| Enthusiast Custom PC Build Q3-2010 |
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| Written by Vito Cassisi - Edited by Olin Coles |
| Sunday, 27 June 2010 |
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Enthusiast PC Build - Q3 2010Performance is often attributed to expensive objects of desire. In the automobile space, it's generally accepted that a higher performing vehicle will incur a significant markup over the average fuel-efficient family offerings. Computing is much the same. Retail OEM machines are pre-built at predetermined price points, often targeting the humble office/Internet-centric user. Performance isn't a primary concern for these systems, nor are upgradability or customisation. On the other hand, you have the expensive 'gamer' orientated machines which cost several thousands of dollars! This is where Benchmark Reviews steps in. We've sat down and created three enthusiast machines without the dreaded price gauge of many pre-built setups - the 'Enthusiast PC Build' for Q3 2010!
So what is a custom computer, and how does it differ from a machine at my local retail store? When you purchase an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) machine from a store, the tower is ready to go. There's no construction required bar connecting external peripherals such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This is convenient for most people, but it's often unclear as to what hardware you're really getting under the hood. In fact, there's a good chance that some components are custom made, which restricts future upgrade paths due to non-standard parts. It also makes the prospect of enthusiast tweaking such as overclocking difficult, if not straight out impossible.
This guide will take you through the process of designing a modern performance machine, with focus on which components to look out for. The budget ranges from $1000 to $1500; external peripherals and OS are up to you. So if you're like us, and want to pump out the best benchmarks whilst maintaining a healthy budget, then join in as we embark on a journey of custom computer design!
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Comments
More power to him!
IMHO, it's the fastest processor that makes sense to buy right now.
(Micro Center sells it for $200.)
For the record, I never 'dissed' the i7-930 at all. I'm not even sure where you got that, because our previous discussion was about how more people had the i7-920.
If you want you can benchmark review I propose a configuration enthusiast gamers, since daily selling PCs because of this score:)
I've upgraded continuously for 21 years tossing a few bucks at a time into replacing older components. When the kids were growing up I had three units networked which killed my ability to perform a new build. During those years a new build utilizing higher performance parts such as you list above, all modern and shiney new, would have cost a couple of thousand bucks easily. I recall performing the "dream" exercise a few times with an outcome of $3000 to $5000.
It's remarkable that such "hot rods" are relatively afordable these days. Just goes to show what free markets are all about. Now that the kids have left us empty nesting the upgrades are on a little quicker path and I'm enjoying my hobby with gusto. Thanks for your help, along with a few others, in keeping pace with the rapid changes.
Would you recommend this or do you reckon i should just jump straight in and try building one myself? heh.