hrmm, interesting thread this one!
Where too start.
ok, 70% of future server OS will be able to utilize 64bit architecture and dual core processor functions, the future need for workstation/desktop systems to be running 64bit or dual core is minimal. Thus most componentry will be overpriced for the desktop environment.
I disagree with the 64bit part of this. While RIGHT NOW 64bit isnt used very much in the desktop environment, from what I have read a 64bit OS and 64bit apps written properly run faster and more stable then the same app written for 32bit.
Given that, I think its only a matter of time before we are running 64bit everything (or 256bit if you wanna wait long enough) - if its faster and more stable then people will want it. Really just look at the way PC software has gone - I can remember when all software and shit was 8bit, now (as the hardware has caught up) everything is either 32bit or 64bit. Time to move on I think.
AGP or PCI-E
if you can in any way shape or form go PCI-E, AGP will be retained for legacy requirements and for specialist card support.
FYI, There are now Intel based duel PCI-E boards
Yeah, the main question in regards to this isnt if PCI-e is better, I know it is - just if I will be able to make a MDB last the life of the PC if I dont upgrade. Simply put - I just bought an AGP card and dont want to buy another if I can help it right now - but will most likely want to upgrade the card before the life of the PC is up and dont want to fuck myself up by sticking with the AGP. (FYI - you can still buy PCI 3D cards so I *think* you should still be able to get AGP ones for the next few years - but it is getting harder to find them)
Intel or AMD
For this I will always choose Intel, they have the runs on the board and I have never had an ounce of trouble unlike AMD. I think that in all the systems we build and sell here each year less than a handfull would be AMD.
This has been my experince also and the entire reason for this thread. The AMD looks good in benchmarks, has great features........and then I see it running over a period of time and I see the intel chip running and I end up forking out more money to swap back to intel......
Deny you suck - I was just about sold on an AMD chip.......now I am back to being totaly uncertain. BTW - the AMD 64 FX chips look nice......I had just about decided to get one of these, its not Dual Core - just optimised for gaming (although I havent been able to find out HOW its optimised for gaming - the AMD site just says that it is optimised - for all I know it could just have a pretty sticker with a game of noughts and crosses on it)
64bit chip (which I DO want)
1MB cache (more would be nice but 1 should do)
Dual channel support for the ram
MBD's I was looking at for this chip had alot of good reviews
Bang for buck the AMD is cheaper.......
Video Chipset
This is a tough one, in recent times the battle between ATI and Nvidia has been a vicious and bloody war without a clear victor, as things currently stand, the new x850 and the Catalist drivers seam pretty stable, if you decide to go for the Omega modified drivers you will indeed find an increase in performance without any cost to stability.
In the last few months we have had an increase with reports of driver and chip problems with the latest 6XXX and 9XXX series Gforce cards. As such we have returned all of our current stock and will not be stocking Gforce cards untill this issue is resolved. We can still get them if requested.
Again I agree with ya hear Deny. I have been unhappy with the last 3 nVidia chips I have bought and have been very happy with the ATI one I bought (before my PC died)
OS
being an early Vista alpha/beta tester I would advise leaving the damn thing alone unless you like formatting every few weeks. We have 2 systems running the latest build here, one is a basic P4-3.4, 2gb, the other is a dual Xeon 2.6, 16gb. To date the P4 has been fairly stable in basic server operation, where things fall apart is during database operations and heavy paging. I'm looking into it and will let you guys know what I find out if you wish.
Being a tech, a tinkerer and just a little insane, I also have been running vista. It has alot of nice features, however if you dig into it its just windows XP with the same sort of changes they made between 2k and XP.
Micro$oft has put the release date at july 06 - since I expect any PC I buy to last at least a couple of years and (as just mentioned) I am a tech and will want to be running the currently shipped OS, I think I need to plan on the fact I WILL want to run vista and buy accordningly. (for those interested beta 2 should be out early december)
Supplier
No surprise here, ME, I buy directly from importers, i'm not saying my prices are the best, I know they're not, but they are the best I can do. I will always try to match any price asked.
The last many months have been pretty tough for me as most of you know, in an effort to increase turnover in the business i will always do what I can to help you guys out.
rowie.
Dont ask for the web site, I stuffed it up and havn't had time to fix it (well, to get Kass to help me fix it anyway)
email : rowie@trans-it.net.au
Mate - before I buy ANYTHING I will email ya and ask if you can match (or even just come within 10bucks) of what I decide to buy - I would MUCH rather give you the cash than some dodgey chinese bloke whom I dont know and can't really understand anyway. Its a case of - over the price of say a $2000 PC - I would be prepared to spend an extra 200 just to get it from you because you always give such great head.....I mean you stuff is SOOO much better then everyone elses......
Ah fuck it - just because I like you and dont want your kids to starve hehehe
