Hardware Compatibility Wizard (IS it Worth IT?)

pwrfid

Junior Member
Nov 11, 2006
1
0
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Hi people,

Well I just got an invitation from my friend to work in his new pet project. But I am bit too unsure whether I really want to take part in his project.

Basically, he is building a web platform where users can easily select and put together computer hardware components to create their desired computer configuration. The platform also checks the components and ensures that all are compatible with each other.

His inspiration came from his own experience when built his first computer where he had to put together motherboards, memory cards, graphic cards and so on but was clueless about the compatibility. He went on to the internet and saw many others had the same problem.

Well, the idea does interest me. It can save tons of time and effort but what I am concerned about is whether there is already such a platform out there in the internet ? There is no point in reinventing the wheel, right ?

On top of that, I have my reservations whether people really want this kind of a platform and would appreciate it ?

So, I am stuck in a dilemma . My smartie friend told me that he is nearing completion but needs me to tie up the loose strings and polish up the code. I have yet to decide. I guess my friend is seriously into this project but I am still wavering.

So my fellow techies, I seek your advice and thoughts. Do you really think that this project is worth its effort???

Thanks in advance!
 

imported_RedStar

Senior member
Mar 6, 2005
526
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that's what most of tech forums are for ...figuring out what goes with what and how well.

It could make all forums extinct. hehe :)
 

Seekermeister

Golden Member
Oct 3, 2006
1,971
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I have never seen a wizard, or anything similar that was pefect, nor have I ever found that one answer fits all, regardless of the method used to derive an answer. However, if such a wizard improved the odds and made it a bit simpler, then I'm all for it. No danger of eliminating forums such as this, there will always be more questions. But it would be nice to have a link to point people to, with all of those redundant questions.
 

Idontcare

Elite Member
Oct 10, 1999
21,110
64
91
It is a noble cause, but for it to be as effective and utilized as envisioned by the creator it will take considerable and constant upkeep to maintain such a database.

I gather this database is more of a "compatibility" versus "incompatibility" wizard. As such the database will be easier to maintain, am assuming the "data" that will be used to base the compatibility upon will all be "official" compatibility as provided by the equipment supplier...meaning not exhaustive and typically not all that thorough.

I think what you will find most people need is an incompatibility wizard. We need to know if memory XYZ is NOT compatible with motherboard ABC when using CPU 123 at FSB setting MNO.

Since this manner of data is dependent on the user's definition of "compatible" or "incompatible", such a database likely can only be credibly created and maintained by a review site whose purpose is to test all manner of multiplicative combinations (quick math question...what is 10! as in ten factorial? It is a BIG number...) of hardware to ensure things are compatible.

Sounds nightmarish and gruelish to me, a noble cause indeed as it will fill a need, but this doesn't sound like a project you ever get to say is done or complete, just always a work in progress...

Good luck, don't let us get you down, every review site out there today had its host of naysayers in their early beginnings as well.

A storagereview site? You got to be kidding? Ah but there one is and what a useful thing too!