Coz I could care less what you think.
But now your argument is entering the realm of nonsense. Nick no matter how much you try to manipulate the context of my points the fact remains they are valid. You contradict yourself and that smacks of hypocrisy. Like it or not you don't have all the answers and like the rest of us you're not perfect.
However it speaks volumes that you choose to run when you're challenged to make sense of the BS screen you like to put up to fool everyone into thinking you're some crusading all knowing never get it wrong guru.
You have no interest in mutual understanding, you have no interest in anything unless it supports your opinions and that's why you can't play well with others. Get over yourself and grow up.
 | Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years. Thanks, CNET Support |
General discussion
2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista?
I'm currently getting ready to either buy or build a new home computer. However, in anticipation of Windows' new operating system, Vista, to be released later this year--what is the best hardware to have inside the case that will prepare me for this? I'm wondering about not only the CPU, but motherboard, graphics board, fans, cases, power supply, single or dual hard drives (RAID), monitors, and so on. Or would it be wise to wait until the release of this new OS before getting this new system?
Submitted by: George L. of Sarasota, FL
***********************************************************************
Answer:
George, the answer depends largely on your needs. If you're buying/building a system because your old one is on its proverbial last leg, then sooner would be obviously better than waiting for Vista's final release. On the other hand, if you're just bored silly with your old system and it's perfectly fine otherwise, waiting may not be such a bad thing.
Buying now will give you that instant gratification; waiting will go a long way toward insuring that the system is Vista certified or at least compliant. Of course, you can buy now, while keeping in mind the system requirements for Vista in mind.
Prices will fall on the current cream of the crop as newer, faster, more powerful components will arrive on the market. The machine you buy today will be considerably cheaper in 8-9 months when Vista becomes available. It's a sad, ugly truth behind computers - they don't hold their resale value for very long.
A lot of what you will want to get will largely depend on what your needs are. Either way, I would seriously recommend going with an AMD processor. AMD (as you may have read) ate Intel's best and brightest for lunch in CNET's recent shootout. In fact, the slowest AMD processor beat the top of the line Intel chip in a number of the tests. Read more about it at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6389077-1.html
If you're a gamer, video editor, or uber-geek who has to have the latest and greatest hardware, THE chip to get would be the AMD Athlon64 4800+ X2 chip. This is the dual core Athlon64 model that's currently the top of the line. However, coming very soon, AMD is supposed to be releasing a 5000+ chip. Who knows what will be top of the heap when Vista finally ships.
If you're just going to do the basics, surf the web, e-mail, the occasional letter to be banged out in Word (or whatever word processor you happen to like), I'd still stick with at the VERY least, an Athlon64 single core chip based system. The reasoning behind this - 32 bit chips, while adequate for the tasks mentioned above, will be lacking in the performance department when Vista arrives.
As far as motherboards go, I've had my eye on a Gigabyte GA-K8U-939 board. It seems to have most everything I could possibly need or will be wanting in the foreseeable future - with only one exception - it doesn't have any firewire ports. However, given the K8U board has five PCI slots, finding room for expansion is not a problem.
The only other possible weakness this board may have is in that it has an AGP video slot instead of the newer PCIe (PCI Express) slot. For what it's worth, unless you're into heavy gaming or video editing the AGP based slots are more than adequate for the immediate task.
Power Supply: For what it's worth, your best bet is to get one that's at least 450 to 500 watts. Visit your local computer hardware superstore (CompUSA, Frys, Circuit City, etc...) and look at the power supplies. Lift the individual unit and see how heavy it is. The heavier it is for its size, the better. Cheaper power supplies tend to be fairly lightweight and tend to be a bit weak and underpowered. A power supply is merely a transformer that converts 120 volt AC current to 12 volt and 5 volt DC current. You want a heavy duty power supply with lots of heft.
