Anandtech should have this...

[stryder256]

Why can't Anandtech offer a State of Technology feature that lists the latest and greatest computer tech in an easy to digest, all-in-one article/decision tree?

I'm one of many users who waits for 4 years and then goes crazy upgrading his rig to the latest processor out there, within a reasonable budget. Every time I do that, it's a MAJOR pain reeducating myself as to the newest motherboards, processors, ram, and video cards that are available... it takes way too much time for me to become familiar with what's out there.

This article can start off with a rundown of the latest CPUs from Intel and AMD. Then based on which processor the reader choses, provide information on motherboards available for that socket/processor. Now, focus on which RAM would be the best choice, then focus on the latest in graphics options. All of this can link to articles on the site for people who want to explore topics further.

While most of you are continually following the latest tech changes, some of us don't care until we choose to upgrade. As it is now, I've figured out from this chart (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=540533) that the E8400 would suit my needs best with a Geforce 9600. I still have no clue about which motherboard to get, or which RAM. I also don't know which PSU, fan, or case would be best.

In other words, I need a place where the past six months of articles is condensed into an easy-to-digest format that will take me ten minutes to decide what I'm going to buy and why. Does anyone else see this as something that is needed?

 

[AmberClad]

AT runs features every few months detailing component recommendations for systems for different market segments, like budget systems, gaming systems, HTPCs, etc. Or you could just ask for recommendations in the General Hardware forum.

 

[harpoon84]

You mean something like this?

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/g...BG/article.php/3721471

I've seen Anandtech do similar articles in the past, check out http://anandtech.com/guides/

I think they are due for another one soon, it's been 4 months since the last major hardware roundup.

 

[stryder256]

I was aware of Sharky's articles, but I am not aware of a dynamic article that would allow users to modify the output of the article based on their computing needs. For instance, I don't want to spend $2400 dollars on an extreme gaming rig... I want to spend less than $1,000 but still have a focus on gaming (IE be able to play crysis with more than 2 fps).

 

[Denithor]

All you have to do is ask the question and we will provide the answer.

Typical budget gaming rig:

Basic components
e8400 $200-250 (availability issues) or Q6600 $250
IP35-E $70 after MIR
2-4GB DDR2-800 $40/80 (might want DDR2-1000/1066 if going to OC e8400)
500GB HDD $100 or less
DVD RW $30
Case $50-150 (depending on taste & wallet)

Video card
8800GT 512MB ~$200
8800GTS 512MB ~$250
HD3870X2 ~$430

So if you can find an e8400 reasonably priced you could build a super-fast gaming rig with the 3870X2 dual GPU video card and 4GB RAM for around $1000. Less if you recycle some parts from an old system. And this obviously does not cover OS or LCD/keyboard/mouse/etc.

 

[Martimus]

I made this for my friend, so I kind of did the ground work you are talking about. Computer Building Tool

I have not updated it in about a month though, because I haven't had the time. Maybe I will try to do so this week.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: stryder256
I was aware of Sharky's articles, but I am not aware of a dynamic article that would allow users to modify the output of the article based on their computing needs. For instance, I don't want to spend $2400 dollars on an extreme gaming rig... I want to spend less than $1,000 but still have a focus on gaming (IE be able to play crysis with more than 2 fps).

It would take quite a bit of work to put something like that together. I don't think AT would consider it worth the effort when you can just jump over the General Hardware section of the forum and people will help you pick out compatible parts for a computer. Read the thread by Blain that's stickied there and then start your own thread answering the questions.

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: stryder256
Why can't Anandtech offer a State of Technology feature that lists the latest and greatest computer tech in an easy to digest, all-in-one article/decision tree?

To be honest I don't see Anandtech or anyone else whose business model significantly relies on advertising revenue to build such a database.

Can you imagine the revenue pressures that would be brought to bear should certain high-$ advertisers find themselves ranked lower than their liking?

I'm not saying Anandtech would bow to such pressures, I'm suggesting the question to ask is why Anandtech want to willingly put themselves into such an environment? (i.e. answering your question why such a thing does not exist at Anandtech to-date)

As to the possibility that "its just too much work"...there's no such thing as too much work if there is money involved. I'm leary of anyone who is offering me free advice on what I should buy when there is an obvious connection between the manufacturer and the advice offerer.

This is why forum poster advice is helpful, and is also why people are so vicious towards viral marketers when they are uncovered as well as overtly fanboyistic advice. People value the concept of free advice with no malice or corruption involved.

When I bought my computer parts this year I relied heavily on Graysky and Renex (sp?) guides on the forums. With my options in hand, only then did I pursue more research on those options by visiting the review sites where advertising dollars obviously pay the bills.

 

[piasabird]

I like the concept of the spreadsheet approach except you would have to keep updating the prices which can be a pain. However, if you took that concept and went to a database approach it might be possible to make a database which is updated that the spreadsheet would use to show the most recent prices. If Anandtech had a list of recommended parts and they maintained the average price, you might be able to use it to build a spreadsheet.

 

[stryder256]

Idontcare: I'm not sure I get what you're saying. Anandtech reviews motherboards from advertisers already without kowtowing to pressure. Are you leery of their advise now? The advertisers in this new section could be mostly distribution sites like Newegg that flash their prices on the right hand corner. Anandtech could just show the retail prices just so people can get an idea. Or it could be motherboard advertisers. Why limit it if you're going to be unbiased?

Anandtech hires writers who fly across the country to tradeshows and build and test rigs everyday... that costs money. How much would tapping one of their resident techs to program a database for them cost? After it's set up, it's just maintenance and updating. I don't see it as a monumental task, but a very big task... but they update their site with detailed reviews everyday. This would be... fill in a few fields and update it.

 

[stryder256]

Martimus: Yea that's excellent Definitely just about what I was trying to find for myself

 

[stryder256]

Denithor: Thanks for the suggestion. While I mnight not do it, I was looking at boards that are SLI capable. I figure... if I get a Geforce 9600 or 8800 then later I can slap another one in the rig and have double the power (except in crysis I hear).

 

[LOUISSSSS]

by reading these forums you will quickly learn what is the latest and greatest technology. there is no need for a website to do that for you.


if u want a good bang got the buck system get a Q6600 with 4gb of Ram and a 3870/8800gt.
if u want an expensive system get a QX9650 with 8gb of ram and dual 3870 x2's with a crossfire motherboard
if u want a cheap system get an AMD X2 5000+ with 2gb of ram and a 3850.

+ people have their own personal biases that would skew their decision for "BEST XYZ"

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

+ people have their own personal biases that would skew their decision for "BEST XYZ"

Very true, and things change too quickly for something static like that to stay up there.

One sec, the board is a monster overclocker, next bios release, the board craps out.

Its very difficult to keep changing and editing things. This is also one of the reasons why i left out product hierarchy in my h2o thread. Whats top one day wont last longer then 6 months from what im seeing.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

or u can read MaximumPC, they have a list in ever issue for "best high end motherboard, best mid range motherboard, best high end monitor, etc etc" for everything up to speakers, router, sound card, cpu.

 

[Martimus]

Originally posted by: stryder256
Martimus: Yea that's excellent Definitely just about what I was trying to find for myself

I updated the spreadsheet with current prices. PM me if you want the original Excel spreadsheet to manipulate yourself.

 

[Waylay00]

Yeah, I somewhat agree with the OP. Since Tuesday, I have decided that I want to build again, but when I came back here, it seemed as if everything had completely changed...It took me a few days of research, but now, I'm back up to date.