A Conversation for Upgrading Your Computer
What should I buy and when?
Jab [Since 29th November 2002] Started conversation Jul 6, 2003
Don't be scared to ask "what should I buy?" Or "when is the next one out?"
Example...
DVD writer.
Pioneer 105 out now, but limited to -R -RW.
ie. There is DVD+R +RW and DVD-R -RW
Sony do a drive that does just about everything...
But the Pioneer 106 should be available this month (July 2003) it does the various formats.
Pioneer drives review well for good reason.
But you may not need +R +RW format, and can take advantage of a price drop on the older model.
ie. P105=£96+VAT and a P106 =£179+VAT
The Sony is still about £125 which a lot of places still think a P105 is worth?
So read the mag's, shop around, and don't be put off asking in the shop... Chances are you will be pointed to a technical desk and somebody that is intreasted in what they sell.
It can be worth a couple of quid for a magazine or two. To learn of the current stuff.
ie. Buying a new motherboard, get it wit Serial-ATA even if your not willing to pay the extra for a Serial drive now... By time you want to upgrade the lower spec HD's (ATA-100 5200RPM) should be rare, allowing for the market to drop in price. Anyway you should get a 7200RPM drive even if it ATA-100.
Most cases it's rare to ever get full use of an ATA-100 never mind ATA-133. That's just a maximum.
Bit like a 52x CD-ROM is only that whan reading the edge of a disc, more like 16x in real use.
[Skips info on constant-linear againt constant-angular technology]
"You buy cheap you buy twice" - but you don't always need the most expensive.
Unless is RAM - don't skimp on RAM. Micron (via http://www.crucial.com/uk ) or Samsung. Alwas check what the motherboard maker has tested their product with though.
If you see "major brand" in an add - ask, it's your money, and RAM is vital to a stable system.
Video card. ATI (powered by if not an actual ATI) Get a 9500 or better ie 9700pro. 9800 - not woth the extra. Or nVIDIA FX5600. Avoid things of an "MX" nature. There are also card nVIDIA "powered by".
Some video card makers still appear not to have heard of LINUX... So check for driver support on the web. It tends to be MS-Windows out-of the box.
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What should I buy and when?
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