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Question

Building A PC

Apr 23, 2014 10:38PM PDT

So the last PC I built and my very first, I didn't really put a lot of research into. I just grabbed all my money, threw it at the guy at Fry's and said what can I get with this. This was in December 2009.

Yeah, it's been a while.


So I've been using an ASUS G74Sx series laptop for the past few years give or take.

And I'm itching to built a new desktop.

Now, several things come to mind.
If I build a desktop now, I would like it to last a while, at least till 2020 when bio-computing is supposedly going to start being introduced to the market to replace the microchip and silicon stuff.

So I'm wanting something that can utilize DDR5 memory, and a very nice graphics card but nothing too pricey and processor that will be capable of taking some advantage of Google Fiber once it hits the market.

Now cost becomes a concern.

I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for the latest and greatest.

But I'm not quite sure how to back track and find out what products were the latest and greatest, say 6 months to 1 year ago, and if it would be possible to find those products at a much lower cost now that they have become "old" tech.

I'd also like a decent Tower, and motherboard that can be upgraded in the future if needed. Something that will support that next new thing that comes out, that I can grab a hold of as it gets cheaper as well.


And one last question.

SSD, or HDD.... SSD apparently depending on quality and even in higher qualities, still have a limited life. Each time you delete something and it is rewrote, it damages the cells.

HDD, substantially cheaper, and able to purchase 1TB - 2TB mained in my tower at a good cost, with some externals.

Sorry if this seems like a **** ton to respond to.

I'm looking to spend hopefully no more than $800 but I'm always flexible, just means I'll have to wait an extra week or so to increase the budget.

I don't need a monitor, that I can pick up at a later date. I have a 42inch screen already I plan to hook up.

I have a mouse. Razor Taipan.

So I just need the keyboard, tower, graphics card, internal wireless adapter, motherboard, processor, OS, memory, sound card (optional?).

Thanks for any advice in advance and or guidance.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Checkout
Apr 23, 2014 11:19PM PDT

Just goto any of the 3rd party PC vendors websites(Ibuypower, cyperpower, NW Falcon, etc). Review what they put into model-XYZ with installed items, etc. and use that as a basis for what you like. You needn't buy from them just use the website to get an idea what makes what. I suggest that you look at so-called, "white box" effectively a PC case with the mtrbd. cpu and some ram, maybe a gpu card, what that may cost you. At $800 and asking for "top shelf" items may not be realistic but cutting it close so don't be surprised at final cost. Oh yeah, don't settle on too cheap of pricing if you expect it to last or have demanding needs, that will sorely test your new PC.

Sorry, you want it to last 6yrs. then buy what it takes at least for what is a good match. Some choices will be on your shoulders for sure, but don't over-reach, as a decent PC is matches across the specs to be well within your needs. Last, i really, really suggest you have a very good PSU more than capable to supply the power demands and have great cooling to keep it all under control. These two items are more important that you think, otherwise you'll find out the hard way.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
DDR5?
Apr 24, 2014 12:08AM PDT

So far is reserved for the GPU. What CPU, mainboard and such uses DDR5?

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I think they name that just to impress us.
Apr 24, 2014 12:22AM PDT

meaningless.

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True. And I didn't dive into how many types of DDR5 are out
Apr 24, 2014 12:52AM PDT

Frankly, I think most of us can peddle along with a nice PC. Something like this one.

-> http://www.pcworld.com/article/2040319/build-the-ultimate-intel-haswell-pc-for-under-1000.html

Some folk forget to detail what use the PC is for. For example if I am doing video encoding, I look for a fire breathing CPU or if I am lucky to have software that can use the GPU the design changes. But that Haswell value is hitting all the right buttons for me. That is, it would put me in the top percentile of machines today and won't break the bank.
Bob