New System Recommendations

Revision as of 23:45, 16 November 2007

Complete Systems

Guidelines when updating

Please follow naming conventions, i.e. Size/Capacity/Speed, Brand, Model, Staticice Price. Example

Use conservative Staticice links to widen search results, e.g. Instead of 2GB 667 Kit, 2GB 667 will bring up more results

Allow $50 for postage in each price range, e.g. in the $1500 range, spec up to $1450

There is no need to specify brand name for graphics cards, as the cheapest is always used.

Whilst the lowest prices on StaticIce are generally used, it's worth checking out the OCAU Sponsors as well, to support those who support OCAU. :)

Upgrade Kit

The purpose of these upgrade kits are to either extend the life of a current computer or provide a 'quick fix'. The systems here will allow you to upgrade later on - this should be considered when deciding. Note that if you are spending more than $750 you are probably better off buying a completely new system.

Workstation

Depending on on what it's required for, workstations can be relatively simple, low-performance computers (Such as an AMD Sempron system) for use in word processing and small tasks, or high-performance dual-core machines (such as an AMD dual-core Opteron or Intel Core 2 Duo) made to crunch numbers and render complicated details.

Now there's a system suitable for CAD, moved from the CAD / Drafting section.

If you're after a basic system for a non-gamer, this is also your section.

Gaming Machine

These machines are suited for gamers of all budgets, ranging from the budget $750 system, to the powerhouse $1750 rig (all higher systems are in Dream Machine. These have a focus on stock performance for the user who doesn't wish to tweak around their system.

Gaming Machine OC Variant

Variants of the Gaming Machine also suited for gamers of all budgets, with a focus on overclocking. Usually a bit slower at stock than their Gaming Machine counterparts, they are usually much better value for money when overclocked, and as a result have parts which are likely to have a higher resale value after their end of life.

Dream Machine

This is the stuff that dreams are made of, the types of computers you'd sell everything for. Sure, they're too expensive, and don't represent brilliant bang for buck (thus are not recommended if value for money is what you're after), but if you have this amount of cash to spend, who cares? :). You may think that $2000 is a low for a Dream Machine, however, seeing as though the $1750 machines offer top of the line graphics and generally a very powerful package there is not much point in spending more. These machines do not offer substantially better performance than the other sections. Remember that the cost of the OS, accessories such as keyboard and mouse, and also a screen need to be factored in.

Folding PC

If you've been around OCAU for a while, you've probably heard about Folding@Home. These systems are designed with maximum Folding power in mind (although after about $750, it's worth just buying a PS3 if you're after a pure Folding box).

HTPC

If you're trying to build a Home Theatre PC (running either Media Centre or MythTV, this is for you.