$1,500 too much ?
May 14 '03
The Bottom Line Stick with the best. That is the best processor, the best video card, the best speakers. Match that only with quality components, like big 20+ inch japanese monitors.
Yes. For most of us. $1,500 is too much. In particular for beginners or gamers. If you're either, have a read of :
a) Won't i get cheated ? - Opinion on Choosing a Computer for Beginners
b) How is it different from choosing a regular PC ? -Opinion on Choosing a Computer for Gamers
For those who actually intend to spend that much, don't compromise. Have high expectations. And watch out for these 4 areas where vendors might lead you to a cheaper, but ultimately inferior component.
Video Card
There's very high divergence in price and performance in this area. Meaning to say, that less buck leads to noticeably less bang.
So stick to the latest version of the ATI Radeon with 256 mb. Nvidia GeForce should be avoided for now. Until the latest version becomes readily available.
Don't even consider other brands.
Speakers
Sound is very personal. So let your ears do the choosing. Otherwise, stick to THX certified speakers. And to the surround format most widely supported on DVDs. Which is Dolby Digital 5.1. One such example is the Klipsch.
Monitors
Today, many budget PCs come with 17 or 19 inch monitors. Usually a Korean, Chinese or Malaysian brand.
Don't settle for this, with a $1,500 budget. Make sure you get either, at least, a Sony or NEC of 20 inches or more.
Processor
Insist on the fastest Intel Pentium 4. Most other brands are heavily discounted, and inappropriate for a machine costing more than $1,500. For now.
When 64 bit computing comes to the desktop, things may change.
Summary
In short, if your specs include say a 21 inch Sony monitor, an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 256 mb, Klipsch THX Dolby Digital 5.1 Speakers and a 3.06 GHz Pentium 4, you're probably in the ball park.
If on the other hand, its a 19 inch Samsung monitor, an Nvidia GeForce 5600 FX 128mb, Logitech THX Dolby Digital 4.1 Speakers and an Athlon XP 3200+, then, it shouldn't cost more than $1,500.
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tehnet37
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Fascination with personal computers since the eighties.
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