Time for a new rig
Posted on October 7, 2003 @ 3:02 pm
It looks like there’s a new computer in my near future (w00t), and I’m now realizing that my tech knowledge has grown a bit out of date in recent years. For instance, the last time I bought a system, Intel still had the processor market more or less cornered. Now that AMD is actually a viable competitor, however, the choice isn’t quite as clear cut. Certainly, AMD’s processors are much cheaper, but how does the performance stack up to Intel’s offerings? For instance, is the speed of an AMD Athlon 2800+ roughly equivalent to a 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor? Or, are the numbers just smoke and mirrors? I’d appreciate any insight from my tech-savvy friends.
Plus, since I’m not a real geek willing to build his own system from scratch, I’m trying to decide what company to go with for my new computer. I’d love to order from Dell, but you can get a lot more computer (at least on paper) from HP/Compaq–although I’ve seen reports that the warranty and technical support are a bit shaky in the case of the latter. Meanwhile, I’ve heard good things about ABS Computers from various magazines and online review sites, but their website is so rinky-dink that it sets me ill at ease. Again, any input would be appreciated.
And, before someone brings it up, Mac and Linux are pretty much out of the question since neither OS can run the various statistical packages that I need for my research. Oh, and I want to play kewl games, too.
Posted by Jess | Filed Under Geek |
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When I moved to Germany, I had to cancel my subscription to Maximum PC, so my PC hardware knowledge has become pretty stale as well. So, with that said…
I would recommend Dell. I bought a Dell server for cv.org a couple of years ago and I’ve never had any problem with it. Also, Heather got a brand new Dell system earlier this year and it’s incredible! She got a 2.something GHz Intel P4, w/ 1GB RAM, 200GB HDD, DVD+R, DVD-ROM, Sound Blaster Live! (although I bought her a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX to replace it), 19″ LCD Monitor (it’s the best LCD monitor I’ve ever seen), Altec Lansing Surrond Sound, and the general software stuff for about €2,500.00 (I think). If you want a pure gaming machine, go with Alienware. But for everyday use, I strongly suggest Dell.
The 2800+ means it’s SUPPOSED to be equivalent to Intel’s 2.8, but it really aint, in actuality it runs around 2.25 or thereabouts. Bottom line, I love AMD, they make good quality processors and I like to stick with what works, but if I were to build a new machine and had the extra dough to spend I’d go for an Intel board because the processor’s do actually run at a higher clock speed and the Front Side Bus (FSB) of Intel boards have reached 800Mhz whereas AMD is still pushing 400 I believe.
I’m also a fan of Dell, their big selling point is warranty and support, if you’re not going to build your own machine buy a Dell, I’ve had bad experiences with Compaq, better one’s with Dell.
Hope that helped
SERIOUSLY DIGGING THE MOVABLE TYPE KTHX
I like MT a lot, have used it for other things. It’s a bit hard to get used to editing the templates, adding in the modules or whatever they’re called to make various things show up on the front page, but it’s really nice. Plus, now you have an excuse to learn a little CSS…
I will look for the template sample I have, that allows you to link to the last five comments or something, on the front page. That is, if you want it.
ps - Statues made of matchsticks / Crumble into one another
You know I’ve always been an AMD fanboy. I’ve got an Athlon XP 1800+ and it smokes the P4 1.8 GHz machines at our office. As far as Jus’ comment that it runs slower, yes, it does have a lower clock speed than the P4 at an equivalent benchmarking comparison point. That’s the reason for the “P-rating”, although I am given to understand that the processors above 3 GHz the Athlon XP is only beating the P4 in a few benchmarks. So get an Athlon 64 and wow your friends!
Note that one nice fact that the Athlon at 2 GHz competes favorably with the P4 3 GHz is less heat to dissipate, and that means less fan noise.
The sad news is that if you want cheap and reliable, go with Dell. We recently bought 3 workstations and a new server and they have worked out pretty well. Except for the fact that the CD drive won’t recognize a CD unless you insert it while the explorer window is open. Annoying? Yes. Dell is convinced I am making it up and won’t fix it though. All 3 computers do this.
If you aren’t worried about money, get a Voodoo PC. (http://www.voodoopc.com). They make the best computers on the market. Alienware makes crap that looks pretty. A new company that makes some nice looking stuff but I am not sure about how good they are is L. (http://www.go-l.com). Let me know how this all works out for you.
Thanks for the tips, everyone! It’s sounding more and more like Dell might be the way to go. I have to admit that I’ve absolutely loved the last two systems I’ve owned, and both were Dells. They’re a bit more expensive, but I suppose it’s worth it in the long run.