all: I did not claim that the author is irresponsible. I said that in my opinion, that choice(!) is irresponsible. There is a big difference. I applaud the author for making such a nice guide, because after all, it is quite nice. Even though I don't agree with all the choices. I was mostly expressing my concern about that choice. However now it has been made clear to me, that the chances of successfully unlocking those cores are greater than I thought.
Finally: Instead of mocking people, like me, who are trying to improve your guide by giving critical helpful remarks. You can always just close the option to give comments if it isn't appreciated.
you are the be all and end all of computer hardware buying knowledgeclaiming stupid thingsI'm not here to be a troll. I'm here because these kind of guides truly interest me. And because this interests me so much, I do think I know a lot about it, yes. I do not try to pretend I know everything, I think I know a lot about it, and try to help and form an opinion using the knowledge I have at my disposal. I'm sorry, but I don't get why it is arrogant to express my believes.
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Though tense, these series of challenging comments and their responses have been interesting and enjoyable. Thank you to both parties. On another note - and it's probably one of those 'didn't notice/have time to tweak' things, but perhaps mention the HAF 932 in the enthusiast level as an alternative full tower. I do realize it's mentioned in the luxury system, but it's only $20 more than Antec 900, often cheaper with sales. Also, thank you for the entire guide.
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Staff
Totally agreed Guest. I'll add it in the text below this week.
Thanks for the note. -
updated builds with sandy bridge processors architecture? apologies for pestering if you're busy working on it now. or you're just busy working lol :p - your investment of time and knowledge is multiplied by its worth to your readers
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Staff
Aye, it's definitely due for an update. We were busier than usual last week with CES. The guide will be refreshed this week -- possibly as early as tonight.
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