Case: Get one that you like - but keep in mind that many cases ship with a power supply - consider what it comes with and how much it will cost to replace the PSU should the one in the case be underpowered.
RAM: Get as much of it as you can afford onto the motherboard. The more RAM you have available, the less Windows has to use a swap file and the snappier your system will be. I would go with a minimum of 1 GB. Given Windows' track record in the past few versions, 512 MB is probably going to seem to be a bit underpowered when you go with Windows Vista.
Hard drives: A lot of what sort of disk subsystem you get will depend largely on what you're planning on doing with your system. If you're the type who just does a few letters here and there, web surfing and email, you probably won't need a huge hard drive. On the other hand, if you're into video editing or other projects that take up a lot of disk space, plan accordingly. Either way, figure out what you're going to need and then at least double the value. I would go with at least a 160 GB or larger drive to start. One more thing to consider on hard drive choice - spindle speed. Your older drives are typically 5400 RPM or slower. Newer drives tend to spin at 7200 RPM or faster. Faster is better. The same is true of cache. Many drives these days sport anywhere from 2 MB to 16 MB worth of cache. The more the better - and more expensive. Stick with 7200 RPM or faster drives with at least 8 MB cache.
Standard Parallel ATA (aka EIDE) drives are generally adequate for most users - unless you're into video editing or heavy gaming. These two tasks are quite disk intensive and the faster the drive, the better. If you're into gaming and video editing, you should definitely think about getting a SATA (Serial ATA) drive. SATA has the benefit of having faster throughput.
It's also possible to use both EIDE/ATA133 and SATA drives in the same computer. Most of the mainstream motherboards on the market now will support both types. And if it says it supports SATA, it will also have EIDE/ATA100/133 support. Feel free to get say, a 60 or 80 GB EIDE drive to boot the computer and a nice big fat SATA drive for your data drive.
To RAID or not to RAID? That is the question...
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive - depending on who you ask) Disks) is a number of techniques for either speeding up data access or creating what's called "fault tolerance" - meaning if you've got multiple drives and one fails, you've still got your data or at least can rebuild it without having to dig through your backups... (You DO back up your data, right?) There are a number of different types of RAID. Read more about RAID types at http://www.bytepile.com/raid_class.php
Now then, the big question you need to ask yourself is do you really need it? How important, or better yet, how irreplaceable is the data in question? Is it just a place to store jokes and other misc. files that people send you via e-mail? Or are you running a business and your client list, inventory database, and other mission critical files are going to be stored on that machine? Another question is how often do you back up? Weekly? Daily? Monthly? Whenever you feel you're in the mood?
RAID 0 or a striped data set is great for those who need high performance - gamers and video editors. Raid 1 or a mirrored drive array is great for those who want a back up of their data without having to back up. Most of your typical motherboards that have RAID capability will offer those two types. Most of the other RAID types require specialized hardware and drivers.
Optical drive: As you're going to need one to install Windows and most other software, you might as well get a decent drive. Fortunately, DVD +/-RW burner drives are getting to the point of being dirt cheap. The drive I got about 6 months ago for about $60 is now selling for about $22. There's no real excuse for not having one of them any longer. Avoid Sony and Plextor - they're actually the same drive and the drive quality tends to be weak. The drives wear out fairly quickly.
As far as other components go:
Monitors: There are two main classifications for video output devices - old fashioned CRTs and the newer LCDs. Both have advantages. CRTs still have a slightly better picture and in my opinion, look better than the vast majority of flat panel LCDs. LCDs, on the other hand, are lighter and take up a LOT less desktop real estate. A large CRT monitor can also give you a hernia as they tend to weigh quite a bit. Of course, you probably won't be moving the monitor around that much. It will more than likely stay in one place until it drops dead and gets replaced. CRTs also tend to be cheaper than the flat panel equivalent.
