Looking to buy a new PC

[Valkyrien]

You're right, other than Dell having somewhat quality material. Mine's PSU sputtered and died after like a year, and my computer was also in the line that had the dreaded Hitachi DeskStar drives. Took longer than average for that line for mine to die, but it did indeed die!

[locke2121]

I bought a 310SE from Gateway about 10 years ago, and am still using it! I've replaced the HD, RAM and Power pack, but everything is still working smooth as silk. Course I'm a bit fanatical about keeping everything dust free and having a large extra fan to keep heat to a minimum, excess heat is death to a computer. May I suggest you build your own, its not that hard.

[Ed Caracappa]

Rocket,

Give me a call, I'd be happy to try and help you out.

Ed

[newman]

One thing is should I use AMD or Intel processors?


At the moment I'd go with AMD..

[RocketR]

With all this, I have also considered building my own PC because I have more than enough knowledge to do so because I have done so many times in the past its just now I'm wanting to get a more "gut-shaking" machine. What do you all think of that? I like how BOXX has good support but you know customization and the thrill of building your own is always fun.

[Valkyrien]

Can always take it apart and reassemble :) :p

[validusername]

I think it is by far best to build your self because then you can select high quality components according to your preferences. You will also not just save money but you will have no problems with fixing the computer if it fails.

I have seen countless threads on various forums about poor manufacturing methods, like implementation of the thermal paste. The manufacturers are always trying to cut costs, e.g. by choosing poor components you don´t notice (thermal paste, psu etc) and also saving essembly times by putting far too much thermal paste, so it actually insulates so the computer runs too hot.

[RocketR]

There are some problems with having so many options. Sometimes I get overwhelmed. I think that if I get a PC then it will be a BOXX. The thing is that now I'm being recommended to get a Mac. I really like the OSX look and how it runs but I just don't like the lack of customizability and also not sure how the move to Intel processors will affect it. They still don't have a newer version of the PowerMac or whatever it will be called.

[FinalCreation]

i think you should either get boxx or build your own pc.

[MattClary]

I really like the OSX look

That's what Windowblinds is for. My desktop has the Apple look, don't think it's 100% identical, but it looks very similar.

http://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SkinID=5728&LibID=1

http://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SkinID=4881&LibID=1

I'd run the real thing, but I've never owned a computer I didn't build and don't plan to change that now. If I can one day buy OS X and install it on a home-built machine, I'll do it.

[lots]

There are some problems with having so many options. Sometimes I get overwhelmed. I think that if I get a PC then it will be a BOXX. The thing is that now I'm being recommended to get a Mac. I really like the OSX look and how it runs but I just don't like the lack of customizability and also not sure how the move to Intel processors will affect it. They still don't have a newer version of the PowerMac or whatever it will be called.
Because Apple knows better than to release a mac using netburst based Xeons :P. Current gen intel hardware is crap next to AMD, and Apple would likely recieve a spanking in the performance department with Apple workstations using what is available from Intel right now.

Conroe will change that, and I would be surprised if Apple wasnt waiting for the official release of Conroe.

[RocketR]

So you guys think I should wait and see what Apple comes out with and then decide on whether or not to get one? I hear they're coming out with Leopard later this year and also maybe the MacPro so it may be worthwhile. I have never owned a Mac before so I'm not to sure about how good one would be for my uses.

[RocketR]

I've been reading some posts on the new Conroe core and have heard that it is not 64-bit. I would think that Apple is waiting for some quality prcessor that can handle OSX to its capabilities well. I'm still just at crossroads as to what to get. Would you say Apple makes a quality enough computer for use with film (mainly video for now), web and graphic design, and 3D apps? I really am getting frustrated with the Windows OS more everyday. I have heard nothing but rave reviews about OSX and just wanted to hear from the people who use Macs and if they are really worth it.

[motoxpress]

If you have the time or patience, it is always better to wait as computer tech is always going to be better, faster or cheaper the longer you wait.

As far as the Intel-based macs, They have a lot of advantages. It pretty much eliminates the "mac or pc" debate as you can have both. I also suspect that the desktop options will make this even better with the potential for good components like Nvidia video cards.

OTOH, Boxx makes a real nice PC. :)

-gl

[lots]

Conroe (core 2) is 64bit...

Yonah (core) is not.

[RocketR]

Ok, thanks for the clear up there but one thing I still haven't found out is, would a Mac be better than a Windows PC for my uses? I'm used to Windows but I just see so many problems with Windows and I hear that OSX is amazing. What are your opinions? Thanks again for all of the help you guys give on here.

[motoxpress]

Every OS has it's strengths and weaknesses. OS X has fewer virus troubles. It offers a gui that most seem to be well taken with and has a solid unix foundation. Some claim it is a lot more stable than XP but, I have found them both to be mostly stable. I personally prefer OS X but it's due to the usability. When working with multiple apps, I find a greater degree of productivity. I am fine XP for most things but I find myself floundering more as it's just not designed for ease of us in terms of switching be tween apps and having them work together.

It certainly seems like a good idea to have both available to you.

-gl

[lots]

That shouldn't matter so much, really. Intel based Macs can run both Windows and OSX, so you can have the best of both worlds.

[motoxpress]

That shouldn't matter so much, really. Intel based Macs can run both Windows and OSX, so you can have the best of both worlds.

Exactly my point. I suspect that the new workstations will be very popular for this reason.

-gl

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