[OT] Computer Hardware Research...?

[Terraism]

Because several of my oh-so-great magazine subscriptions expired a while back, I haven't kept as up to date with comptuter hardware as I always have. Anyway, this summer I'm looking into upgrading - no, scratch that. I'm looking into completely replacing my computer; no more piece-by-piece, like I've been doing for the last four years. Now, I've obviously got a problem, or I wouldn't come beggin' for help...

Not paying attention to current events seems to have caused me not a few problems - I don't have a clue what's good and what's not anymore. Basics, yes - I can still read specs, after all, but... does anyone know of any really good places I can find some good reviews online of hardware? Note that I'm not looking for a premade machine, but individual pieces. See, after coming home with NWN and Morrowind today and finding that neither works... You get the idea?

 

[ancient_ones]

http://www.tomshardware.com/

 

[Psionicist]

www.hardocp.com
www.anandtech.com
www.hexus.net
www.vr-zone.com
www.ocworkbench.com
www.tbreak.com
www.amdmb.com
www.theinquirer.net (sort of)
www.aceshardware.com
http://active-hardware.com
www.legionhardware.com
www.hothardware.com

yadda yadda.

 

[BadMojo]

Not a review site exactly, but www.arstechnica.com has some of the best computer-related forums out there. If your brand new system doesn't POST, chances are that someone at Ars will know why!

Also, www.resellerratings.com and www.pricewatch.com are two important sites for folks building their own computers and buying components online. Pricewatch will get you the best prices and Reseller Ratings will keep you from being ripped off.

www.techbargains.com is a nice place to find the occasional steal on a tech item.

Have fun!

 

[Leopold]

THE [H] baby is where it's at HARDOCP! HARDOCP! HARDOCP!!!!

 

[Psionicist]

THE [H] baby is where it's at HARDOCP! HARDOCP! HARDOCP!!!!

Woot. Another [h]ard D&D gamer here

edit: Unfortunately no one can be told what [H]ardOCP is - you have to see it for yourself.

 

[Terraism]

I think I'm agreeing with Leopold (and Psionicist.) I checked out five or six of those linkes, and HardOCP definitely seems to be the best of 'em. Thanks a bunch. Now, to come up with the real-life end of things; cash. :S

 

[Psionicist]

I think I'm agreeing with Leopold (and Psionicist.) I checked out five or six of those linkes, and HardOCP definitely seems to be the best of 'em. Thanks a bunch. Now, to come up with the real-life end of things; cash. :S

don't forget www.anandtech.com . Lots of reviews, even more reviews than hardocp.

 

[BadMojo]

Just remember to read several different reviews when considering a component. Every reviewer has his bias, some more so than others. Read a few reviews to get more of the entire picture.

Also, before you want to use X card with Y motherboard, search around the forums on Hardocp, Arstechnica or AMDMB. Often "real world' conditions will reveal flaws that even the best reviews miss. The whole Soundblaster/Via Chipset thing comes to mind.

Have fun and let us know how it goes!

BTW, if you're in the States, you can't go wrong with www.newegg.com IMO.

 

[Draxus the Tainted]

An Aurora DDR from Alienware should suit you just fine!

Go to www.alienware.com to check out some of the other stuff.