Which one to get? Go to Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, Frys, or any other computer superstore in your area and LOOK at the ones on display. Have the salesman give you a mixed demo of the capabilities of the monitors on display. It's something that you'll have to be looking at for 3-5 years so you want to be sure you're going to be comfortable with the unit. Get one that you feel comfortable looking at. No sense in going blind. Now, keep in mind you don't HAVE to buy the monitor at the superstore - be sure to shop around once you've got an idea of what you want to get.
Keyboard, Mice, etc... Once again, while you're looking at the monitors, look at the keyboards, mice and other devices you want on your system. Find a keyboard and mouse that you find comfortable and go for one of them.
Windows XP: The last big question here is the operating system. You can, of course, go with Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Center Edition and of course the 64 Bit variety.
Home and Professional are more or less identical in so far as the underlying guts go. The only difference is in the networking components and capabilities. Home will allow you to connect 5 computers to the host computer while Pro will let you connect 10. Pro will also let you connect to Windows domain controllers.
Media Center will allow you to watch TV, provided you've got a TV Tuner card built in. It's usually also configured with a remote control so you can kick back and watch TV, DVD movies, or other media.
The good, the bad and the ugly facts about Windows XP 64 bit edition...
The good: It allows you to take full advantage of 64 bit processors. Certain applications WILL run MUCH faster. But mundane tasks like word processing, email, etc..won't benefit much from XP 64
The Bad and The Ugly: Driver support, from what I've heard, is still lacking. Not having 64 bit drivers for your peripherals means you can't use those devices. Drivers are supposed to be coming but...
All in all, your best bet is to figure out what you plan on doing with your new computer. Consider your needs and double them. Shop around! Decide on whether you want to build your own computer or buy a complete system. Visit discount search engines like http://www.pricewatch.com to find good deals on the components you want to buy if you're building your own. Visit computer shows in your area (if available). The vendors there tend to have "Massive Price Wars" in order to outsell the guy in the next cubicle and there can be good bargains to be had if you shop around.
Submitted by: Pete Z.
Discussion is locked
31 - 60 of 106 Posts
- Collapse
- Collapse -
- Collapse -
You will be back and you will read this because your ego demands it. So I'll see you around.
- Collapse -
The content of your post leaves one to wonder whether you have any clue about the subject (i.e. no specifics about why wrong answer).
Do you run a forklift in a warehouse?
- Collapse -
I agree that NetSysILM's post was worthless but you may want to think about yours too.
Why would you assume that just because someone drives a forklift in a warehouse they would have no clue as to technical aspects of computer hardware or software? Do you also think that all tradespeople are ignorant, beer swilling, pot smoking dummies too? I know many people with degrees that work in the trades and in apparent menial jobs that do so because they are either unable to find work in their field or because they choose too. Never judge a book by its cover!
- Collapse -
The forklift line was a response to his line about selling toasters and meant as a joke.
But then everything is getting so politically correct nowadays that no matter what someone will find offense.
I intentended no disrespect to forklift operators. I was one myself once.
- Collapse -
Are we going to be the "caveman" here so we can get all offended and continue the worthlessness of these posts? Perhaps we can step lower?! 
- Collapse -
bakk win i wuz stoopid i droav a 4klift but now that im smaurt i rite reeveus 4 see-net
- Collapse -
is that this person is passive/aggressive. He thinks he knows something but is too lazy and too important in his own mind to take the time to offer substance.
I've seen people like this (many more these days than I like). Generally, the BEST they can do is the LEAST they can do. This makes them helpful to no one but themselves.
But it takes all kinds of humans to make this world, I guess... 
- Collapse -
It must be an awesome talent you have to be able to deduce someone's personality from one post.
- Collapse -
No, it might be based on the fact that NetSysILM?s real name is Andrew and that he?s also a MCSE, CCNP, EE.
Or so he claims...
Check his profile, or are you too lazy to do that?
If it's true, then Zeppo?s post about NetSysILM is spot on.
