Recent content by godforbids

I appreciate the suggestion. I assume that after an SSD, monitor, I/O devices, etc. this wouldn't save much over an OEM box with modern HW? I know C2D is decent but I'd like to get something that will last so refurbs may be out.

Um, I'm volunteering to build the PCs or choose them, not pay for them.

Hi folks. I'm volunteering to help set up some PCs for a local women's shelter. I haven't asked about their budget or desired features but I know they want as least basic office and web browsing functionality. My guess is the budget will be small so this all about cost effectiveness. Here's my...

Cute. Any other suggestions? :D

It was a gift, so I'm not going to do that. Besides, in a few years hopefully TB will be the new FireWire 800 and be everywhere for cheap. I'd rather keep this futureproof (too futuristic??) enclosure until such time, I just need a use for it in the meantime.

Thanks for the reply. Again, any specifics would be appreciated. I searched around before asking the question on AT and contrary to my low post count here I've been tinkering in PC hardware for 20+ years. i.e. tell me something I don't know, please ;)

I appreciate your input. Do you have any specifics on Thunderbolt cards? The only info I've found implies THEY DON'T EXIST besides ASUS' add-in cards which only work with limited ASUS motherboards anyway.

I was recently gifted one of these. The SKU is WDBUSK0080JSL-NESN. I'm at a bit of a loss as to how I might use this, as nothing in my house has Thunderbolt. I had some ideas but came up empty on finding the hardware and software needed to implement them, so I'm hoping AT forum-goers can point...

Thanks for the input, everyone. I scoured the earth on Black Friday/Cyber Monday and I agree that anything under $350 was not, and will not be i3. Buying refurbished is an interesting proposition given that brand new laptops in this price range are probably about as reliable as refurbished...

TL;DR: Skip to bottom I've been looking around at all the advice available and coming up confused. I wanted to recommend something good but I can barely keep track of desktop part performance and all of the information about laptops is overwhelming. To provide a frame of reference for myself...

By the way, for anyone who's interested in the "Gateway NV77U" that Smoove910 mentioned on page 1, I found a refurbished one from the same series here. Can't vouch for that site but the system sounded interesting.

Your video card's effects on PQ will not be trivial. You should probably ask your question over at AVS Forum, as their focus on video is almost overboard.