- Collapse -
You, zeppo and nstaff would be better off in a lonely hearts club instead of spending hours typing in here about everything you do not agree with, unless you have no life beyond your keyboard?
Can't you 3 boys get a life?
- Collapse -
I think you should just buy a good system for right now and by the time Vista is actually stable, you will be ready for another machine. All of my PC user friends replace their sytems quicker than their cars so does it really matter? Plus PC systems are so cheap, it's not like this is a major investement. I would take more time picking out a CD player than a Windows machine.
- Collapse -
I only disagree with the comments about LCD vs. CRT. LCT technology has vastly improved in the past few years, driven both my the needs of PC users and the HDTV market, and I no longer consider CRTs to offer better pictures. Dell and Apple have both done a lot to change my opinion of LCDs. With today's video cards optimized for digital output and using DVI connectors, and monitors of the quality, resolution and refresh rates of Apple's cinema displays and the newer units from Dell (like their spectacular 24 inch wide screen high res display), the LCD has come of age. I use a Dell 24 inch LCD now for my advanced flight simulator setup and it is wonderful -- refresh times are now fast enough that there is no ghosting, the detail is spectacular, and the unit weighs a fraction of what my former 21 inch CRT weighed (definitely was hernia threatening). I use another one on my photo and video editing machine and am equally happy with it there. Both set ups actually have multiple LCD monitors, another great feature of todays video cards and WinXP and something much more practical with LCDs.
I am so pleased with my computer LCDs that I moved on to a 60 inch Sony LCD HDTV for my home entertainment center. No regrets about that either.
- Collapse -
The answer to this question is really easier than it seems. The First thing to consider, which has been since Windows 95, is "What are the bottom line requirements to run Windows Vista?" If Microsoft has not posted a Hardware Compatability Guide, wait until they do. Check to see if it posted. When it is posted, then go over it and weigh it against your needs and desires. Once you have done this, then turn to your pocket book. Minimum Requirements + Your Demands + Your Money = What you need. Then throw in some candy to keep your system from being obsolete within two days, and you have the big picture.
- Collapse -
The answer by Ironhorsmn to the ORIGINAL question is best, and succinctly answered as: wait for the hardware requirements and see if you need/want the upgrade to the software and hardware. The original answer is a general guide to how to buy a computer, but does NOT address the VISTA question specifically. I don't think it suited that question very much.
- Collapse -
I was wondering if you could shed some light on what options are available in laptops vis-a-vis arrival of Vista and the 64 bit and dual core processors.
What configuration should I seek in a laptop?
- Collapse -
I was surprised to see the recommendation to avoid Plextor optical drives. They seem to consistently score highest in testing done by various computer magazines. Is there data to back up the statement that they wear out too fast? One reason I'm asking is that I have three of them in two computers. One of them is several years old and they have all performed very well indeed.
- Collapse -
I just want to say that my Plextor is the best drive I have had. It runs well with no problems.
- Collapse -
I agree about Plexor being some of the best drives I have ever had. Plus they are the only ones I have seen with the larger Buffer size (8MB-most others only have 2MB or 4MB).
I have had one fail, but Plexor replaced it under warranty. The other one I have has lasted a long time.
- Collapse -
I disagree with the original comment about the Plextor drives. I've had my Plextor DVD 12X Writer for over a year and this is the best drive I've ever owned. It is extremely quiet compared to my other DVD Writer when it's running and you can hear it's great quality just by opening the tray, super quiet.
Additionally, my other DVD Writer gets many more errors than my Plextor drive. I would not hesitate to purchase another Plextor drive.
- Collapse -
Sure...Plextor has established itself as top contender and competitor on Optical Drives.
I own 2- PX-716A's and they are Great!
It's ashame that Plextor tried to pass the PX-740 as theirs but it was an OEM with Plextor Label placed on it. BAD MOVE ... hope they learned their lesson.
The PX-750 and PX-755 are okay ... not better than the PX-716A ...but the PX-760A will be the Top Dwag
as soon it's released in the U.S. , I'll be purchasing
one ASAP. With all the internal enhancements and thrills of the new Plextor Tools Pro. WOW!!!!
- Collapse -
OEM is a generic term, not a company. It stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. You can usually find just about any manufacturer's drive being sold as OEM. When purchasing a drive, optical or otherwise, it just means that it is the bare drive - no cables, mounting hardware, or software. As opposed to retail drives, which usually come with some or all of the above in some pretty packaging. For those reasons, OEM drives are usually less expensive. So if the drive's all you need, why pay for all the extra's?
- Collapse -
I was also surprised by the claim that one should avoid such optical drives. I have two, a 16x dual layer in my new computer and an 8x single layer in my old computer.
I've had absolutely no problems with either of these drives. I, too, would like some evidence that these drives wear out too soon.
Perhaps we should warn major computer makers about these Plextor drives! Elite computer makers VelocityMicro (www.velocitymicro.com) and Falcon Northwest (www.falcon-nw.com) both offer Plextor drives as a choice (LiteOn is also offered). While, oddly, Dell (www.dell.com) and Alienware (www.alienware.com) don't think you, the customer, need to even know who made your new optical drive as the don't tell you what company's drive you are getting in your configured system!
Perhaps we should just forgive the original respondent of his remark about Plextor (and Sony) because the experience of one person is a very small sample indeed!
- Collapse -
In most part ..I agree to your beliefs ..PLEXTOR Drives are the Best. One exception....Plextor tried to
pretend making a product that wasn't theirs.
The PX-740A is an OEM stuck with the Plextor Name Tag.
Shame on them.
I own 2 - PX-716A's and never had a problem.
I intend to purchase the PX-760A's once they hit the U.S. Market. The PX-750 and 755's lack what I want.
I'm not fond of Sony Drives but hey! what works for someone else..all the more power.
Enjoy your Plextor Drives.
- Collapse -
I'm not quite sure what you mean by your post. Are you implying that Plextor is passing off a drive manufactured by a company called OEM as their own? If that's what you meant then I think you might be just a little confused. OEM is a term, not a company. It stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. You can usually find just about any manufacturer's drive being sold as OEM. When purchasing a drive, optical or otherwise, it just means that it is the bare drive - no cables, mounting hardware, or software. As opposed to retail drives, which usually comes with some or all of the above with in some pretty packaging. For those reasons, OEM drives are usually less expensive. So if the drive's all you need, why pay for all the extra's?
- Collapse -
Plextor turn around and bought a product from some other company and tried selling it as their own.
It was the BenQ 1640(OEM) re-labeled. Plextor went back into production rather than outsourcing (buy product elsewheres).
Shame on Plextor .... don't waste time buying the PX-750 or 755's ...wait till the PX-760 is released which is currently delayed. PlexTools Pro is a must.
- Collapse -
My 6x Plextor CD drive continues to run nicely; I installed it in 1995 on my original, "state of the art" P133, dual drive computer which is still in use by someone I gave it to who could not afford to buy one.
Kroke
- Collapse -
When I bought my Plextor PX-708A DVD +/-R single layer about 18 months ago, it was because your editors gave it the highest rating for a DVD burner. It's still running strong & quiet. About 3 months ago, I got a Sony DRU-800 dual layer which was not rated highest but had an editors' recommendation. It is a little noisy but I got for only $60 and it hauls ***. Maybe you should inform your editors that they don't know what they're talking about.
- Collapse -
Yea, that Plextor comment kinda blew me away when I read it. Maybe the guy had a bad experience with one. Who knows. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
I've been using a PX-708UF external for the last couple of years and have had no trouble with it. In fact, I consider it one of the best piece of computer hardware I've ever bought.
The rest of Pete's post was great. Recommended.
CNET Forums
Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Roadshow Autos
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic